Documents or Decrees on the I-129

[BlakeandOlha 0]

Hi Everyone, I'm new here, but I have found these forums extremely helpful in pulling together the information for my initial filing. Here's the question: The I-129 instructions regarding ability to legally marry requests that we "give copies of documents showing that each prior marriage was legally terminated." I was divorced back in 1996 and received a certified Verification of a Dissolution of Marriage from the Department of Public Health and Environment from the State of Colorado. It gives names, dates, county, and docket number and certifies the dissolution. Is this sufficient? I read that everyone uses the actual divorce decrees when filing. I have the Verification of Dissolution but will have to wait a couple more weeks for certified decrees (plus express mail charges, and courrier fees since this is out of state for me). Anyone have some advice?

[YuAndDan 153]

I would wait for the Certified copy of divorce decree, and attach a photo copy of it to the I-129F petition.

[BlakeandOlha 0]

I would wait for the Certified copy of divorce decree, and attach a photo copy of it to the I-129F petition.

Probably a good idea, I am just anxious to get the process moving along. The court records divisions are understaffed and over burdened - So I do not know how long they will take before they get the decree certified and to me.

[Kazan' Tiger 1]

I went to the domestic court and had them produce a "Certificate of Divorce" and made numerous court stamped copies. The USCIS only needs proof that you are free to marry. I did not send in the final decree, as it is not their concern what the details of the judgment were.

[pushbrk 12,156]

Hi Everyone, I'm new here, but I have found these forums extremely helpful in pulling together the information for my initial filing. Here's the question: The I-129 instructions regarding ability to legally marry requests that we "give copies of documents showing that each prior marriage was legally terminated." I was divorced back in 1996 and received a certified Verification of a Dissolution of Marriage from the Department of Public Health and Environment from the State of Colorado. It gives names, dates, county, and docket number and certifies the dissolution. Is this sufficient? I read that everyone uses the actual divorce decrees when filing. I have the Verification of Dissolution but will have to wait a couple more weeks for certified decrees (plus express mail charges, and courrier fees since this is out of state for me). Anyone have some advice?

These documents seem to be called by different names in different States. If the document you have, bears the seal of the issuing agency, I think you can use it. If no seal, not good.

[BlakeandOlha 0]

Hi Everyone, I'm new here, but I have found these forums extremely helpful in pulling together the information for my initial filing. Here's the question: The I-129 instructions regarding ability to legally marry requests that we "give copies of documents showing that each prior marriage was legally terminated." I was divorced back in 1996 and received a certified Verification of a Dissolution of Marriage from the Department of Public Health and Environment from the State of Colorado. It gives names, dates, county, and docket number and certifies the dissolution. Is this sufficient? I read that everyone uses the actual divorce decrees when filing. I have the Verification of Dissolution but will have to wait a couple more weeks for certified decrees (plus express mail charges, and courrier fees since this is out of state for me). Anyone have some advice?

These documents seem to be called by different names in different States. If the document you have, bears the seal of the issuing agency, I think you can use it. If no seal, not good.

It's got the state seal, states that it is a true certification of name and facts and is stamped by the state registrar. It also has a barcode id as well. I think this'll do. The only thing then is that this is from the Dept of vital records (which receives their information from the courts) and not directly from the court.

[pushbrk 12,156]

Hi Everyone, I'm new here, but I have found these forums extremely helpful in pulling together the information for my initial filing. Here's the question: The I-129 instructions regarding ability to legally marry requests that we "give copies of documents showing that each prior marriage was legally terminated." I was divorced back in 1996 and received a certified Verification of a Dissolution of Marriage from the Department of Public Health and Environment from the State of Colorado. It gives names, dates, county, and docket number and certifies the dissolution. Is this sufficient? I read that everyone uses the actual divorce decrees when filing. I have the Verification of Dissolution but will have to wait a couple more weeks for certified decrees (plus express mail charges, and courrier fees since this is out of state for me). Anyone have some advice?

These documents seem to be called by different names in different States. If the document you have, bears the seal of the issuing agency, I think you can use it. If no seal, not good.

It's got the state seal, states that it is a true certification of name and facts and is stamped by the state registrar. It also has a barcode id as well. I think this'll do. The only thing then is that this is from the Dept of vital records (which receives their information from the courts) and not directly from the court.

Mine also showed only the State's seal.

[mishka2007 0]

Hi Blake. I was worried about that too since I got divorced in Colorado in 1996 also. all I sent was a copy of my "final orders" showing the filing number and the signature of the Judge on the final page. We have just finished our interview "The easiest part" and it was acceptable for the interview also. I actually didnt have a copy of anything else including the marriage certificate. I sent away for a certified copy in Gunnison Co (it cost a whopping $2.85) and emailed a scan of the certified marriage certificate and a copy of a copy of the final orders to the fiance in Odessa. Everything she had was emailed.

It was my impression that they were more concerned with the Fiance though I could be wrong. It doesnt make sense because as made recent news a lady married numourous men to bring them into US and was charging them.

Bottom line, try to get as much as possible, Review the package instructions numerous times to make sure you dont forget anything and get a RFE and make the processing time even longer, keep it organized for quick review by the agencies to make them happy, and get a hobby because the 6 months processing time seems like a LIFETIME !!!

Good Luck!

[BlakeandOlha 0]

Hi Blake. I was worried about that too since I got divorced in Colorado in 1996 also. all I sent was a copy of my "final orders" showing the filing number and the signature of the Judge on the final page. We have just finished our interview "The easiest part" and it was acceptable for the interview also. I actually didnt have a copy of anything else including the marriage certificate. I sent away for a certified copy in Gunnison Co (it cost a whopping $2.85) and emailed a scan of the certified marriage certificate and a copy of a copy of the final orders to the fiance in Odessa. Everything she had was emailed.

It was my impression that they were more concerned with the Fiance though I could be wrong. It doesnt make sense because as made recent news a lady married numourous men to bring them into US and was charging them.

Bottom line, try to get as much as possible, Review the package instructions numerous times to make sure you dont forget anything and get a RFE and make the processing time even longer, keep it organized for quick review by the agencies to make them happy, and get a hobby because the 6 months processing time seems like a LIFETIME !!!

Good Luck!

Thanks for the advice. I think that you are right to get as much information together as possible. I think that it would probably be fine to send the state certified verification of dissolution of marriage forms in, but...... why risk it. I've got everything indexed and organized for the folks at UCIS, the only think I'm waiting on will be the certified decree. Really, I want this to be a slam dunk, no RFE's or delays once the I-129F is filed, so a couple of weeks additional should be OK. You are lucky about the price you paid though. Due to "budget cutbacks" in Denver they do not respond to mail requests - i.e. all documents must be picked up by hand. Of course they then give a list of legal courrier firms they recommend. For me to get the two pages of the signed and certified decree will cost well over $60.

Congratulations on your success in the process. I'm sure additional questions will come up in the future. My fiancee's in Zaporozhje, but I have been through Odessa and it is a beautiful place. Take Care.