HMCTS has announced that from 13th September 2021 it will be mandatory for the legal representatives to process any new divorce petitions via the online portal. The paper D8 form used until now will no longer be used as the swift toward digitation continues.
The only exceptions to the rule will be the applications for:
1. Civil Partnership Dissolution
2. Judicial Separation
3. Nullity
A transition period will be allowed between Tuesday 14th September 2021 until Monday 4th October, after which any paper applications received from Tuesday 5th October 2021 will be returned.
The change follows an update to the Family Procedure Rules (FPR) made in August by the President of the Family Division.
Dimitra Pantopoulou from our Family Department comments that ‘Having used the online case management system for the financial remedy applications for the past months we are confident that the divorce applications will also be processed by the Court without any hassle. The service meets the user’s needs and delivers considerable benefits to the clients by reducing the waiting time in the proceedings. Previously an average divorce would take 4-6 months to complete. It is hoped that with the new digital service the decree absolute will be obtained within 4 months if not earlier.’
If you need help with your divorce application or require advice on your rights and costs involved, get in touch today with our team of professionals, by emailing us on info@roselegal.co.uk or by calling us on
This blog post is not intended to be taken as advice or acted upon. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our team of solicitors