Divorce with a foreign marriage certificate
HMCTS accepts a foreign marriage certificate with your divorce application. If it is not in English you must also file a translation, together with a statement confirming the translation is accurate.
CalmSplit tells you exactly which documents to upload and prepares the application around them. Check suitability free before paying the one-off £159.
- Original or certified copy, not a photocopy
- Translations must be complete, including stamps and seals
- A statement of truth from the translator is required
One-off CalmSplit fee. HMCTS court fees are paid separately to the court.
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See how it worksWhat HMCTS needs
- The original certificate or a certified copy issued by the foreign authority
- A full English translation if the certificate is in another language
- A signed statement from the translator confirming it is accurate
- Names spelled consistently across the certificate and the application
Getting a translation
A professional translation service is the safest route. The translation must cover the whole document, including official stamps, and should not summarise. Costs are usually modest for a single certificate.
If names do not match
Transliterated names often differ between documents. Explain the difference in the application and provide supporting identity documents so the court can link them.
If you cannot obtain the certificate
Ask the issuing authority or the relevant embassy for a certified copy first. If it genuinely cannot be produced, the court can be asked to allow the application to proceed on other evidence.
Frequently asked questions
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