When a couple gets divorced, a lot of paperwork gets filed with the court, and most of it becomes public record. That means, unless a judge decides to seal specific documents, anyone with the time and resources can access them. This includes divorce certificates, divorce decrees, and full divorce records.
Many people don’t love the idea of their personal matters being accessible to the public. But there are ways to get access to divorce records, such as limiting access to them or, in some cases, keeping them private.
What Exactly Are Divorce Records?
Divorce records are all the legal documents generated during the divorce process. Some are simple and just confirm that a divorce happened, while others contain the nitty-gritty details of who gets what, custody arrangements, and financial responsibilities.
Here are the three main types of divorce records:
Divorce Certificate
A divorce certificate is like the official proof that your marriage is legally over. It’s issued by the court or a government office and usually includes:
- The names of both ex-spouses
- The date and location where the divorce was finalized
- The government authority that processed the divorce
This document is handy when you need to update your legal status, like if you want to remarry, change your name, or update identification records.
Most states keep divorce certificates somewhat private, meaning only the people involved (or those with legal permission) can request a copy.
Divorce Decree
A divorce decree, or “judgment of divorce,” is where things start getting more detailed. This is the court-issued document that lays out exactly what was decided in the divorce, including:
- Alimony (spousal support)
- Child support and custody agreements
- Who keeps which assets (property, cars, savings, etc.)
- How debts are split up
- Visitation schedules for kids
Unlike a divorce certificate, a decree is crucial if there are disputes after the divorce is final. If your ex isn’t paying child support or isn’t following custody agreements, this document proves what was legally agreed upon.
Divorce decrees are usually accessible only to the individuals involved, their lawyers, or anyone with court approval.
Divorce Record
If you want the full picture, the divorce record is the most comprehensive document. It includes every single paper filed during the divorce process, such as:
- The initial divorce petition
- Court orders issued throughout the case
- Financial documents and how assets were divided
- Any evidence used in court
- Witness statements (if applicable)
Because these records contain so much detail, they are often public unless a judge orders them to be sealed. Some people might need a full divorce record if they’re appealing a case, need to reference old agreements, or want to access financial details from the proceedings.
How to Get a Copy of Divorce Records
Where you go to request divorce records depends on what type of document you need and where the divorce was finalized.
Getting a Divorce Certificate
The easiest way to get a divorce certificate is through the local Vital Statistics Office. Most states allow you to request one online, by mail, or in person. Fees usually range from $10 to $30, depending on the state.
Getting a Divorce Decree
For a copy of a divorce decree, you’ll need to contact the court where the divorce was finalized, which is typically the superior court or county circuit court. Many courts have online case search tools to help locate records, but if they don’t, you’ll have to request the document in person or via mail.
You’ll usually need:
- The case number (or other identifying case details)
- The name of the court that handled the divorce
- Proof of authorization to access the record
Getting a Full Divorce Record
Since full divorce records include all court filings, you’ll have to go through the court that handled the case.
Many courts keep these records in a public database, but for a more streamlined search, you can try the U.S. government’s Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system.
However, PACER doesn’t cover all state and local records, so checking directly with the court is usually your best bet.
Are Some Divorce Records Kept Private?
Even though divorce records are usually public, courts sometimes seal certain documents to protect sensitive information. A judge might agree to seal records if they include:
- Private details about children
- Confidential business information
- Domestic violence allegations or evidence
- Personal financial or medical records
If someone wants to keep their divorce records private, they have to formally request it from the court. But judges don’t just seal records for any reason; personal embarrassment isn’t usually considered a strong enough argument.
Conclusion
If full record sealing isn’t an option, there are other ways to protect sensitive details. One approach is requesting that the court redact (black out) specific information rather than sealing the entire file.
Some states even allow certain private details to be omitted from court filings altogether, but this is granted on a case-by-case basis.
