Divorce records

Before Matrimonial Causes Act of 1857, divorces could only be obtained by the very rich through a private Act of Parliament. We hold an incomplete series of private Acts from 1818 to 1886. Couples could apply for a legal separation which may have been noted in local newspapers, church and court records.

We do not hold any post 1858 divorce records. There is a Central Index of Decrees Absolute for divorces from 1857 to the present day.

If a divorce took place between 1857 and 1937, you can see if a case file is at The National Archives.