At the Law Office of Dave Higgins, we understand that navigating a divorce is a significant life event, and doing so while living abroad presents a unique set of challenges. For U.S. service members, civilian contractors, and their families in Okinawa, we provide comprehensive divorce services designed to be as seamless and stress-free as possible.
One of the cornerstones of our service is ensuring you have the proper documentation to move forward with your life. When your divorce is finalized through the Japanese legal system, we provide each party with two copies of the final divorce decree. This ensures both you and your former spouse have the necessary proof of your marital status.
Why Four Decrees?
We provide a total of four certified copies of your final divorce decree – two for each party. This foresight is based on our extensive experience. You may need to provide a copy to various agencies, such as the military, social security, or for remarriage, and having a spare copy can save you significant time and effort in the future.
The Critical Step: Apostille Authentication
Crucially, we don’t just provide you with the decrees; we ensure that one copy for each party is apostille authenticated. An apostille is a form of authentication recognized by countries that are part of the 1961 Hague Convention. The United States is a party to this convention, which means an apostilled Japanese divorce decree is legally recognized as valid in the U.S.
Why is an Apostille so Important?
Without an apostille, your Japanese divorce decree may not be recognized by courts and government agencies in the United States. This can lead to complications with:
- Remarriage: You may be unable to obtain a new marriage license.
- Benefits: Your marital status affects military, social security, and other benefits.
- Legal Matters: An unauthenticated decree could be challenged in legal proceedings.
By providing you with an apostilled Japanese divorce decree, we give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing your divorce is legally recognized back home. This simple but vital step is part of our commitment to providing you with a complete and comprehensive service that protects your future.
If you are a U.S. citizen in Okinawa considering divorce, contact the Law Office of Dave Higgins today to learn more about how we can help you navigate this process with confidence and clarity.
Dave & Hazuki