New Divorce Terminology from 6th April

The new divorce procedure comes into force on the 6^th April 2022. We have been using the same terminology for 50 years and this is how it will change.

Current Term	Updated Term	Meaning
Petition	Application	Physical document or digital form lodged with court to apply for a divorce, end a Civil partnership or get a legal separation.
Petitioner	Applicant	The Applicant is the party who starts the divorce proceedings. The other party will continue to be known as the Respondent.
Decree Nisi	Conditional Order	This document confirms that the court agrees that the parties can divorce. This can be applied for after 20 weeks.
Decree Absolute	Final Order	This document ends the marriage. Once received, the parties will be able to re-marry.
Defended	Disputed	The Respondent could defend the divorce if they disputed the fact used. It can no longer be defended and only disputed in very limited circumstances.
Decree of Nullity	Nullity of marriage order	This document declares that no valid marriage exists.
Separation order	Separation decree	This document confirms that the parties are legally separated.

For more information please contact our Family Team on 01302 341414.