Decree absolute apostille – UK legalisation service

Fast, secure apostille service for your decree absolute

We provide fast apostille and legalisation services for decree absolute documents, including priority FCDO apostille UK processing and secure tracked delivery. This service is commonly required for remarriage abroad, immigration applications and legal recognition of divorce overseas.

What is a decree absolute?

A decree absolute is an official UK court document confirming that a marriage has been legally dissolved and the divorce is final under UK law.

Why you may need an apostille

You may require an apostille for:

  • Remarriage abroad
  • Immigration and visa applications
  • Updating marital status overseas
  • Residency or citizenship applications
  • International legal or family matters

An apostille ensures your decree absolute is legally recognised in Hague Apostille Convention countries.

Can I legalise a decree absolute?

Yes — UK decree absolute documents can be legalised for international use, provided they meet the required format and certification standards.

Apostille requirements
  • Original court-issued decree absolute required
  • Documents must contain an official court seal, stamp or signature
  • Certain documents may require additional solicitor or notary certification before apostille
Acceptable formats for legalisation

✔ Original decree absolute issued by a UK court
✔ Official certified copies issued by the court
✔ Documents certified by a UK solicitor or Notary Public where required
❌ Uncertified photocopies or scanned printouts are not accepted

Embassy attestation (if required)

If your destination country is not part of the Hague Convention, additional embassy attestation may be required after the FCDO apostille UK process.

We can arrange:

  • Embassy attestation
  • Certified translations
  • PDF scanning
Our apostille service includes
  • Pre-submission document checks
  • Priority FCDO apostille UK submission
  • Secure tracked return delivery
  • Optional services: embassy attestation, translation and scanning
Processing time

Priority service:
Next working day submission to the FCDO if documents are received before 12:30 pm at our Milton Keynes office.

Most clients receive their apostilled documents within 1–2 working days after FCDO processing.