Divorce Decree Apostille Los Angeles
Apostille service for certified divorce decrees and judgments. We help Los Angeles clients get California court divorce judgments apostilled for remarriage, immigration, and civil status updates abroad.
Help with California divorce decree apostilles
When a foreign authority needs proof that your marriage legally ended in California, they often ask for a divorce decree or judgment with an apostille attached.
We help clients across Los Angeles confirm whether their divorce decree is a proper certified court copy and coordinate the apostille process so the paperwork is accepted the first time.
Before you schedule, we review a scan or photo of your decree, your destination country, and any instructions from foreign attorneys, registries, or consulates so you know exactly what is required.
If your country only asked for a divorce certificate from vital records, please see our vital records divorce apostille page. For other court orders like custody or name changes or adoption judgments, visit our court documents apostille overview.
Experience with divorce judgments for overseas use
- Handle apostilles for certified divorce decrees and judgments from California courts, including long‑form and short‑form versions.
- Review your decree image to confirm it is a certified copy with the proper court seal and clerk's signature, and advise if you need to request a new certified copy.
- Guidance when foreign courts, registries, or consulates request additional notarized statements or translations alongside your decree.
- Clear explanations of timelines and fees, plus 5‑star feedback for communication and careful handling of sensitive family documents.
Recent clients have used our divorce decree apostille service for remarriage abroad, immigration filings, name changes, and updating civil status with foreign registries and consulates.
How divorce decree apostille service works
1. We review your divorce decree and destination requirements.
You can text or email a copy of your divorce decree or judgment along with any instructions from a foreign court, registry, or consulate. We verify that it is an eligible certified court copy and determine which authority will issue the apostille.
2. We help you obtain the right certified copy, if needed.
If your document is a plain printout from an online portal, only file‑stamped, or missing the clerk's certification page, we explain how to request a proper certified copy from the correct court before moving ahead. This helps avoid delays and rejected apostille requests.
3. We obtain the apostille and return your documents.
Once the correct certified divorce decree is ready, we submit it for apostille and arrange secure delivery back to you or directly to your attorney, registry, or representative abroad, depending on your needs.
Processing times and fees depend on the issuing state, the specific court involved, and whether you choose standard or expedited options where available. We outline realistic timelines and costs before you commit.
Common reasons Los Angeles clients need divorce decree apostilles
Remarriage abroad and civil status updates
Many countries require an apostilled divorce decree before they will register a new marriage, update your marital status, or accept a name change application.
Immigration, visas, and residency applications
Foreign immigration authorities often ask for apostilled divorce judgments to verify your family status in connection with visas, sponsorships, and residency applications.
Name changes and identity documents
When you restore a prior name or change your surname after divorce, foreign passport offices and civil registries may require an apostilled divorce decree as part of their documentation.
Property, inheritance, and cross‑border family matters
When property, pensions, or inheritance rights span more than one country, overseas courts or notaries may request apostilled divorce judgments to confirm how assets and obligations were divided.
Questions about divorce judgment apostilles
Does my divorce decree need to be a certified court copy?
Yes. Most divorce decrees must be certified by the court clerk, with an original seal and signature on a certification page, before an apostille can be issued. Photocopies or online printouts are usually not accepted.
What is the difference between a divorce decree and a divorce certificate?
A divorce decree or judgment is the full court order that ends the marriage and sets out the terms. A divorce certificate is a shorter vital‑records document that simply confirms the divorce took place. Different countries request one or the other, and we help you confirm which is needed.
Can you apostille a divorce decree from another state?
Often, yes. We can help coordinate apostilles for divorce decrees from other U.S. states, but they must be processed through that state's apostille authority. Timing and fees will vary by state.
Do I need notarization in addition to the court certification?
Many certified divorce decrees can go directly for apostille once the clerk's certification is in place. In some situations, additional notarized statements or translations may be requested by the destination country. We review your documents and explain any extra steps before you proceed.
How do I know if I need an apostille or another type of authentication?
Countries in the Hague Apostille Convention typically require an apostille. For non‑member countries, consular legalization or another type of authentication may be needed, and we can help you understand the correct process for your destination.
Share a few details and get a clear plan
You can call, text, or send a copy of your court decree so we can confirm what is needed and outline a realistic apostille timeline before you book.
When you contact us, it helps to include:
- Whether your decree is from a California court or another U.S. state.
- The country where the divorce decree will be used.
- Your deadline and whether you are in Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley, Orange, or Ventura County.
We will confirm fees, court or ID requirements, mailing or courier options, and the expected apostille timeline before finalizing your appointment.
For an overview of all the document types and countries we handle, visit our apostille services page or return to mobile notary and apostille services in Los Angeles.