If
you are embarking on a Divorce for the first time you may come across
what appears to be a strange new language! Here is a quick guide to
understanding the main terms. To make it easier I have assumed that
you are the Petitioner
(see
first explanation):-
- Petitioner – this is the person who starts the divorce by filing the Divorce
Petition.
- Respondent – this is the person who is served with
the Divorce
Petition.
- Divorce
Petition – this is the document the Petitioner completes
with details of the marriage and which starts the divorce once it is filed at Court.
- Filing – this means posting or otherwise handing documents into Court.
- Serving – this means posting or otherwise passing documents to your spouse
or to their Solicitors.
- Acknowledgement
of Service Form
– this form is served upon
the Respondent by the Court together with the Divorce
Petition.
- Statement
in Support (of the Petition) – this document is completed by the Petitioner and filed at
Court with the Decree
Nisi application.
- Decree
Nisi – this is the first decision of the Court and means that the Judge
has looked at the papers and agreed that you are entitled to a
divorce.
- Decree
Absolute – this is the final decision of the Court and means that your
marriage is ended.
