The Increasing Demand for Access to New York Divorce Records

Types of Divorce Records in New York

New York State provides two primary types of divorce documents:

1. Divorce Decree: This is the official court document that finalizes the divorce, outlining the terms agreed upon by the parties involved or decided by the court. It includes details such as asset division, custody arrangements, and alimony. The decree is signed by the judge and filed by the County Clerk in the county where the divorce was granted.

2. Divorce Certificate: Issued by the New York State Department of Health, this certificate is available for divorces granted on or after January 1, 1963. It serves as a proof of divorce and includes basic information about the dissolution of the marriage, such as the names of the parties and the date and place of the divorce.

Obtaining Divorce Records

To access a divorce certificate, one must be either a spouse or possess a New York State Court Order. The standard fee for obtaining a copy of a divorce record is $30.00, with an additional $15.00 for priority handling. Online and telephone requests incur an extra processing fee of $7.25 per transaction. It's important to note that payments through cash are not accepted via mail; instead, checks or international money orders payable to the New York State Department of Health are required.

Processing Times and Requirements

• Priority Online and Telephone Requests: Processed within 5 to 10 days.
• Priority Mail Requests: Takes 2 to 4 weeks.
• Regular Mail Requests: Typically processed within 6 to 8 weeks.

Applicants must provide a valid photo ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport, or military ID) and two documents showing the requester’s name and address (e.g., utility bills or government letters dated within the last six months).

Why Access to Divorce Records Matters

Divorce records are crucial for various reasons:

• Legal and Financial Proceedings: They are often required in legal disputes, estate settlements, and financial assessments.
• Remarriage: Individuals planning to remarry need to prove their divorce from a previous marriage.
• Genealogy and Historical Research: These records are valuable for those tracing family histories or conducting research.

Interesting Statistics and Trends

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), New York had a divorce rate of 2.7 per 1,000 population in 2018, which is below the national average. This statistic reflects the changing dynamics of marriages and divorces in the state.

Conclusion

The digital availability of divorce records has simplified the process of obtaining these important documents. Whether for personal, legal, or historical purposes, the ability to access New York divorce records online supports a wide range of needs and facilitates various procedures.

For more detailed information on divorce records and legal procedures, visit the New York State Department of Health or consult the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics for broader data on marriage and divorce trends.