The Decree Nisi and Final Order are two important legal stages in the divorce process — but many people don’t realise what they mean or how they’ve changed under UK law.
If you’re applying for divorce in England or Wales, you may come across older legal terms like Decree Nisi and Decree Absolute. These have recently been replaced under the new no-fault divorce law, but they still follow the same sequence. Understanding the difference between these stages is important to know when your marriage is legally over — and when it’s still in progress.
The Decree Nisi is now called the Conditional Order
Under the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 (in force since April 2022), the Decree Nisi is now officially referred to as the Conditional Order. This is the stage where the court acknowledges that the legal requirements for divorce have been met.
The Conditional Order confirms that the court sees no reason why you shouldn’t be allowed to divorce. However, it doesn’t legally end your marriage yet — it’s more of a green light to proceed.
At this point, you’re still legally married. You’re simply being told that the court is satisfied with your application and you can apply for the final stage once the waiting period has passed.
The Final Order is the legal end of your marriage
Previously known as the Decree Absolute, the Final Order is the document that officially ends the marriage. Once granted, your divorce is complete, and you are no longer legally married.
You must apply for the Final Order yourself — it is not issued automatically. The earliest you can apply is 6 weeks and 1 day after the Conditional Order has been granted.
Once the Final Order is issued:
- Your marriage is legally over
- You are free to remarry
- You are no longer financially linked in terms of spousal status (though financial claims may still exist unless a court order is in place)
It’s essential to understand that until the Final Order is granted, you are still legally married — even if the Conditional Order has been approved.
Why these stages matter in practice
The time between the Conditional Order and Final Order is important. During this period, many couples arrange their financial settlement — including Consent Orders or Clean Break Orders.
This stage gives you time to:
- Finalise how money, property, and pensions will be divided
- Submit a financial order to be approved by the court
- Protect your legal rights before the marriage is formally dissolved
Once the Final Order is granted, some financial protections change — especially around pensions and inheritance. That’s why it’s strongly recommended to sort out any financial agreement before applying for the Final Order.
What happens if I forget to apply for the Final Order?
It’s not automatic — and some people don’t realise they need to request it. If you don’t apply, your marriage remains legally intact, even if everything else has been completed.
The application can be made later — but if too much time has passed, you may need to explain why there was a delay or go through extra steps to have the Final Order granted.
If you’re unsure whether to apply right away, it’s worth getting advice — especially if finances haven’t been legally resolved.
Do both spouses get copies?
Yes. Once the Final Order is granted, both parties receive official confirmation from the court. You should keep this document safe — it’s your legal proof of divorce and may be required if you remarry or need to update financial records.
If you lose your copy in the future, you can request a replacement from the court for a small fee.
Can I apply for both orders through an online divorce service?
Yes — at Easy Separation UK, we manage the entire process from start to finish. We’ll submit the Conditional Order (formerly Decree Nisi) application, notify you when it’s granted, and help you apply for the Final Order at the right time.
Everything is handled online, with clear guidance and fixed fees. You won’t need to attend court, and we’ll keep your case moving forward without delays.
How Easy Separation UK can help
Whether you’re just starting your divorce or are waiting for the Final Order, we’ll make sure every stage is handled professionally and clearly. We help you:
- Apply for your Conditional Order
- Submit your Final Order at the right time
- Finalise financial matters before your marriage is legally ended
- Understand exactly where you are in the process
We’re here to take care of the legal work — so you can focus on moving forward.
