Most people believe that a divorce decree and a divorce certificate are the same thing, because both are included in the divorce records. However, this is not true for several reasons. A divorce certificate is similar to any other type of vital document, such as a death, birth or marriage certificate. Each document offers basic demographic information regarding their owners as well as topic-specific information about the event. On a divorce certificate, the names of both parties involved in the divorce are listed as well as the date and place where the divorce settlement took place.

Divorce decrees are far more complicated than divorce certificates and contain more divorce-related information. Unlike a divorce certificate, a divorce decree lists all the results of the divorce settlement.

When looking for these documents, it’s important to know what you’re looking for and, now that you know the differences between these two commonly confused documents, that shouldn’t be too difficult. If you want to obtain a copy of both the divorce decree and the divorce certificate, your best bet would be to get a copy of the divorce records, which contain all of this information as well as other things that aren’t listed on the two documents.

People go about obtaining divorce records the same way they would with any other vital records. Located in the vital records office in the county courthouse where the divorce was settled, the divorce records are generally easy to access. Depending on the state or county where the divorce was settled, the lawyer or attorney responsible for the divorce case gives a copy of the divorce records to the former couple and also keeps one for his or her own records. As a result, it’s easy for the lawyer or attorney to look up information about the divorce should the need arise. Private vendors working online also have access to divorce records and can send them through the Internet to whoever requests a copy.

People can also visit the state or county courthouse where their divorce was settled to get a copy of the divorce records but this copy will be a paper copy rather than an electronic version. Some people prefer this option because they end up with a tangible copy that they can hold in their hands. Not everyone can receive a copy of divorce records from a courthouse though, only a few people are granted that permission, including the former couple and any person who has a court order that grants them permission to receive a copy. Before obtaining divorce records from a courthouse, you’ll be asked to show identification in two forms, a photo ID and two utility bills or a letter from the government.

There’s also the option of requesting divorce records by phone or by mail and each option differs in price. Phone and Internet orders are the most expensive option when it comes to obtaining divorce records but are arguably the most convenient, easiest ways to get what you need.

Like everything else related with the legal world, a divorce can fall in to one of several different categories. Which category a divorce falls in to says a lot about the settlement. Because each state has their own laws regarding the divorce process, some don’t place categories on a divorce. There are even some countries, Malta, the Philippines and the Vatican, where divorces are prohibited all together. However, for those places where divorces are legal and categories are common, the two major categories are no-fault divorces and at-fault divorces.

No-fault divorces are used in 49 states in the USA. If a couple agrees that there was a general incompatibility in the marriage, that there were irreconcilable differences or just a breakdown of the marriage, it would be labeled no-fault because neither party was solely responsible for why the marriage ended, it was mutual.

At-fault divorces are a little different from no-fault divorces are tend to occur when the actions of one person in the marriage result in the couple getting a divorce. These actions can include lying, adultery or committing a crime.