Section 12B — Matrimonial Causes Act 1973: The period before nullity of marriage orders may be made final

The period before nullity of marriage orders may be made final 12B 1 An order that annuls a marriage which is void or voidable (a “nullity of marriage order”)—

a is, in the first instance, a conditional order, and b may not be made final before the end of the period of 6 weeks from the making of the conditional order.

2 The Lord Chancellor may by order made by statutory instrument amend this section so as to shorten or lengthen the period for the purposes of subsection (1)(b).

3 But the Lord Chancellor may not under subsection (2) lengthen the period so that it exceeds 6 months.

4 In a particular case the court dealing with the case may by order shorten the period that would otherwise be applicable for the purposes of subsection (1)(b).

5 A statutory instrument containing an order under subsection (2) is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.