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Written by Brad Askew
Legal Tech Founder
Civil & Commercial Law background · Founder of LegalDocuments.co.uk
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Updated April 2026 · England & Wales
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Family & Divorce
BA
Written by Brad Askew Legal Tech Founder
Civil & Commercial Law background · Founder of LegalDocuments.co.uk
Updated June 2026
·
England & Wales
If your spouse or civil partner has started proceedings and you want to challenge the application rather than let it proceed, Form D8B is the document you need to lodge with the court. It is the formal response used when you intend to dispute a divorce, the dissolution of a civil partnership, or a judicial separation in England and Wales.
Since the introduction of no-fault divorce in April 2022, the grounds on which you can actually dispute an application have narrowed considerably, so many people who receive a divorce application will not use this form at all. This page sets out what Form D8B is for, when it is appropriate to use it, what you need to include, and the practical steps involved once you decide to respond.
What this document is
Form D8B is the court form used by a respondent (the person who has received a divorce, dissolution or judicial separation application) to formally indicate that they want to dispute the application. It sits alongside the acknowledgment of service (Form D10), which is the earlier step confirming that you have received the papers.
Filing Form D8B is a separate, more serious act: it signals that you are asking the court not to allow the application to continue on the basis put forward by the applicant. Since the legal reforms in 2022, a respondent can no longer dispute the application simply because they disagree with the divorce itself.
The permitted grounds are limited, and in practice most disputed applications now turn on questions of jurisdiction, whether the marriage or civil partnership was legally valid in the first place, or whether it has already been brought to an end. A court fee applies to file the form, and the process moves the matter into contested proceedings, which is why legal input is often worthwhile before you take this step.
How to use this document
01
Check whether you actually have grounds to dispute. Before filing anything, make sure you fall within the limited grounds the court will accept. These typically include disputing the court's jurisdiction, arguing the marriage or civil partnership was never legally valid, or showing it has already been legally ended. Disagreeing with the divorce in principle is not a ground.
02
Complete the acknowledgment of service first. When you receive the divorce application, you will also receive Form D10 (the acknowledgment of service). You must return this within the stated timeframe, ticking the box that confirms you intend to dispute the application. This preserves your right to file Form D8B afterwards.
03
Fill in Form D8B carefully. Include the names of the applicant and respondent exactly as they appear on the original application, the court case number, and a clear statement of the ground on which you are disputing. Attach a short written explanation setting out the factual basis, for example evidence that the marriage had already been annulled or dissolved elsewhere.
04
Pay the court fee or apply for help with fees. Filing Form D8B attracts a court fee, which you should check on gov.uk for the current amount. If you are on a low income or receive certain benefits, you may qualify for a reduction or waiver by submitting Form EX160 along with the supporting evidence described in the EX160A guidance.
05
File the form with the court and keep copies. Send the completed Form D8B, any attached statement and the fee (or fee remission application) to the court handling the proceedings. Keep copies of everything you send. The court will then progress the matter as a disputed case, which usually means a hearing will be listed.
Common questions
QCan I still dispute a divorce because I don't want it to happen?
No. Since the no-fault divorce reforms came into effect in April 2022, a respondent cannot block a divorce simply because they disagree with ending the marriage. The grounds for using Form D8B are narrow and focus on issues such as the court's jurisdiction, the validity of the marriage or civil partnership, or whether it has already legally ended. If none of those apply, disputing is unlikely to succeed.
QWhat is the difference between Form D10 and Form D8B?
Form D10 is the acknowledgment of service, which simply confirms you have received the divorce application and indicates whether you intend to dispute it. Form D8B is the separate, formal step of actually filing your dispute with the court. You normally need to complete D10 first, ticking the option that says you intend to dispute, before you can go on to file Form D8B within the required timeframe.
QHow long do I have to file Form D8B?
There are strict deadlines for both acknowledging service and filing the answer. The timeframes are set out in the notes that come with the application papers, and missing them can mean losing the right to dispute. Because the rules have specific day counts and the exact figures can change, check the current guidance on gov.uk or the papers you received from the court rather than relying on older online sources.
QIs there a court fee to file Form D8B?
Yes, a court fee is payable when you file an answer disputing a divorce, dissolution or judicial separation application. The amount is updated periodically, so check the latest figure on gov.uk before sending your form. If paying the fee would cause financial hardship, you can apply for help using Form EX160 and the EX160A guidance, which may result in a reduced fee or no fee at all.
QWhat happens after I file my answer?
Once the court receives Form D8B and the fee, the case becomes a disputed matter and is usually transferred for a hearing. A judge will consider the grounds you have raised and whether the application should proceed. Disputed divorces can take significantly longer and cost more than undefended ones, and both parties may need to attend court. Legal input at this stage is often sensible.
QDo I need a solicitor to file Form D8B?
You are not required to use a solicitor, and the form can be completed by a litigant in person. However, disputing an application moves the case into contested territory with stricter rules, tight deadlines and potentially significant costs consequences. Many people find it worth taking legal input before filing, particularly where the grounds involve jurisdiction or the validity of the marriage, which can be technically complex.
QCan I change my mind after filing Form D8B?
Yes, in most cases you can withdraw your dispute if you change your mind, for example if you reach an agreement with the applicant or decide you no longer want to contest the proceedings. You would need to notify the court in writing. Once withdrawn, the application typically continues as an undisputed case. Any fees already paid are generally not refundable.
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Brad Askew Legal Tech Founder
Brad has a background in civil and commercial law and founded LegalDocuments.co.uk to make clear, reliable legal information accessible to everyone. This site is not a law firm and does not provide regulated legal advice.
Legal disclaimer
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. We are not solicitors. For advice on your specific situation, please consult a qualified solicitor.
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