It is the legal dissolving of a marriage. Divorce proceedings only result in the obtaining of a divorce. They do not resolve property or parenting issues.
The only real link between divorce and parenting proceedings is that divorce may be delayed if the Registrar is not satisfied that proper arrangements have been made for the care welfare and development of the children of the marriage.
The divorce is usually the last step taken between separated parties, after a year of separation, and after child welfare and financial matters have been resolved. At that stage, there is no need to obtain further advice about obtaining the divorce itself.
You should be aware that you do not have to apply for a divorce to seek a settlement of property, maintenance, child support, restraining orders, or orders regarding the welfare of the children.
Once a divorce has been granted, a "decree nisi" is pronounced. This will become absolute a month later. You cannot remarry during that time. The formal decree absolute will be posted to the address you nominated in your divorce application.
