Applications by the Respondent for a Decree Absolute are not automatically granted and will always be considered by a judge, first. This means that a Respondent needs to give reasons to the judge why the application needs to be granted.

Who gets the original divorce decree?

Only a court can issue a divorce decree. You receive it at the end of your case. If your case went to trial, your divorce decree will indicate the terms of the judge's decision and will act as a judgment that both parties must obey.

Does the Respondent get a copy of the Decree Nisi?

Decree Absolute is the document that dissolves your marriage. If you asked that the Respondent pays for the costs of your divorce and the Court agreed, you will also be sent an order supplementary to Decree Nisi. This order will state how much the Respondent should pay. A copy will also be sent to the Respondent.