Divorce records are legal documents that provide evidence of the dissolution of a marriage. They may be needed for a variety of reasons, such as remarrying, changing your name, or obtaining child support. In most cases, divorce records are public records and can be obtained for free.
The importance of divorce records cannot be overstated. They provide legal proof of the end of a marriage and can be used to protect your rights. For example, if you are seeking to remarry, you will need to provide a copy of your divorce decree to your new spouse. Divorce records can also be used to change your name, obtain child support, or resolve property disputes.
There are a few different ways to find divorce records for free. One option is to contact the court where the divorce was filed. Another option is to use an online service that provides access to public records. Finally, you can also visit the library or historical society in the county where the divorce was filed.
1. Courthouse
Divorce records are legal documents that provide proof of the dissolution of a marriage. They can be used for a variety of purposes, such as remarrying, changing your name, or obtaining child support. In most cases, divorce records are public records and can be obtained for free.
The courthouse is the first place to look for divorce records because it is where the divorce was filed. The courthouse will have a record of the divorce, including the date it was filed, the names of the parties involved, and the judge who granted the divorce. In most cases, you can obtain a copy of the divorce record by visiting the courthouse and requesting it from the clerk of court.
There are a few things to keep in mind when requesting a copy of a divorce record. First, you will need to know the name of the parties involved in the divorce and the date it was filed. Second, you may need to pay a small fee for a copy of the record. Finally, some courthouses may require you to provide proof of your identity before they will release a copy of the divorce record.
2. Online
The internet has made it easier than ever to find divorce records for free. There are a number of online services that provide access to public records, including divorce records. These services typically charge a small fee for their services, but they can be a convenient way to obtain divorce records without having to go to the courthouse.
When using an online service to find divorce records, it is important to choose a reputable service. There are a number of scams out there, so it is important to do your research before choosing a service. You should also read the terms of service carefully before using any online service.
Online services can be a valuable tool for finding divorce records for free. However, it is important to use these services wisely. By following these tips, you can avoid scams and find the divorce records you need.
3. Library
Libraries are a valuable resource for finding divorce records for free. Many libraries have collections of public records, including divorce records. These records can be a valuable resource for researchers, genealogists, and anyone else who needs to find information about a divorce.
Divorce records can provide a wealth of information about a marriage, including the date and place of the marriage, the names of the parties involved, and the grounds for the divorce. These records can be helpful for a variety of purposes, such as remarrying, changing your name, or obtaining child support.
To find divorce records at a library, simply visit the library’s reference section and ask a librarian for assistance. The librarian will be able to help you locate the divorce records and provide you with instructions on how to access them.
Libraries are a great place to find divorce records for free. They are a valuable resource for researchers, genealogists, and anyone else who needs to find information about a divorce.
4. Historical society
Historical societies are a valuable resource for finding divorce records for free, especially for older divorces. Divorce records can provide a wealth of information about a marriage, including the date and place of the marriage, the names of the parties involved, and the grounds for the divorce. This information can be helpful for a variety of purposes, such as remarrying, changing your name, or obtaining child support.
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Facet 1: Historical societies often have collections of old and rare documents, including divorce records.
These records can be a valuable resource for researchers, genealogists, and anyone else who needs to find information about a divorce. For example, a historical society may have a collection of divorce records from the 19th century that are not available anywhere else.
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Facet 2: Historical societies are often staffed by knowledgeable volunteers who can help you find the divorce records you need.
These volunteers can provide you with guidance on how to search the records and can help you interpret the information you find. For example, a volunteer may be able to help you find the divorce record for your great-great-grandparents.
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Facet 3: Historical societies often have online databases that make it easy to search for divorce records.
These databases can be a valuable resource for researchers who live far away from the historical society. For example, a researcher in California could use an online database to search for divorce records in New York.
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Facet 4: Historical societies often offer free or low-cost access to their divorce records.
This makes it possible for anyone to find the divorce records they need, regardless of their financial situation. For example, a researcher could visit a historical society and access the divorce records for free.
Historical societies are a valuable resource for finding divorce records for free, especially for older divorces. They can provide access to old and rare documents, knowledgeable volunteers, online databases, and free or low-cost access to their records.
FAQs
This section addresses common questions and concerns regarding how to find divorce records for free.
Question 1: Where can I find divorce records for free?
Divorce records are typically filed with the court in the county where the divorce was granted. You can visit the courthouse and request a copy of the divorce record in person. Some courthouses also allow you to request copies of divorce records online or by mail.
Question 2: What information do I need to provide to obtain a divorce record?
The specific requirements may vary depending on the jurisdiction, but you will typically need to provide the names of the parties involved in the divorce and the date the divorce was granted.
Question 3: Is there a fee to obtain a divorce record?
Some courthouses may charge a small fee for copies of divorce records. The fee varies depending on the jurisdiction.
Question 4: How long does it take to obtain a divorce record?
The time it takes to obtain a divorce record varies depending on the jurisdiction and the method you use to request the record. If you request the record in person, you may be able to obtain it the same day. If you request the record by mail or online, it may take several days or weeks to receive the record.
Question 5: What if I can’t find the divorce record I need?
If you cannot find the divorce record you need through the courthouse, you may want to try searching online. There are a number of websites that provide access to public records, including divorce records. You may also want to contact a local library or historical society. They may have copies of divorce records that are not available online.
Question 6: What are some tips for finding divorce records for free?
Here are a few tips for finding divorce records for free:
- Start by contacting the courthouse where the divorce was granted.
- If the courthouse does not have the divorce record, try searching online.
- Contact your local library or historical society.
- Be prepared to provide the names of the parties involved in the divorce and the date the divorce was granted.
- Be patient. It may take some time to find the divorce record you need.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of finding divorce records for free.
Summary of key takeaways:
- Divorce records are typically filed with the court in the county where the divorce was granted.
- You can obtain a copy of a divorce record in person, by mail, or online.
- There may be a fee to obtain a copy of a divorce record.
- If you cannot find the divorce record you need through the courthouse, you may want to try searching online or contacting a local library or historical society.
Transition to the next article section:
Now that you know how to find divorce records for free, you can use this information to obtain the records you need.
Tips for Finding Divorce Records for Free
Finding divorce records for free can be a challenge, but it is possible with a little research and effort.
Tip 1: Contact the courthouse where the divorce was granted.
The courthouse is the first place you should look for divorce records. The courthouse will have a record of the divorce, including the date it was filed, the names of the parties involved, and the judge who granted the divorce.
Tip 2: Search online.
There are several paid and free websites that provide access to public records. These services typically charge a small fee for their services, but you can sometimes find free divorce records by searching on these websites.
Tip 3: Visit your local library or historical society.
Many libraries and historical societies have collections of public records, including divorce records. These records may be available for free or for a small fee.
Tip 4: Be prepared to provide the names of the parties involved in the divorce and the date the divorce was granted.
When you are requesting divorce records, you will typically need to provide the names of the parties involved in the divorce and the date the divorce was granted. This information will help the courthouse or other organization locate the divorce records.
Tip 5: Be patient.
Finding divorce records for free can take some time. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t find the records you need right away. Keep searching and you will eventually find the records you need.
Summary of key takeaways:
- Contact the courthouse where the divorce was granted.
- Search online.
- Visit your local library or historical society.
- Be prepared to provide the names of the parties involved in the divorce and the date the divorce was granted.
- Be patient.
By following these tips, you can find divorce records for free.
Conclusion
Finding divorce records for free can be a challenge, but it is possible with a little research and effort. By following the tips in this article, you can increase your chances of finding the divorce records you need.
Divorce records can be a valuable resource for a variety of purposes, such as remarrying, changing your name, or obtaining child support. If you need to find divorce records, don’t give up. Keep searching and you will eventually find the records you need.
