INFO YOU CAN USE: You’re not quite divorced yet!

THE first decree issued in divorce proceedings is a decree nisi. The divorce is not made final, or absolute, until a decree absolute is granted.

A decree is not made absolute until after the expiration of six weeks from the date of the decree nisi, unless the court by general or special order from time to time fixes a shorter time.

An application for a decree nisi to be made absolute can be made by either party to the marriage.

But, where a decree nisi has been made in proceedings for a decree of dissolution of marriage, the court may, on the application of a party to the marriage at any time before the decree becomes absolute, rescind the decree if the court is satisfied that the parties have become reconciled.

Also, where a decree nisi has been made, but has not become absolute, the court may, on the application of a party to the proceedings, or on the intervention of the attorney general, if it is satisfied that there has been a miscarriage of justice by reason of fraud, perjury, suppression of evidence or of any other circumstances, rescind the decree and, if it thinks fit, order the rehearing of the proceedings.