GOV.UK does not individually name decree absolute/final order documents in its apostille guidance, but court-sealed documents generally are covered — see our UK Divorce Certificate Attestation service page for the full chain. This post walks through getting a sealed court copy and the FCDO/UAE Embassy steps, alongside the UK Certificate Attestation page.
Getting a Sealed Divorce Document from a UK Court
England and Wales courts issue a final order (called a decree absolute before an April 2022 law change); Scotland and Northern Ireland issue their own court divorce decrees. You need a sealed court copy, not a solicitor's letter.
Does GOV.UK Treat This the Same as Other Documents?
GOV.UK’s apostille guidance covers court orders and UK-issued documents generally; a sealed divorce order falls within that general category even though it is not given its own named example on the page.
The Full Chain for the UAE
Sealed court copy of your final order/decree absolute → FCDO paper apostille (not e-Apostille, per the UAE Embassy, London's requirement) → UAE Embassy, London digital attestation, which covers UAE MOFA in the same submission.
Why UAE Residents Usually Need This
Remarrying in the UAE, a custody or alimony case in a UAE court, or updating a residency record after a divorce are the usual reasons a UAE resident needs an attested UK divorce document.
Does a UAE-Issued Divorce Document Need UK Legalising?
No. GOV.UK confirms British embassies and consulates cannot legalise documents of any kind.
Is a Translation Needed?
No, since the UK court order is already in English. A UAE-issued document used in the UK may need a certified English translation if requested.
Frequently Asked Questions
What UK document proves a divorce?
A court-issued final order (called a decree absolute before April 2022) in England and Wales; Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own court decrees.
Does the FCDO apostille a decree absolute the same way as other documents?
Yes — it falls under GOV.UK’s general court-document apostille category, even though it is not given a separate named example.
Should I use the FCDO e-Apostille or paper apostille?
The paper apostille — required by the UAE Embassy, London for UAE-bound documents.
Does a UAE-issued divorce document need UK legalising?
No — GOV.UK confirms British embassies and consulates cannot legalise documents of any kind.
Can Attest Dubai help with this?
Yes — we confirm the current requirement for your specific court document, then coordinate the FCDO apostille and UAE Embassy, London steps.
Sources: GOV.UK — Get a divorce (final order/decree absolute); GOV.UK — Get a document legalised (apostille); GOV.UK — Notarial and documentary services guide; UAE MOFA — Documents Attestation service. Last reviewed: 28 October 2026.
Need Help Attesting a UK Divorce Document for the UAE?
Tell us which UK court issued your final order/decree absolute and we will confirm the current FCDO apostille and UAE Embassy, London steps.