What is a judgment nisi?

• A. A permanent order
• B. A temporary order that will become final unless good cause to set aside
• C. A notice of default
• D. A final order after appeal

Answer: (D)

A judgment nisi is a provisional order that will become final unless good cause is shown to set it aside. This creates a window during which the affected party can challenge the decision or conditions, so the ruling isn’t final by itself. It’s not a permanent, final order in its own right, nor is it simply a notice of default. It also isn’t a final order after an appeal; appeals are a separate route to change a decision, whereas a nisi depends on a potential set‑aside and the passage of time. For example, in divorce proceedings, the decree nisi becomes decree absolute after a waiting period if no objections arise. The key idea is that the order is temporary and can become final only if no valid challenge or set-aside occurs.