Court Document Apostille Los Angeles
Apostille service for court documents including divorce decrees, probate orders, civil judgments, and other California court records. We help individuals, families, and law firms get court orders apostilled for use overseas.
Help with divorce, probate, and other court order apostilles
When a foreign authority needs proof of a California judgment or court decision, they often ask for a court order with an apostille attached.
We help clients across Los Angeles confirm whether their divorce decree, probate order, civil judgment, criminal disposition, or other court record is in the right format for apostille and coordinate the process so the paperwork is accepted the first time. You do not have to guess which version of the order to request or how to submit it.
Before you schedule, we review a scan or photo of your court document, your destination country, and any instructions from foreign attorneys, banks, or consulates so you know exactly what is required.
Court document apostille guides:
- Divorce decree apostille – for court judgments ending a marriage
- Custody, guardianship & name change apostille – for family court orders
- Adoption apostille – for adoption decrees and court approvals
For an overview of all document types and countries we handle, visit our apostille services page.
Experience with court documents for overseas use
- Handle apostilles for California court orders, including divorce judgments, probate orders, civil judgments, criminal disposition orders, and other court‑issued records.
- Review your order 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, banks, or consulates request additional notarized statements or translations alongside your court order.
- Clear explanations of timelines and fees, plus 5‑star feedback for communication and careful handling of sensitive legal documents.
Recent clients have used our court document apostille service to support divorces and remarriages abroad, estate and inheritance matters, visa and residency applications, and business or property disputes involving more than one country.
How court document apostille service works
1. We review your court document and destination requirements.
You can text or email a copy of your divorce decree, probate order, civil judgment, or other court record along with any instructions from a foreign court, bank, or consulate. We verify that it is an eligible certified 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, 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 court order is ready, we submit it for apostille and arrange secure delivery back to you or directly to your attorney, bank, 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 court document apostilles
Divorce, remarriage, and family status abroad
Foreign authorities may request apostilled divorce judgments or related orders to confirm marital status before allowing remarriage, name changes, or family‑related immigration benefits.
Probate, estate, and inheritance matters
When heirs, assets, or beneficiaries are outside the United States, overseas notaries and courts often require apostilled probate orders or judgments approving distributions.
Civil and commercial disputes
If a business or property dispute touches more than one country, parties abroad may request certified, apostilled copies of California civil judgments or settlement approval orders.
Criminal record and background issues
Certain immigration, licensing, and professional applications abroad may require apostilled court documents showing case outcomes, dismissals, or other criminal case information. For FBI background checks, see our FBI apostille page.
Questions about court order apostilles
Does my court order need to be a certified copy?
Yes. Most court orders 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.
Can you apostille a court order from another state?
Often, yes. We can help coordinate apostilles for court judgments and orders from other U.S. states, but they must be processed through that state's apostille authority. Timing and fees will vary by state.
Do these court orders need notarization first?
Many certified court orders 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.
What if my court order is old or missing pages?
Foreign authorities frequently require a complete, intact certified copy. If pages are missing, separated from the certification, or the order is very old, we may recommend requesting a fresh certified copy from the court before moving forward.
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 order so we can confirm what is needed and outline a realistic apostille timeline before you book.
When you contact us, it helps to include:
- What type of court document you have (divorce decree, probate order, civil judgment, etc.).
- The country where the court order 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.