What is a decree nisi?

A Decree Nisi is the central document created within a divorce case that sets out the particulars of a divorce and is issued once the court is satisfied that the grounds for the divorce have been proved. It includes details of who is entitled to what, custody matters and why the divorce is necessary. The document finalising the divorce, the Decree Absolute, is issued 6 weeks later unless someone comes forward to challenge the grounds for divorce with new evidence for the court. 

A Decree Nisi is not acceptable as proof of divorce for the purposes of re-marriage as technically there could be a reversal. In practice however, it should signify that the divorce will be granted 6 weeks later.