You will need to use the ordinary/non simplified procedure when the criteria for the simplified procedure do not apply to you.

This procedure can be used in the sheriff court or Court of Session, but is much more complex. There is no set application form and instead proceedings begin with an initial writ in the sheriff court or a summons in the Court of Session. As the procedure is complex we would strongly advise seeking legal advice. Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service staff are not legally qualified and therefore cannot provide you with any legal advice.

Contact details for the Law Society of Scotland, who can provide details of solicitors acting in your area can be found on the Law Society website.

Sheriff Court: rules and forms to use when applying for ordinary divorce or dissolution in the sheriff court, can be accessed on the website.

Court of Session: rules and forms to use when applying for ordinary divorce or dissolution in the Court of Session, can be accessed on the website.

The fees to lodge an application for divorce or dissolution of civil partnership depend on whether the application is lodged in the sheriff court or Court of Session. Court fees are payable for lodging these applications in court, and the current fees can be found in the Court Fees section.

You may be entitled to fee exemption, for example if you receive certain state benefits. Further information can be found in the Court Fees section and the fee exemption application form.

These amounts only cover the fees charged by the court, if you have employed a solicitor they will also charge fees. The solicitor will be able to provide you with information on these costs.