Divorce when you live abroad
You may still be able to divorce in England and Wales while living overseas, most commonly if you or your spouse are domiciled here. Domicile is about your permanent home and long-term connection, not just where you currently live.
CalmSplit asks a few free questions about your connection with England and Wales, and prepares your application for a one-off £159 where the self-help route is suitable.
- Domicile can support jurisdiction even after years abroad
- You can complete the process online from any country
- Free suitability check before payment
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 worksHabitual residence and domicile
Habitual residence is where your life is centred day to day. Domicile is a longer-term legal connection, often the country you regard as your permanent home and intend to return to. Either can be relevant to whether the courts here can deal with your divorce.
Practical points when applying from overseas
- Court correspondence is handled online and by email
- Fees are paid in sterling to HMCTS
- Time differences rarely matter as nothing needs a live hearing in a straightforward case
- Keep an address for service that is reliably monitored
Where advice is worth taking
If another country could also deal with the divorce, or if there are significant overseas assets or pensions, independent legal advice will help you choose the right forum.
Frequently asked questions
Related CalmSplit pages
Check if CalmSplit is suitable
Answer a few free questions about your circumstances before you pay anything.
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