Decree Absolute
The decree absolute is the last stage of any divorce and the document that legally ends a marriage. When the decree absolute has been issued, the parties are free to marry again.
It is a straightforward process to obtain a decree absolute. A single sheet D36 application is signed and handed in to the court office, together with a fixed fee (at the time of writing, November 2011, this is £45). The court office seals and issues a certificate of decree absolute.
When can you apply for a decree absolute? Answer: it depends. If you were the one who issued divorce proceedings, you may apply to the court for a decree absolute six weeks and a day after the decree nisi was issued.
If your spouse issued the divorce proceedings, you must wait an additional three months, meaning that the earliest you can apply is three months, six weeks and a day after the decree nisi was issued.
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