UK divorce for expats
Living outside the UK does not automatically stop you divorcing in England and Wales. The court needs a jurisdictional connection, most often that one of you is domiciled here or habitually resident here.
CalmSplit starts with a short suitability check. If your connection to England and Wales is clear, you can prepare your application online for a one-off £159.
- Domicile in England or Wales can be enough even if you live abroad
- Only one of you needs the qualifying connection
- Check suitability before you pay anything
One-off CalmSplit fee. HMCTS court fees are paid separately to the court.
Check and start freeAnswer a few questions to check whether CalmSplit is suitable for your divorce. No payment at this point.
See how it worksWhat gives the court jurisdiction
- Either of you is habitually resident in England or Wales
- Either of you is domiciled in England or Wales
- The applicant has been habitually resident here for at least a year
- The applicant is domiciled here and has been resident here for six months
Domicile when you live abroad
Domicile is about your permanent home rather than where you currently live. Many British expats keep an England and Wales domicile through family ties, property, voting registration and an intention to return. The application asks you to explain the connection.
Where CalmSplit is not the right fit
- Divorce proceedings have already started in another country
- Your connection to England and Wales is genuinely unclear
- You need advice on which country is better for your finances
Practical points for expats
Court correspondence is by email where possible, so an overseas address is rarely a problem. If your spouse lives abroad, service can take longer and the court may allow service by an alternative method.
Frequently asked questions
Related CalmSplit pages
Check and start free
Answer a few questions to check whether CalmSplit is suitable for your divorce. No payment at this point.
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