Divorce

Before 1943

Divorce was an expensive and protracted activity that was only open to the wealthy and even then only when property was involved.

Poor people would merely live apart. It was not unusual for husbands and wives to marry bigamously or just live together with the common law wive adopting the man's surname.

Records of divorces before 1858 are held in the records office of the House of Lords

Records of divorces from 1858 to 1943 are held in the National Archives.

Records are only available to enquirers if they are at least 75 years old

After 1943

Since 1953 divorce has become progressively easier although access to enquirers is not normally available as many of those involved are likely to still be alive.