The District Judge’s Stamp on the Decree Absolute: A Complete Guide

11 Jan The District Judge’s Stamp on the Decree Absolute: A Complete Guide

The request for the Decree Absolute, the document that officially marks the end of a marriage in the United Kingdom, can raise questions—especially for those who need to present it in Italy or other countries with specific legalization requirements. Among the most common issues is the judge’s stamp: is it sufficient to validate the document, or are additional steps like an apostille or certified translation necessary?

In this article, we delve into this issue, providing clarification for those facing this situation.

What Is the Decree Absolute and Why Is It Important?

The Decree Absolute is the legal document that formally concludes a divorce procedure in England and Wales. This document is essential for individuals who wish to:

• Remarry;
• Update their marital status in Italy or other countries;
• Seek recognition of the divorce by foreign authorities or institutions.

The District Judge’s Stamp

In the UK, to register a divorce at the Italian Consulate, the Decree Absolute must bear the District Judge’s stamp. If this is not possible, a notary can assist.

For Italy

If the Decree Absolute is to be submitted to an Italian Consulate in the UK, the following steps are required:

1. Apostille the Document:
   This process, as outlined in the 1961 Hague Convention, authenticates the document for use in Italy.Requesting the ApostilleThe apostille is issued by the Legalisation Office of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and confirms that the judge’s stamp is authentic.How to Obtain It?
   • You can request it directly from the FCDO, either online or via postal service.
   • It is essential to submit the original Decree Absolute.
2. Certified Translation:
   The document must be translated into Italian by a professional translator for submission to an Italian Consulate in the UK.Important Note:Collaborating with specialized professionals is crucial to avoid errors that could delay the document’s acceptance.
3. Verify with the Italian Consulate:
   The Italian Consulate in London provides guidance on document submission procedures and can legalize translations performed by certified translators.

Timelines

• Apostille:
  • Timeframe: Approximately 2–5 business days.
• Certified or Sworn Translation:
  • Timeframe: 2–7 days, depending on the document’s complexity.
  • Cost: Varies based on the translator and whether certification is required.
• Consular Services:
  • These may require additional time, particularly during peak periods.

Helpful Tips

• Plan Ahead: If you need the Decree Absolute for a wedding or other urgent procedures, start the legalization process well in advance.
• Rely on Professionals: Working with experts ensures accurate results accepted by Italian authorities, both for the apostille and the translation.
• Consult Local Authorities: Each municipality or consulate may have specific requirements; it’s always wise to verify them in advance.

If you need assistance, our team of certified translators and expert consultants is available to help you complete the entire process, from legalization to translation. Contact us today for a free consultation!