How to obtain a certified copy of divorce decree

[one...two...tree 2,762]

I know that photocopies are acceptable, but I've tried before unsuccessfully at contacting the court in the county where my divorce was finalized. I'd prefer to get a certified copy. Is there an internet service that is reasonably priced for obtaining a certified copy? Has anyone heard of the CO rejecting a visa at the interview because they didn't have a certified copy?

Edited October 21, 2006 by Steven_and_Jinky

[Bunnyqr 0]

I submitted my original copy of my divorce papers with the K-1 application and had no problems. However, I also sent a request and had the request notarized and mailed it to the County Clerks office in the county that has our divorce on file. I called ahead to find out how much the fee was ($5). They mailed a certified copy within the week.

The certified one came after we submitted our application but I did give the certified copy to my fiance to keep in his folder when his future interview comes, just in case.

On my divorce papers it had the name of the County and the Clerks signature on it so I knew where to go and look up the phone number and address on the internet.

I hope this helps.

Bridgett

[one...two...tree 2,762]

I submitted my original copy of my divorce papers with the K-1 application and had no problems. However, I also sent a request and had the request notarized and mailed it to the County Clerks office in the county that has our divorce on file. I called ahead to find out how much the fee was ($5). They mailed a certified copy within the week.

The certified one came after we submitted our application but I did give the certified copy to my fiance to keep in his folder when his future interview comes, just in case.

On my divorce papers it had the name of the County and the Clerks signature on it so I knew where to go and look up the phone number and address on the internet.

I hope this helps.

Bridgett

Thanks, Bridgett!

[rebeccajo 14]

Steven, go to where the records are kept, not the courthouse itself.

In our county, it's called the Circuit Clerk's office. Different names in every part of the country. You need the section where records from CIVIL proceedings are kept - not real estate, births, deaths, etc.

You may need to go in person. They should be happy to provide this service, albeit for a small fee. It's part of their job and if you get any bunk about it, you need to head over to the County Commissioner's office and report it.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Steven, go to where the records are kept, not the courthouse itself.

In our county, it's called the Circuit Clerk's office. Different names in every part of the country. You need the section where records from CIVIL proceedings are kept - not real estate, births, deaths, etc.

You may need to go in person. They should be happy to provide this service, albeit for a small fee. It's part of their job and if you get any bunk about it, you need to head over to the County Commissioner's office and report it.

Thanks, Rebecca. It's in LA County, so I'd have to make a day of it if I went there in person. I might just have to send the request by mail unless you'd recommend I go there in person.

[rebeccajo 14]

Which office are you phoning when you call?

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

I went to the courthouse and got a certified copy of the divorce decree. That took all of one phone call and about 15 minutes of going there to pick it up (vs. 20 some odd bucks). I also got a certified record of my actual divorced status from the county's office of health and human services. That one was in the range of 10-12 bucks. This was in Metro Davidson County (Nashville), TN some 3-4 years ago.

[rebeccajo 14]

I just did a quick google for Los Angelas county courthouse.

As I guessed, since it's a large metropolitan area they don't make it easy.

It appears you need to contact the court where the matter was heard. That being said, at least you are now armed with the correct way to ask the questions.

I can't believe they won't give you a certified copy.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Which office are you phoning when you call?

The San Fernando Superior Court - Family Law number I believe. It's been awhile since I tried. I remember instructions to call the specific courthouse that handled my divorce. I'm planning on going through my papers this weekend. I'm at the office right now so I have nothing I can refer to.

I just did a quick google for Los Angelas county courthouse.

As I guessed, since it's a large metropolitan area they don't make it easy.

It appears you need to contact the court where the matter was heard. That being said, at least you are now armed with the correct way to ask the questions.

I can't believe they won't give you a certified copy.

Yeah, the court records in LA County seem really disorganized - I would think they'd make that available online. As I recall, when I received the decree, there was nothing fancy to it - just a regular paper with a court stamp on it.

Edited October 21, 2006 by Steven_and_Jinky

[rebeccajo 14]

Well all they need to do is photocopy it and rubber stamp it (or embosser) and put the Clerk's signature on it. It's not like you're asking them for the moon and stars.

I think you might have gotten one of 'those' government workers.

[Texanadian 10]

I didn't get my visa today at the US Consulate as they didn't accept my fiancee's previous divorce papers.

They're the multi page documents that spell it all out that she is divorced. And they have the official certified stamps and signatures.

BUT.....the stamps and signatures are photocopied on the actual paper themselves. VERY FRUSTRATING. The kicker is that they said the border will accept a photocopy, but the consulate themselves won't.

[KiKi 0]

I guess I'm lucky, I just copied my divorce papers on the copier at work and submitted those and they worked!!

Edited October 24, 2006 by KiKi