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What does "Decree Absolute" Mean?
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
A decree absolute is a final ruling of a court. Most often used in divorce proceedings in the United Kingdom (UK), a decree absolute is the final step that makes a divorce both official and legal. It is often used in contrast with decree nisi, which is a temporary order given until the decree absolute is decided.
Though the procedure of divorce in the UK is relatively simple, many people are confused by the issuance of a decree absolute and its predecessor, the decree nisi. When a person applies for a divorce, the petitioner is first granted a decree nisi. In order to get this first step, the petitioner must show that the marriage has lasted at least one year and taken place primarily within a UK-governed region, such as England or Wales. If the couple does not meet the 12-month qualification, they may be able to receive an annulment, also called a nullity.
When filing a divorce petition in pursuit of a final decree, the petitioner must cite the reason for the divorce. Although it is acceptable to divorce on grounds of irreconcilable differences, the petitioner must provide evidence in one of five categories that explains why the marriage is irretrievable. These categories include adultery, unreasonable behavior, long-standing desertion, or mutual parting several years in the past. If the couple has been apart more than five years, the consent of the other partner is not needed to obtain a decree absolute.
Conditions being met, the court will send notification of the divorce request to the other spouse, known as the respondent. The notification will include a possible settlement arrangement that includes the distribution of assets, custody agreements, and spousal support requirements. In order to quickly move beyond the decree nisi order, couples should be in agreement on these items before the petition is filed. If the respondent agrees to the terms, he or she signs the notification and the court issues a decree nisi.
Six weeks after the decree nisi is ordered, the petitioner can file a request for a decree absolute. This procedure is not dissimilar from divorce law in the United States, where there is generally a waiting period between the judge admitting a signed divorce agreement and the decision becoming final. The major difference is that this type of decree requires a second request on the part of the petitioner, whereas in US law, the divorce becomes final by default unless the petitioner withdraws the request.
Once a decree absolute is issued, the divorce is final. This leaves participants free to remarry as soon as desired, even to one another. Keeping a copy of the decree is recommended by legal professionals, as some future legal transactions, including remarriage may require a copy as proof of a final divorce.
Jessica Ellis
With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a WiseGEEK writer.
Learn more...
Jessica Ellis
With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a WiseGEEK writer.
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![A decree absolute is a final ruling of a court.]()
By: nicolasjoseschiradoA decree absolute is a final ruling of a court. -
![A decree absolute is the final ruling of the court, most often used in United Kingdom divorce proceedings.]()
By: apopsA decree absolute is the final ruling of the court, most often used in United Kingdom divorce proceedings. -
![A divorce decree absolute officially ends the marriage, but the partners may still need to communicate in order to split shared property or co-parent children.]()
By: MartinanA divorce decree absolute officially ends the marriage, but the partners may still need to communicate in order to split shared property or co-parent children. -
![Adultery is a common cause for divorce in many countries.]()
By: Tony NorthrupAdultery is a common cause for divorce in many countries.
Discussion Comments
I wonder if anyone has waited until decree absolute was granted, only to marry again soon after, to one another. I think that's kind of funny. But it's probably best to reconcile differences before the decree absolute comes through because all of these stages cost money.
@SteamLouis-- The six week waiting period is for the couple to make all the necessary arrangements in regards to their finances or any other issues that may come up. It's important for them to reach an agreement on these matters before the divorce is declared.
The six week period is the minimum. The couple have up to 12 months to apply for decree absolute but it should be done within that time. It's the person who filed for divorce who can file six weeks after decree nisi. If the other partner wants to file than he or she will have to wait 3 months. So it is expected that the person who filed for divorce will also file for decree absolute.
Why is there a six week waiting period between decree nisi and decree absolute? Is it in case the couple change their mind?
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