Richmond County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Richmond County in 2026
RichmondCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Richmond County, New York. Members of the public may find case summaries, filing dates, party names, and related court documents through official resources. Record categories available through authorized channels include final divorce decrees, dissolution judgments, case docket entries, and supporting court filings. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the case and applicable confidentiality provisions.
Divorce records in Richmond County may be searched through official resources maintained by the Richmond County Clerk's Office, the New York State Unified Court System, and the New York State Department of Health Vital Records. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking these records.
Online Searches
1. Richmond County Clerk's Office Online Portal
The Richmond County Clerk's Office provides online access to court records through the New York State Courts Electronic Filing system (NYSCEF). This system allows members of the public to search for divorce cases filed electronically. Basic case information is available at no charge; fees apply for certified copies of documents.
2. New York State Unified Court System
The New York State Unified Court System's eCourts portal provides a statewide case search tool. Users may search across jurisdictions and access consolidated docket information for Supreme Court matrimonial cases, which include divorce proceedings in Richmond County.
3. New York State Vital Records
The New York State Department of Health maintains divorce records for proceedings finalized on or after January 1, 1963. Divorce certificates issued by the state provide limited information compared to full court case files. Fees apply for certified copies obtained through this office.
In-Person Searches
Richmond County Clerk's Office — Supreme Court
130 Stuyvesant Place
Staten Island, NY 10301
Phone: (718) 675-8700
Richmond County Clerk
Members of the public may visit the Richmond County Clerk's Office to:
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees and judgments
- Obtain staff assistance for locating records
New York State Department of Health — Vital Records
Vital Records Section, P.O. Box 2602
Albany, NY 12220-2602
Phone: (518) 474-3077
NYS Vital Records
By Mail
Written requests for divorce records may be submitted by mail to the Richmond County Clerk's Office. Requests should include:
- Full names of both parties (including maiden names, if applicable)
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Purpose of the request, if required
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
Processing time for mail requests is typically two to four weeks, depending on case volume and record age.
By Phone
The Richmond County Clerk's Office may be reached at (718) 675-8700. Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- The assigned case number
- Current case status
- The original filing date
Detailed document contents, certified copies, and confidential information cannot be provided by telephone.
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in New York State may access divorce case files on behalf of a client, including requesting sealed or restricted documents through appropriate court motions. The New York State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service provides referrals for members of the public seeking legal representation in family law matters.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or filing
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Prior addresses in Richmond County
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Divorce proceedings in New York are filed in the Supreme Court of the county where either spouse resided at the time of filing. Members of the public should confirm the county of residence before initiating a search. 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 under certain qualifying circumstances.
Time Considerations
- Recent divorces: Records may require several days to weeks to appear in electronic systems following a final hearing.
- Older divorces: Cases predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format and require additional retrieval time.
- Pre-1963 records: Cases finalized before January 1, 1963, are not maintained by the New York State Department of Health and must be obtained directly from the court.
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common reasons a record may not appear in a search include:
- Incorrect county of filing
- Name variations or spelling differences
- The case remains pending and has not been finalized
- The record is archived and not yet digitized
- The case has been sealed by court order
Members of the public experiencing difficulty locating a record may contact the Richmond County Clerk's Office at (718) 675-8700, attempt alternate name spellings, search under both spouses' names, or consult the New York State Department of Health Vital Records for post-1963 records.
What Are Richmond County Divorce Records?
Richmond County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings adjudicated in the Supreme Court of Richmond County, New York. These records constitute part of the public court file and are maintained by the Richmond County Clerk's Office as the primary custodian.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files
The complete case file for a divorce proceeding in Richmond County may include:
- Summons with notice or summons and complaint
- Verified complaint for divorce
- Defendant's answer or notice of appearance
- Financial disclosure affidavits
- Parenting plans and custody agreements
- Settlement agreements
- Motions, orders to show cause, and court orders
- Transcripts of court hearings
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs), if retirement accounts are divided
- Final Judgment of Divorce
Final Decree
The Final Judgment of Divorce is the official court order dissolving the marriage. It establishes:
- The legal date of dissolution
- Division of marital property and debts
- Spousal maintenance provisions, if any
- Child custody and parenting time arrangements, if applicable
- Child support orders, if applicable
- Restoration of a former surname, if requested
Certified copies of the Final Judgment of Divorce are available through the Richmond County Clerk's Office.
Supporting Documents
Supporting documents filed in the case record may include financial disclosure statements, property inventories, appraisals, parenting plan details, and post-judgment modification orders.
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
The Richmond County Clerk's Office serves as the primary custodian of all divorce case files originating in the Richmond County Supreme Court. The New York State Department of Health maintains a separate registry of divorce records for proceedings finalized on or after January 1, 1963, though these records 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, which establishes grounds for divorce, residency requirements, and procedural rules. Under New York Domestic Relations Law § 170, irretrievable breakdown of the marriage for a period of at least six months constitutes a no-fault ground for divorce in New York State. Access to court records is governed by the New York Judiciary Law and the court rules of the Unified Court System.
Are Richmond County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in the Richmond County Supreme Court are public court records, subject to the access policies of the New York State Unified Court System. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need or interest.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and scheduled appearances
- Docket entries reflecting the chronological history of the case
- Court orders and judgments, including the Final Judgment of Divorce
- Property division orders
- General case status
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information
- Social Security numbers are redacted from all publicly accessible documents pursuant to court rules
- Bank account numbers and credit card numbers are redacted
- Detailed financial statements may be subject to limited access in certain circumstances
- Tax returns submitted as exhibits may be sealed or restricted
Children's Information
- Names and addresses of minor children may be redacted in certain filings
- Schools attended by children are not disclosed in public records
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children may be sealed
- Guardian ad litem reports are restricted
- Child custody evaluation reports may be sealed by court order
Sensitive Personal Information
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence may be sealed
- Mental health and substance abuse records are protected
- Personal addresses of domestic violence victims are withheld
- Mediation communications are confidential and not part of the public record
Sealed Records:
A court may seal a divorce case file or specific documents upon a showing of good cause. High-profile cases, cases involving allegations of abuse, and cases with confidential settlement terms may be subject to sealing orders. Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for access.
Who Can Access Records:
- General public: May access most case information, view docket summaries, and obtain copies of public documents upon payment of applicable fees.
- Parties to the case: Have full access to their own case file, including documents that may be restricted from general public access.
- Attorneys: May access case files on behalf of clients and may petition the court for access to sealed materials.
- Researchers and media: May access public portions of case files; sealed records require court authorization.
Prohibited Uses:
Members of the public are prohibited from using divorce records for stalking, harassment, identity theft, fraudulent purposes, or any use that violates an existing protective order.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Richmond County?
The Richmond County Clerk's Office charges standard fees for copies and certified copies of divorce records. Current fees established by the New York State Legislature and applicable court rules are as follows:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy (per page) | $0.65 per page |
| Certified copy of court document | $6.00 per document |
| Exemplified (triple-sealed) copy | $10.00 per document |
| Search fee (when no record found) | $5.00 |
| NYSCEF electronic document download | Varies; basic access free |
Fees for divorce certificates obtained through the New York State Department of Health are currently $30.00 for the first certified copy and $30.00 for each additional copy requested at the same time.
Accepted Payment Methods:
The Richmond County Clerk's Office accepts payment by:
- Money order payable to "Richmond County Clerk"
- Personal check (for mail requests)
- Cash (in-person only)
- Credit or debit card (in-person; subject to applicable processing fees)
Fee Waivers:
Members of the public who are parties to a case and who qualify as indigent may petition the court for a fee waiver pursuant to New York Civil Practice Law and Rules. Documentation of financial need is required.
What Is Available at No Charge:
- Basic case information and docket entries through the eCourts public access portal
- In-person review of case files at the public access terminal in the Richmond County Clerk's Office (no charge to view; fees apply for copies)
What's Included in Divorce Records in Richmond County
A complete divorce case file maintained by the Richmond County Clerk's Office contains documents generated throughout the entire proceeding, from initial filing through post-judgment matters.
Basic Case Information:
- Case caption identifying the court, division, and parties
- Assigned case number and index number
- Name of the assigned judge
- Names and contact information of attorneys of record
- Filing date and case type designation
Initial Pleadings:
The petition or verified complaint for divorce sets forth the petitioner's identifying information, the respondent's identifying information, the date and location of the marriage, the date of separation if applicable, the grounds for divorce as recognized under New York Domestic Relations Law, information regarding any children of the marriage, claims regarding marital property, and the relief requested. The respondent's answer or notice of appearance reflects the respondent's position, admissions or denials, and any counterclaims.
Financial Affidavits:
Both parties are required to submit financial disclosure affidavits detailing income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets including real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investment accounts, and retirement accounts, and liabilities including mortgages, loans, and credit card debt.
Discovery Documents:
The case file may include interrogatories and responses, requests for production of documents, deposition transcripts, tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, investment account statements, retirement account statements, and business financial records where applicable.
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory with descriptions and valuations
- Debt inventory
- Real property appraisals
- Business valuations
- Expert reports on asset values
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders for division of retirement accounts
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting plan establishing legal and physical custody
- Timesharing schedule including regular, holiday, and vacation provisions
- Child support calculation worksheets
- Income deduction orders for child support
- Custody evaluation reports (which may be sealed)
- Guardian ad litem reports (restricted)
Settlement Documents:
The Marital Settlement Agreement, if the parties resolve the matter by agreement, addresses all issues including property division, debt allocation, spousal maintenance, child-related provisions, tax treatment of transfers, and attorney fee allocation. Mediation agreements, if applicable, may be incorporated into the settlement agreement, though mediation communications themselves remain confidential.
Court Orders and Final Judgment:
Temporary orders issued during the pendency of the case may address temporary custody, temporary support, temporary use of marital property, and restraining orders. The Final Judgment of Divorce constitutes the court's definitive order dissolving the marriage, containing findings of fact, conclusions of law, and all provisions governing the parties' rights and obligations going forward.
Post-Judgment Documents:
Following entry of the Final Judgment of Divorce, the case file may be supplemented with petitions to modify custody or support, orders on modification motions, contempt motions and orders, income deduction orders, and enforcement actions.
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:
- Social Security numbers (redacted from all public documents)
- Bank account and financial account numbers (redacted)
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence details (may be sealed by court order)
- Mental health evaluations (restricted)
- Substance abuse treatment records
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
- Settlement negotiations not incorporated into filed documents
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Richmond County
Proof of divorce in Richmond County is obtained through a certified copy of the Final Judgment of Divorce issued by the Richmond County Clerk's Office, or through a divorce certificate issued by the New York State Department of Health for proceedings finalized on or after January 1, 1963.
Step 1 — Determine the Appropriate Source:
- For a certified copy of the court's Final Judgment of Divorce, contact the Richmond County Clerk's Office.
- For a divorce certificate issued by the state, contact the New York State Department of Health Vital Records Section.
Step 2 — Gather Required Information:
- Full names of both parties as they appear on the divorce filing
- Approximate date the divorce was finalized
- Case or index number, if known
- County where the divorce was filed (Richmond County)
Step 3 — Submit Your Request:
In Person:
Richmond County Clerk's Office
130 Stuyvesant Place
Staten Island, NY 10301
Phone: (718) 675-8700
Richmond County Clerk
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
By Mail:
Written requests may be mailed to the Richmond County Clerk's Office at 130 Stuyvesant Place, Staten Island, NY 10301. Include the names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, the case number if known, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and a money order or check payable to "Richmond County Clerk" in the amount of the applicable fee.
For State Divorce Certificates:
New York State Department of Health — Vital Records
Vital Records Section, P.O. Box 2602
Albany, NY 12220-2602
Phone: (518) 474-3077
NYS Vital Records — Divorce Records
The NYC311 portal also provides guidance on obtaining divorce records through the Richmond County Clerk's Office for residents of Staten Island.
Step 4 — Pay Applicable Fees:
Certified copies from the Richmond County Clerk's Office are currently $6.00 per document. Divorce certificates from the New York State Department of Health are currently $30.00 per copy.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Richmond County?
Divorce proceedings in Richmond County are presumptively public, but certain cases or specific documents within a case may be made confidential by court order or by operation of law.
- A party may file a motion requesting that the court seal the entire case file or specific documents upon a demonstrated showing of good cause, such as the presence of sensitive medical information, domestic violence circumstances, or trade secrets in business valuations.
- Documents containing Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and children's personal identifying information are subject to mandatory redaction under the court rules of the New York State Unified Court System.
- Mediation communications are confidential by statute and do not become part of the public court record.
- Cases involving domestic violence victims may be subject to address confidentiality protections under the New York Address Confidentiality Program.
- Mental health evaluations, substance abuse treatment records, and child custody evaluation reports may be sealed upon application to the court.
- Sealed records are not accessible to the general public; access requires a court order demonstrating a legitimate legal basis.
The presumption of public access to court records in New York is grounded in the Judiciary Law and the court rules of the Unified Court System, and any restriction on access must be supported by a specific legal basis.
How Long Does Richmond County Keep Divorce Records?
The Richmond County Clerk's Office retains divorce case files in accordance with the records retention schedules established by the New York State Archives and the Office of Court Administration.
- Final Judgments of Divorce and permanent court orders are retained permanently and do not expire or become unavailable over time.
- Complete case files for contested divorce proceedings are retained for a minimum of ten years following the close of the case, after which certain non-essential documents may be subject to disposition in accordance with the New York State Archives Court Records Retention Schedule.
- Uncontested divorce case files are subject to the same minimum retention periods, with permanent retention of the final judgment.
- Pre-electronic records (cases filed before the implementation of NYSCEF) may be maintained in paper or microfilm format and may require additional retrieval time.
- New York State Department of Health divorce records are maintained permanently for all proceedings finalized on or after January 1, 1963.
- Members of the public seeking records from older cases should contact the Richmond County Clerk's Office directly at (718) 675-8700 to confirm availability and format.
Retention of court records in New York is governed by the Judiciary Law and applicable regulations of the Office of Court Administration, which establish minimum periods for preservation of judicial records to ensure continued public access.