Ending a marriage or civil partnership

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Divorce

You can get a divorce if you have been married at least a year and your relationship has permanently broken down.

You must have a marriage that is legally recognised in the UK, and have a permanent home in England or Wales.

There are three main steps to getting divorced:

File a divorce petition – you have to apply to the court for permission to divorce, and show reasons why you want the marriage to end.
Apply for a decree nisi – if your spouse agrees to the petition, you’ll get...