Starting over after a divorce can be both a relief and a challenge, and for many Australians, the question of when to remarry naturally follows.
Legally, you should not make plans to remarry until your divorce order is finalised–which, in most cases, is one month and one day after the divorce hearing.
This figure reflects more than just legal timelines–it often includes the emotional recovery, financial adjustments, and family considerations that follow the end of a marriage.
While the law allows remarriage soon after a divorce is finalised, most people take time to rebuild their lives before committing to a new relationship.
This article explains how soon you can remarry under Australian law, what legal steps are involved, and whether it’s possible to plan a wedding before your divorce is complete.
How Long Do You Have to Wait to Remarry After a Divorce in Australia?
Legally, you must wait until your divorce is final before you can get married again in Australia. This process has a few steps:
You must be separated for at least 12 months before you can even apply for a divorce.
After applying, there is usually a waiting period of about 1 to 3 months before the divorce is final, depending on the court’s schedule.
Once the court approves the divorce, it becomes official one month and one day later.
So, from start to finish, the shortest possible time between separation and being legally allowed to remarry is 13 months and 1 day.
But remember, that’s just the legal part. Most people don’t remarry right away. The average time to remarry after divorce — emotionally and practically — tends to be about 3 to 5 years.
This allows time to adjust, heal, make sure any children are settled, and build a healthy new relationship.
What Is the Legal Process for Remarrying After a Divorce?
Once your divorce is final, the legal steps to remarry are fairly simple. Here’s what you need to do:
- Get your divorce order: You’ll receive an official divorce order from the court. You’ll need this to prove that you’re legally free to marry again.
- Plan your marriage with a celebrant: Australian law says you must give a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) at least one month before your wedding day. This means that even after your divorce is final, you can’t legally marry again until at least one more month has passed.
- Provide ID and documents: You’ll need to show identification, your birth certificate or passport, and the final divorce order to your celebrant or the person officiating your marriage.
- Sign legal forms: You’ll sign documents before and after the ceremony to make your new marriage legal.
So, even if your divorce is final today, the earliest you can remarry is one month from now, provided you’ve already lodged your NOIM.
Important Tip: If you try to get married before your divorce is final, the new marriage won’t be legal. It’s very important to wait for the divorce order to become official.
Can You Plan a Wedding Before Your Divorce Is Finalised?
Yes, you can start planning your wedding before your divorce is final — but you must be very careful with the dates.
Let’s say your divorce will become final on the 10th of June. The earliest day you can remarry is the 11th of July, after giving one month’s notice with the NOIM. So, you can book a venue, dress, photographer — all those things — ahead of time, but the legal paperwork can’t be submitted until you’re officially divorced.
Here are some key points to remember:
- Don’t sign the NOIM before the divorce is final. Your celebrant legally cannot accept it until you can prove you’re divorced.
- Be flexible with your wedding date. If your divorce is delayed in court or paperwork takes longer, you might need to move the wedding day.
- Talk to your celebrant and lawyer. They can help you make sure everything is done properly and legally.
So yes, it’s fine to plan your big day, but make sure the legal timeline is followed. Otherwise, your marriage might not be valid, and that can lead to more stress and legal trouble.
Also Read: Legal and Financial Steps for Life After Divorce
Love After Divorce: Taking the Next Step with Care
While the legal part of remarrying in Australia is pretty straightforward, the average time to remarry after divorce is about more than just paperwork.
Most people take time to heal, rebuild their life, and create a strong, healthy new relationship before saying “I do” again.
There’s no perfect time. Some remarry within two years. Others take ten. The most important thing is making sure you feel ready — emotionally, financially, and legally.
It’s also helpful to think about your children (if you have any), your living situation, and what you want from your future.
Getting divorced is a major life change. Remarrying is a big step too. It should feel like a new beginning, not just a fix for old pain.
Ready to Take the Next Step with Confidence?
Are you considering remarrying after a divorce and unsure about the legal steps? Ipswich Family Lawyers are here to help.
With years of experience in Australian family law, we provide clear, professional advice so you can make confident decisions for your future.
Whether you need help finalising a divorce or understanding your rights before remarrying, our expert team is here for you.
Book a confidential consultation with Ipswich Family Lawyers today and get the clarity you deserve.
