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New York Free Public Divorce Records

By Ben Kingsley


A record of divorce in New York, whether it is a decree or a certificate, is a legal document. Such register can be advantageous in many ways. One of which is when you are perusing the background of a certain individual you wish to establish rapport with, or when you are doing a self background check in case you want to get married again. Either way, divorce records will bring light to significant information that you may need to know and will indicate any contents that need to be reviewed for accuracy and completeness.

There are two types of divorce records in New York: decrees and certificates. A divorce decree indicates the conditions and terms of the separation and is filed in the county where the divorce was approved. Prior to 1963, records of divorce that were available then were decrees. Divorce certificates, on the other hand, are confidential by law and are restricted to the persons named on the document and those authorized by them only.

Records of divorce recorded from January 1963 to present can be retrieved from the Vital Records Division in the Department of Health. Divorces that transpired prior to such year, however, can only be accessed at the Clerk or Registrar for Divorce in the county where the dissolution of marriage was filed and ratified.

When appealing for a copy of a divorce record in New York, a processing fee of $15 is required. Such fee is not refundable whatever the result of the search may be. In case no divorce record is found, the fee will not be returned back to you as it applies for the search itself. In this case, a "Certificate of Failure to Find" will be issued.

Knowing when the divorce happened will hasten your endeavour in searching for the divorce record. With that, you will know what agency you should pay a visit to, either the Vital Records Division or the Circuit Clerk's Office. The necessary information that you also have to provide are the full names of the husband and the wife, the date and county where they had their matrimonial ceremony, the date and relevant county where the dissolution of marriage was granted. You also have to include in the request your personal details such as your name, address, and your phone number. You must also indicate your relationship to the couple and the reason for procuring such document.

In contrast, placing the order for divorce records online is a much simpler and more convenient way. All you need is a computer and an Internet connection and you're good to go. You can search for divorce records over the web through the help of independent online service providers. With such alternatives, you can even get a hold of divorce records free of charge. Other sources require a minimal fee though. Either way, you can be certain of a faster transaction, and comprehensive and accurate results.




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