Confirm the Facts and Arrangements Contained in Marriage Divorce Records

There are many reasons why you may need to search for your own or another individual’s marriage divorce records. Perhaps you simply want to make sure your significant other is being honest about a past marriage, or you need to confirm legal arrangements that were documented in your own divorce decree. You may find the appropriate records through an online search or in the government office of the locale where the divorce took place. However, you need to be armed with the correct information to ensure you receive the appropriate decree copies.

Where to Search for Divorce Records

When a couple is granted a legal divorce, an official document called the divorce decree or dissolution agreement is filed with the appropriate local government offices. If you know the county in which the divorce took place, you can usually find these records in the County Clerk or Registrar’s office. Online searches are also possible, but an in-person request may be necessary to obtain a certified copy of your own marriage divorce records.

Arm Yourself with the Correct Information

Before searching for copies of any divorce records, ensure you have the correct information on hand. If you are requesting a certified copy of your own divorce decree, a government-issued I.D. may be all that is necessary. This can include a driver’s license, passport or military I.D. For anyone searching for another person’s divorce record, you’ll need the person’s name and the city and state where the divorce occurred. A middle initial always helps, and if you have the specific county information this may reduce the likelihood of running into any bumps along the way.

Reasons for Needing Copies of Divorce Records

There are several reasons you may need to obtain copies of your own or someone else’s divorce decree. You may simply want to double-check the facts that you’ve been told about your new love interest or spouse-to-be. Records from your own divorce may also be necessary to prove a debt is not yours, or confirm any legal visitation agreement regarding your children.

What is Included in a Divorce Decree?

Most likely, if you are simply searching for divorce information on another person, you will not be granted access to the actual divorce decree. This prevents exposure of personal information such as social security numbers or home addresses. However, you can still verify that a divorce did or did not occur.

The actual marriage divorce records will include both parties’ names and ages, which are listed as the respondent and petitioner. The petitioner is the party who sought the divorce, and the respondent is the other member of the partnership. Certain details about the divorce such as the date of filing, the country and state where it occurred, and the filing number are also included in a decree. 

If you are requesting a certified copy of your own decree, you may be charged a nominal fee. These types of copies will include further details such as any arrangements regarding custody of children, the division of property and debts, and any payments of alimony or child support.

A certified copy of your own marriage divorce records should be kept on hand in the case that any question arises about the specific agreements within the dissolution. These divorce records are a matter of public record, but detailed personal information cannot be accessed by anyone other than the parties directly involved in the divorce. Contacting the government office in the locale where the divorce took place will allow you to confirm information about another person, or request copies of your own divorce decree to verify any legal agreements reached between you and your former spouse.