Sole Applications

When there are children under eighteen then the Applicant must attend the divorce hearing, but if there are no children and all other requirements of service have been met then you do not need to attend.  The Respondent does not need to attend but can attend if they wish unless they have filed a response stating that they do not wish to be divorced.  In this case they need to attend in person.

Joint Applications

If you and your former spouse have jointly applied for divorce, then neither of you are required to attend even if there are children under eighteen.

I have attended the divorce hearing – am I divorced now?

If you have attended Court for the divorce hearing and the Registrar has granted your divorce it does not become final until one calendar month and one day after your hearing.  After this date you be issued with a decree nisi stating that your divorce is final.