The Family Proceedings Rules (Northern Ireland) 1996

Decree absolute on application

2.53.—(1) In the following cases an application for a decree nisi to be made absolute shall be made to the judge by summons, that is to say—

(a) where, within 6 weeks after a decree nisi has been pronounced, the Crown Solicitor gives to the proper officer or chief clerk, as the case may be, and to the party in whose favour the decree was pronounced a notice that he requires more time to decide whether to show cause against the decree being made absolute and the notice has not been withdrawn, or

(b) where there are other circumstances which in the opinion of the Master ought to be brought to the attention of the court before the decree nisi is made absolute.

Unless the court otherwise directs, the summons shall be served on every party to the cause (other than the applicant) and, in a case to which sub-paragraph (a) applies, on the Crown Solicitor.

(2) An application by a spouse for a decree nisi pronounced against him to be made absolute may be made to the judge or the Master by summons to be served on the other spouse not less than 7 clear days before the day on which the application is to be heard.

(3) An order granting an application under this rule shall not take effect until the proper officer or chief clerk, as the case may be, has searched the court records and is satisfied as to the matters mentioned in rule 2.52(2).