Maybe the end of your marriage is a result of meeting someone new or amid divorce proceedings you have found love again and you have your heart set on marrying them. If you’re thinking about remarrying after divorce, you might be wondering how long after divorce can you remarry? Here’s the answer.
As soon as you have received your Decree Absolute confirming your divorce you’re free to remarry immediately. There is no ‘cooling off’ period for remarrying after divorce. However, it’s important to make sure that your previous marriage is legally over. If you remarry before your previous marriage is legally ended, you could be committing a criminal offence.
A Decree Nisi does not legally end your marriage
Contrary to what news reports say, a Decree Nisi does not legally end your marriage.
It’s a common misconception among divorcing couples that when a Decree Nisi is issued, this legally ends a marriage. This is not the case! You must wait a further six weeks and one day from the date that your Decree Nisi was granted before you can apply for a Decree Absolute.
Remarrying after divorce can only happen if your Decree Absolute has been granted, confirming that your marriage is legally over. This then frees you to remarry without any legal ramifications.
Remarrying after divorce: Things to be aware of
Be prepared that your former partner may drag their feet over a divorce.
People are increasingly trying to manage their own divorce. Unfortunately, many get caught out by the ‘remarriage trap’. This means that if you get divorced, but fail to resolve your finances through a ‘Consent Order’ then you will be prohibited from applying for a property adjustment, lump sum or spousal maintenance against your former spouse.
However, you may still be able to make a claim against your former partner’s pension. That said, it’s recommended that you seek the advice of a specialist family lawyer to help you navigate your divorce and answer any questions you have about remarrying.
If you decide to remarry after divorce, without settling your finances, the consequences could be disastrous because the law will prevent you from applying to the Court for a financial provision order – even though, as part of your divorce, you would have had the right to make a claim.
You should also be prepared that your former partner may drag their feet over a divorce, especially if you have met someone else and plan to remarry. They may delay proceedings out of spite or jealously.
The point is, don’t get sucked into planning your next wedding – like some people do – before your divorce is finalised.
Get your finances and assets sorted
Get your finances and assets resolved before you remarry.
Before you remarry after a divorce, get your finances and assets sorted properly. Make sure they are resolved before you remarry as any delay could prove costly.
While there is no time limit on when you can remarry after divorce, time is of the essence to get you finances and assets settled if you want to get remarried quickly. Doing divorce alone can leave you in a legal and financial mess, which is why a specialist family lawyer offers you the advice and guidance you need to ease the burden and stress.
