A divorce decree is a legal document that outlines the terms of a divorce, which is required to enforce court decisions regarding spousal support, custody and visitation, child support, and the division of a couple’s debts and assets. It is also necessary for name changes or remarriage, and banks often require a copy of the divorce decree to separate joint accounts or remove the former spouse’s name from an account. Mortgage lenders may also request a copy of the divorce decree for refinancing a home after a divorce.
To obtain a copy of a divorce certificate, contact the state vital records office where the divorce took place. While digital copies can be made, original documents are always better, especially when discussing the date of marriage and divorce, the case/cause number, and court in which the divorce occurred.
It is important to have a copy of your original marriage certificate, which can be requested if lost or destroyed. If your divorce decree is not available online, you can obtain a copy by calling the court clerk’s office or visiting the clerk’s office in person. The most important document to keep is your divorce degree, which should have a certified copy signed by the judge.
When divorce records are sealed, they are unavailable to the public, especially in sensitive divorce situations involving child custody and financial matters. If you lose your certified copy of the divorce decree, you should request a new copy from the court where you finalized your divorce. Some courts offer an online search tool for spouses to locate divorce documents.
Scan the documents and keep them on a flash drive. In any event, consider keeping a copy of your divorce decree and any settlement. If you don’t have an up-to-date copy on hand, you may need to reference this agreement at times or send an authentic, sealed copy to the SSA or the Department of Motor Vehicles.
In general, it is recommended to keep your divorce records and associated information for the rest of your life. You should keep a copy of your divorce decree in a safe place, as replacing it involves both time and money.
| Article | Description | Site |
|---|---|---|
| Do I Need to Keep My Divorce Documents? | However, you should keep the original copies of your marriage license and divorce decrees. These often have an official seal that proves the authenticity of the … | haberfamilylaw.com |
| How Long Should I Keep My Divorce Records For? | Honestly, we do advise people to keep their divorce records forever. There is no compelling reason to get rid of them and you are going to regret it. | susanbutlerlaw.com |
| How Long Should I Keep My Divorce Records? | In general, you should keep your divorce records and associated information for the rest of your life. | cooper4divorce.com |
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