Decree Absolute
Apostille a Decree Absolute for International Use
Welcome to Wharf Notaries, your trusted notarial service provider in the UK. If you plan to remarry abroad, you may need to provide legal proof of your divorce by obtaining an apostille on your decree absolute document. At Wharf Notaries, our team of professional and experienced notaries is here to assist you in authenticating your decree absolute efficiently and seamlessly. Learn more about what a decree absolute is and our straightforward process for legalising this important document.
Why Do I Need an Apostille for My Decree Absolute?
An apostille is crucial for your decree absolute if you plan to remarry abroad. Many countries require this certification to verify the authenticity of legal documents issued in the UK. An apostille confirms that your decree absolute is genuine and recognized internationally, making it a vital step in your remarriage process.
What Is a Decree Absolute?
A decree absolute is a legal document issued by a court that signifies the finalization of a divorce. It is essential for individuals wishing to remarry, as it serves as proof that the previous marriage has been legally dissolved. The decree absolute includes details such as the names of the parties involved, the date of the divorce, and the court that issued the document.
How Long Does the Apostille Process Take?
At Wharf Notaries, we understand that time is of the essence, especially when it comes to preparing for a wedding abroad. Our premium apostille service can expedite the process, often completing it within one business day. If you prefer a standard service, we can provide an apostille within 3-5 working days, depending on your needs.
Process for Apostilling a Decree Absolute
To obtain an apostille, you must submit your decree absolute document to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). We provide two options for legalisation: the Premium Service at our London office for urgent requests and the Standard Service at our Milton Keynes office for non-urgent cases.
At Wharf Notaries, we offer fast and cost-effective services to guide you through every step of the apostille process:
Document Requirements: If your decree absolute has an original court seal or is signed by a district judge, you will only require our apostille service. If it lacks these features, our trained notaries can assist with notarising the document.
Initial Contact: Reach out to us to discuss your needs. We will ask you to complete our online Client Registration Form and explain how we will conduct the identification and verification process.
Submitting Your Document: You can schedule an appointment to deliver the original decree absolute to us, email a scanned copy to info@wharfnotaries.co.uk, or post the original document to our London Victoria office.
Certification and Apostille: We will certify your document and obtain the apostille at the chosen FCDO location. If you require consular legalisation, we will complete that process as well.
Document Return: Once the apostille is complete, we will scan the document with the apostille certificate and return it to you. We can also send it directly to a third party if needed.
Whether you need your decree absolute document notarised, apostilled, or subject to consular legalisation, our exceptional services are here to help.
Required Documents for an Apostille Certificate
To apply for an apostille certificate, please provide the following:
- An original document stamped, sealed, or signed by a court or official of the court.
- An original document that is not stamped, sealed, or signed by a court or official of the court.
- An electronic copy of the document.
- If you provide an original decree absolute that is stamped, sealed, or signed by the court, it can be apostilled directly.
- If you submit an original document not stamped, sealed, or signed by the court, or an electronic copy, these documents will require notarisation first.
Our notaries are ready to complete the notarisation for you. If your documents are already notarised, we can submit them directly for the apostille.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Decree Absolute
What is a Decree Absolute?
A decree absolute is a legal document that finalises a divorce in the UK, indicating that the marriage has officially ended.
Why do I need an apostille for my Decree Absolute?
An apostille is necessary for using your decree absolute in another country, as it verifies the authenticity of the document for international purposes.
How long does the apostille process take?
Our premium service offers next-day apostille, while the standard service typically takes 3-5 working days.
What if my Decree Absolute doesn't have a court seal or signature?
If your decree absolute is not stamped, sealed, or signed by a court, our notaries can assist with notarising the document before obtaining an apostille.
Can you help with consular legalisation?
Yes, we can handle consular legalisation in addition to notarisation and apostilling of your decree absolute.
How do I submit my documents?
You can deliver the original documents in person, email scanned copies, or post them to our London Victoria office.
What if I need my document returned urgently?
If you have urgent requirements, please let us know, and we can expedite the process as needed.