What if my spouse doesn't sign the divorce papers?

You can now apply for a divorce online or by post either as a sole application or as a joint application. Once you have completed the divorce application, a copy of the application and an Acknowledgement of Service form, will be sent to your spouse.

Your spouse must respond to the Acknowledgement of Service form within 14 days of receipt. They must state whether they intend to agree to the divorce or whether they intend to dispute the divorce.

If your spouse does not respond to the divorce application and Acknowledgement of Service, you may need to provide proof that they have received this paperwork such as instructing a process server. You may then need to show the court that they have received the paperwork and that they have had an opportunity to respond. If you can show the court that you have tried all methods to serve the paperwork, then the divorce can still proceed.

If you require any further assistance in respect of divorce proceedings, our family solicitors are based in Wolverhampton, Cradley Heath and Sutton Coldfield and serve clients across the West Midlands. For all new enquiries, complete our online enquiry form and a member of our team will respond, or please call 01902 328 355.