Washington County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Washington County in 2026
WashingtonNYRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Washington County, New York. Members of the public may find case filings, final decrees, docket entries, and related court documents through official channels. Available record categories may include dissolution judgments, settlement agreements, custody orders, support determinations, and property division records. Access and completeness vary depending on the age of the case and applicable confidentiality provisions.
Divorce records in Washington County may be searched through official resources including the Washington County Supreme Court Clerk, the New York State Courts Electronic Filing system, the New York State Department of Health Vital Records office, and public access terminals located at the courthouse. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking divorce-related court documents.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The New York State Courts Electronic Filing (NYSCEF) system allows members of the public to search for divorce cases filed electronically in New York Supreme Court. Basic case information is available at no charge; fees apply for certified copies of documents.
2. State Court System Portal
The New York State Unified Court System's eCourts portal provides a consolidated search across New York jurisdictions, including Washington County Supreme Court, which holds jurisdiction over matrimonial actions under New York Domestic Relations Law § 230.
3. State Vital Records
The New York State Department of Health maintains divorce records for proceedings finalized from January 1, 1963, to the present. A divorce certificate (not the full court file) may be obtained through the New York State Vital Records office. Fees apply and processing times vary.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Washington County Supreme Court:
Washington County Supreme Court Clerk
383 Broadway
Fort Edward, NY 12828
Phone: (518) 746-2521
Washington County Courts
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Services available in person:
- Search case files by party name or index number
- View filed documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Staff assistance for locating case records
Records Department:
Historical and archived divorce cases may be stored separately from active files. Members of the public seeking records predating electronic filing should inquire directly with the Supreme Court Clerk regarding retrieval timelines for paper-based archives.
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Washington County Supreme Court Clerk, 383 Broadway, Fort Edward, NY 12828
- Include the following in the written request:
- Full legal names of both parties
- Approximate date the divorce was finalized
- Index number (if known)
- Requester's full name and return address
- Purpose of the request (if required)
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence
- Processing time: Requests are processed within approximately two to four weeks, depending on record age and volume.
By Phone
Limited Information:
- Washington County Supreme Court Clerk: (518) 746-2521
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists under a given name
- The index number assigned to the case
- Current case status
- Filing date
- Staff cannot provide detailed document contents, copies of filed papers, or confidential case information by telephone.
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in New York State may access divorce case files on behalf of a client, request sealed documents upon a proper showing to the court, and obtain certified copies through professional channels. The New York State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service connects members of the public with qualified family law practitioners.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses at the time of the divorce
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate year the divorce was finalized
- Index number, if previously obtained
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of the marriage
- Prior addresses within Washington County
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Divorce actions in New York are filed in the Supreme Court of the county where either spouse resided at the time of commencement. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple counties. Under New York Domestic Relations Law § 230, at least one party must have been a resident of New York State for a minimum of two years immediately preceding the commencement of the action, or one year if the parties were married in New York or resided in New York as a married couple.
Time Considerations
- Recent divorces may not appear in electronic systems immediately following the final hearing; members of the public should allow several business days to several weeks for records to be indexed.
- Older divorces, particularly those predating electronic filing, may be archived in paper format and require additional retrieval time.
- Cases finalized before 1963 are not registered with the New York State Department of Health and must be obtained exclusively through the court clerk.
What If You Cannot Find a Record
- Verify the correct county of filing
- Attempt alternate spellings of both parties' surnames
- Search under both the petitioner's and respondent's names
- Confirm the divorce was finalized rather than still pending
- Contact the Supreme Court Clerk at (518) 746-2521 for assistance
- Check the New York State Vital Records divorce certificate database for cases from 1963 onward
What Are Washington County Divorce Records?
Washington County divorce records are official court documents generated during matrimonial proceedings adjudicated in the Washington County Supreme Court. These records constitute part of the permanent court file maintained by the Supreme Court Clerk and are classified as public records subject to the provisions of the New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), Public Officers Law § 87.
Types of Divorce Records
Court Case Files:
- Summons with notice or summons and complaint
- Verified complaint for divorce
- Defendant's answer and counterclaim (if any)
- Financial disclosure affidavits (Statement of Net Worth)
- Parenting plans and custody stipulations
- Settlement agreements and stipulations of settlement
- Motions, orders to show cause, and resulting orders
- Transcripts of court proceedings
- Final judgment of divorce
Final Decree:
The final judgment of divorce is the official court order dissolving the marriage. It establishes the date of dissolution, division of marital property, any award of spousal maintenance, child custody and parenting time arrangements, child support obligations, and any court-ordered name restoration. Certified copies of the final judgment are available through the Supreme Court Clerk.
Supporting Documents:
- Marriage certificate submitted as exhibit
- Financial disclosure statements
- Property appraisals and valuations
- Parenting plan modifications
- Post-judgment modification orders
Who Maintains Divorce Records
The Washington County Supreme Court Clerk serves as the primary custodian of all divorce case files. The New York State Department of Health Vital Records maintains a separate registry of divorce certificates for proceedings finalized from 1963 to the present, though these certificates contain limited information compared to the full court file.
Legal Framework
Divorce proceedings in New York are governed by the New York Domestic Relations Law, with grounds for divorce set forth in Domestic Relations Law § 170, which includes the no-fault ground of irretrievable breakdown of the marriage for a period of at least six months. Public access to court records is governed by the New York Freedom of Information Law and the Uniform Rules for the Supreme Court.
Are Washington County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Washington County Supreme Court are public court records. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents. Access is subject to the provisions of New York's Freedom of Information Law and applicable court rules that restrict certain categories of sensitive information.
What Is Public:
- Index number and filing date
- Names of both parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Scheduled court hearing dates
- Court orders and judgments
- Final judgment of divorce
- Property division orders
- General case status and docket entries
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers (redacted from public filings)
- Bank account and financial account numbers (redacted)
- Detailed tax returns (may be filed under seal)
- Credit card and loan account numbers (redacted)
Children's Information:
- Residential addresses of minor children
- Names of schools children attend
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children
- Child custody evaluation reports (may be sealed)
- Guardian ad litem reports (restricted access)
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
- Medical records submitted as exhibits
- Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders
Sealed Records
A court may seal all or part of a divorce case file upon a showing of good cause. Cases involving allegations of domestic violence, abuse, or other sensitive circumstances may be subject to sealing orders. Mediation communications are confidential under New York law and do not become part of the public court record.
Who Can Access Records:
| Requester | Level of Access |
|---|---|
| General public | Public documents and docket entries |
| Parties to the case | Full access to own case file |
| Attorneys of record | Full access; may petition for sealed records |
| Researchers and media | Public portions; court permission required for sealed records |
| Law enforcement | Statutory access as provided by law |
Prohibited Uses:
- Stalking, harassment, or intimidation
- Identity theft or fraud
- Violation of existing protective orders
- Any purpose prohibited by applicable law
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Washington County?
The Washington County Supreme Court Clerk charges standard fees for copies and certified copies of divorce records. Current fees are established pursuant to New York Judiciary Law and applicable court rules.
Standard Fee Schedule:
| Service | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.65 per page |
| Certified copy of judgment or order | $6.00 per document |
| Certification fee (seal and signature) | Included in certified copy fee |
| Search fee (clerk-conducted name search) | $5.00 per two-year period searched |
| NYSCEF electronic document download | Free for basic viewing; fees may apply for certified copies |
New York State Vital Records — Divorce Certificate Fees:
- Divorce certificate (search and one copy): $30.00
- Each additional copy ordered at the same time: $30.00
- Expedited processing: Additional fees apply
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Money order or certified check payable to the Washington County Clerk
- Cash (in-person transactions only)
- Credit and debit cards may be accepted in person; confirm with the clerk's office prior to visit
Fee Waivers: Members of the public who are parties to the case and who demonstrate financial hardship may petition the court for a waiver of copy fees. Fee waiver applications are available through the court clerk's office.
What Is Available at No Charge:
- Viewing case docket entries through the NYSCEF public portal
- In-person review of public case documents at the courthouse public access terminal (no copy fee for viewing only)
What's Included in Divorce Records in Washington County
Washington County divorce case files maintained by the Supreme Court Clerk contain a comprehensive set of documents generated throughout the matrimonial proceeding.
Basic Case Information:
- Index number, court name, and assigned judge
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Attorneys of record and their contact information
- Filing date and case type designation
Initial Pleadings:
- Verified complaint for divorce, including marriage date and location, grounds for divorce, identification of children, and relief requested
- Defendant's verified answer and any counterclaim
- Summons with notice or summons and complaint
Financial Affidavits: Both parties are required to file a Statement of Net Worth disclosing income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets (real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investments, retirement accounts, and personal property), and liabilities (mortgages, loans, and credit obligations).
Discovery Documents:
- Interrogatories and responses
- Requests for production of documents and responses
- Deposition transcripts (if filed with the court)
- Subpoenaed financial records
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory with valuations
- Real property appraisals
- Business valuations (if applicable)
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for division of retirement accounts
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting plan or custody stipulation
- Child support calculation worksheet
- Child custody evaluation reports (access may be restricted)
- Guardian ad litem reports (access may be restricted)
Settlement Documents:
- Stipulation of settlement or marital settlement agreement addressing all contested issues
- Mediation agreement (if incorporated into the stipulation; mediation communications themselves remain confidential)
Court Orders and Final Judgment:
- Temporary orders for custody, support, and use of marital residence
- Final judgment of divorce incorporating all terms of the dissolution
- Judge's findings of fact and conclusions of law
- Any post-judgment modification orders
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted)
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence evidence (may be sealed by court order)
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluation records
- Mediation communications
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Washington County?
Proof of divorce in Washington County is obtained through a certified copy of the final judgment of divorce issued by the Washington County Supreme Court Clerk, or through a divorce certificate issued by the New York State Department of Health.
Certified Copy of Final Judgment (Court Record):
A certified copy of the final judgment of divorce is the most comprehensive form of proof and is accepted for legal purposes including remarriage, name change, immigration proceedings, and estate matters.
- Submit a written request to the Washington County Supreme Court Clerk at 383 Broadway, Fort Edward, NY 12828
- Provide the index number, names of both parties, and approximate year of the divorce
- Pay the applicable certification fee
- Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or through the NYSCEF portal for electronically filed cases
Divorce Certificate (Vital Records):
For divorces finalized from January 1, 1963, to the present, a divorce certificate may be obtained from the New York State Department of Health Vital Records. This certificate confirms the fact of divorce but does not contain the full terms of the judgment.
Washington County Clerk's Office:
Washington County Clerk's Office
383 Broadway
Fort Edward, NY 12828
Phone: (518) 746-2170
County Clerk's Office
The County Clerk's Office maintains land records and certain court-related filings. Members of the public seeking divorce records should direct requests to the Supreme Court Clerk at the same address.
New York State Department of Health — Vital Records:
New York State Department of Health, Vital Records Section
800 North Pearl Street
Menands, NY 12204
Phone: (518) 474-3077
New York State Vital Records
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Washington County?
Divorce proceedings in Washington County are presumptively public, but certain records or portions of a case file may be sealed or restricted under applicable law.
- A party may file a motion requesting that the court seal all or part of the case file upon a showing of good cause, such as the presence of domestic violence allegations, sensitive medical or mental health information, or trade secrets contained in business valuations.
- Under New York Civil Rights Law and court rules, Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and the names and addresses of minor children are subject to automatic redaction from publicly accessible filings.
- Mediation communications are confidential by statute and do not become part of the public court record.
- Child custody evaluation reports and guardian ad litem reports may be filed under seal at the court's discretion to protect the best interests of minor children.
- Cases involving domestic violence victims may be subject to address confidentiality protections under the New York Address Confidentiality Program.
- Sealed records are not accessible to the general public; access requires a court order demonstrating a legitimate legal basis.
- Parties to the case retain full access to their own sealed records at all times.
The legal basis for sealing matrimonial records is found in the Uniform Rules for the Supreme Court and applicable provisions of the New York Civil Practice Law and Rules.
How Long Does Washington County Keep Divorce Records?
Washington County Supreme Court divorce records are retained for extended periods consistent with New York State court records retention schedules established by the Office of Court Administration.
- Final judgments of divorce and other permanent orders are retained indefinitely as part of the permanent court record.
- Complete case files, including all pleadings, financial affidavits, and supporting documents, are retained for a minimum of ten years following the close of the case under standard court retention schedules.
- Cases involving child custody and support orders may be retained for longer periods due to the ongoing nature of those orders and the potential for post-judgment modification proceedings.
- Paper records predating electronic filing may be transferred to off-site archival storage; retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time.
- Records that have been digitized through the NYSCEF system are maintained electronically and remain accessible through the online portal.
- Members of the public seeking records older than ten years should contact the Washington County Supreme Court Clerk directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures.
- The New York State Archives maintains certain historical court records and may hold older divorce case files transferred from county courts.
Retention requirements for New York court records are governed by schedules issued pursuant to New York Arts and Cultural Affairs Law § 57.25, which authorizes the Commissioner of Education to establish records retention and disposition schedules for local government records, including court records.