Q: The final divorce judgement was in Nov 2023. My ex-husband and I both had attorney's then. Do I need to notarize it?
Divorce decree notarization.
A:
In California, the process for finalizing a divorce involves the court's issuance of a final judgment or decree. This document officially ends the marriage and outlines the terms agreed upon or ordered by the court, such as asset division, custody arrangements, and support obligations. Once the judge signs the divorce decree, it becomes a court order.
Notarization of the divorce decree itself is not typically required. The court clerk's office handles the official documentation and filing, ensuring the decree is legally binding. The signature of the judge and the seal of the court provide the necessary legal authentication.
If you need to use the divorce decree for various official purposes, such as changing your name or proving your divorce status, a certified copy of the decree from the court is usually sufficient. You can obtain this by contacting the court clerk's office where your divorce was finalized. It's always a good idea to keep a certified copy of your divorce decree for your records.
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