Can my spouse stop the divorce?

Written by CalmSplit Editorial TeamReviewed by Ramani GillLast reviewed 13 August 2026England & Wales

In almost all cases, no. Since the no-fault reforms a divorce cannot be defended simply because one person does not want it. The very limited exceptions are technical, such as jurisdiction or the validity of the marriage.

CalmSplit prepares your divorce application for a one-off £159 and supports the sole route from start to finish, without needing your spouse's agreement.

  • Objecting is not a legal ground to dispute a divorce
  • Delay is possible, prevention generally is not
  • You can complete the whole process alone
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£159one-off, per person

One-off CalmSplit fee. HMCTS court fees are paid separately to the court.

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The only grounds for disputing

  • The courts of England and Wales do not have jurisdiction
  • The marriage was never legally valid
  • The marriage has already been ended elsewhere
  • A procedural defect, such as improper service

What a reluctant spouse can actually do

They can decline to acknowledge service, which forces you to prove service another way, and they can slow down financial negotiations. Neither prevents the divorce itself.

Keeping things moving

Serve properly, keep records, and use the court's service procedures promptly rather than waiting. The statutory timetable continues regardless of their cooperation.

Frequently asked questions

Agreement is not required for a sole application.

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