Help! My old divorce is stuck in Bury St Edmunds…

Before April 2022, Bury St Edmunds was the regional divorce centre for the South East of England, handling all paper-based fault divorces. Here’s what to do if your divorce is stuck there…

No time to watch the video? Here’s a summary:

️ Why Bury St Edmunds Matters

Bury St Edmunds used to be the Central Divorce Hub

Before April 2022, Bury St Edmunds was the regional divorce centre for the South East of England, handling all paper-based fault divorces.

Types of Fault-Based Grounds:

• Adultery
• Unreasonable behaviour
• Desertion
• Two years’ separation (with consent)
• Five years’ separation (without consent)

— What If Your Divorce Is “Stuck”?

If you started a divorce and never completed it — and didn’t formally withdraw or dismiss the petition — your case is likely still active but dormant in Bury St Edmunds.

✅ Step-by-Step Recovery Guide

1. Check for Acknowledgement of Service:

• If the respondent returned it, locate that document.
• If not, you may need legal help to proceed.

2. Complete a Statement in Support:

• Use Form DAT (A–E depending on grounds):
• A = Adultery
• D = Five years’ separation without consent
• You’ll need your original petition to answer questions accurately.
• Update any changes (address, children, etc.) in the statement.

3. Apply for Decree Nisi:

• If not already granted, this is your next milestone.

4. Apply for Decree Absolute:

• Final step to legally end the marriage.
• If more than a year has passed since Decree Nisi, include a statement confirming:
• No cohabitation
• No new children together
• Continued intent to divorce

⚖️ Legal Advice: When You Really Need It

• No Acknowledgement of Service: If the other party disappeared or never responded.
• Financial Matters Unresolved: Divorce can affect pension rights, inheritance, and property.
• Complex History: If your case spans years or includes reconciliations.

Contacting Bury St Edmunds

• Email: divorceunitbse@justice.gov.uk
• Address: 2nd Floor, Triton House, St Andrews Street North, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1TR
• Note: They don’t offer in-person services and are working through a significant backlog.

Would you like help drafting a statement in support or figuring out which form you need?

Or maybe you want to explore whether it’s better to restart the process under the new no-fault system?

Contact us using one of the options below: