Divorce is one of the most complicated legal proceedings in America’s justice system. Or at least it can be complicated depending on the elements that are included in the case. A case can drag on for months or even years as both sides could argue who was at fault, who deserves to keep the children, and how much they should get in damages. Everything hangs on the court’s decision, explains Atty. Shane Kersh of Kersh Law Firm. But even so, some people are still wondering where the divorce process ends.

During a trial, a jury would eventually make its decision of siding with the plaintiff or the defendant. This is what they call a divorce decree. However, this doesn’t make the divorce official and binding. A divorce decree is mostly used for documentation purposes. It shows how the divorce settlement took place, how properties are divided, why the marriage is being ended, child support, and other information you may need in the future.

For a divorce to be final, one needs a copy of a divorce certificate. A divorce certificate is a state document that says the court has granted you a divorce. It doesn’t include the intricate details that are found in a divorce decree, but this is what you would need to prove that you are, in fact, divorced. According to Atty. Shane Kersh, the divorce certificate is as legal as a birth certificate.

<i><a href="https://twitter.com/ShaneKersh">Shane Kersh</a> serves clients in Harris, Brazoria, and Fort Bend Counties in Houston, Texas. He obtained his BA in History from the University of Houston- Clear Lake and his Juris Doctor degree from South Texas College of Law. At present, he is focusing on family law through his practice at Kersh Law Firm. For similar reads on divorce or family law matters, visit this <a href="https://shanekersh.blogspot.com/">page</a>.</i>