[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decree_nisi]
A decree nisi (non-absolute ruling) is a court order that does not have any force until such time that a particular condition is met.
Once the condition is met the ruling becomes decree absolute and is binding. Typically, the condition is that no new evidence or further petitions with a bearing on the case are introduced to the court. "Nisi" is Latin for "unless", the wording of the decree being something like "that the marriage had and solemnized on (date) between AB and CD be dissolved by reason that (grounds) UNLESS sufficient cause be shown be shown to the court why this decree should not be made absolute within 6 months of the making hereof".
This allows time for any party who objects to the divorce to come forward with those objections. It is also at times termed as rule nisi. In most common law jurisdictions, a decree nisi must be obtained in possession proceedings before the court will order foreclosure under a mortgage enforcement.
