Do you need decree absolute to remarry?

larmy16

Hope this question makes sense. I was married many years ago and have no idea when I got divorced and no longer have any papers to prove I got divorced.

If I remarry, which is on the cards in the not too distant future, do I need divorce papers to prove that I am not already married?

Does anyone on here know? Thanks.

Sultana

Yes, you need to produce your decree absolute when you give notice of intention to marry.

larmy16

Sultana wrote: »

Yes, you need to produce your decree absolute when you give notice of intention to marry.

Do you have any idea how I would go about getting a copy? I still have a marriage certificate.

Oh I should just google it to find out. Thanks for replying.

Viper_7

You need to apply to the court that issued it.
they usually charge, it's about £40.

looby75

Yes.

my friend had to get copies of her absolute before she could set the date for her second wedding.

Sultana

You can get a copy from the court which granted the divorce. It does have to be an official copy - a photocopy won't do.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Hl1/Help/YourQuestions/DG_10013295

larmy16

I had a look at a website and it cost £100 for a search. Thing is I don't know which court as my husband took care of all that. He was living in Leicestershire. I have no recollection of what happened to these papers - I was so young I probably chucked them out!:o

Viper_7

Do you know the solicitor? They will still have it on file - it been the details not the actual certificate.

notsayingaword

My DH had to get a copy of his decree absolute before we could get married as he had to produce it at the registry office. He couldn't remember when he got divorced as his ex arranged it all. He phoned the court and just had to send a letter with names and an approximate date with a cheque - I think it was £40. He got the certificate back quite quickly.

larmy16

Viper_7 wrote: »

Do you know the solicitor? They will still have it on file - it been the details not the actual certificate.

No I have no idea atall. This was 34 years ago. I bet I just thought well that's that, I'm never doing that again and binned it. I remember him coming to see me to sign some papers, then I got the nisi and then the absolute. After that I have no clue.

Maybe I wont be able to remarry. - Well the company online did not need too many details, just names and approximate dates - I just didn't fancy forking out £100 tonight.

Will give the government office a ring during the week. Thanks for the linky.

zzzLazyDaisy

If you know whereabouts your ex lived, google for the local county court and give them a ring. He will almost certainly have filed for divorce in the nearest county court to where he was living at the time.

If you're not sure, try ringing round, say, a ten mile radius, before you fork out £100 :eek:

Edit: Just found out that you can only get a replacement direct from the county court if you were divorced within the last 5 years, but you can contact the central office in London and they will do it for you (see post below for details)