Apostille for China · Apostille guide

Processing Apostille of New York Divorce Judgment: Court Certified Copy, County Certification and State Department

New York divorce documents should first confirm whether it is a court judgment or a divorce certificate issued by the state health department. The versions and pre-steps of the two are different.

First distinguish between the two types of divorce documents

The Judgment of Divorce or Divorce Decree is issued by the court; records such as the Certificate of Dissolution of Marriage may be provided by a vital records agency. Which one the Chinese recipient requires must be confirmed in writing first.

Obtain a certified copy of a court decision

Apply from the issuing court clerk’s office for a complete, certified copy for overseas use. Self-downloaded electronic case files, lawyer copies, or scanned copies missing the signature page may not meet Apostille requirements.

Common Paths in New York

Documents issued by county or local officials may be signed by the corresponding County Clerk before being submitted to the New York State Department. The specific county depends on the court and the signer's records and should not be judged solely by the party's address.

The translation must cover the complete judgment

The case number, court name, party names, judgment date, signature page, attachments and Apostille page should remain consistent. Property, guardianship, or eligibility for remarriage are substantive legal issues for which Apostille makes no judgment.