RFE confusion

[happyHiker67 0]

I received an RFE because the divorce paperwork I submitted wasn't complete apparently. I notice now as I am preparing my response with the final decree signed by the judge with the filing stamp, that the RFE lists that they want paperwork showing the final decrees between me and my former wife. They list her in the RFE under her maiden name, the divorce papers of course show her married name, but there is absolutely no reference to her former maiden name. Is this a problem? The first name and middle name are the same of course, but do they need to see in writing what her maiden name was? Maybe I am over thinking this but I don't want another rejection, or worse. Can anyone provide a bit of advice on this topic? Any help will be much appreciated.

[L+T 71]

I received an RFE because the divorce paperwork I submitted wasn't complete apparently. I notice now as I am preparing my response with the final decree signed by the judge with the filing stamp, that the RFE lists that they want paperwork showing the final decrees between me and my former wife. They list her in the RFE under her maiden name, the divorce papers of course show her married name, but there is absolutely no reference to her former maiden name. Is this a problem? The first name and middle name are the same of course, but do they need to see in writing what her maiden name was? Maybe I am over thinking this but I don't want another rejection, or worse. Can anyone provide a bit of advice on this topic? Any help will be much appreciated.

They like a paper trail on name changes. Was the name change done on the marriage certificate? If so send this along with divorce document, and write letter to explain. If name change was after marriage, try to get this court document, it should be public.

My divorce decree allowed my ex to change her name back, so her maiden was listed on the divorce decree for this purpose.

Edited June 20, 2012 by L+T

[happyHiker67 0]

They like a paper trail on name changes. Was the name change done on the marriage certificate? If so send this along with divorce document, and write letter to explain. If name change was after marriage, try to get this court document, it should be public.

My divorce decree allowed my ex to change her name back, so her maiden was listed on the divorce decree for this purpose.

The name change took place at the time of marriage. Obviously they were able to find that document in some database somewhere, because the maiden name is not mentioned at all in the divorce papers. Wouldn't a letter of explanation be sufficient?

[L+T 71]

no, you need name change paper trail. if was done at marriage, should be the marriage certificate. This will show her name went from A to B, and then you divorced B.

[Joe J 4]

I waited to comment till I could check the copies of my paper work, but the G325A (yours) biometric requires the maiden name of former spouses. So you provided them with the information, they did not get it from a data base. Is there any other reason that your information was incomplete? Like you, I was married before and I do not have copies of marriage certificates and don't even know how I could go about getting them if I had to. I am hoping there was something other than the name change that they were not satisfied with. Best of luck, we are about three months behind you.

[Pitaya 2,577]

Depending on the state, you may be able to order official copies of marriage and divorce certificates online from your respective state's department of vital records, health department, etc. Try a google search for more info. All I had for my divorces were the signed court documents, that is what I submitted with my initial petition. Afterwards (during the 5 month wait), I thought those documents may result in an RFE. So, I ordered divorce certificates from the necessary states. I didn't get an RFE, but I will likely use them later on in the AOS process.

YMMV

[Joe J 4]

Might as well see if I can get them, like you said, I have the time right now and I can put them in the packet later to send to her for the interview. The time seems to go so slow now that you feel like it is standing still. Its not for lack of keeping busy, I work every minute I can and even started a Thai garden of sorts from seeds that I brought back with me on my last trip. The pepper plants are almost 6" and the Thai basil is about 3". It takes up some time (not sum tum) and will be nice to surprise her with. Best of luck to all.

[happyHiker67 0]

Thought I would post a follow up so it might help others in the future. I got a fresh copy of the divorce decree which I had certified ( a stamp from the court clerk ). It had the filed stamp and the judge's signature. I made a copy of it and then put a cover page for the decree on top of that pointing out which pages contained the important items that were pointed out in the RFE. I also explained the ex-wife took my last name at marriage and that this decree is the document that shows the divorce. I then sent it in. It was approved 4 business days later.