The Family Proceedings Rules 1991

Consent to grant of decree

2.10—(1) Where, before the hearing of a petition alleging two years, separation coupled with the respondent’s consent to a decree being granted, the respondent wishes to indicate to the court that he consents to the grant of a decree, he shall do so by filing a notice to that effect signed by the respondent personally.

• For the purposes of this paragraph an acknowledgement of service containing a statement that the respondent consents to the grant of a decree shall be treated as such a notice if the acknowledgement is signed—

  (a)

  in the case of a respondent acting in person, by the respondent, or

  (b)

  in the case of a respondent represented by a solicitor, by the respondent as well as by the solicitor.

(2) A respondent to a petition which alleges any such fact as is mentioned in paragraph (1) may give notice to the court either that he does not consent to a decree being granted or that he withdraws any consent which he has already given.

• Where any such notice is given and none of the other facts mentioned in section 1(2) of the Act of 1973 is alleged, the proceedings on the petition shall be stayed and the proper officer shall thereupon give notice of the stay to all parties.