Q: About filing for Colorado divorce from a spouse who lives in Russia now.
When filing for a divorce in Colorado where both parties agree, notarized signatures are required on the documents. However, my spouse lives in Russia. She has agreed to sign, but there are no notaries that we are aware of in her area. Will the court accept her signature? What can we do to make her signed agreements acceptable to the court? Thank you, Richard V.
A: A notary is required for each signature if they are signed separately (only one notary is required if BOTH parties sign at the same time). Notaries are different in Europe versus the US (where a notary is only a paid witness). You can find a substitute official in Russia who can provide an official seal. Another alternative is to have her hire a lawyer, who can sign in her place (probably not the preferred choice...). Lastly, you can file as contest, but have her not appear/reply (this has some legal consequences, so do this carefully--contact a family law attorney for more information about the consequences).
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
