New Zealand has no document called a divorce certificate. A marriage is ended by a Dissolution Order from the Family Court, and that, or another document showing the marriage has ended, is what overseas offices mean. Only certain forms of it can be apostilled: a printout of an emailed order, for example, is refused. We confirm which document the office wants, make sure you have it in an accepted form, handle the apostille and deliver it. All in from NZ$116.
How it works with us
The first step decides everything else, and it's where most people go wrong.
- Tell us what they asked forWe confirm the right NZ document.
- We check your copyOr tell you exactly what to get.
- Certificate or notary, if neededWe order or book it for you.
- We lodge the apostilleOr authentication, checked first.
- Tracked deliveryTo you in NZ or straight overseas.
What it costs
| Your situation | All in |
|---|---|
| Accepted court document, apostilled and returned in NZ | From NZ$148 all in |
| Certificate to be ordered, notary needed, or sent overseas | Quoted all in |
| Urgent, translation, authentication countries | Quoted all in |
Prices include government fees and GST. Your quote shows one total before any work starts. See pricing.
What are New Zealand divorce papers called?
The legal term in New Zealand is dissolution of a marriage or civil union, and the Family Court ends it with a Dissolution Order. Overseas offices may ask for a divorce certificate, divorce decree or final divorce papers. They don't always mean the same document, and some will accept a different document showing the marriage has ended. We confirm what yours will accept before anything is lodged.
Will my copy be accepted?
Often not. Only certain forms of divorce papers can be apostilled, and a printout of an emailed order, a photocopy or an older document that doesn't show the divorce are all refused, usually weeks later. Send us what you have and we'll tell you straight away whether it will work, and what to do if it won't.
Remarrying overseas?
The overseas registry often wants proof that you are free to marry as well as the divorce papers. In New Zealand that is a Certificate of No Impediment. We handle both together, with one quote. See Certificate of No Impediment.
How long it takes
About 3 weeks for the apostille, or about 1 week urgent where eligible. If a new document has to be obtained first, allow extra time. Tell us your deadline and we'll tell you straight away whether it's achievable.
Translation
Only if the overseas office asks, and it has to be done in an accepted way, at the right stage. We arrange it. See Translation.
Mistakes that cost weeks
- Asking for a "divorce certificate", which New Zealand does not issue
- Sending a printout of an emailed Dissolution Order
- Using an old document that doesn't show the divorce
- Paying a notary when it wasn't needed
- Getting an apostille when the country needs authentication
- Forgetting the Certificate of No Impediment when remarrying overseas
Apostille or authentication? It depends on the country
| Route | Common destinations |
|---|---|
| Apostille | United Kingdom, Australia, United States, Canada, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Germany, France, Netherlands, Croatia, Serbia, Philippines, India, China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, South Africa |
| Authentication | United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Malaysia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Egypt, Taiwan, Nigeria |
| Authentication + embassy | Iraq, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Tanzania, Uganda, Afghanistan and others |
We confirm the route for your exact country before anything is lodged. See Apostille vs Authentication.
Frequently asked questions
Does New Zealand issue a divorce certificate?
No. The Family Court issues a Dissolution Order. That is usually what overseas offices mean by a divorce certificate or decree, and we confirm what yours will accept.
Can NZ divorce papers be apostilled?
Yes, but only in certain forms. We check your copy before anything is lodged and tell you what to do if it will not be accepted.
Can I apostille a printout of my emailed Dissolution Order?
No. A printout of an emailed or downloaded document is refused. Send us what you have and we will tell you what is needed instead.
How much does it cost to apostille divorce papers?
With an accepted court document, apostilled and returned in New Zealand, from NZ$148 all in. Other situations are quoted all in before any work starts.
How long does it take?
About 3 weeks, or about 1 week urgent where eligible. Allow extra time if a new document has to be obtained first.
Do I need a Certificate of No Impediment as well?
Often, if you are remarrying overseas. The registry usually wants proof you are free to marry. We can handle both together.
NZ Document Assist Limited is an independent company, not a government agency. We are not a law firm, Notary Public or licensed immigration adviser and do not give legal or immigration advice.