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Proof of divorce or dissolution

Proof of divorce or dissolution includes:

• a divorce decree absolute or final order of civil partnership dissolution bearing the court's original stamp
• the death certificate of your former husband, wife or civil partner

You need to bring originals of all documentation to the local register office - photocopies are not accepted.

Ask for a copy of a decree absolute or final order

To get a copy of a divorce decree absolute or final order, contact the court where the divorce or dissolution took place.

If you know the case number, a copy of a decree absolute or final order costs £5.

If you don’t know the case number, the court will have to search for the document, and the cost is £40.

If you don’t remember which court dealt with your case, you can ask the Principal Registry of the Family Division to search its central index. This will cost £60. Fill in the form at the back of the 'ask for a search for a decree absolute' leaflet (below). You should then return it to the Principal Registry with the fee.

The Principal Registry of the Family Division
First Avenue House
42 - 49 High Holborn
London
WC1V 6NP

If you’re paying by cheque, make it payable to ‘HM Courts & Tribunals Service’.

• Find a court Opens new window

• Ask for a search for a decree absolute or final order Opens new window

Useful contacts

• The National Archives

• Census information Opens new window

• General Register Office