Apostille for Divorce Decrees: What You Need to Know in 2025

If you’ve gone through a divorce in the United States and need your divorce decree recognized overseas, you’ll likely need an apostille. Whether you’re remarrying abroad, dealing with custody issues, or managing property settlements in another country, an apostilled divorce decree ensures your legal documents are accepted internationally.

At EZ Apostille, we’ve helped hundreds of clients through this process. In this 2025 guide, we explain when and why a divorce decree needs an apostille, what steps to take, and how to avoid common mistakes – so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.

What Is an Apostille and Why Do You Need It for a Divorce Decree?

An apostille is a type of international certification that verifies the authenticity of a public document. Divorce decrees, being official court documents, often require apostilles when they are presented in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention.

You may need an apostilled divorce decree for the following reasons:

• Getting remarried in another country
• Updating foreign residency or citizenship records
• Settling international custody or alimony disputes
• Transferring marital property across borders
• Complying with legal procedures abroad involving family status

Without the apostille, many international authorities may refuse to recognize your U.S. divorce decree as valid.

Step-by-Step: How to Apostille a Divorce Decree in the U.S.

H3: Step 1 – Obtain a Certified Copy from the Court

The first step is to request a certified copy of your divorce decree from the court where the divorce was finalized. Most courts require an in-person request or a written application, and a nominal fee is usually involved.

For example, New York State Unified Court System or California Courts provide instructions on how to obtain certified judgments. Always ensure the copy includes the judge’s signature and court seal, as these are essential for the apostille to be issued.

H3: Step 2 – Identify the Right Apostille Authority in Your State

Once you have the certified copy, you’ll need to send it to the Secretary of State’s office in the same state where the court issued the decree. Each state has its own apostille procedure, and you must follow the requirements precisely.

For instance, California requires court-certified documents to include a “clerk’s certificate” before apostille. Refer to the U.S. Department of State’s list of Competent Authorities for details by state.

Common Issues When Apostilling Divorce Decrees

Unfortunately, people often make avoidable errors when trying to apostille a divorce decree. These mistakes can delay the process – or even result in rejection by the Secretary of State.

Top mistakes to avoid:

• Submitting unofficial or uncertified copies of the decree
• Sending documents to the wrong state authority
• Failing to meet special state-level requirements (e.g., extra certification)
• Using outdated forms or missing key signatures
• Overlooking additional requirements for use in non-Hague countries

“Our team regularly sees clients who’ve lost weeks trying to apostille the wrong type of document. Getting expert guidance at the start makes the entire process smoother and faster.”
— EZ Apostille Support Team

Country-Specific Requirements to Keep in Mind

Even with a valid apostille, some countries impose additional steps or require translated versions of the divorce decree. Before starting, check the destination country’s requirements through its embassy or consulate.

Here’s a quick checklist of what to confirm:

• Is the receiving country part of the Hague Apostille Convention?
• Is a translated version of the decree required?
• Does the foreign authority require double authentication (apostille + embassy legalization)?
• Are notarized affidavits or court letters required in addition to the decree?
  Is the document’s date of issuance relevant (some require recent copies)?

For complex cases, we recommend professional assistance through our apostille services to ensure full compliance.

What Documents and Info You’ll Need to Get Started

To avoid delays, gather the following items before submitting your divorce decree for apostille:

Checklist:

• Certified copy of your divorce decree
• Cover letter with your contact information
• Payment for apostille processing (varies by state)
• Prepaid return envelope (if mailing)
• Any international-specific forms, if applicable

If you’re unsure about document eligibility, our team at EZ Apostille can review and verify your paperwork before submission.

Why Choose EZ Apostille?

Dealing with post-divorce paperwork is already stressful – handling international legalization shouldn’t be. At EZ Apostille, we provide:

• Fast turnaround, even for urgent cases
• Experienced document specialists who understand court procedures
• Nationwide service with transparent pricing
• Free document review to catch errors before they cause delays

We’ve built our process to make apostilling documents like divorce decrees simple, affordable, and secure.

Final Thoughts: Make Your Apostille Process Hassle-Free

An apostille for your divorce decree may seem like a technicality – but it’s a crucial one. With international legal systems demanding strict compliance, following the right steps is essential.If you’re ready to get started, contact our team today for expert assistance. We’ll guide you through the process from start to finish—so you can move forward with peace of mind.