Definition

Noun: A provisional court order for divorce that will become final (a decree absolute) after a specified period, unless a valid reason to overturn it is presented within that time. It is an intermediate stage in the divorce process.

Usage

A decree nisi is a legal term used specifically in the context of divorce proceedings. It is not the final dissolution of the marriage but a declaration that the court sees no reason why the divorce should not be made final after a waiting period.

Examples

• The judge granted the decree nisi, and the divorce will be finalized in six weeks unless an objection is filed.
• After obtaining a decree nisi, the couple must wait for the decree absolute to legally end their marriage.
• Her petition was successful, and the court issued a decree nisi.

Advanced Usage

• To pronounce/ grant a decree nisi: The formal act of a judge or court issuing the provisional order.
  • The court pronounced a decree nisi in favor of the petitioner.
• The concept hinges on the Latin word "," meaning "unless," indicating the order is final a cause is shown.

Variants and Related Words

• Decree absolute (n): The final and conclusive court order that legally ends a marriage.
• Divorce decree (n): A general term for a court order granting a divorce, which can refer to either the or the depending on context.

Synonyms

• Provisional divorce decree
• Conditional order of divorce

Notes

This is a specialized legal term. In many modern jurisdictions, the two-stage process (decree nisi followed by decree absolute) has been simplified or replaced by a single final decree.

Noun

1. a decree issued on a first petition for divorce; becomes absolute at some later date