Divorce papers

Divorce records are not held at Hampshire Record Office. You will need to contact the Principal Registry of the Family Division, First Avenue House, 42-49 High Holborn, London WC2V 6NP for divorce records post-1858.

Prior to the Matrimonial Causes Act of 1857, divorces could only be obtained by the very rich through an Act of Parliament (see The Parliamentary Archives).

Alternatively couples could legally separate and this might be noted in Church Court records, Quarter Sessions or newspapers, which we hold here for Hampshire.