Genealogy Chat

Hi,

Be aware that it is now £40 for a decree absolute search, it went up last October.

Gary

As previous noted TNA do hold some Divorce records

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/RdLeaflet.asp?sLeafletID=53

It is the 'case files' that the above information refers to, ...............
1858-1927: almost all survive
1928-1937: 80% survive (files from the district registries have been destroyed: they are not indexed by J 78)
1938-date: most have been destroyed. A very small annual sample has been kept, subject to 30-year closure: the sample is searchable on the Catalogue

However, they don’t hold them all, HMCS hold some but you won’t get the case files (all the nitty gritty)

More recent ie after 1927 are available

These are not available for the public to search. The search has to be done by the Courts Service.

HMCS (Her Majesty's Court Service)
Principle Registry of the Family Division
Decree Absolute Searches
R 2.03
First Avenue House
42-49 High Holborn
London
WC1V 6NP

Tel 020 7947 7016 or 7017

I think the search costs is £25 for each 10year period (yes expensive). If I remember correctly for an extra £1 you can get the Decree Nisi which will give you details i.e. why abandonment, adultery (it may even name names!) etc.

I've found them helpful both on the phone and in person. If you do visit they'll only search two years while you wait. Give them a call.


MB

Thank you Gary

My father was divorce from his first wife, between 1928 to 1946, 1928 was his youngest daughter's birth, (first marriage) and 1946 was the marriage to my mother.
Is there a way to see the records of the divorce, or find the year ?