What Is a Divorce Decree?
A divorce decree (also called a judgment of divorce) is the court's final order ending the marriage and setting out terms such as property division, support, and custody. It is different from a divorce certificate or record kept by a state vital records office, which usually shows only basic facts. Copies of the decree generally come from the court or court clerk in the county where the divorce was granted.
What the law says
- Maryland's courts say the court enters an order called a divorce decree, or decree, to end the marriage. Maryland Courts, Divorce
- Colorado's courts describe the decree as the final order; once the court signs it, the divorce is final. Colorado Judicial Branch, JDF 1010, How to File for Divorce or Legal Separation
- In Utah, a decree must address who pays joint debts and, if there are children, include child support orders; it may also include alimony, child, and property orders. Utah Code § 81-4-406
- California's state vital records office issues only a Certificate of Record listing the names, filing date, county, and case number; it is not a certified copy of the divorce decree. CDC NCHS, Where to Write for Vital Records: California
- For a copy of a California decree, CDC's directory points to the Superior Court in the county where the divorce occurred. CDC NCHS, Where to Write for Vital Records: California
- Texas: certified copies of divorce decrees are only available from the district clerk; the state office offers only a search and verification of the divorce's essential facts. CDC NCHS, Where to Write for Vital Records: Texas
- South Carolina's health department does not have a copy of the divorce decree; it must be obtained from the Clerk of Court in the county where the divorce was finalized. CDC NCHS, Where to Write for Vital Records: South Carolina
- The federal government does not maintain files or indexes of divorce records; they are kept by state or local offices where the event occurred. CDC NCHS, Where to Write for Vital Records (introduction)
- Utah's courts say to get a copy of your divorce decree, contact the court that handled the case; fees apply, with extra fees for certified copies. Utah State Courts Self-Help, Divorce
- In Alaska, a divorce certificate form (VS-401) is sent to Vital Records after the divorce is granted so the divorce can be recorded. Alaska Court System, DR-30, Instructions for Uncontested Divorce Without Children
How to file a complaint
To get a copy of a divorce decree, contact the court or court clerk in the county where the divorce was granted. A state vital records office may provide a certificate or verification instead; CDC's Where to Write for Vital Records directory lists each state's office. Utah State Courts Self-Help, Divorce; CDC NCHS, Where to Write for Vital Records
FAQ
Is a divorce certificate the same as a divorce decree?
Where do I get a copy of my divorce decree?
Can the federal government give me a copy?
When is my divorce final?
In New York, where are divorce records?
Related
- Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce
- Do I Need a Lawyer for a Divorce?
- How Long Does a Divorce Take?
- How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost?
- How to File for Divorce, Step by Step
- Is Child Support Taxable?
- Joint vs. Sole Custody: What's the Difference?
- What Is Common-Law Marriage?
- What Is a No-Fault Divorce?
- Who Claims the Child on Taxes After Divorce?
- Divorce & Family Law by state
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.