Document types
Divorce decreeApostille basics
Also called: divorce certificate, divorce judgment, decree absolute.
The document
What it is
The decision of a court, or in some countries a registry certificate, confirming that a marriage has been dissolved.
Usually issued by: The court that granted the divorce, or the civil registry that recorded it.
The rule
Can it get an apostille?
Yes. It comes from an authority, so it is a public document under Article 1 of the Apostille Convention. The apostille is issued in the country that issued the divorce decree.
Article 1 of the Apostille Convention (Hague Conference on Private International Law) lists the public documents it covers: court documents, administrative documents, notarial acts and certificates that an authority places on private documents.
Step by step
How to get an apostille for a divorce decree
- Get the original, or a certified extract, from the office that issued it.
- Apply for the apostille in the same country, at the office that country has designated for this kind of document.
- Check with the office that will receive it whether it also needs a translation.
The office, fee and steps differ by country. Open the guide for the country that issued the document, or check two countries to see whether an apostille works where you need it.
Note: Good to know
- Some offices first need the court registrar to certify the decree before the apostille.
Questions
Questions about a divorce decree
What is a divorce decree?
The decision of a court, or in some countries a registry certificate, confirming that a marriage has been dissolved.
Can a divorce decree get an apostille?
Yes. It comes from an authority, so it is a public document under Article 1 of the Apostille Convention. The apostille is issued in the country that issued the divorce decree.
How do I get an apostille for a divorce decree?
Get the original, or a certified extract, from the office that issued it. Apply for the apostille in the same country, at the office that country has designated for this kind of document. Check with the office that will receive it whether it also needs a translation.
What does the apostille confirm?
An apostille only confirms the signature, the role of the person who signed and any seal or stamp on the document. It does not confirm what the document says. The office that receives the document decides what it accepts.
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