California Court Records
Divorce Decree and Court Document Apostille
Remarrying abroad, updating a foreign civil registry or enforcing custody and support orders overseas all need a California court document with an apostille. Here is how it works.
- Government fee included
- Rush and same-day available
- Open every day 8am–10pm
At a glance
Court Records Need the Clerk’s Certification
The document that gets apostilled is a certified copy from the Superior Court that handled the case, carrying the court clerk’s signature and seal. A copy you printed from the court portal, or a conformed copy from your attorney’s file, is not enough.
For a divorce, most countries want the Judgment (form FL-180, with any attachments), not the petition. Some also ask for the Notice of Entry of Judgment. California has no separate “divorce certificate” like some states, so when a foreign office asks for one, the certified Judgment is what they mean.
Santa Barbara County Superior Court
The court has divisions in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria and Lompoc. Certified copies are requested from the clerk’s office of the division that holds the case file. Ordering by mail takes longer, so if you are short on time, tell us and we will help you plan the order.
Other Court Documents
The same process covers adoption decrees, name change orders, probate letters, custody orders, criminal case dispositions and judgments in civil cases. Federal court documents (bankruptcy, federal judgments) go to the U.S. Department of State instead, which we also handle.
What You Need
- A certified copy from the court clerk
- The case number
- The destination country
Not sure this is the right document or the right apostille? Call (805) 866-4199, any day 8am–10pm. We will tell you exactly what your destination needs before you pay for anything.
How It Works
Done for You, Start to Finish
01
Book Online
Pick the service and a time, and pay securely. Or call and we will set it up with you.
02
Drop Off or Mail
Bring it to 1117 State St, book a mobile visit, or mail it in. We notarize first if your document needs it.
03
We Submit It
We check it, then submit it to the California Secretary of State for the apostille.
04
You Get It Back
Pick it up at the office or choose tracked return shipping anywhere in the world.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
My divorce was finalized decades ago. Does that matter?
The age of the case does not matter. What matters is that the copy is freshly certified by the current clerk, so the signature is one the Secretary of State has on file.
Do you need the whole case file?
No. Usually just the Judgment and any attachments the court made part of it. We will confirm what your destination asks for.
Is a court document a state or federal apostille?
California Superior Court documents get a California state apostille ($110). U.S. District Court and bankruptcy court documents get a federal apostille ($120).
Ready to Get Started?
Book online in a few minutes, or call and talk to a person. Open every day, 8am to 10pm.