How much does it cost to file a D8?

The HMCTS fee is £628, paid directly to the court. Help with Fees may reduce or remove it. CalmSplit's own fee is £159 per person.

Do I need the original marriage certificate?

You need the original or a certified copy. A photocopy or a photograph will normally be rejected. Foreign certificates need a certified translation.

What does CalmSplit cost?

£159 per person as a one-off payment. The HMCTS divorce court fee of £628 is paid separately to the court, and you may be able to apply for Help with Fees.

Is a divorce prepared online legally valid?

Yes. The divorce is granted by HMCTS whether the application is prepared online or on paper. CalmSplit helps you prepare and manage the paperwork; the court issues the orders.

The D8 divorce form

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

The D8 is the application form used to start a divorce, dissolution or judicial separation in England and Wales. It asks about you, your spouse, your marriage and what financial orders you want to keep open.

Instead of working through the form alone, answer simple questions and let CalmSplit prepare your application from your answers.

Guided questions replace the raw form
Built-in checks for the mistakes that get applications rejected
Your details are matched exactly to the marriage certificate
£159 one-off per person, £628 court fee paid separately

CalmSplit fee

£159one-off, per person

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

Let CalmSplit prepare your application

Answer plain-English questions instead of court form fields. £159 one-off.

See how it works

What the D8 asks for

Whether the application is sole or joint
Your full name and your spouse's full name, exactly as on the marriage certificate
Marriage details: date, place, and the certificate itself
Jurisdiction: your connection to England or Wales, such as habitual residence or domicile
Your statement that the marriage has broken down irretrievably
Contact and service details, including whether you need your address kept confidential
Whether you want to apply for financial orders, for yourself and any children
The statement of truth, which must be signed

Mistakes that get a D8 rejected

Names that do not match the marriage certificate exactly
Submitting a photocopy instead of a certified copy of the certificate
A foreign marriage certificate without a certified translation
Getting the jurisdiction basis wrong
Ticking no to financial orders, which can close off later claims
An unsigned or incorrectly dated statement of truth

Should I tick the financial orders box?

Most people should. Ticking it does not commit you to a court battle. It preserves the ability to apply for a financial order later, which you will need if you want a consent order or a clean break. Leaving it blank can create problems that are difficult and expensive to fix after the final order.

What happens after you file the D8

HMCTS checks and issues the application and gives it a case number
A sole application is served on your spouse, who acknowledges service
After 20 weeks you can apply for the conditional order
6 weeks and a day later you can apply for the final order

Frequently asked questions

The blank form and guidance are published free on GOV.UK. CalmSplit does not charge for the form; the fee is for preparing your application, checking it and guiding you through the process.

Related CalmSplit pages

Divorce applicationWhat is involved from start to finish.Divorce without a solicitorApplying yourself, with guidance.Divorce cost UKEvery fee explained.

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Answer plain-English questions instead of court form fields. £159 one-off.

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