Divorce after adultery

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

You no longer have to prove adultery, or name anyone, to get divorced. Since April 2022 the only basis for divorce is that the marriage has broken down irretrievably, and the court does not ask why.

CalmSplit prepares your divorce application for a one-off £159, with no blame section to complete and no evidence to gather.

  • Adultery is not a ground for divorce under the current law
  • No naming of a third party, no evidence required
  • Conduct rarely changes the financial outcome
CalmSplit fee
£159one-off, per person

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

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The law changed. Start free and pay £159 when you prepare your application.

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What changed

The old law required proof of one of five facts, including adultery. That was removed to reduce conflict. The application now contains a simple statement of irretrievable breakdown.

Does adultery affect the finances?

Financial settlements are based on needs, resources and fairness. Conduct is only taken into account in exceptional cases, and infidelity by itself is not usually treated as relevant.

What to focus on instead

  • Getting the divorce application right so it is not delayed
  • Agreeing a financial settlement and recording it in a consent order
  • Arrangements for any children, agreed separately
  • Support for yourself while the process runs

Frequently asked questions

No. The current application has no place to name anyone.

Related CalmSplit pages

Check suitability

The law changed. Start free and pay £159 when you prepare your application.

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Start your divorce – £159