German Divorce Decree Translation for U.S. Immigration
When do you need certified English translation of your German divorce paper?
If you are marrying an American and got divorced before, then U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS, formerly Immigration and Naturalization Service - INS) asks you to submit “certified translation” of your divorce decree.
Certified translation of your German divorce paper is requested before you apply for fiancé visa (K-1 or K-2) or marriage visa. Some immigrants bring “certificate of single” to prove that they are not currently married. However, this certificate is primarily for those who have never married before.
Courts in the United States also require certified translation of your divorce decree when you apply to get married.
Who issues divorce decrees in Germany?
Justice of the Peace (Standesamt) is authorized to issue divorce decrees. German divorce decrees become final one month after they are issued to allow parties to appeal.
German nationals are not required to apply for a family book or to change their name upon marriage. So, having old last (maiden) name may not mean that the person has not married in the past.
If marriage is between a German citizen and a foreign national, then the provisions of German private international law ( Introductory Act to the German Civil Code - Einführungsgesetz zum Bürgerlichen Gesetzbuch shall apply.
Divorce-related issues
Divorce results in dissolving the bonds of matrimony. Legally, divorce does not make the marriage null or void but simply cancels it. Child custody, alimony (subsistence, injunctive), and compensation are the issues to be arranges by protocol between the parties or by the court.
Some couples agree on prenuptial or postnuptial agreements to avoid costly litigations or mediations. Collaborative and uncontested divorces end the marriage with minimal legal process.
You need to have your divorce decree “certified” in hard/paper copy
The USCIS and courts require "Certification by Translator" issued by translation agency.
How can you get your German to English translation of your divorce decree?
We provide Certification by Translator document on our corporate letterhead with our authorized signature and raised (embossed) corporate seal with a statement as required by the USCIS and other agencies and organizations.
Notarization, in addition to certification, is not required by USCIS or U.S. Passport Agency. However, you may need notarization if you are not in the United States, but in Germany and applying to consulate office of the American embassy.
