A divorcing husband and wife sometimes reconcile and decide not to get divorced after all.  The divorce proceedings can be stopped at any time – even if there is a decree nisi it can be rescinded.  If there is a decree absolute the couple have to remarry, but usually the reconciliation happens earlier than that.

A solicitor is under a duty to encourage reconciliation.  When he files his client’s divorce petition at the court he has to file (if the client is privately paying) a statement telling the court whether or not he has discussed reconciliation with his client and whether or not he has given his client ‘the names and addresses of persons qualified to effect a reconciliation’.

[Masculine includes the feminine]