Matrimonial

In Northern Ireland a divorce / dissolution of civil partnership may only be presented to the court after the parties have been married / in a civil partnership for a period of two years.

The law concerning divorce / dissolution of civil partnership procedures and the forms are different in Northern Ireland to other parts of the United Kingdom. This area of our website provides background information and lists the relevant forms that you need to apply for a divorce / dissolution of civil partnership. The forms and procedures must meet the requirements of The Matrimonial Causes Order (Northern Ireland) 1978, The Family Proceedings Rules (Northern Ireland) 1996, Civil Partnership Act 2004 and any relevant EC Council Regulations.

Process for Matrimonial Information

• General overview of the process for matrimonial proceedings

Personal Petitioner Information

If you want to make an application without engaging the services of a legal professional

• View our guide if you choose to bring proceedings without involving a solicitor

Guidance on completing the forms

• Practioner guidance on completing the forms

Forms for making an application for divorce

• Forms for the High Court
• Forms for the County Court
• Checklists for submitting an application for a divorce

For making an application for Dissolution of a Civil Partnership

• Forms for the High Court
• Forms for the County Court

Decree Absolute/Requesting a copy of a Decree Absolute

• Decree absolute

Draft Order Templates

• Draft Order Template