Monroe County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Monroe County in 2026
Members of the public seeking divorce records in Monroe County, New York, may access publicly available case information through official court systems, the County Clerk's office, and third-party directories such as MonroeNYRecords.us. Divorce records in Monroe County may include final decrees, case filings, property settlement agreements, custody orders, and related court documents. Available record categories include:
- Final judgments of dissolution
- Petitions for divorce
- Marital settlement agreements
- Child custody and support orders
- Spousal support orders
- Post-judgment modification orders
Records can be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The primary official resources for searching Monroe County divorce records are as follows:
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The New York State Courts Electronic Filing system (NYSCEF) allows members of the public to search electronically filed cases, including divorce proceedings filed in Monroe County Supreme Court. Basic case information is available at no charge; fees apply for document copies.
- Most common method for recent cases
- Free basic case information
- Document copies may require a fee
- Covers cases filed electronically
2. New York State Unified Court System Portal
The New York State Unified Court System provides a statewide portal for court information, including case lookup tools and self-help resources for family law matters. Members of the public may search across jurisdictions and access consolidated case data.
- Statewide search capability
- Access to court forms and procedures
- Links to county-specific court information
3. New York State Vital Records
The New York State Department of Health Vital Records maintains divorce records for proceedings finalized in New York State. Divorce certificates issued by the state provide official confirmation of marital dissolution and are available for a fee.
- Divorce certificates available for a fee
- Covers divorces finalized in New York State
- Limited information compared to full court case files
In-Person Searches
Monroe County Clerk's Office — Family Division Records:
Monroe County Clerk
39 West Main Street, Room 101
Rochester, NY 14614
Phone: (585) 753-1600
Monroe County Clerk
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Services available in person:
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View divorce documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees
- Staff assistance for locating records
- Historical and archived case retrieval
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Monroe County Clerk, 39 West Main Street, Room 101, Rochester, NY 14614
- Include the following with each request:
- Full names of both parties (including maiden names if applicable)
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number (if known)
- Requester's full name and contact information
- Purpose of request (if required)
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence
- Processing time: Requests are processed within approximately 1–2 weeks, though archived or older records may require additional time.
By Phone
Limited Information Available:
- Monroe County Clerk: (585) 753-1600
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number and filing date
- Current case status
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents by phone
- Copies of filed documents
- Confidential or sealed case information
Through Attorneys
Members of the public involved in complex divorce matters, or those seeking access to sealed or restricted records, may retain legal counsel. An attorney may access complete case files, file motions to unseal restricted documents, and obtain certified copies on a client's behalf. The New York State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service connects individuals with qualified family law attorneys in Monroe County.
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 Monroe County
- Names of children, if applicable
- 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, as records are maintained at the county level. A divorce cannot be located by searching the county where the marriage occurred unless one spouse also resided there.
Residency Requirement:
Under New York law, at least one spouse must meet the state's residency requirement before a divorce may be filed. Pursuant to New York Domestic Relations Law § 230, one of several residency conditions must be satisfied, including continuous residence in New York for at least two years, or one year if the marriage was performed in New York or the parties resided in New York as a married couple.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Newly finalized cases may not appear in online systems immediately
- Allow several days to weeks for processing after the final hearing
- Electronic filing systems are updated more frequently than paper-based indexes
Older Divorces:
- Records predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format
- Archived cases may require special retrieval requests
- Allow additional processing time for historical records
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- Incorrect county searched
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- Case still pending and not yet finalized
- Very old records stored in off-site archives
- Case sealed by court order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Monroe County Clerk at (585) 753-1600
- Attempt alternate name spellings
- Search under both spouses' names
- Check the New York State Department of Health vital records database
- Consult a licensed family law attorney for sealed or complex cases
What Are Monroe County Divorce Records?
Monroe County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings filed in Monroe County Supreme Court. These records constitute part of the public court file and are maintained by the Monroe County Clerk as the official custodian of court records.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Response or answer to the petition
- Financial affidavits and disclosure statements
- Parenting plans and custody agreements
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, orders, and court hearing transcripts
- Final judgment of dissolution of marriage
Final Decree:
The final judgment of dissolution is the official court order terminating the marriage. It serves as legal proof of divorce and establishes:
- The date of dissolution
- Division of marital property and debts
- Alimony or spousal maintenance, if awarded
- Child custody and parenting time arrangements, if applicable
- Child support orders, if applicable
- Restoration of a former name, if requested
Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Monroe County Clerk's office.
Supporting Documents:
- Original marriage certificate (submitted as exhibit)
- Financial disclosure documents
- Property inventories and appraisals
- Parenting plan details
- Post-judgment modification orders
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
Clerk of Court:
The Monroe County Clerk serves as the primary custodian of all divorce case files. The office maintains complete case files, provides certified copies, and indexes records by party names. Members of the public may access the Monroe County Clerk's marriage and divorce records page for specific guidance on obtaining copies.
State Vital Records Office:
The New York State Department of Health maintains divorce records as part of the state's vital records system. Pursuant to New York Public Health Law § 4101, vital records including divorce certificates are registered and preserved at the state level.
Legal Framework:
Divorce proceedings in New York are governed by the New York Domestic Relations Law, which establishes grounds for divorce, residency requirements, and procedures for dissolution. New York's public records access framework, established under the New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), governs public access to government records, including court documents maintained by county clerks.
Are Monroe County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Monroe County Supreme Court are public court records, accessible to members of the public subject to specific restrictions established by law and court rule. The presumption under New York law favors public access to court proceedings and records.
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
- Court orders and judgments
- Final divorce decree
- 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 credit card numbers (redacted)
- Detailed tax returns (may be filed under seal)
- Salary and income details (subject to limited access in some cases)
Children's Information:
- Addresses where minor children reside
- Schools children attend
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children
- Child custody evaluations (may be sealed by court order)
- Guardian ad litem reports (restricted access)
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
- Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders
- Medical records submitted as exhibits
Sealed Records:
A court may seal all or part of a divorce file upon a showing of good cause. Cases involving allegations of domestic violence, abuse, or other sensitive circumstances may be subject to sealing orders. High-profile cases may also be sealed at the court's discretion.
Who Can Access Records:
| Requester | Level of Access |
|---|---|
| General public | Public documents, docket entries, final orders |
| Parties to the case | Full access to their own case file |
| Attorneys of record | Full access; may petition for sealed documents |
| Researchers and media | Public portions; court permission required for sealed records |
| Law enforcement | Statutory access to certain restricted records |
Restrictions on Use:
Prohibited uses of divorce record information include stalking, harassment, identity theft, fraudulent purposes, and violation of protective orders. Permitted uses include legal proceedings, background research, genealogical research, news reporting protected under the First Amendment, and personal verification of marital status.
Obtaining Confidential Records:
Members of the public seeking access to sealed or restricted divorce records must file a motion with the court demonstrating a legitimate legal need. The court evaluates such requests on a case-by-case basis, applying a balancing test between the public interest in transparency and the privacy interests of the parties. Parties entitled by statute to access restricted records include child protective investigators, court-appointed evaluators, and guardians ad litem.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Monroe County?
The Monroe County Clerk's office charges standard fees for copies and certified copies of divorce records. Current fees are established pursuant to New York County Law § 909, which governs fees charged by county clerks for official services.
Standard Fee Schedule:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy (per page) | $0.65 per page |
| Certified copy of divorce decree | $5.00 per document |
| Search fee (when no record found) | $5.00 |
| Exemplified (triple-certified) copy | $10.00 per document |
- Fees are subject to change; members of the public should confirm current fees with the Monroe County Clerk prior to submitting a request.
- Accepted payment methods for in-person requests include cash, check, and money order payable to the Monroe County Clerk. Mail requests should include a check or money order.
- Credit card payments may be accepted for certain online transactions through the NYSCEF system.
What Is Available at No Charge:
- Viewing case docket entries and case status information online through NYSCEF at no charge
- In-person review of public case files at the clerk's office (no copying fee for inspection only)
Fee Waiver Provisions:
Individuals who are parties to a divorce proceeding and who demonstrate financial hardship may petition the court for a waiver of filing and copy fees. Fee waiver applications are available through the Monroe County Supreme Court clerk's office.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Monroe County
A complete Monroe County divorce case file contains all documents filed with the court from the initiation of proceedings through final judgment and any post-judgment actions. The contents vary depending on whether the divorce was contested or uncontested and whether children or significant assets were involved.
Basic Case Information:
- Case caption including case number, court name, and division
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Judge assigned to the case
- Attorneys of record and their contact information
- Filing date and case type
Initial Pleadings:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage, including marriage date and location, grounds for divorce, identification of children, and relief requested
- Summons with notice or summons and complaint
- Response or answer filed by the respondent
- Counterclaim or counterpetition, if filed
Financial Affidavits: Both parties are required to submit financial disclosure statements identifying income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets (real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investments, retirement accounts, and personal property), and liabilities including mortgages, loans, and credit card debt.
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory with descriptions and estimated values
- Debt inventory
- Real property appraisals
- Business valuations, if applicable
- Expert reports on asset values
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting plan establishing legal and physical custody
- Timesharing schedule including regular, holiday, and summer provisions
- Child support calculation worksheet
- Income information for both parties
- Health insurance and childcare cost documentation
- Child support order specifying amount, payment method, and schedule
- Custody evaluations, if ordered by the court (may be sealed)
- Guardian ad litem reports, if a guardian was appointed
Settlement Documents:
- Marital settlement agreement resolving all issues including property division, spousal maintenance, and child-related provisions
- Mediation agreement, if the parties participated in mediation
Court Orders and Judgments:
- Temporary orders for custody, support, or use of property during proceedings
- Temporary restraining orders or injunctions, if issued
- Final judgment of dissolution of marriage, including the court's findings of fact, conclusions of law, property division, support orders, custody determinations, and name restoration if requested
- Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO), if retirement accounts were divided
Post-Judgment Documents (if applicable):
- Petitions to modify custody or support
- Court orders on modification requests
- Contempt motions and enforcement actions
- Income deduction orders
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted)
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence details in cases involving protective orders
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluation records
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
- Settlement negotiations not incorporated into filed agreements
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Monroe County
Proof of divorce in Monroe County is obtained through a certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution of marriage, issued by the Monroe County Clerk. A certified copy bears the clerk's official seal and signature and is accepted as legal proof of divorce for purposes of remarriage, name changes, immigration proceedings, Social Security benefits, and estate planning.
Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy:
-
In Person: Visit the Monroe County Clerk's office at 39 West Main Street, Room 101, Rochester, NY 14614, during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.). Provide the full names of both parties and the approximate date of divorce. Present valid government-issued photo identification. Pay the applicable certification fee.
-
By Mail: Submit a written request to the Monroe County Clerk at the address above. Include the names of both parties, the approximate divorce date, the case number if known, a copy of valid identification, and a check or money order for the applicable fee. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
-
Online via NYSCEF: For cases filed electronically, members of the public may access and download documents through the New York State Courts Electronic Filing system. Certified copies must still be obtained through the clerk's office.
-
Through the New York State Department of Health: For a divorce certificate (as distinct from a certified court copy), members of the public may submit a request to the New York State Department of Health Vital Records office. This option provides a state-issued certificate confirming the divorce but does not include the full case file.
Monroe County Clerk
39 West Main Street, Room 101
Rochester, NY 14614
Phone: (585) 753-1600
Monroe County Clerk
New York State Department of Health — Vital Records
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 Monroe County?
Divorce proceedings in Monroe County are presumptively public, but certain records or entire case files may be made confidential under specific legal circumstances.
Circumstances Under Which Divorce Records May Be Sealed or Restricted:
- Domestic violence cases: When a party has obtained an order of protection or when the case involves allegations of domestic violence, the court may seal identifying information, including addresses and contact details, to protect the safety of the victim.
- Cases involving minor children: Sensitive information about children, including psychological evaluations, custody evaluations, and guardian ad litem reports, may be restricted or sealed to protect the children's welfare.
- Mental health and medical records: Records pertaining to a party's mental health treatment or medical history submitted as exhibits may be filed under seal.
- Mediation communications: Under New York law, communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and are not part of the public record.
- Court-ordered sealing: Any party may petition the court to seal all or part of a divorce file upon a showing of good cause. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in open proceedings against the privacy interests of the parties.
- Confidential settlements: Settlement terms not incorporated into a filed court order may remain private between the parties.
Members of the public seeking to seal a divorce record must file a motion with Monroe County Supreme Court. The applicable standards are governed by the New York Civil Rights Law § 50-b and related court rules addressing privacy in family law proceedings.
How Long Does Monroe County Keep Divorce Records?
Monroe County maintains divorce records in accordance with the New York State Archives records retention schedules applicable to court records. Retention periods vary by record type.
Retention Periods for Divorce Records:
- Final judgments of dissolution: Retained permanently. Final decrees are considered permanent court records and are never destroyed.
- Complete case files (contested divorces): Retained for a minimum of 50 years from the date of final judgment, in accordance with New York State court records retention schedules.
- Uncontested divorce case files: Retained for a minimum of 25 years from the date of final judgment.
- Financial affidavits and supporting documents: Retained as part of the case file for the applicable retention period.
- Post-judgment modification orders: Retained as part of the original case file for the duration of the retention period applicable to that file.
- Archived records: Cases exceeding the active retention period may be transferred to off-site storage or the New York State Archives. Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time and a formal request.
The New York State Archives establishes retention schedules for court records under the authority of the New York Arts and Cultural Affairs Law § 57.25. Members of the public seeking records from archived case files should contact the Monroe County Clerk directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures.