Divorce Applications Go Digital

An online divorce application service has been rolled out across England and Wales following the success of a pilot scheme. 

The introduction of the online system forms part of the Government’s £1 billion programme to make the court system quicker, more accessible and easier to use. It means that with effect from 1st May, people wishing to apply for a divorce can now complete the whole process online, including payment and uploading supporting evidence.

According to the Government the online process is less stressful for applicants as applications are less likely to be rejected because they are incomplete.

Under the old paper-based system, 40% of divorce applications were apparently rejected at the first stage due to the forms not being complete. Since January, around 1,100 applications were received under the test scheme but only 0.6% were rejected. The Government says that this is due to monitoring and evaluation carried out to understand the reasons for rejections, the results of which were then incorporated into the new system to reduce the chances of similar errors reoccurring.

“Allowing divorce applications to be made online will help make sure we are best supporting people going through an often difficult and painful time,” explained Justice Minister Lucy Frazer. “More people will have the option of moving from paper-based processes to online systems which will cut waste, speed up services which can be safely expedited, and otherwise better fit with modern day life.”

“The online divorce pilot has been a triumphant success and shows, to my mind conclusively, that this is – must be the way of the future,” commented Sir James Munby, President of the Family Division of the High Court.

Contact Lindsay Jones Specialist Divorce Lawyer

I offer a range of family law services including; divorce, fixed fee divorce, financial settlements, child law and related family law matters. To discuss your case with me, call today on 07917711887. I look forward to helping you find peace of mind.

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