Disclaimer
Application formats, fees, processing timelines, and procedures vary across States, Union Territories, and individual courts, and are governed by their respective High Court Rules, court notifications, and administrative practices.
Applicants are strongly advised to verify the exact procedure and prescribed format from the concerned court registry or official government portal before filing the application.
A Divorce Decree Certified Copy is the official, court-authenticated copy of the final judgment/order passed by a Family Court or District Court dissolving a marriage.
It is commonly required for remarriage, passport updates, visa applications, bank records, and government documentation.
In India, there is no single national portal for downloading certified copies of divorce decrees.
The process varies by State, court infrastructure, and level of digitisation.
Key Reality Check (Short & Honest)
- ✔ Divorce decree = court document, not a simple certificate
- ✔ Certified copy = issued only by the court
- ✖ Family court orders are generally not downloadable as PDFs
- ✔ Application is mandatory, online or offline
In short: You apply → court processes → certified copy is issued
Where Is the Divorce Decree Issued?
- Family Court
- District Court (where Family Court is not established)
The application must be made in the same court where the divorce was granted.
How to Apply for a Certified Copy
1. Offline Method (Available Across India)
This is the most reliable and universally accepted method.
Steps
- Visit the copying/record section of the concerned court
- Fill the Certified Copy Application Form
- Mention:
- Case number
- Names of parties
- Date of judgment
- Pay the prescribed copying fee
- Collect the certified copy on the given date
2. Online / Semi-Online Method (State-Dependent)
Some courts allow online filing of copy applications, but physical collection is still required.
State-wise Availability (Indicative Table)
| State / UT | Online Application | Portal | Mode of Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | Yes (Application only) | ecourts.gov.in | Physical copy |
| Maharashtra | Yes | ecourts.gov.in | Physical copy |
| Karnataka | Partial | ecourts.gov.in | Physical copy |
| Telangana | Partial | ecourts.gov.in | Physical copy |
| Uttar Pradesh | Limited | ecourts.gov.in | Physical copy |
| Other States | Varies | High Court / District portals | Mostly offline |
Important:
Even where online application is available, certified copies are not digitally downloadable.
Official Portals Used (Government Only)
Respective High Court websites (ending with .gov.in / .nic.in)
These portals allow:
- Case status tracking
- Judgment availability (limited)
- Copy application filing (in some states)
Fees & Time Required
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Government Fee | ₹5 to ₹50 per page (varies by state) |
| Urgent Copy Fee | Higher fee in some courts |
| Processing Time | 7–30 working days |
| Free Copy | One free copy may be given at judgment stage |
Documents Required
- Application form for certified copy
- Identity proof of applicant
- Case details (number, year, court name)
- Authorization (if applied through advocate)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
Can I download my divorce decree online in India?
-
No. Certified copies are not downloadable PDFs. Courts issue only physical, stamped copies.
-
Is a certified copy mandatory or will a photocopy work?
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For official purposes, only a certified copy is legally valid.
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Can my lawyer apply on my behalf?
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Yes. Advocates routinely file certified copy applications.
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Are divorce orders uploaded online?
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Family court matters are generally not uploaded publicly due to privacy concerns.
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Is the process same in every state?
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No. Forms, counters, fees, and timelines differ across states and courts.
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