Guide to Accessing Divorce Certificates and Records

How to Access Divorce Certificates and Records

Divorce records, along with birth, marriage, and death certificates, are public records accessible nationwide. To obtain a free copy of a divorce record, it's essential to understand the proper process. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you locate and request these documents.

Collect Necessary Details
To search for free divorce documents, gather key information such as the full names of both spouses, maiden name, location, date of divorce, and if available, the case number.

Identify the Relevant Judicial Circuit
The jurisdiction where the divorce was filed, often shared by multiple regions, is called the judicial circuit. Knowing this helps locate the correct court’s online database or allows you to contact the appropriate court office directly.

Search Online Resources
Once you pinpoint the judicial circuit, look for free divorce records through public online databases. Many court websites host downloadable documents or links to their records.

Most court portals provide access to divorce documents, typically attached within local rules or procedures. However, some requests may need to be made in person or via mail.

Request Records in Person or By Mail
If records are not available online, visit the Family or Domestic Relations Court Clerk office where the divorce was granted. If you're not a party to the case, check if third-party requests are permitted. Often, courts require a notarized letter or sworn affidavit from one of the involved parties authorizing your request.

Obtain Records from State Vital Records Office
If local courts do not provide access, you can request divorce records from your state’s Office of Vital Records by submitting proper identification or following the third-party request procedures.