decree legal definition

A court judgment, especially in a court of equity, bankruptcy, admiralty, divorce, or probate.

A written settlement by the parties to a litigation, in the form of a decree signed by the judge.

A final decree entered by the court, after the waiting period set in a decree nisi has expired, without the adverse party persuading the court to set it aside.

A proposed final decree by a court, which will not become final until the expiration of a time period, during which the adversely affected party is given the opportunity to show the court why it should be set aside.