Form D84 is the paper application for a conditional order, the middle stage of a divorce or dissolution. You can apply once 20 weeks have passed since the court issued your divorce application. There is no fee. If you applied online you’ll be told how to apply online instead; D84 is for cases issued on or after 6 April 2022.
- Official name
- Application for a conditional order or (judicial) separation order
- Court fee
- None
- Online or paper
- Online if you applied online. D84 is the paper version.
- Who fills it in
- The applicant, or both applicants in a joint case (either can continue alone)
- When
- At least 20 weeks after the divorce application was issued
- Current version
- D84 (03.24)
- Where it goes
- HMCTS Divorce and Dissolution service, PO Box 13226, Harlow CM20 9UG, or [email protected]
Correct at 20 October 2026. Fees from GOV.UK, Family court fees (EX50).
How do you fill in Form D84?
The D84 has four parts. Sole applicants complete Sections A, C and D. Joint applicants complete Sections B, C and D. Check your case number on the court’s notice of issue before you start.
Section A: sole applicants
Give your name and confirm you’re asking for a conditional order. Question 3 asks whether your spouse filed an acknowledgement of service. If they did it online, go straight to Section C. If they returned a paper D10 they signed themselves, attach a copy marked ‘A’ and confirm at question 5 that the signature is theirs.
If they never acknowledged, question 6 asks how you know they were served: a certificate of service (form FP6), a court order deeming service or dispensing with it, or other evidence. Attach it.
Section B: joint applicants
If you’re both still applying, give both names and tick question 9. If your spouse has stopped cooperating, use question 10 to continue as a sole applicant. The note on the form is clear: once you switch to sole you can’t switch back, and you must send your spouse a copy of this application.
Section C: statement in support
Confirm you’ve read the divorce application and say whether you want to change or add anything. Small updates, such as a new address, can go here. A substantial change may mean an amended application and a fee, and the court will tell you if so. Then confirm that the application, as amended, is true.
Section D: statement of truth
Sign and date. If you rely on your spouse’s signature on a paper acknowledgement, the form says you must sign this yourself, not a solicitor. In a joint application you both sign.
What are the common mistakes on Form D84?
- Applying before 20 weeks have passed since the date of issue. Count from the date on the notice of issue, not from when you sent the D8.
- Not attaching the signed acknowledgement of service, marked ‘A’, when your spouse returned it on paper.
- Switching from joint to sole without sending your spouse a copy.
- Using the old D84 for decree nisi. That version is only for cases issued before 6 April 2022.
- Leaving out changes since you applied, such as a new address.
What happens after you send Form D84?
A judge reviews the application. GOV.UK says this may take several weeks. If the judge agrees, the court sends you both a certificate giving the date and time the conditional order will be made. You are still married at this point.
You must then wait at least 43 days (6 weeks and 1 day) from the conditional order before applying for the final order on form D36. This is also the point from which the court can approve a financial consent order, so it’s a good time to send one in (see form D81).
Where do you get Form D84?
If you applied online, use your online account. For a paper case, download D84 from GOV.UK and send it to HMCTS Divorce and Dissolution service, PO Box 13226, Harlow CM20 9UG, or email it to [email protected].
We explain forms but never host them, so you always download the current version from GOV.UK.
When should you get help with Form D84?
Most people apply for the conditional order without help. Talk to a family solicitor if your spouse never acknowledged the papers and you’re unsure what evidence of service the court will accept, or if you’re about to agree finances and want the consent order drafted properly.
Get help with Form D84
Tell us what’s going on and we’ll introduce you to two or three family solicitors who can help. Introductions are free for you.
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Common questions
Is there a fee for the conditional order?
No. In an undefended divorce the £628 application fee covers the conditional order and the final order.
When can I apply for a conditional order?
Once 20 weeks have passed since the court issued your divorce application. The date of issue is on the notice the court sent you.
Does a conditional order end the marriage?
No. You are still married until the final order. The conditional order confirms the court sees no reason why you cannot divorce.
What if my spouse stops responding in a joint application?
You can continue alone. On form D84, tick question 10 to proceed as a sole applicant and send your spouse a copy. You cannot switch back to a joint application afterwards.
Sources
- GOV.UK, Apply for a conditional order or judicial separation order: Form D84 (form version 03.24)
- GOV.UK, Get a divorce: apply for a conditional order
- GOV.UK, Get a divorce: what happens after you apply
- GOV.UK, Money and property when you divorce or separate: if you agree
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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.