How to Find your Documents in State Divorce Records

When a couple divorces, they go through a legal process that separates their holdings, emotional, physical, and financial.  Within the court system of the State, divorce records are maintained to validate this legal proceeding.

A divorce decree is so much more than just a piece of paper.  Just as a marriage license symbolizes a new emotional and financial union, so a divorce decree declares the end of a chapter in people’s lives.

Obtaining a Copy of Divorce Papers
The State in which you divorced has a vested interest in maintaining good records of the proceedings.  Since financial obligations continue between former spouses, much of a divorce relates to the negotiations that took place towards resolving such formalities.  For this reason, the State, or perhaps the County, keep a complete copy of the finalized decree.

To obtain a copy for your records, you will need to check with the Vital Statistics bureau in your state.  Some states keep divorce records at the State level, others at the County level.  Included in the application are details of the fees, paperwork you might need to apply and the anticipated wait time.

Typically, an application will require you to provide the names of the divorced parties, the location where the divorce took place, your relationship to the divorced, and a fee.  Some states have one fee for a validation and another for a complete copy of the entire divorce agreement.  Wait time varies but is usually between 3-6 weeks.

Reasons for a Copy of Divorce Records
I have seen divorced friends ritually burn their divorce decree after they receive it.  It made no sense to me.  The decree isn’t just about the end of a marriage.  For parents, it is a contract that provides for the care of the children.  It states the obligation each one has towards each other in regards to support payments and the like.  On top of that, it is darned expensive to reacquire.

I’ve been divorced for 3 years now, and I still go back to my decree regularly to check the finer points of our arrangement.  When unexpected things come up--and they do when you have kids--I can check my position before I approach my ex with a problem.

There are legal reasons you want a copy as well.  If you apply for a loan and your credit report still indicates you are married, you can provide proof to the contrary.  If you want to get married again, you may need to produce proof of your previous divorce.  In adoptions, they want to see a decree if one exists.  A divorce is a contract just like any other, and having the document available allows you to produce it when needed.

In an Emergency, You Need Divorce Records Quick
Believe it or not, there are times when you need to provide proof of your divorce in short order.  If you don’t have a copy at home, your best bet is to join an online search company,  find the record of your State divorce records, and print them out.  While they aren’t legal and certified divorce documents, they should work temporarily until you can get a notarized copy.