Divorced spouses who need to prove to third parties that they are divorced often need a certified copy of the final divorce decree or judgment. A certified copy can be obtained from the county courthouse where the divorce was filed. At the county courthouse there is a records department that can retrieve this for a fee. It is either a set fee or a fee per page. If one cannot go to the county courthouse to retrieve the certified copy in person, it should be done by mail. Each county recorder’s office has its own mail in instructions, which often require payment with a money order and a self-addressed return envelope.

Certain courts will require a certified copy of a marriage license in order to proceed with a divorce. This is the court’s method of knowing that the parties are actually married before they are willing to grant a divorce. A certified copy of the marriage license if typically submitted with the initial petition or complaint.

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1. Retrieving Certified Copies of Documents
   It is best to take on this task in person if possible. If you must do this through the mail, make sure you provide all the required information with a money order for the correct amount. Also include a self-addressed envelope with the mail in request to ensure it will be returned to you. Do not expect a quick turn around, this can often take from two weeks to a month. In some counties it takes even longer because the records are located in so many different locations throughout the county. For example, Los Angeles county has over 9 million people, with many courthouse branches. We can be talking about a needle in a haystack.
   Contributed on 6/19/2007 by: DivorceDex.com Staff

   Category: Filing Procedure  (Applicable in All States)

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