Effective Methods to Access Divorce Documentation

Obtaining divorce records is essential for legal processes such as name changes, alimony claims, or custody enforcement. As public records, these documents are accessible free of charge across the country. Here are three reliable methods to retrieve divorce records:

Courthouse Records Office
The civil court that processed the divorce maintains copies of records both digitally and physically for at least seven to ten years. If you are involved in the divorce, you can request a copy by contacting the court clerk’s office, either in person or by mail.

If you are not a party to the case, you'll need details such as names of the spouses, divorce date, location, maiden name, and case number. With this info, contact the appropriate court clerk to request the records. Sometimes, a notarized request or signed affidavit from involved parties may be necessary to view and obtain copies.

Vital Records Office
Divorce records can also be secured through the county’s Vital Records or Registrar’s Office, located where the divorce was finalized.

For personal records, a divorce decree or non-certified copy can be obtained upon presenting valid identification. If you are not a party, a notarized or signed affidavit from one of the involved individuals may be required before accessing records.

Online Database Search
Many jurisdictions provide online access to divorce records. Court websites often host these documents alongside local procedural rules. In some cases, requests must be submitted by mail or in person. State vital records departments also maintain online databases, enabling self-directed searches or through dedicated search engines.