Divorce documentation can play a key role in a variety of legal and administrative contexts. In the UK, a Decree Absolute is the most important document evidencing your divorce. However, in certain circumstances, you may be asked to provide a notarised copy of a Decree Nisi. For example, you may need to provide evidence that you are in divorce proceedings but a decree absolute has not yet been issued.

It’s important to check the regulations of the foreign country where the document will be used as some will require an apostille. 

Notarising a Decree Nisi involves the notary verifying that the document is authentic. An apostille will verify either the notary’s signature and seal or the seal of the court.

Jump to…

  1. What is a Decree Nisi?
  2. Notarising and Legalising a Decree Nisi for Use Abroad
  3. Check your document
  4. Why Choose Us for Document Notarisation
  5. Do You Need an Apostille for a Decree Nisi?
  6. Process to Apostille a Decree Nisi
  7. Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Decree Nisi?

A Decree Nisi is an important order granted during divorce proceedings. In essence, it is a preliminary court order indicating that the court does not see any reason why a couple cannot be granted a divorce.

It will typically contain:

  • The court’s seal
  • Names of the petitioner and respondent
  • Date of court order
  • Statement that the marriage will be dissolved in six weeks if neither party has raised an objection
  • Any important notes regarding finances and children

Decree Nisi literally means ‘rule unless’. This preliminary court order allows a waiting period in case either party has a change of mind. After six weeks and a day, you can apply for a Decree Absolute.

Decree Nisi vs. Decree Absolute

A Decree Nisi is the court’s provisional approval of the divorce, signalling no legal barrier to the divorce proceeding, but the marriage is not yet dissolved.

A Decree Absolute is the final court order that officially terminates the marriage, granting legal divorce status.

Notarising and Legalising a Decree Nisi for Use Abroad

As the Decree Nisi is a court order, it will usually have a seal from the court where the order was made and you should not need notarisation. 

If there is a specific requirement for legal recognition of the Decree Nisi in a foreign jurisdiction, you should consult a notary public. A certificate of notarisation certifies the document’s authenticity and provides peace of mind for all involved.

If your Decree Nisi does not have a stamp or seal from the issuing court and you require an apostille, it will need to be notarised beforehand.

Why Might You Need to Notarise a Decree Nisi?

You might need to notarise a Decree Nisi for several reasons, particularly when the document is required for legal or official purposes, especially in situations involving international authorities. Common reasons include:

  1. Overseas legal proceedings: If you’re involved in legal matters outside the UK, such as divorce proceedings in a different jurisdiction, foreign courts or authorities may request a notarised Decree Nisi to verify the status of your divorce process.
  2. Immigration and visa applications: Some countries may require a notarised Decree Nisi as part of the documentation for visa or immigration applications, particularly when proving that a divorce is underway but not yet finalized.
  3. Property or financial transactions: If you want to buy a house overseas and need to show your finances, a notarised Decree Nisi may be required to show that you are in the process of divorce.
  4. Marriage applications abroad: In some cases, if you’re planning to remarry in a foreign country, the local authorities may ask for a notarised Decree Nisi to confirm that your previous marriage is in the process of dissolution before issuing a marriage licence.

Check your document

We notarise many types of documents and can provide different types of certification to meet your needs.

The most popular documents we see are powers of attorney, passports, educational certificates and Companies House documentation. However, there are many other types we see regularly and are familiar with.

If your document is not listed and you are unsure if we can help, email us at info@notary.co.uk and we will be happy to confirm.

Why Choose Us for Document Notarisation

  • Expert Guidance: Get clear, tailored explanations and solutions for all your apostille needs.
  • Quick Turnaround: Benefit from fast processing, with options for urgent requests.
  • Comprehensive Services: We handle notarisation, apostilles, and consular legalisation, covering all your document legalisation needs.
  • Convenience: Our services are available across the UK, including consulate visits on your behalf, with some services offered electronically.
  • Dependability: Rely on consistent, high-quality results and exceptional customer service every time.
  • Trusted by Many: Join hundreds of satisfied clients who count on our proven reliability and reputation.

Do You Need an Apostille for a Decree Nisi?

This depends on the regulations of the foreign country where it will be used. If the organisation requesting your Decree Nisi has asked for it to be apostilled, we can apply for an apostille from the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office).

Process to Apostille a Decree Nisi

The process of obtaining an apostille for your Decree Nisi is relatively straightforward and includes the following steps:

  1. Get in touch: To get started, simply give us a call or email explaining what you need. We’ll get straight back to you with a quote and any questions.
  2. Submission of the Decree Nisi: Present us with your Decree Nisi, either by visiting our London Victoria office or arranging secure delivery. If the Decree Nisi was only issued electronically, we will need to verify from where it was downloaded or emailed.
  3. Notarisation (If required): We will verify the Decree Nisi. This may involve confirming the authenticity of the court order. Once verified, we will attach a certificate with our seal and signature to the document.
  4. Apostille: We will obtain an apostille from the FCDO in Milton Keynes. 
  5. Document Dispatch: We will return the Decree Nisi to you so you can send it to the intended recipient.

If you think you may need notarisation and/or an apostille for your Decree Nisi, contact us today. At Notary.co.uk, we offer transparent pricing and a fast, professional service.

FAQS

  • How much does notarising a Decree Nisi cost?

    The minimum charge for handling a single document is normally: £80 plus VAT (£96) for personal documents.

  • How long does notarising a Decree Nisi take?

    We notarise documents on the same day as your appointment, in fact, we do it right then and there. As for apostilles, our quickest service offers a next-day turnaround time.

  • How to get a copy of your Decree Nisi

    To get a copy of your Decree Nisi in the UK, you must contact the family court where your divorce was processed. If you’re unsure which court handled your divorce, you can contact the Central Family Court or check the divorce paperwork you received.

    You’ll need to provide key details like:

    • Your case number (if known)
    • Full names of both you and your ex-spouse
    • The date of the Decree Nisi
    • Any other relevant information to help locate your file.

    There may be a fee to obtain a copy of the Decree Nisi. Once your request is processed, the court will either send the copy by post or allow you to collect it.

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