A divorce decree is a legal document signed by the judge that officially terminates the marriage. The divorce decree typically includes the judge’s ruling on all matters related to the marriage and any minor children—including division of marital or community property, payment of marital or community debts, spousal support, child custody, child visitation, child support, any obligation to provide health insurance for minor children, and the payment of extracurricular expenses for minor children.

These determinations or rulings set forth in the divorce decree become legally enforceable obligations when the judge signs the divorce decree—and may be enforced by further legal action in the court if one or both of the former spouses fail to comply with the terms of the divorce decree.

In California, a divorce decree is the final court order that legally ends a marriage. It is signed by a judge and outlines all the terms of the divorce, including the division of community property and debts, spousal support (alimony), and if applicable, child custody, visitation, and support. California is a community property state, meaning that any assets and debts acquired during the marriage are generally divided equally between the spouses. The decree will also address the responsibility for health insurance and extracurricular expenses for any minor children. Once the judge signs the divorce decree, the terms are legally binding and enforceable. If either party fails to comply with the terms of the decree, the other party can take legal action to enforce it, which may include filing a contempt motion or other enforcement proceedings in court.