What the court will do.

If the respondent does not intend to defend the divorce, the court will examine the petition and grant a decree nisi. No court hearing is needed.

The court may, however, want to discuss arrangements about any children of the relationship and possibly meet the children if they are old enough (nine years and over). An undefended divorce can take up to six months if there are no children or money issues involved. It can take longer if children are involved and the court is not satisfied with arrangements being made for them.

If the respondent does not intend to defend the divorce, a date will be fixed for a court hearing and the court will decide whether to grant a decree nisi after the hearing.

Six weeks after the court grants the decree nisi, the partner who applied for the divorce can apply to the court for a decree absolute. The decree absolute is the final stage and will confirm the divorce. It will be granted provided that the court has approved the arrangements for any children.

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