Divorce Decree vs Divorce Certificate

[Carrie7003 7]

I saw some RFEs regarding one-page divorce certificates then went back and looked again at my own. Mine is one page and it's signed by the Registrar, not the judge. When I looked at the difference between a certificate and a decree I found this. The description of certificate is exactly what I submitted. Anyone with RFE regarding this have any comment?

Divorce Certificate A divorce certificate usually names both spouses, as well as the date and place the divorce was granted -- but typically no other information. Divorce certificates serve as proof the couple is no longer married. State laws vary with regard to who, other than the spouses involved or their attorneys, is allowed to get a copy of a divorce certificate. A divorced person may use a certificate as evidence of the divorce for various legal purposes. For example, a divorced person may need a certificate for the state motor vehicle department if she wants to change her married name on her license.

Divorce Decree

A divorce decree has the same information the divorce certificate does and summarized information from the divorce judgment. This document is signed by the judge and part of the divorce case file. Decrees also state the basic facts of the divorce and the court case number. For example, if one spouse was awarded spousal support, the decree will state which spouse pays and how much. All the terms of the divorce, such as child custody and property division, are outlined in the decree, as well as other issues the parties agreed on or the judge decided. Only one of the spouses involved or their attorney may request a decree copy in most cases. A divorced person may need the decree to check the divorce terms or to file an action in court that relates to the decree, such as a petition for modification of the original spousal support amount.

[N and J 88]

My divorce papers came directly from the court clerk with the judges signature and it has a gold seal on it. It also has on it that I was granted approval to go back to my maiden name.