How to Get a Certified Copy of Your Divorce Decree in Odisha
A certified copy of a divorce decree from an Odisha family court is obtained by submitting a copying application with the case number to the court's copying section, paying the prescribed fee, and collecting it in 1 to 15 working days depending on whether you request urgent or ordinary processing.
By Advocate Debarchana Samal · 30 July 2026 · 6 min read
Why a Certified Copy Matters
Once a family court in Odisha grants a divorce — whether by mutual consent under Section 13B of the Hindu Marriage Act or after a contested trial — the court's judgment and decree are recorded in the case file. However, for most practical and legal purposes, you need an official, sealed, authenticated copy of that decree, known as a certified copy. This document is what banks, passport authorities, employers, the registrar for remarriage, and courts in future proceedings will accept as proof that your divorce is legally final.
Step-by-Step: Obtaining Your Certified Copy
Confirm your case number and decree date
Note the case number, the date the final decree was passed, and the specific family court (for example, Family Court, Cuttack) that granted your divorce. This information is essential for the copying application.
Fill and submit the copying application form
Obtain the certified copy application form from the court's copying section (or online via the e-Courts services portal where available for your district) and submit it either in person or through your lawyer.
Pay the prescribed copying fee
The fee depends on the number of pages in the decree and judgment, and whether you opt for urgent (higher fee, faster turnaround) or ordinary processing. Court fee stamps or online payment may be required depending on the court's process.
Track the application and collect the certified copy
You will receive a receipt with an expected collection date. Collect the certified copy from the copying section on or after that date, or check if it is available for download via the e-Courts portal.
Documents You Typically Need
Ordinary vs Urgent Certified Copy
Ordinary Copy
Standard processing through the regular queue of the copying section
Typically takes about 7 to 15 working days
Urgent Copy
Priority processing on payment of an additional urgent fee
Often available within 1 to 3 working days, useful for time-sensitive needs like remarriage or travel
Practical tip: Apply for your certified copy soon after the decree is passed, even if you do not have an immediate use for it. Court record rooms can take longer to trace older files, and having the certified copy on hand avoids delays later for remarriage, passport renewal, or other urgent needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need a certified copy of my divorce decree?
A certified copy is the officially authenticated version of the court's final divorce order, bearing the court seal and signature of the authorised officer. You need it for remarriage registration, passport applications, changing your name or marital status in official records, property and bank account matters, visa applications, and any legal proceeding where you must prove the divorce is final.
How long does it take to get a certified copy in Odisha family courts?
Ordinary certified copies typically take about 7 to 15 working days depending on the court's workload, while urgent copies, available at a higher fee, can often be obtained within 1 to 3 working days. Processing times vary between the Cuttack Family Court and other district courts, so it is advisable to check with the specific copying section.
Can someone else collect the certified copy on my behalf?
Yes. Your lawyer, or a person authorised by you through a simple written authorisation or vakalatnama, can apply for and collect the certified copy on your behalf. This is the most common route, as most litigants engage their lawyer to handle post-decree formalities including obtaining the certified copy.
What if I have lost my certified copy years after the divorce?
You can apply for a fresh certified copy at any time after the decree, even years later, by submitting a copying application referencing the original case number to the same family court. If you do not recall the exact case number, the court record room or your former lawyer's case file can usually help trace it using your name and approximate year of the decree.
Is the certified copy different from the decree sheet given at the time of judgment?
Often, parties receive an operative order or a plain copy of the judgment at the time of the hearing, but for official and legal use — such as remarriage or passport purposes — you specifically need a certified copy bearing the court seal, obtained through the formal copying application process, as this is treated as an authenticated legal document.
Need Help Obtaining Your Divorce Decree Copy in Cuttack?
Advocate Debarchana Samal, Cuttack, Odisha, assists former clients and new clients alike in obtaining certified copies of divorce decrees and handling related post-decree formalities. Contact us for assistance.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified advocate for advice specific to your situation.
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