Divorce order is in 2 stages. The court will give a decree nisi first. A decree nisi is "temporary" order. To get a final divorce order, which we call "decree absolute", we shall apply to the court after 6 weeks of the decree nisi. We shall send to the court a completed "Notice of Application for Decree Nisi to be made Absolute", using Form 5 (for a petition) or Form 5A (for a joint application).

If there are children of the marriage, the court has to consider the arrangements for their welfare. Children means who are below 18 and if still receiving full-time education, the applicable age is 21. The court will make a decree absolute until the court is satisfied with the arrangements for the children.

The Registrar will issue a Certificate of Decree Absolute to each party if he is satisfied that the statutory requirements have been complied with.

Advice:

If you wish to complete the absolute process fast, you should endeavour to agree with your spouse on the children's arrangement.