Divorce Papers

sputnik15

I need advise for my friend who, after 20 years, would like to get married, although they have not been able to, as the groom cannot remember the year or location of the decree nisi and therefore is not sure how to get hold of the divorce papers.

Can anyone advise, so my friend can get married. Many thanks x

Horace

Does the friend have a decree absolute which is the actual paper that you have when your marriage has ended, the decree nisi is the paper that you receive to acknowledge the process and that you are agreeing to the divorce.

Your friend needs to visit the family court where the divorce took place as they are likely to have copies of the necessary paperwork.

sputnik15

Sorry, I got the term wrong ... He has been divorce for 22+ years but is not sure of the area he was living back then, or the exact year, so does not know were to start. Any advise, from a person that really wants to buy a new outfit and shoes :T

opinions4u

Did a solicitor act for him?

Can he remember the firm?

Does it still exist?

fluffnutter

My OH doesn't have any 'paperwork'. It made no difference. He simply told the vicar he was divorced and that was that. Not sure what the case is for civil ceremonies but AFAIK a church will simply take you at your word. They're not the one committing a crime (or sin) if they marry you and you're already married - you are. So it's your conscience alone that matters. They don't need 'proof'.

candlelight_2013

You will most certainly need to show the Absolute when you give notice of marriage at a Register Office for a civil ceremony at a Register Office or approved venue, and also any church or temple other than C of E.

Surely the man must have some idea where he was living at the time of the divorce, even if it is only the County.

Candlelight

stir_crazy

We had to have a copy of DH's decree absolute when we gave notice (civil ceremony). According to the gov website, here, if you dont know which court to ask, you can ask the Principle Registry of the Family Division, at a cost of £65. The address is on the link.

browneyedbazzi

I'd be a bit dubious about someone saying they 'can't remember' what area they lived in or the year they were divorced as it's such a big important life event. Is your friend sure her partner wants to get married? I'd seriously wonder if 'Sorry we can't get married because I can't find my divorce papers' is simply easier for him to say than 'sorry but I don't want to marry you.'

But I'm a cynic!

tea_lover

How can he not know where he was living?? I can't remember the exact year I got divorced, but I'm sure if I was getting married again I could narrow it down somehow.

Is he definitely divorced? Seems a lot of excuses tbh.

sputnik15

Big thank you to you all, especially Stir Crazy, the wheels are now in motion. Thank you Forum xxx

fluffnutter

candlelight_2013 wrote: »

You will most certainly need to show the Absolute when you give notice of marriage at a Register Office for a civil ceremony at a Register Office or approved venue, and also any church or temple other than C of E.

Surely the man must have some idea where he was living at the time of the divorce, even if it is only the County.

Candlelight

Why? If you have to prove you're divorced, then by that token single people should have to prove they're single.

A vicar or registrar simply needs to know that you're legally entitled to marry. In most circumstances there's no 'proof' so I don't believe it's a requirement full stop.