Do you still need grounds for divorce?
Written by CalmSplit Editorial TeamReviewed by Ramani GillLast reviewed 13 August 2026England & Wales
There is now a single ground: that the marriage has broken down irretrievably. You confirm it with a statement, and no evidence, blame or separation period is required.
CalmSplit prepares your divorce application under this current law for a one-off £159, and checks your eligibility for free before you pay anything.
- The five old facts were abolished in April 2022
- Your statement of irretrievable breakdown is conclusive
- Defending a divorce is now only possible on narrow technical grounds
CalmSplit fee
£159one-off, per person
One-off CalmSplit fee. HMCTS court fees are paid separately to the court.
Check suitabilityThe law changed. Start free and pay £159 when you prepare your application.
See how it worksThe old five facts
- Adultery
- Unreasonable behaviour
- Desertion
- Two years' separation with consent
- Five years' separation without consent
What replaced them
A statement of irretrievable breakdown, which the court must accept. This is why a spouse cannot block a divorce simply by disagreeing with it.
The limited grounds for disputing
- The court does not have jurisdiction
- The marriage was not valid
- The marriage has already been legally ended
- Procedural issues such as improper service
Frequently asked questions
No. The application does not ask for reasons.
Related CalmSplit pages
Check suitability
The law changed. Start free and pay £159 when you prepare your application.
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