New York divorce records are legal documents maintained by the state’s court system and county clerks. These records include the Judgment of Divorce, which finalizes the dissolution of marriage, along with related court orders and filings. Due to privacy laws, divorce records in New York are sealed for 100 years and are not available for public inspection.
What Are New York Divorce Records?
New York divorce records are official court documents that detail the legal end of a marriage, including the Judgment of Divorce, related court orders, and any filed settlement agreements. These records are maintained by the Supreme Court in the county where the divorce was granted. Because they contain sensitive personal information, New York State law seals divorce records for 100 years, restricting access to the parties involved, their attorneys, or individuals with a court order. The records are not available for public inspection but may be requested by eligible parties for legal purposes such as name changes, retirement benefits, or remarriage documentation.
Required documents include:
Document Type | Description |
Judgment of Divorce | The official court document signed by a Supreme Court judge finalizing the divorce. |
Settlement Agreement (if filed) | A contract outlining how property, debts, custody, and support are handled. |
Court Orders | Additional documents related to spousal support, child custody, or other legal rulings. |
Certificate of Divorce | A short-form document stating the names of the parties and the date of divorce. |
These documents are kept by the Supreme Court in the county where the divorce was granted, not by city clerks or general vital records departments.
Are New York Divorce Records Public?
No. Under New York State law, divorce records are sealed for 100 years. They are not open to public inspection. Access is limited to:
- The Plaintiff (person who filed for divorce)
- The Defendant (spouse)
- Attorneys of record for either party
- Individuals with a court order authorizing access
For historical research or genealogy, records older than 100 years may be available through archives or special collections, but most recent records are strictly confidential.
Where to Find New York Divorce Records
Supreme Court
All divorce actions in New York are filed in the Supreme Court of the county where the divorce took place. The County Clerk's Office maintains the official record of the divorce.
Other locations include:
Location | Where to Request Records |
Manhattan (New York County) | Supreme Court Record Room, 60 Centre Street, Room 103B |
Brooklyn (Kings County) | Supreme Court, 360 Adams Street |
Broome County | Broome County Clerk’s Office, 60 Hawley Street, 3rd Floor, Binghamton |
Erie County | Erie County Clerk’s Office, Buffalo |
Suffolk County | Suffolk County Clerk, 310 Center Drive, Riverhead |
If the divorce was granted outside of New York City, records may also be requested through the New York State Department of Health Vital Records Section for certificates of divorce, but not full judgments.
How to Request a Certified Copy of Divorce Records
A certified copy of a Judgment of Divorce is often required for:
- Name changes on identification documents
- Social Security Administration updates
- Passport applications
- Retirement and pension claims
Requirements:
Step | Details |
Identification | Valid government-issued photo ID matching the name on the divorce record. |
Proof of Name Change | If remarried or using a maiden name, submit supplemental documents like a marriage certificate. |
Application Method | In-person at the County Clerk’s Office, or by mail with a notarized letter requesting the records. |
Information Needed | Full names of both parties, the index number, and the year of the divorce. |
Cost of Certified Copies
Fees vary by county, but generally include:
Document | Fee |
Certified Copy of Judgment of Divorce (up to 8 pages) | $5.20 |
Additional Pages | $0.65 per page |
Certificate of Divorce (short form) | $5.00 |
Search Fee (if no index number provided) | $5 per two-year search period |
Payment methods may include cash, check, or credit card, depending on the county.
Accessing Older or Archived Divorce Records
Historical divorce records from 1799 to 1910 may be available through the New York County Clerk Archives located at:
- 31 Chambers Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY
Older records are sometimes stored off-site and require 2 business days for retrieval. For these requests, contact the Supreme Court Record Room at 646-386-5942 or the County Clerk Archives at 646-386-5395.
Special Notes on Electronic Divorce Records
Some New York counties allow electronic filing and access through the New York State Courts Electronic Filing System (NYSCEF). However, matrimonial cases remain confidential in NYSCEF unless otherwise ordered by the court.
Requesting a Divorce Record if You Are Not a Party
If you are not a party to the divorce, a Supreme Court order is required to unseal records. This involves filing a motion explaining the legal reason for the request.
For those seeking a certified copy of a Judgment of Divorce, contacting the appropriate County Clerk’s Office is essential. For historical research or legal proceedings, understanding the difference between a Judgment of Divorce and a Certificate of Divorce will help in requesting the correct documentation.