How to Legalize a Marriage Registered Abroad?
Legalizing a marriage registered outside of Ukraine is an important legal procedure that allows you to recognize this marriage on Ukrainian territory and secure the rights derived from it. The first step to legalization is confirming the legal validity of your marriage certificate. This involves undergoing the process of apostille or legalization, depending on the country where the marriage was registered.
An apostille is a special stamp placed on documents to confirm their authenticity and legal force in another country that is a participant of the Hague Convention. If the country where you got married is not a participant in this convention, you need to legalize the documents through consular authorities.
How Does the Marriage Legalization Process Abroad Work?
The process of legalizing a marriage registered abroad includes several stages, each of which is important for correctly formalizing your rights. Here are the main steps that need to be followed:
- Obtaining the marriage certificate: The first step is obtaining a marriage certificate from the civil registry authorities in the country where the marriage was registered. Ensure that the certificate is in the correct form and includes all necessary details.
- Apostille or legalization: To confirm the legal validity of your marriage certificate in Ukraine, the apostille procedure must be completed if the country is a participant in the Hague Convention. If the country has not signed this convention, you must go through consular legalization at the Ukrainian consulate in that country.
- Translation of the document into Ukrainian: All documents obtained abroad must be translated into Ukrainian by a certified translator. The translation must be notarized.
- Entry in the Ukrainian registry: After your documents are apostilled or legalized and translated, you need to contact the civil registry authorities of Ukraine to enter the relevant record into the registry. This will officially recognize your marriage in Ukraine.
- Obtaining a Ukrainian marriage certificate: After the entry is made in the registry, you will be issued a Ukrainian marriage certificate. This document will confirm your marriage in Ukraine and grant you all the rights derived from it.
Why is Marriage Legalization Necessary?
Legalizing your marriage is essential for ensuring your rights in Ukraine. Here are some key benefits of legalizing your marriage:
- Changing your surname: After legalizing your marriage, you have the right to change your surname, which is important if you want to adopt your spouse’s last name.
- Pension and social benefits: Legalizing your marriage allows you to legally receive pensions and social benefits from your spouse, as well as inheritance rights.
- Property rights: A legalized marriage grants you the right to divide property in case of divorce, as well as rights to jointly acquired property during the marriage.
- Medical and other legal matters: If necessary, you will be able to represent your spouse's interests in medical institutions or legal matters related to your marriage.
What Documents are Needed for Marriage Legalization?
To legalize your marriage, certain documents need to be prepared. Typically, the following documents are required:
- Marriage certificate issued in another country: The document must be original and comply with the requirements of the country where it was issued.
- Apostille or legalization of the certificate: To confirm the authenticity of the document in Ukraine.
- Translation of the document into Ukrainian: The translation must be done by a certified translator and notarized.
- Copy of a Ukrainian passport: This is needed to verify your identity.
- Application for marriage registration in Ukraine: The application must be submitted to the civil registry authorities.
Question-Answer Section
Question
How quickly can a marriage registered abroad be legalized?
Answer
The legalization process can take from a few weeks to several months, depending on the country where the marriage was registered and whether apostille or legalization of the document is required.
Question
Can a marriage be legalized without apostilling the document?
Answer
If the country where the marriage was registered is not a participant of the Hague Convention, consular legalization (instead of apostille) is required.
Question
How can I receive consultation regarding marriage legalization?
Answer
You can contact our lawyers, who will provide you with consultation and assistance at all stages of the marriage legalization process.
How Can We Help You?
Legal Consultation: Our lawyers are ready to provide consultation on all issues related to the legalization of a marriage registered abroad and assist you throughout the process.
Document Preparation: We will help you prepare all necessary documents for the legalization of your marriage in Ukraine and provide legal support.
Representation in Court: If problems arise during the legalization or judicial process, we can represent your interests in court.
Legalizing a marriage registered abroad is an important step to securing your rights in Ukraine. The process can be complex, but with the help of qualified lawyers, you can successfully resolve all issues and receive all the rights you are entitled to.
