Form D13B: divorcing when you can’t find your spouse

Form D13B asks the court to let your divorce go ahead without the papers being served on your spouse, because you cannot find them. It sets out, under a statement of truth, every step you’ve taken to trace them. The fee is £62. The court treats it as a last resort, after other ways of serving have failed.

How do you fill in Form D13B?

Every question must be answered, and the form asks you to attach all correspondence about your spouse’s whereabouts. Think of it as a record of an investigation: dates, who you asked and what they said.

Questions 1 and 2: where you last lived together, and after

Give the date and address where you last lived together, and anywhere you know they lived after. For each address, say what enquiries you made and the result: letters returned marked ‘gone away’ or ‘not known at this address’, what neighbours or the current occupants told you.

Question 3: when they were last seen or heard of

Say when you last saw or heard of them, who told you, and what you did to follow it up.

Question 4: relatives and friends

Name the relatives (including adult children) and friends you’ve contacted, with their addresses, what you asked and what they said. The form’s note suggests telling them you’ve started a divorce and need an address so the court can send the papers.

Question 5: children

If there are children of the family, say whether your spouse has any contact with them and when they last did.

Question 6: employer

Give their last known employer and occupation. The note suggests asking the employer to forward a sealed envelope containing a copy of the application, which the court will supply, and to tell you when they have. Record what the employer said.

Questions 7 to 9: banks, unions and maintenance

Say whether you contacted their bank or building society, trade union or professional body, and whether there’s a court maintenance order or a child maintenance calculation. Each could hold a current address.

Question 10: anything else

List every other search: social media, online directories, the electoral register, a tracing agent, emails to old addresses. The form says that where your spouse hasn’t been heard of for 2 years or more, you should search the index of final orders held by the Principal Registry of the Family Division, to check they haven’t already divorced you. There is a fee for the search.

Statement of truth and address

Sign and date it. Only complete the address page if you want to change your address for service. To keep your details private, use form C8.

What are the common mistakes on Form D13B?

• Applying too early, before trying the cheaper options such as an alternative email address, deemed service or a bailiff.
• Vague answers such as ‘I don’t know’. Say what you did and what happened.
• Not attaching the evidence: returned envelopes, emails, replies from relatives or employers.
• Skipping the final orders index search when your spouse has been gone for years.
• Forgetting that the court may ask you to make more enquiries before it decides.

What happens after you send Form D13B?

A judge decides on the papers. If the order is granted, the court dispenses with service, and you can apply for the conditional order on form D84, attaching the order. If the judge isn’t satisfied, you may be asked to make further enquiries or try another way of serving.

Where do you get Form D13B?

Download D13B from GOV.UK. Send it with your evidence and fee to HMCTS Divorce and Dissolution service, PO Box 13226, Harlow CM20 9UG, or email [email protected]. If you think your spouse may have died, GOV.UK explains a separate process for a presumption of death.

Open Form D13B on GOV.UK

We explain forms but never host them, so you always download the current version from GOV.UK.

When should you get help with Form D13B?

A family solicitor can advise on what searches are proportionate and whether deemed or alternative service would work first. Speak to one early if your spouse may be abroad, or if there are assets or a pension to deal with, because finding them matters for the financial case too.

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Common questions

Sources

1. GOV.UK, Ask the court to dispense with service: Form D13B (form version 03.24)
2. GOV.UK, Divorce or end a civil partnership if your partner is missing
3. GOV.UK, Family court fees (EX50), updated 13 July 2026

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This page is general information about court forms, not legal or financial advice. Forms, fees and rules change, so always download the current form from GOV.UK and speak to a qualified professional about your situation. Facts checked 20 October 2026.