New figures reveal that the majority of divorce applications in England and Wales are still being made by just one spouse — despite the introduction of joint applications under the no-fault divorce law.
Between July and September 2024, out of over 27,000 divorce applications submitted, 74% were made by sole applicants, while 26% were joint applications.
(Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/family-court-statistics-quarterly-july-to-september-2024/family-court-statistics-quarterly-july-to-september-2024)
These figures show that while joint divorce is available and increasingly promoted as a cooperative option, most individuals still choose to begin proceedings on their own.
Why do people file as sole applicants?
There are several common reasons:
- One partner is more ready to initiate the process
- Communication may have broken down
- The other person is uncooperative or unreachable
- There is disagreement about the timing or terms of the divorce
The sole application route is also practical when one person simply wants to take the lead and begin the legal process without delay.
Are there benefits to applying jointly?
Yes — joint divorce applications tend to be more cooperative and may:
- Reduce delays caused by lack of response or service issues
- Help both parties stay informed at each step
- Minimise conflict during the divorce process
Joint applications are ideal for couples who agree on getting divorced and want to work through it amicably.
Is a sole application more difficult?
Not necessarily — but it can involve additional steps if the other party doesn’t respond or actively avoids service. In such cases, further action (like bailiff delivery or applying for deemed service) may be required to keep the process moving.
It’s important for sole applicants to get support early and understand what’s needed if cooperation is limited.
