Translate a divorce certificate, or the full decree, to English in the original layout.
Translating something else? Browse every document type — certificates, records, statements and transcripts.
Divorce paperwork is often two documents: a short certificate or registry entry that records the divorce, and the court decree or judgment that grants it and sets its terms. Which one you need depends on who's asking. US immigration forms ask for proof that a prior marriage legally ended and name the decree; registries abroad may want the certificate; custody, property and support matters need the full decree. Reglyph handles both: certificate fields stay in their registry layout, and decree pages keep their numbering, headers and clause structure.
USCIS asks for documents showing that each prior marriage was legally ended, typically the divorce decree, with a full English translation and the translator's signed certification. A certificate that only records a filing may not show that the divorce became final. Between EU countries a divorce is recognised without any special procedure, and usually only the free-text fields of the EU certificate need translating. Reglyph gives you the complete translation in the original layout to read and check; certification has to come from a translator.
The situations people most often bring divorce certificates & decrees to us for — each one keeps the original layout, seals and tables.
Certificates run one or two pages; decrees can run to dozens of pages of rulings. Each upload takes up to 50 pages and 100 MB, so split a longer decree at section breaks. Page numbers and clause numbers stay as in the original, so orders can still be cited.
| Country | What records the divorce |
|---|---|
| Mexico | The court's final judgment (sentencia ejecutoria) is sent to the Registro Civil, which draws up the acta de divorcio and notes it on the marriage record. Childless couples who both agree can divorce at the Registro Civil without going to court. |
| China | A divorce at the registry office gives a divorce certificate (离婚证) after a 30-day period in which either spouse can withdraw. A court divorce gives a judgment (判决书) or a mediation statement (调解书). For US visas, a notarial divorce certificate based on either is used. |
| Japan | A divorce by agreement takes effect when it is filed at the municipal office; a court divorce has to be filed within ten days with a copy of the judgment. Either way it is entered in the family register (koseki), and a certificate that the filing was accepted can be requested. |
| England and Wales | The court's final order (decree absolute for older divorces). |
From national legislation, GOV.UK and the US State Department's country pages. Check what the receiving office wants before you translate.
Under Regulation (EU) 2019/1111, a divorce granted in one member state is recognised in the others without any special procedure. To rely on it you produce an authentic copy of the decision and the certificate issued under Article 36. A translation can be required only for the certificate's free-text fields, and of the decision itself only if the authority can't proceed without it; the translator must be qualified in a member state. The rules cover proceedings started from 1 August 2022, and Denmark is not bound by them.
A divorce obtained through court or similar proceedings abroad is recognised in the UK if it is valid where it was granted and either spouse was habitually resident, domiciled or a national there. When you give notice of a new marriage, the register office checks the foreign divorce papers for a fee: £55 at a local register office, or £83 if the General Register Office has to check them.
| In the decree | In the translated PDF |
|---|---|
| Clause and paragraph text | Translated in place; clause numbers and page numbers stay as in the original. |
| Printed text that a stamp overlaps | Translated like the rest of the printed text. |
| Text inside a court stamp or seal | Kept exactly as stamped, not translated. |
| Case and registry numbers | Treated as numbers, not translated. |
| Signatures and handwritten notes | Kept as written. |
USCIS wants proof that each prior marriage legally ended. The N-400 names the divorce decree and the I-485 accepts a decree or certificate. A certificate that only records the filing may not show the divorce became final, so the decree is the safer choice.
No. The certificate is usually a registry record of the divorce; the decree is the court's decision. California's state certificate, for example, doesn't show whether the divorce was finalised in court.
Yes, it's recognised without any special procedure under Regulation (EU) 2019/1111 (Denmark excepted). You produce a copy of the decision and the Article 36 certificate.
Usually not. A translation can be required for the certificate's free-text fields, and for the decision only if the authority can't proceed without one.
If it was obtained through proceedings, is valid where granted, and either spouse was habitually resident, domiciled or a national there. Divorces obtained without proceedings face a stricter test.
Either can be the basis: for US visas, a notarial divorce certificate based on the registry certificate or the court judgment or mediation statement is used.
Yes. Headers, clause numbers and page breaks stay aligned with the original, so specific orders can still be cited.
No. Stamps stay in place; printed text they overlap is translated, while the text inside a stamp is kept as stamped.
Simple, scan-friendly pricing. Pages are pages — no multiplier for scanned files.
Translate a few pages. No commitment.
$0.30 a page, from 10 pages — you pay for exactly 10 pages.
For individuals with scans to translate every month.
For high-volume users with scans to translate every week.