Online divorce

Divorce is not something to be taken lightly. It has important legal as well as emotional consequences.

However, some people feel confident that they can complete the paperwork by themselves without employing a solicitor.

This part of the site is designed to help by showing you a sample petition with example descriptions on how it is usually filled in that you can hover over to view.

It is free to all. You can access the sample without registering or paying any fee.

But it is important that you realise that no advice is given or implied with it and it is your own responsibility to take legal advice before using it in any way.

I recommend that you seek advice on all aspects of your divorce before using any "do it yourself" service on the internet if you have any doubt whatsoever about your rights particularly in relation to property as these can be significantly affected by divorce and how the petition is filled in.

Technically there is no such thing as an online divorce. All paperwork ultimately has to follow the same route whether the forms are filled in online or not.

Original signatures are required by the court service on any petition sent to court to be issued,The court service only receives petitions and supporting documents presently by post, The court service will require your original marraige certificate and All paperwork is served by the court in the first instance by sending it out in first class post.So, online divorce - whichever website you go to - is really only online form filling. Most sites charge a fee to help you with this when you can actually access free help on the court service website.

BE AWARE. There are many websites advertising "legal services" and calling themselves "divorce experts" or even "lawyers". Details of how much they can "save" you is usually grossly exaggerated.

The vast majority are not solicitors, have little if any professional training, are not regulated and not insured against professional negligence - which means they cannot offer you the standard of service or the protection a solicitor can.

You will often find their disclaimers hidden away in the small print on their information or terms of use page. If in doubt check their details with the Law Society (www.lawsociety.org.uk) or Resolution (www.resolution.org.uk).

Details on how to complete a divorce petition and all the supporting documents completely free of charge can also be found on the court service website www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk.

If, like most people you want to make sure that your divorce proceeds smoothly and with the minimum of delay, and costly mistakes, use a solicitor to act on your behalf.

To access the free divorce sample petition please click here

Please note that only users of Word 2007 will be able to edit the document.