Applying for a decree nisi

20 October 2025 | Getting a Divorce |

If you applied for the divorce, then once your spouse has responded to the petition you can apply for a Decree Nisi – this states that the divorce will become final on a set date, unless your spouse successfully defends the divorce.

If your spouse chooses to defend the divorce, you will normally need to go to court hearing where a judge will decide whether to grant you a Decree Nisi. If your spouse does not response to the divorce petition within 21 days, you can normally go ahead with applying for a decree nisi.