Are you recently divorced? What do you do with the decree absolute?
Keep it safe! You may need it in the future. It is evidence which proves that a marriage has officially ended and will be required should you wish to remarry.
If you lose the decree absolute, a certified copy can usually be obtained from the court for a small fee. However, in a recent case a Mr Powell lost his certificate. When he applied to the court, they could not locate a copy of the decree, nor could they supply the date the order was made. In fact, the court could not find any evidence at all to support the existence of the certificate, and subsequently nothing to confirm the divorce had been completed. The ex-wife was able find a copy but not the original certificate, however as the document she had was not the original, the court was required to make a declaration that this was a true copy and that the marriage was in fact dissolved. Luckily this case is an example of very exceptional circumstances, and not every ex-spouse will be as helpful! However, it highlights the importance of taking care of your decree absolute.
If you have lost your decree absolute, a copy can be requested by visiting the gov.uk website. There is an application fee of £10 and you will be asked to provide both your case number and the court in which the decree was given. Fees may be payable if you do not know your case number or which court to ask. The decree absolute does not automatically end financial claims arising from the divorce, they can remain open indefinitely. Our experienced family lawyer Laura Srodon can help you with financial matters.
Many people wonder who can notarise documents in England and Wales for use abroad so they're valid and properly authenticated. In this article, we explain in-depth what a Notary Public does and why you might need them. The legal world is full of confusing terminology, and many people are unsure who they need to speak to […]
Understanding the distinctions between different legal professions can be challenging, and you may be unsure who you need to speak to. As leading notaries in Gloucestershire, people often ask us what a Notary does, and why you would need to see a Notary instead of a solicitor. While both are legal professionals, their responsibilities, areas […]
Planning to Buy a Second Home? Here’s What You Need to Know About the 2025 Stamp Duty Changes Purchasing a second home or investment property often comes with additional financial considerations, including higher stamp duty rates. From 1st April 2025, the government will introduce new stamp duty thresholds for second homes, making it more expensive […]
