Even Dear Abby Advises Readers to Make Sure Divorce is Final.

Today's Dear Abby column is about making sure that your divorce is final with an evidence of a filed divorce decree from the courthouse where their divorce was first filed.  Be sure to request a certified copy of this divorce decree as proof that it is over. You'll want this before you remarry or carry on with your life as a newly single person.

Remember, in California, there is a six month waiting period from when you file and serve the divorce papers to when the final decree or judgment can be requested and entered by the court.

DEAR ABBY: After reading the letter from "Married? In Arkansas," who found to her dismay that her husband was still married to his first wife, I thought I should write. It happens more than people would like to think.

I have worked for more than 10 years on a divorce court staff, and I would advise all divorced people -- male and female -- to request a certified copy of their divorce decree. This official document is available from the courthouse in which they were divorced.... click here for more.