Divorce in England and Wales

In England and Wales, divorce is allowed under the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 on the ground that the marriage has irretrievably broken down without having to prove fault or separation.

Civil remarriage is allowed. Religions and denominations differ on whether they permit religious remarriage.

A divorce in England and Wales is only possible for marriages of more than one year and when the marriage has irretrievably broken down. Following reform in 2022, it is no longer possible to defend a divorce. A decree of divorce is initially granted 'nisi', i.e. (unless cause is later shown), before it is made 'absolute'.