Decree absolute is a legal term used in British law to represent the final decree that ends a divorce. The word decree holds a stress on the first syllable, which is represented by the phonetic symbol /dɪˈkriː/. Absolute, on the other hand, has primary stress on the second syllable, /ˈæb.sə.luːt/. The correct pronunciation of decree absolute, therefore, is /dɪˈkriː ˈæb.sə.luːt/. It is essential for legal professionals to understand the correct spelling and phonetic transcription of the term, to avoid misinterpretation during court proceedings.
Decree absolute is a legal term primarily used in the field of family law, specifically in divorce cases. It refers to the final and conclusive order issued by a court, formally ending a marriage and dissolving the marital bond. This legal document is typically granted after a prior stage known as decree nisi.
The decree absolute is critical as it marks the official end of the marriage, allowing both parties to move on with their lives, remarry if desired, and terminate any financial obligations associated with the union. Once the decree absolute is granted, the divorce is considered final, and the parties are legally freed from the responsibilities and legal ties of their previous marriage.
To obtain a decree absolute, certain legal requirements must be met, including a specified time period since the decree nisi. The exact timeframe varies depending on the jurisdiction, ranging from several weeks to a few months. Moreover, financial settlements and child custody arrangements may also need to be finalized before the decree absolute is granted.
This legal term holds significant importance in family law, representing the culmination of the divorce process. It signals the official termination of a marriage and allows both individuals to legally separate and start anew.
The word "decree" comes from the Latin word "decretum", which means a decision or order. "Absolute" is derived from the Latin word "absolutus", which means complete or unrestricted.