Divorce

[pezza.......]

Can someone please tell me the difference between a Decree Nisi and a Decree Absolute? Thanks

[sft42]

Divorces come in two stages. Once the court have checked all of your papers and confirmed that they are in order and that you are entitled to a divorce, they will then give you a decree nisi. This is not your actual divorce. In order for your marriage to be ended you will need to apply for the decree nisi to be made absolute no less than six weeks after decree nisi.

So laymans terms.....Nisi is stage one, absolute is stage two and the final cut.

[Ewood27]

"Nisi" is Latin for "unless". Think of it as "unless something new comes to light". That may help.

[Quizmonster]

To add a little to Sft's fine answer, the word 'nisi' is Latin for 'unless'. Consequently, a divorce nisi is one that may later become absolute unless something happens or fails to happen to prevent that.

[Quizmonster]

Oh dear, E! Yet another example of simultaneous typing, I'm afraid. And yet again, if only I'd made my answer shorter, I might have got in first! Cheers

[Ewood27]

No problem, QM. What I hate - and it has happened - is when I post an answer and then you give one of your excellent answers complete with chapter and verse, completely contradicting mine. Wasn't it Abraham Lincoln who said that it is better to keep silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt?

[Quizmonster]

You are most kind, E, and certainly too self-deprecating. Your answers are invariably excellent and mine frequently just long-winded...as witness our scramble for a place here yesterday!

[rock1873]

In Scotland we dont muck about, we dont have an "In between" You are either divorced or not !!!! IE absolute.

[beagle1]

Scots are so decisive, Rock1873 - suppose that's why there is a 'Not Proven' verdict in criminal cases? :) (ok, ok, only joking! - its the Sassenach in me coming out - I think not proven is eminently sensible)