Apostille Divorce Decree Massachusetts

Trusted Apostille Processing for MA Divorce Decrees

If you need to use a Massachusetts divorce decree outside the United States for legal matters, immigration, remarriage, or other official purposes obtaining an apostille is essential to ensure the document is recognized internationally. An apostille is a certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document, such as a divorce decree, for use in another country. Without it, foreign authorities may not accept the document.

At ApostilleMA.com, we streamline the apostille process, ensuring your divorce decree is accepted globally without delay. We handle everything from document review to notarization (if needed) and courier drop-off at the Massachusetts Secretary of State's office.

When Does a Divorce Decree Qualify for an Apostille?

A divorce decree qualifies for an apostille in Massachusetts when it is:

• A certified copy of the divorce decree issued by the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics or a city or town clerk’s office. The document must have the appropriate raised seal and official signature.

• The divorce decree is to be used in a country that is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention (1961). These countries recognize apostilles as valid forms of document authentication. (en.wikipedia.org)

If the divorce decree is old, damaged, or missing a signature, you must get it reissued before proceeding with the apostille process. ApostilleMA.com can help you obtain a compliant divorce decree for apostille. If additional documents require notarization, MiddlesexNotary.com offers professional notary services to ensure everything is in order.

When is Notarization Required?

Most Massachusetts divorce decrees do not require notarization for apostille purposes. However, if you are submitting additional supporting documents (such as affidavits or translations), notarization may be necessary. For these additional services, you can rely on MiddlesexNotary.com, where professional notary services are available to ensure all documents are legally prepared before submission.

Although the apostille confirms the authenticity of the divorce decree, notarization is required for other documents that may be part of the application, such as translations or affidavits, ensuring that everything meets legal requirements. MiddlesexNotary.com can provide comprehensive notarial support for your documents.

Where to Apostille a Divorce Decree in Massachusetts

All apostille requests for divorce decrees are processed at the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Office located at:

One Ashburton Place, Room 1719, Boston, MA 02108

This is the official office where apostille processing for Massachusetts divorce decrees is handled. ApostilleMA.com can assist you with the submission process, including offering same-day courier services in Boston.

We provide:

• Drop-off service for in-person submissions

• Courier delivery for faster processing

• Mail-in processing for those unable to come in person

• Electronic review before submission to ensure everything is in order

For any notarization services related to your divorce decree or additional documents, MiddlesexNotary.com can help you complete all necessary steps for compliance before submission.

How to Get an Apostille for a Divorce Decree in Massachusetts

If you're ready to get your Massachusetts divorce decree apostilled, you can follow these steps or let ApostilleMA.com handle everything for you:

1. Obtain a certified Massachusetts divorce decree: The divorce decree must be a certified copy obtained from the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics or a city/town clerk’s office, with a raised seal and signature.

2. Verify the clerk or registrar's signature: Ensure that the signature on the divorce decree is valid and from an authorized official. This is critical for apostille acceptance.

3. Submit the document to the MA Secretary of the Commonwealth: Submit your divorce decree to the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office for apostille processing.

4. Request apostille processing: When submitting your divorce decree, be sure to request apostille processing for international use.

5. Receive your apostilled divorce decree: Once processed, your apostilled divorce decree will be returned to you, typically in 5–10 business days. Expedited services are available through same-day courier submission in Boston.

ApostilleMA.com manages the process from start to finish, ensuring everything is completed correctly. For notarization services, you can turn to MiddlesexNotary.com to handle any additional document notarization needs.

Common Reasons for Divorce Decree Apostille

People commonly request an apostille for Massachusetts divorce decrees for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common reasons include:

• Immigration and visa applications: An apostilled divorce decree may be required as part of the documentation needed for immigration applications, especially in family reunification cases.

• Inheritance and estate processing: In some countries, you may need an apostilled divorce decree to verify marital status or previous marriages during estate settlement or inheritance processing.

• Dual citizenship applications: Many countries require an apostilled divorce decree to verify marital history during the process of applying for dual citizenship.

• Overseas remarriage: If you wish to remarry overseas, some countries require an apostilled divorce decree to prove your divorce was finalized.

• Foreign passport issuance: Some countries require an apostilled divorce decree as part of the process for issuing a foreign passport.

• International adoption: An apostilled divorce decree is often required as part of the adoption process, especially when adopting a child from abroad.

Costs & Processing Time

The apostille processing time and fees depend on the type of service you choose:

• Standard Processing: Typically 5–10 business days

• Expedited Courier: Same-day or 24-hour submission available

Additional fees may apply for replacement vital records or shipping.

Start Your Apostille Divorce Decree Order

✔ Review by email before submission
✔ Same-day courier in Boston
✔ Vital records assistance if needed

📞 Call/Text: 781-226-8331
📧 Email: info@apostillema.com

For more services, you can also visit MiddlesexNotary.com for notary services and additional document authentication.