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Citizenship- Is divorce certificate mandatory to prove that I'm separated

Posted: Mon Jun 21, 2021 6:00 pm
by sowmya92
Hi there,
I'm applying for my british citizenship - ILR route holding an Indian passport.
I have been seperated for 3 years and divorce petition was filed in India 2 year ago. Due to lockdown's and current situation my divorce proceedings have been delayed and might take another year to reach a final decision.

I would like to know if the home office would accept a document from my lawyer stating the divorce petition has been filed to prove I've been separated or do I have to wait till my divorce is granted and then apply with the certificate.

The application also requires information on the actual end date of the marriage - I'm not quite sure if this is the date we got separated or date I filed a divorce or date I was granted a divorce ?
1) Date your previous marriage or civil partnership ended
2) Reason your previous marriage or civil partnership ended

Thanks for your help in advance

Re: Citizenship- Is divorce certificate mandatory to prove that I'm separated

Posted: Mon Jun 21, 2021 6:46 pm
by CR001
You are not officially divorced until the court grants the final decree stating the divorce is granted or in effect . Until then you are still married.

Evidence of divorce is Not required for citizenship.

Re: Citizenship- Is divorce certificate mandatory to prove that I'm separated

Posted: Fri Jul 02, 2021 2:48 pm
by sowmya92
Thank a lot for your reply. I agree until divorce is granted I'm married, but not sure why it wouldn't be separated. I have been separated from my ex-partner for more than 3 years. I'm unsure if I said as "married" I would have to provide my partner's details - which I'm not is a position to provide.

The options available on the online application for relationship status are as follows:
1) Single
2) married or civil partnership
2) Unmarried partnership
3) divorced
4) separated
5) widowed

Additionally, if I selected "separated" the application asks for a "date of separation" and "reason for separation". Is this the date moved in separately or the date I applied for my divorce. Would I need to give any proof of document to support my relationship status. Any guidance on this matter is really appreciated.

Thanks for your support.

Re: Citizenship- Is divorce certificate mandatory to prove that I'm separated

Posted: Fri Jul 02, 2021 4:20 pm
by alterhase58
There is no requirement to supply proof of your relationship status unless you apply as spouse of a British citizen.
However, in the UK a separation can be "legalised". But I believe if you don't have a "legal separation" you are still married.
See the link: https://www.gov.uk/legal-separation