How to get a divorce certificate at home affairs

 

You cannot directly obtain a divorce certificate at the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) in South Africa. The DHA handles marriages, but divorces are finalized through the court system. Here’s how to acquire a divorce certificate after a successful divorce:

 

After a Finalized Divorce:

 

1. ✅ Apply to the Court: Once the court grants a Decree of Divorce, you can apply to the court that finalised the divorce for a certified copy of the Decree. This serves as the official proof of your divorce.
2. ✅ Contact the Court: Inquiries about obtaining a certified copy of the Decree of Divorce are typically directed to the court registry or case management office that handled your divorce proceedings.
   • You might find contact information on the court’s website or by calling their general enquiries line.
3. ✅ Application Process: The court will likely have a specific application form you need to complete to request the certified copy. There might be an associated fee for obtaining the document.

 

 

Alternative:

 

• Marriage Certificate with Annotation: In some cases, you might be able to use your original marriage certificate with a special annotation added by the court indicating the divorce. However, this is not always accepted by all institutions or countries, and a certified copy of the Decree is generally the preferred document.

 

Here are some resources that might be helpful:

 

• ✅ Department of Home Affairs – Marriages: https://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/civic-services/marriage-certificates
• ✅ An example of a South African Divorce Decree (note that the format may vary slightly depending on the court): https://www.justia.com/family/divorce/

 

Remember:

• The specific process for obtaining a certified copy of the Decree of Divorce might vary slightly depending on the court that handled your case.
• It’s always best to consult the relevant court directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

 

 

 

How to register divorce at home affairs

 

 

In South Africa, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) doesn’t register divorces. Divorces are finalized through the court system, and the DHA is not involved in that process. However, the DHA can help you update your marital status on their records after your divorce is finalized. Here’s a breakdown:

 

 

Obtaining Proof of Divorce:

 

1. ✅ Court-Issued Decree: After a successful divorce, the court that handled your case will issue a Decree of Divorce. This is the official document that proves your marriage has been dissolved.
2. ✅ Certified Copy: You’ll need a certified copy of the Decree. This can be obtained by applying to the court registry or case management office associated with your divorce proceedings. There might be a fee involved.

 

 

Updating Marital Status at Home Affairs:

 

1. 📢 Required Documents: Once you have the certified copy of your Decree, you can visit your nearest DHA office with the following documents:
   • The certified copy of your Decree of Divorce
   • Your ID document (South African identity document)
   • Proof of residence (e.g., utility bill, bank statement)
2. 📢 Application Process: At the DHA office, you’ll need to complete a change of marital status form. DHA officials will verify your documents and update your marital status on their system.
3. 📢 No-Impediment Certificate (Optional): In some cases, you might need a No-Impediment Certificate after updating your marital status. This document confirms you are free to marry again. There might be an additional fee for this certificate.

 

 

Here are some resources that might be helpful:

 

• Department of Home Affairs – Change of Marital Status: Information on this specific service might be limited on the DHA website, but it’s generally included under services related to marriages.
• An example of a South African Divorce Decree (note that the format may vary slightly depending on the court): https://www.justia.com/family/divorce/

 

 

Remember:

 

• 📢 The process for updating your marital status at Home Affairs might involve slight variations depending on the specific DHA office. It’s advisable to call them beforehand to confirm the required documents and procedures.
• 📢 While updating your marital status is optional, it can be helpful for various purposes, such as applying for a new passport or getting married again.