Final Judgment of Divorce: What It Is and What It Means
A final judgment of divorce is the signed court order that officially ends a marriage. Some states call it a final judgment of dissolution of marriage, and others use different titles.
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What it does
The judgment is the point at which the court ends the marriage. The San Diego Superior Court warns not to assume you are divorced until a judge signs a judgment and court staff process it, even after a waiting period has passed.
Agreements between the spouses are usually folded into the judgment. A Stanislaus County court form says that once a marital settlement agreement is signed, it is incorporated into the final judgment.
Getting certified copies
In Collier County, Florida, for a simplified dissolution the final judgment is signed at the hearing, and the clerk gives each party a certified copy in the courtroom. The clerk also informs the Department of Health's vital statistics office of the divorce.
In other cases, ask the clerk of the court that issued the judgment how to order certified copies. Agencies that ask for proof of divorce often want a certified copy.
Frequently asked questions
How is a final judgment different from a decree?
Titles vary by state. Use the title shown on your own papers when you ask the clerk, and ask the clerk if you are unsure which document you need.
When am I legally divorced?
When a judge has signed the judgment and it has been processed, per the San Diego court. Your state may have extra steps or waiting periods.
Does the judgment include the settlement agreement?
Often. In California, a signed marital settlement agreement is incorporated into the final judgment.
Sources
US Records is a private company and is not a government agency. Government agencies issue certified records; we help you order them.
Written By
US Records TeamThe US Records Team writes and reviews guides on birth, death, marriage and divorce certificates, using state statutes, agency instructions and court records as sources.
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