When someone who finished a divorce in the U.S. and is now in Korea must submit a U.S. divorce decree to a Korean institution, getting the court document issued and apostilled can feel daunting. The U.S. and Korea are both apostille members, so a single apostille gives a U.S. divorce decree legal effect in Korea. Apostille Korea handles U.S. court-document issuance support through apostille and certified translation remotely, in one stop.
What is a divorce decree apostille?
An apostille is an international certification under the 1961 Hague Convention that simplifies the legalization of foreign public documents. Once a U.S. divorce decree carries an apostille, it is accepted as an official, legally trusted document in Korea. The process generally takes place in the U.S., but Apostille Korea handles it remotely on your behalf.
When do you need it?
- Reflecting a U.S. divorce on the Korean family relation register
- Proving the divorce for remarriage in Korea
- Pursuing property division or alimony claims in Korea
- Updating family documents for a Korean visa or change of residence status
- Organizing Korean documents for child-custody matters after a U.S. divorce
Key documents
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Divorce decree / judgment | Official proof of divorce |
| Certificate of divorce | Confirmation that the divorce was finalized |
| Certified Korean translation | Required for submission to Korean bodies |
The apostille process, step by step
- Issue the divorce decreeObtain the original or a certified copy from the relevant U.S. court.
- U.S. apostilleThe competent U.S. state authority (Secretary of State) affixes the apostille.
- Certified Korean translationTranslate into Korean and notarize for Korean submission.
- SubmissionSubmit the documents to the Korean body (family register, etc.).
How to apply with Apostille Korea
Apostille Korea handles U.S. divorce-decree issuance support, the apostille, and certified Korean translation in one stop, entirely online.
Frequently asked questions
Why does a U.S. divorce decree need an apostille for Korea?
Both countries are apostille members, so an apostille gives the decree official effect in Korea without separate consular confirmation.
Can it be processed without going to the U.S.?
Yes. Apostille Korea handles U.S. court-document issuance support and the apostille remotely.
Do I need both the decree and a certificate of divorce?
Requirements vary by receiving body; some accept the decree alone while others also want a certificate of divorce. We advise per the body.
Is certified Korean translation required?
Yes. Korean bodies require a notarized Korean translation alongside the apostilled original.
How long does it take?
It varies by state and court, but typically about 5 to 15 business days. Contact us for urgent handling.
Why Apostille Korea
- Specialist team — apostille, certified translation, and embassy legalization handled directly by experts.
- One-stop service — from issuance support to the finished certification, resolved together.
- Fully remote — apply online from anywhere and receive your documents — no in-person visit.
- Fast handling — urgent cases processed quickly with real-time status updates.
- Accurate guidance — tailored advice analyzing each country's and document's requirements.