Decree Nisi
The decree nisi is a provisional step that means a court is satisfied that the petitioner’s paperwork is in order and that they are entitled to a divorce. It does not end the marriage but rather is a statement to the effect that, if there is no reason to the contrary, the petitioner is entitled to apply for a decree absolute to terminate the marriage. The parties are still able to change their minds about getting divorced. That is why it is called nisi: the Latin term for “unless”.
There is a six week and one day minimum mandatory period between grant of decree nisi and decree absolute, so if a husband and wife do have a change of heart, they will remain married.
The decree nisi is pronounced in court, but it is not necessary for anyone to attend on the occasion. In the case of a civil partnership, the decree nisi is replaced by a conditional order.
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