Form D36 – Final order application

What is Form D36?

Form D36 is the application for a final order (previously called a decree absolute). The final order:

• Legally ends your marriage or civil partnership
• Allows you to remarry
• Is the final step in the divorce process

Once granted, your divorce is complete.

Download Form D36

When can you apply?

As the applicant: You can apply for the final order 6 weeks and 1 day after the conditional order was granted.

As the respondent: If the applicant doesn’t apply, you can apply 3 months after that 6-week period (so approximately 4.5 months after the conditional order).

Apply online

If you’ve been using the online divorce service, you can apply for the final order online. The service will prompt you when you’re eligible.

Apply at: The same GOV.UK divorce service where you’ve been managing your divorce.

Before you apply: Important considerations

Completing Form D36

Form D36 is straightforward – it’s essentially a request to make your conditional order final.

Your details

Provide:

• Your full name
• Your case number (from your court documents)

Confirmation

Confirm that:

• You’re entitled to apply for a final order
• The required time has passed since the conditional order

Statement of truth

Sign and date the form.

For joint applications: Both applicants should apply together and both sign.

No additional fee

There’s no additional fee for applying for a final order. The fee is included in the original £612 divorce application fee.

Where to send Form D36

Online: Submit through the GOV.UK divorce service.

By post: Send to the court handling your divorce (address on your court documents), or:

HMCTS Divorce and Dissolution Service
PO Box 13226
Harlow
CM20 9UG

What happens next

1. Court processes your application (typically 24-48 hours for straightforward cases)
2. Final order granted – you receive the final order certificate
3. Your marriage is legally ended – you are now divorced

Receiving your final order

You’ll receive a final order certificate. Keep this safe – you may need it to:

• Prove you’re divorced
• Change your name
• Remarry
• Update pensions and other records

You can order certified copies from the court if needed.

If the applicant doesn’t apply

If you’re the respondent and the applicant hasn’t applied for the final order after the 6-week waiting period, you can apply yourself after a further 3 months.

You’ll need to:

• Complete Form D36
• Explain why you’re applying instead of the applicant
• A court hearing may be required

After your divorce

Once the final order is granted:

You should:

• Update your will (gifts to your ex-spouse may be void)
• Update pension nominations
• Notify organisations of your change in status
• Consider whether to change your name

You can now:

• Remarry or enter a new civil partnership
• Describe yourself as divorced

Be aware:

• Financial claims between you and your ex don’t automatically end
• Get a consent order or court order if finances aren’t resolved
• The divorce doesn’t affect parental responsibility for children

Common mistakes

• Applying before the 6-week and 1-day period has passed
• Not considering financial implications
• Missing signature
• Wrong case number

Delaying the final order

There’s no deadline to apply for the final order. Some people delay deliberately until:

• Finances are agreed and sealed in a consent order
• Tax year considerations are addressed
• Other practical matters are resolved

However, don’t delay indefinitely – you’re not fully divorced until the final order is granted.

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