Married abroad, can I divorce in the UK?

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

Very often, yes. If your marriage is recognised in England and Wales and you or your spouse are habitually resident or domiciled here, the courts here can usually deal with your divorce, whatever country you married in.

Answer a few questions to check whether CalmSplit is suitable for your circumstances. If it is, the divorce is a one-off £159.

  • Where you married does not decide where you can divorce
  • You will need an official certificate and, if needed, a translation
  • Free suitability check before you pay anything
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One-off CalmSplit fee. HMCTS court fees are paid separately to the court.

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The two questions that matter

  • Is the marriage recognised as valid in England and Wales?
  • Do you or your spouse have habitual residence or domicile here?

What habitual residence and domicile mean

Habitual residence is where your life is genuinely based. Domicile is a long-term legal connection with a country, often the one you regard as your permanent home. Either can found jurisdiction.

Preparing your documents

Order an official copy of your marriage certificate early, and arrange a certified English translation if it is in another language. These are the most common causes of delay.

Frequently asked questions

It depends whether the ceremony created a legally valid marriage in that country. Check suitability first.

Related CalmSplit pages

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