Got RFE for "divorce decree" but I already included it

[Hiker 9]

I got the RFE letter in the mail today. They want the "divorce decree". But, I already included that in the original request; I paid $20 to the court's copy office to get the document, and included it with the I-129F and also listed it in the table of contents. There is nothing else that Massachusetts courts issue when you request proof of divorce. What am I supposed to do???

[Hiker 9]

And the exact text is "You did not submit sufficient evidence to establish a final (absolute) divorce decree. Therefore, additional evidence is needed. Submit proof of the legal termination of the marriage of <blank> and <blank>. Such proof would normally be a final (absolute) divorce decree, death certificate, annulment, etc. In order for the legal termination of a marriage to be considered valid for immigration purposes, it must have been registered with a civil authority. Note: A Divorce Nisi is not considered to be evidence of a final divorce."

I don't know what a "Divorce Nisi" is, nor does it say that on my divorce decree. Mine is a one page document that says "Certificate of Divorce Absolute Under G.L. c 208, 1A", has docket number, Commonwealth of Massachusetts Probate and Family Court (the one in Cambridge)... later on says "I further certify that on <date> ninety days having expired since the entry of the divorce nisi and the Court not h aving otherwise ordered, said Judgment of Divorce became Absolute."

It is signed and has a big fancy stamp on it. What am I supposed to do???????

[Hiker 9]

And can I call the service center and ask, or is this impossible?

[Nigel&Meggie 40]

I got the RFE letter in the mail today. They want the "divorce decree". But, I already included that in the original request; I paid $20 to the court's copy office to get the document, and included it with the I-129F and also listed it in the table of contents. There is nothing else that Massachusetts courts issue when you request proof of divorce. What am I supposed to do???

We got an RFE for the same thing. We sent another copy, this time highlighting in bright yellow where it said Decree Absolute on the certificate. They accepted it. Just double check what you are sending them is definitely the decree absolute certificate and if you can't think of anything else they might be asking for then I suggest trying what we did.

[bigdog 376]

Send another copy keep the original, good color copy, with a cover letter, make sure it says final or absolute etc. Highlight any areas they might need. You can always call for a clarification.

[Hiker 9]

It also says I only have one attempt to send the correct documents, otherwise they will consider the petition closed. So, I have to get it right... if I just send it again and they reject it, we're screwed. It is only one page long... it would seem highlighting would not be necessary... it doesn't say much. This isn't like some states that would issue a half inch thick pile of papers. The original court documents don't prove anything except we were preparing for a hearing, and not the outcome, so those won't help me.

[BobGee 5]

It also says I only have one attempt to send the correct documents, otherwise they will consider the petition closed. So, I have to get it right... if I just send it again and they reject it, we're screwed. It is only one page long... it would seem highlighting would not be necessary... it doesn't say much. This isn't like some states that would issue a half inch thick pile of papers. The original court documents don't prove anything except we were preparing for a hearing, and not the outcome, so those won't help me.

We had an RFE asking for divorce decree with a certified signed by a judge. We sent it and thank God they approved it.

Goodluck!

[Hiker 9]

Judges don't sign them here. The Register of Probate signs it. If a judge really has to sign it, then we are done for because I don't have the ability to get them to change how they do court proceedings.

[Hiker 9]

So, what is the proper way to write a letter in response to the RFE, and to package/address this? I'm going to try to FedEx it tomorrow before I leave for vacation.

And how do I compose the letter calmly without it sounding condescending for them being bat s*** stupid for not being able to understand a very simple well worded court document?

[Tim/Mav 305]

Send another copy keep the original, good color copy, with a cover letter, make sure it says final or absolute etc. Highlight any areas they might need. You can always call for a clarification.

Respectfuly, I got a RFE for the same thing. Divorce Decree. They do not want a copy, you already sent that as I did as well.

In my case for the RFE they wanted a Original with The County Clerks Seal and Initialed by the County Clerk in Ink and dated on the FINAL Decree page to page and complete. The document was in black and white and since they wanted an Original I asked the Clerk to sign in blue ink.

NOA2 came 2 weeks after. Just my experience.

If and when you go to the Courthouse for a new document the seal and date will be updated. Hopefully, your RFE is over. Good Luck

[dirtsquirter 7]

Try getting what they call an "exemplified copy", it just has fancy ribbons and is signed and sealed with an official sticker, of course it will cost you...

[Chuward 5]

Has it been 90 days since you was divorced?

[Tim/Mav 305]

Try getting what they call an "exemplified copy", it just has fancy ribbons and is signed and sealed with an official sticker, of course it will cost you...

The Court will charge $5.00 or less. Not much is it. A Notory costs alot more, there not looking for a Notorized Decree.

[Tim/Mav 305]

And the exact text is "You did not submit sufficient evidence to establish a final (absolute) divorce decree. Therefore, additional evidence is needed. Submit proof of the legal termination of the marriage of <blank> and <blank>. Such proof would normally be a final (absolute) divorce decree, death certificate, annulment, etc. In order for the legal termination of a marriage to be considered valid for immigration purposes, it must have been registered with a civil authority. Note: A Divorce Nisi is not considered to be evidence of a final divorce."

I don't know what a "Divorce Nisi" is, nor does it say that on my divorce decree. Mine is a one page document that says "Certificate of Divorce Absolute Under G.L. c 208, 1A", has docket number, Commonwealth of Massachusetts Probate and Family Court (the one in Cambridge)... later on says "I further certify that on <date> ninety days having expired since the entry of the divorce nisi and the Court not h aving otherwise ordered, said Judgment of Divorce became Absolute."

It is signed and has a big fancy stamp on it. What am I supposed to do???????

The problem with what you submitted may lay here. A Divorce Decree that is only One page is hard to believe. The Document should include all the details of the marridge and separation of property as well.

[Hiker 9]

The divorce decree already has a fancy seal on it, with gold leaf and says Massachusetts Probate Court - Middlesex County. It cost $20, not $5. They sign it by whoever signs it... I can't get someone else to sign it. And I can't go in person to get it; it must be done by mail via the copy office. It is not notarized. Is there a way I can attach an image here to demonstrate? I'd be happy to include an image with personal details blanked out. There is no "exemplified copy", unless you count this as it. Yes of course it has been 90 days since I divorced.... please I'm not a complete moron, maybe a partial moron, but not a complete one.

I don't see what else I can do except request another copy of it with a later date, and include the original. But, its the same thing!! If they did not like the previous one, there is nothing about this that is going to be any more to their liking.