Divorce records are an important part of any family history research. A divorce is a legal dissolution of a marriage. When a couple decides to get a divorce, they go through a legal process where assets are divided, child custody and support are determined, and alimony may be awarded. In these instances, a divorce record can provide information on the couple’s marriage, the grounds for the divorce, and the final decree. There are different types of divorce records in Washington, and each type can provide different information. The most common type of washington state divorce record is the decree, which is a document that states that the marriage has been dissolved. Another most common type of divorce record in Washington is a divorce certificate.
We will now see the main differences between a divorce decree and a divorce certificate.
Divorce Decree Vs. Divorce Certificate
When a couple divorces, they go through a legal process to dissolve their marriage. This process results in either a divorce decree or a divorce certificate. Though both documents signify that the marriage is over, they have different purposes and implications. What is the difference between these two documents?
The court issues a decree of divorce when a couple divorces. A divorce certificate is a document that proves that a divorce has taken place. The divorce decree is the legal document that spells out the terms of the divorce. At the same time, the divorce certificate is a document that shows that the marriage has ended.
A divorce certificate is a document that proves that a divorce occurred. The certificate is typically issued by the state and includes information such as the date and location of the divorce, as well as the names of the ex-spouses.
In contrast, a divorce decree is a court order that dissolves a marriage. When a couple divorces, they go through a legal process where all of their marital property is divided, and arrangements are made for the care and custody of any children. This process is documented in a document called a divorce decree. A divorce decree is a legally binding document that outlines the terms of the divorce. It settles all outstanding issues between the former spouses, including property division, child custody, and spousal support.
On the other hand, a divorce decree usually contains several pages, and a divorce certificate is a single-page document.
