How Can I Get a Copy of My Divorce Decree?
After a divorce is finalized, both parties should receive a copy of the final judgment dissolving the marriage. Sometimes you may need an additional copy of your divorce decree. Maybe you misplaced your original copy. Whatever the reason, you can easily obtain a copy of your divorce decree for a small fee. Once you are granted a divorce, the clerk of court reports the dissolution of marriage to the office of vital statistics in your state.
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Instructions
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Contact your state department of health. You will need to speak to someone in the office of vital statistics for your county. Once the divorce decree is filed with the court, the office of vital statistics is responsible for issuing certified copies.
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Request a copy of the divorce decree in person, online or over the phone. Your state may have different options available for ordering a copy of your divorce decree. States also have different laws regarding who can request a copy. In most states, you must be the former husband or wife to order a copy.
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Complete the application. You will need to include all informed required on the application for a copy of your divorce decree. Information such as the husband's name, wife's maiden name, date of divorce, county where the divorce took place and mailing address. For requests submitting through the mail, include a self-addressed stamped envelope for the decree to be mailed to you. Proper identification and a signature will also be required.
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Pay the appropriate fee. The charge for a copy of your divorce decree will vary. A certified copy of a divorce decree is $30 in New York and $5 in Florida. A handling fee may also apply to Internet, phone and mail ordered decrees.
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Wait for the divorce decree to arrive. Copies requested through the mail can take up to eight weeks to arrive. Copies ordered in person will be received immediately in most cases. Internet and phone ordered decrees usually take 7 business days to arrive.
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