What does a divorce decree look like?

What does a divorce decree look like? Here’s what it means for your divorce process and how getting one works.

Published on April 17, 2024 · 7 min read

Last modified: September 23, 2025

A divorce decree is an important legal document that serves as the official court order terminating a marital relationship. It sets forth the final terms of the divorce that both parties must abide by moving forward.

So, what does a divorce decree look like? The precise format may differ from state to state and case to case. However, this article gives a bit more detail. We describe what a final divorce decree looks like and where to find samples of such documents. We also explain why you need a divorce decree and how to obtain a certified copy.

Official Legal Document: A divorce decree is the final, signed court order that legally ends a marriage and outlines binding terms regarding finances, custody, and property.
Essential Components: Most divorce decrees include key case details, hearing summaries, legal findings, court orders, and the judge’s official signature.
Multiple Practical Uses: You may need your decree for proof of divorce, updating records, name changes, transferring assets, or enforcing court orders.
Differs from a Certificate: A decree contains detailed legal decisions, while a divorce certificate is a simplified proof of divorce used for general administrative purposes.

What is a divorce decree?

A divorce decree is the final court document that legally ends your marriage. It’s signed by a judge and includes the official terms you and your former spouse must follow.

This legally binding order outlines how property is divided, who has custody of any children, how much spousal or child support must be paid, and any other final decisions made during your divorce. Whether your divorce was contested or uncontested, the decree reflects all terms approved or decided by the court.

Once signed and entered into the record, it becomes enforceable in court, meaning both parties are obligated to comply.

Divorce decree vs. divorce certificate: What’s the difference?

Although they’re often confused, a divorce decree and a divorce certificate are two separate documents with very different purposes.

A divorce decree is a full, detailed court order issued by a judge. It includes all the final terms of the divorce, such as property division, child custody, support payments, and any other legal obligations or entitlements resulting from the marriage.

In contrast, a divorce certificate is a short, standardized form issued by your state’s vital records office. It simply confirms that a divorce took place, listing the names of both spouses and the date of the divorce. It doesn’t contain any of the details included in the decree and is often used as proof of divorce for things like updating IDs or applying for a new marriage license.

What does a final divorce decree look like?

There is no universal divorce decree example or template. The specific appearance and format of a final divorce decree may vary depending on the court that issues the decree and the complexity of the case. Still, a final divorce decree typically contains several key components.

Below is an overview of the common terms and information included in this document to give you a better idea of what a divorce decree looks like.

Case caption

The final divorce decree typically begins with what’s called the case caption. This includes identifying information about the case, including the following:

Names of the parties
County and address of the court in which the case was filed
Case number
Judge’s name

The case caption appears at the top of the first page of the divorce decree.

Information about the court hearing

Next, the divorce decree usually includes information about the final divorce hearing.

At the hearing, the parties will have had an opportunity to either:

Present the terms of their divorce settlement to the judge
Or to present their arguments regarding what they’re seeking in the divorce and have the judge decide the terms of their divorce

This section of the divorce decree typically addresses information such as:

The date of the hearing (if one was held)
Whether one or both parties attended the hearing
Whether either party was represented by legal counsel at the hearing

Findings of fact

Some final divorce decrees may also include a findings of fact section, which sets forth certain facts about the case that provide a basis or rationale for the judge to enter the final divorce decree. For example, this section will often confirm:

Whether the divorce was contested or uncontested
That the court had proper jurisdiction over the parties
That the parties have met all procedural requirements for the divorce to be finalized
Statements resolving factual disputes the parties presented to the court

Orders of the court

Next, the divorce decree typically addresses all orders of the court related to the dissolution. Below are some common divorce decree example terms that are frequently included:

The date the divorce decree is entered as a final order of the court
How property will be divided between the parties
Whether spousal support is awarded and in what amount
How custody and visitation of any children will be divided
The amount of any child support award
How the parties will divide child tax credits
Whether either party’s name will be restored to a prior name

Any other terms—whether they were agreed upon between the parties or disputed and addressed at the divorce hearing—are also addressed in this section of the final divorce decree.

Signature of the judge

Lastly, the divorce decree is typically signed and dated by the judge presiding over the case. This signature is what formally makes the decree a final and legally binding order of the court.

In some jurisdictions, the judge’s signature may also be accompanied by an official court seal or certification to authenticate its validity.

Where to find samples of divorce decrees

For example, California, Colorado and other states have self-help forms online for final divorce decrees and a variety of other documents that you may need throughout your divorce proceedings. These may be used as guides when navigating the process generally or as templates when preparing your own court filings.

Common use cases of divorce decrees

Once your divorce is finalized, your decree becomes a key legal document for many parts of post-divorce life. It’s not just a formality; it’s something you’ll likely refer back to.

You may need your divorce decree to:

Prove your divorce to government agencies, banks, or insurance providers
Update legal documents, such as your will or power of attorney
Change your name on your passport, driver’s license, or Social Security records
Refinance or retitle property you were awarded in the divorce
Access or modify custody or support arrangements later through the court
Remarry, as some jurisdictions require proof of divorce

Essentially, the decree is your official record of what was decided. It can be used to enforce court orders, negotiate updates, and protect your legal rights in the future.

Why you should hire a lawyer to help with a divorce decree

Getting the divorce decree is just the final step. A lot has to happen before then, and working with a lawyer can make that process much smoother.

An experienced divorce attorney can:

Help you gather the documentation needed to support your case
Negotiate favorable terms around property, support, or custody
Represent your interests in mediation or court hearings
Ensure the final decree reflects what was truly agreed or decided

Even if your divorce seems straightforward, having legal support can help you avoid costly mistakes and make sure your rights and future are protected.

Share with

Author Bio

The Marble Team

Your family & immigration law firm

We are Marble - a nationwide law firm focusing on family & immigration law. Marble attracts top-rated, experienced lawyers and equips them with the tools they need to spend their time focused on your case outcome.

See my bio page