UK "Certified" Divorce Decree Absolute

[David Monroe 0]

I've been searching all over the forum & seen this question asked several ways, but I cannot find a definitive answer....

My UK final divorce document (Decree of Absolute) was a single sheet, sent to me by the court, bearing a "seal" (or rather poor red ink stamp) of the County Court office. It's got nothing on it calling it "certified" or anything.

I realise that Americans get thing "certified" or "notarised" by a Notary-person, but the UK doesn't work like that.

Will bringing this sheet to the K-3 interview in London be sufficient as an "original" divorce document... or this there another step to "certify"(?) it?

thanks to anyone who's been through this in London with any insight!

[TimsDaisy 0]

I think that faded red/purple stamp is what makes it official. The UK decree absolute is a stunningly simple looking document, right? Like "oh, is that all?" kind of thing.

My fiance had a hard time believing that plain piece of paper was the real deal, but it was.

(And certified doesn't necessarily mean "notarized" over here.)

As far as I know, my fiance will be taking his document that is like what you described here.

[Dan&Tiffany 0]

I think that faded red/purple stamp is what makes it official. The UK decree absolute is a stunningly simple looking document, right? Like "oh, is that all?" kind of thing.

My fiance had a hard time believing that plain piece of paper was the real deal, but it was.

(And certified doesn't necessarily mean "notarized" over here.)

As far as I know, my fiance will be taking his document that is like what you described here.

Same here - hope it's the right thing!! It is all that he received.

[Dawny&Tommy 0]

Mine has a black stamp on the back of it, with a signature. Does look stunningly plain!

I'm taking mine as it is.

Dawn.

[RosemarieL 0]

That's the document that I am using too. When I included it in the initial application I put some highlight pen around the small print to highlight what it was. It's very easy to overlook the fact that it's a divorce certificate.

[truffles 2]

Hi...Well i actually got a RFE for the divorce certificate ...You are quite right - one sheet of paper with the red stamp on the lefthand side with the crown and the name of the court in question.

I went to the court in question and asked for a certified copy ( i thought maybe the red ink stamp didnt come through on the photocopy ) - i then sent a letter something along these line hope this helps.

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

Please find enclosed certified divorce decree absolute, as collected from the ( PLACE OF DIVORCE, UK) where the divorce proceedings took place.

Having checked with the clerk, I was advised that in England divorce decree’s DO NOT carry a signature, and pointed out the stamp of Her Majesty Court Services to prove that it is certified and legal. It is a one page document. It has a stamp at the top right hand side with a crown symbol in the middle with the county court name.

The clerk also pointed out the paragraph which includes the statement “it is hereby certified that the said decree was on the (INSERT DATE ON THE DECREE), made final and absolute and that the said marriage was thereby dissolved”.

Please also see at the very bottom of the page, on the right hand side of the page the document is called a D37 DECREE OF ABSOLUTE (DIVORCE)

[David Monroe 0]

You all have been very helpful, thank you!

It would appear that the single-sheet I've got is really all there is, and the London Embassy should look on it as the formal, original document (despite the relative informal-look of the document itself)

thanks for all the feedback!

[TimsDaisy 0]

We included the single sheet and I didn't even highlight the "absolute" part of it - as people recomend doing here, which I think is wise. We didn't get an RFE or anything, so I'm guessing it's fine!

[Tim and Bethanie 1]

We also got an Rfe for the divorce decree. We requested a copy from the local office and recieved it back with the red stamp signed and dated by a court worker. This randomly happens with UKers, so anyone who still needs to get that decree make sure it is stamped with the red seal before posting, just to save you an RFE later.

[Dwarf_Ogress 0]

I too got an RFE about his divorce decree which I HAD submitted with the visa application! I sent it back along with a letter stating that it was all that my fiance had received. Hope it works. I do have an email from the Birmingham courts stating that it is an official document in case CSC gives me a hard time.