Divorce when you have lost contact with your spouse
Losing contact does not trap you in a marriage. The divorce can proceed, but you will need to show the court what you have done to find your spouse and may need permission for an alternative method of service.
CalmSplit checks your circumstances for free, prepares your divorce application for a one-off £159, and flags where additional court applications may be needed.
- Extra steps are likely, but the divorce is still achievable
- Evidence of your search matters
- Long separations often need a financial order too
One-off CalmSplit fee. HMCTS court fees are paid separately to the court.
Check if CalmSplit is suitableAnswer a few free questions about your circumstances before you pay anything.
See how it worksWhat the court wants to see
A clear, honest account of how you have tried to locate your spouse, with dates. That includes contacting known family, former employers, checking online, and considering a professional tracing service.
Options once you have tried
- Service at a last known address, if there is reason to think they receive post there
- Alternative service by email, message or through a third party
- Deemed service where you can prove the papers reached them
- Dispensing with service as a last resort
Do not forget the finances
Even after years apart, financial claims between spouses can remain open. A clean break order, where appropriate, brings that to an end.
Frequently asked questions
Related CalmSplit pages
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