Following its online pilot scheme the Ministry of Justice has launched the scheme nationwide this month.
The latest initiative in the department’s £1bn modernisation programme enables divorcing couples across England and Wales to complete their applications on a website without going to court.
The language on the digital form has been simplified and also allows payments and evidence to be uploaded from home.
Over 1,000 petitions were issued through the system during its test phase, with 91% of users reporting that they were satisfied with the service, according to the MoJ.
Sir James Munby recently described online divorce as a “triumphant success” and “final proof positive that whatever people think, government can do IT (information technology)”.
Justice minister Lucy Frazer said, “Allowing divorce applications to be made online will help make sure we are best supporting people going through an often difficult and painful time. 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 better fit with modern life.”
