The flowchart summarises the divorce process for undefended divorces.
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Stage
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Party Responsible
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Timing
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1
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File Petition and, if relevant, Statement of Arrangements for children at Court.
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Petitioner
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2
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Serve Petition on the Respondent, together with form of Acknowledgment of Service and Statement of Arrangements for children, if relevant.
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Court
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3
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Return of Acknowledgment of Service
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Respondent
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Seven days after the Respondent received the divorce papers
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4
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Swear Affidavit in support of Petition exhibiting Respondent’s Acknowledgment of Service and file at court with Application For Directions in the Special Procedure List.
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Petitioner
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On receipt of the Respondent’s Acknowledgment of Service
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5
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Directions: enter cause in Special Procedure List
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Court
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Normally within 4 weeks from receipt by the court
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6
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Decree Nisi is pronounced by the judge in open court and costs order made if relevant.
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Court
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Normally 2/3 weeks later
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7
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Apply for Decree Absolute
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Petitioner
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From six weeks and one day from the Decree Nisi
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8
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Apply for Decree Absolute
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Respondent
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Three months and six months after the Decree Nisi if the Petitioner has not applied
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9
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Pronouncement of Decree Absolute
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Court
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