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 West Virginia (WV), a divorce decree is the final order of a family court judge that legally ends a marriage. This document is binding and outlines the rights and responsibilities of each party post-divorce. It includes the division of marital property and debts, alimony (spousal support), and if applicable, child custody, visitation rights, child support, health insurance provisions for minor children, and the payment of children's extracurricular expenses. The terms of the divorce decree are enforceable by law, and failure to comply with these terms can result in legal consequences, including contempt of court proceedings. The specifics of the divorce decree are determined during the divorce process and are based on WV state statutes, which govern family law matters including divorce, property distribution, alimony, and child custody. If either party does not fulfill their obligations under the decree, the other party may return to court to seek enforcement of the order.