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Joan

The TNA will only give information on records THEY hold. That's why a forum like this is so valuable as we can all share our knowledge. The TNA cannot know what other departments hold.

HMCS Family Division - hold Divorce information – it’s what they do day-to-day - why would you be reluctant - its HMCS (Her Majesty’s Court Service)?

I visit First Avenue house at least once a week - the majority I've researched are between the 50's - 70's.

What information are you expecting to find? You will only get confirmation of a divorce i.e. the date of the decree absolute. If you're after the nitty gritty details then you're out of luck - the relevant solicitors would hold that and that's not public information.

MB

If you read the information sheet on the National Archives Site then it does explain it fully.

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/RdLeaflet.asp?sLeafletID=53

It is the 'case files' that the above information refers to, ...............
1858-1927: almost all survive
1928-1937: 80% survive (files from the district registries have been destroyed: they are not indexed by J 78)
1938-date: most have been destroyed. A very small annual sample has been kept, subject to 30-year closure: the sample is searchable on the Catalogue


The Decree Nisi and Decree Absolute are what the Probate Registry refer to, reading the information these must survive but possibly the 'case files' do not.

Also I think it is Divorces filed in the Supreme Court which are held at the National Archives.

Gail.

The TNA are a repository for a number of government departments - some still hold there own records - like HMCS - Family Division for Divorces or Probate for Wills. The TNAs website relates to documentation/archives they hold.

I have to say that I've never found a divorce at TNA - but then earliest divorce I've researched as in 1934 - which was found at HMCS not at TNA.

MB

National Archives mean the records THEY hold,I assume.

Dawn

More recent ie after 1927 are available

These are not available for the public to search. The search has to be done by the Courts Service.

HMCS (Her Majesty's Court Service)
Principle Registry of the Family Division
Decree Absolute Searches
R 2.03
First Avenue House
42-49 High Holborn
London
WC1V 6NP

Tel 020 7947 7016 or 7017

I think the search costs is £25 for each 10year period (yes expensive). If I remember correctly for an extra £1 you can get the Decree Nisi which will give you details i.e. why abandonment, adultery (it may even name names!) etc.

I've found them helpful both on the phone and in person. If you do visit they'll only search two years while you wait. Give them a call.

Some of the info above is not correct

MB

thanks for that, won't waste anymore time looking for it then!!

Hi can anyone tell me where I find info on a divorce in mid 1940s?
many thanks