Whilst divorce documents may be referred to using different terminology, they all serve the same purpose as they are suitable for both legal and family history uses.

Divorce is an official or legal process to end a marriage. Once the divorce is finalised you will receive a final document that legally separates yourself and your now-ex-spouse. This document is called a decree absolute, however it is also referred to as a divorce affidavit, legal decree, divorce absolute, certificate of divorce or divorce decree.

Replacement divorce certificates are available from UK Document Services to order from the following dates:

• England & Wales from 1858
• Scotland from 1984
• Northern Ireland from 1940

You may require a decree absolute if you need to prove your marital status, or if you get remarried.

Divorce documents are often legalised by apostille to prove that a marriage is now over in another country. You may also be requested to get an apostille on a decree absolute if you intend to marry again in a country outside the UK.

Should you require a certificate of divorce which is the same as a divorce decree, UK Document Services can help.

The most effective way to get the ball rolling on this, is for you to order online. Simply complete all the relevant fields on the order form and the order will be processed accordingly.

Click here to find out more about our replacement divorce certificate service.