New York County Dissolution Of Marriage

New York County dissolution of marriage records are filed with the County Clerk at 60 Centre Street in Manhattan. The clerk's office manages all Supreme Court case files for matrimonial actions in the county, including divorce decrees, annulments, and separations. Because this is Manhattan, the volume of cases is high and the office has specific procedures that differ from smaller counties. Files are spread across multiple locations depending on their age, and there are set rules for access, fees, and the search process. This page covers everything you need to find dissolution of marriage records in New York County.

New York County Clerk Dissolution Records

The New York County Clerk handles all dissolution of marriage records for Manhattan. The main Records Department is in Room 103B in the basement at 60 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 3 PM. The Matrimonial Judgment Section is in Room 141B, also in the basement at 60 Centre Street. Call 646-386-5935 for general questions.

New York County is different from most other counties because its dissolution of marriage files are stored in multiple places depending on when the case was filed. Files from 2004 to the present are at 60 Centre Street (except 2009, which is being reproduced off-site). Files from 1998 to 2003 are at 31 Chambers Street on the 7th Floor. Divorce files from 1985 to 1992 that start with index numbers 6, 7, or 8 are also at 31 Chambers. Files from 1993 to 1997 with index numbers starting with 3 are there too. Records from 1799 to 1910 are at the 31 Chambers location as well.

Files from 1955 to 1984 are on microfilm only. Records from 1910 to 1954 are in warehouse storage off-site. Those take about two business days to pull. If you need something from that time period, plan ahead.

The New York County Clerk records page provides details on file locations, access rules, and hours for the Supreme Court Record Room.

The page lists exactly where files are stored based on their year, which is critical when searching for older New York County dissolution of marriage records.

How to Get New York County Divorce Records

In-person requests are the most direct route. Go to the Records Department at 60 Centre Street, Room 103B. Fill out a requisition form at the front counter. Bring a valid, non-expired government-issued photo ID. You need a state ID, driver's license, or passport. Give the clerk the names of both parties as they were at the time the divorce was filed. An index number helps a lot. If you do not have one, give the clerk the approximate year.

If you are not a party to the dissolution of marriage, you need an original notarized letter from a party or attorney of record. The letter must include the name of the person picking up the documents, the names of both parties at the time of filing, the index number or approximate year, and a contact phone number or email. Bring a copy of your ID too.

The New York County Archives section handles older records and provides specific instructions for restricted matrimonial files. Mail requests are also possible. Contact the law and equity mail tab for instructions.

New York County Dissolution Fees

New York County charges $0.25 per page for copies of dissolution of marriage documents. That is lower than the standard rate in most other New York counties. Certification costs $8.00 per document. A search certificate costs $5.00 for every two-year period searched. If you need a Certificate of Non-Appeal, that is an extra $5.00 from the Judgment Department in Room 141B.

Payment can be made in cash, certified check, attorney check, credit card, money order, or official bank check. All payments must be in U.S. dollars and payable to the New York County Clerk. The office does not accept personal checks or company checks. This is a strict rule.

The Department of Health sells dissolution of marriage certificates for $30 by mail. These cover cases from 1963 to the present. The certificate has the basic facts about the divorce but not the terms or the full decree. For those, go through the County Clerk.

Who Can Access New York County Files

Dissolution of marriage files in New York County are sealed under Domestic Relations Law Section 235. The files stay sealed for 100 years. Only a few people can see them.

• The plaintiff or defendant in the case
• An attorney of record for either party
• A person with an original notarized letter from a party or attorney
• Anyone with a court order granting access

If you are not on the list above, you can still get a Certificate of Disposition from the Judgment Department in Room 141B. This document confirms the case happened and gives the result. It does not show the substance of the pleadings, the testimony, or the terms of the dissolution of marriage. Anyone can request one.

After 100 years from the filing date, the records become public. Researchers working with historical cases from the 1800s and early 1900s can access those files without restriction.

Online Search for New York County Cases

The WebCivil Supreme system lets you search for New York County cases by party name. Select New York County from the dropdown, enter a name, and you will get basic case data. The results show the index number, case type, filing date, and party names. WebCivil goes back to 1983. It is free and does not require an account.

For cases that were e-filed, check the NYSCEF system. Matrimonial case documents on NYSCEF are restricted. Only the parties and their attorneys can view the actual files. Public users can see that a case exists but cannot open the documents. This is the same restriction that applies at the courthouse.

Filing Dissolution Of Marriage in Manhattan

All dissolution of marriage cases in New York County go through the Supreme Court. The county is part of the 1st Judicial District. Free uncontested divorce packets are available at the courthouse or from the NYS Courts website. The filing fee for a new case is $210 for the index number. The RJI costs $95.

Most people file on no-fault grounds under DRL Section 170(7). Either spouse states that the marriage has been irretrievably broken for at least six months. Residency rules apply. At least one spouse must have lived in New York for one year before filing. New York County handles a large number of dissolution of marriage cases each year given the size of Manhattan's population.

Cities in New York County

New York County covers the borough of Manhattan. All dissolution of marriage records for Manhattan residents are handled by the New York County Clerk at 60 Centre Street.

Nearby Counties

New York County is one of five boroughs that make up New York City. If the dissolution of marriage was filed in another borough, you need to contact that county's clerk.