Obtain a Certified Court Document

Request a certified copy of the court document from the Alabama court where the original record is maintained. Examples include court orders, judgments, divorce decrees, adoption orders, and probate records.

Court-Issued Certification

The document should be certified by the authorized court official and contain the appropriate official signature and court seal. An ordinary photocopy or uncertified online printout is not sufficient.

Divorce Decrees and Judgments

If the receiving country requires a divorce decree or judgment, obtain a certified copy directly from the issuing court. An Alabama divorce certificate issued through the vital records system is a different document and may not satisfy the receiving country's requirements.

Probate Court Documents

Wills, estate orders, letters testamentary, and other probate records should be obtained as certified copies from the appropriate Alabama probate court.

Confirm the Required Authentication

Alabama has specific rules concerning which public officials' signatures can receive an apostille. A document certified by a circuit clerk may require further review or additional certification before it can be apostilled.

Check the Document

Ensure all pages are complete and legible, and that the certification contains the required official signature and seal. Do not remove or alter attached certification pages.

Foreign-Language Documents

Documents written in a foreign language must be accompanied by a notarized English translation for Alabama authentication. Any translation required by the destination country should be handled according to that country's rules.

Important Information

Different Alabama courts issue different types of certified records. Contact National Apostille Center before requesting your documents so we can help identify the appropriate certification for international use.