Queens County Divorce Records
What Are Queens County Divorce Records?
Queens County divorce records are official legal documents maintained by the New York State Unified Court System that document the dissolution of marriages within Queens County jurisdiction. These records are governed by the New York Domestic Relations Law § 236, which establishes the legal framework for matrimonial actions including divorce proceedings. Divorce records consist of various court filings, judgments, and certificates that collectively document the legal termination of a marriage.
Divorce records in Queens County typically include:
- Summons and complaint documents
- Responsive pleadings
- Financial disclosure statements
- Settlement agreements
- Court orders and judgments
- Certificate of dissolution
These official records serve multiple important purposes for individuals and institutions:
- Legal proof of marital status change
- Documentation required for remarriage
- Evidence for legal name changes following divorce
- Supporting documentation for Social Security benefit adjustments
- Verification for loan applications and financial matters
- Required documentation for immigration proceedings
- Historical records for genealogical research
The Queens County Clerk's Office, operating under the authority of the New York State Unified Court System, maintains these records in accordance with state record-keeping requirements.
Are Queens County Divorce Records Public?
Queens County divorce records have a nuanced public access status governed by New York Public Officers Law § 87, commonly known as the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL). While divorce proceedings generally create public records, access limitations exist to balance transparency with privacy concerns.
The public accessibility of divorce records in Queens County is categorized as follows:
Generally Public:
- Basic case information (names of parties, case numbers, filing dates)
- Court calendars and scheduling information
- Final judgments of divorce (with certain redactions)
Limited Access or Restricted:
- Financial disclosure statements and affidavits
- Records containing sensitive personal information
- Records sealed by judicial order
- Records involving minor children
- Records containing allegations of domestic violence
- Records containing Social Security numbers, financial account information, or other sensitive personal identifiers
Pursuant to New York Domestic Relations Law § 235, matrimonial action records, including divorce proceedings, receive special confidentiality protections. The statute specifies that these records shall not be available for public inspection except by order of the court. This provision creates a higher threshold for accessing divorce records compared to other court records.
Certified copies of divorce certificates are available only to:
- Parties to the divorce
- Attorneys of record
- Individuals with a New York State Court order
- Individuals with written authorization from a party to the divorce
How To Find a Divorce Record In Queens County in 2026
Members of the public seeking divorce records in Queens County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The following procedures are currently in effect for accessing divorce records:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the Queens County Clerk's Office located in the Supreme Court building.
- Complete a records search request form, providing case information including names of parties and approximate date of divorce.
- Present valid government-issued photo identification.
- Pay applicable search and copy fees (currently $30 for a search plus $5 per page for copies).
- For certified copies, additional fees apply and eligibility restrictions may be enforced.
Queens County Clerk's Office
88-11 Sutphin Boulevard
Jamaica, NY 11435
718-298-0601
Queens County Clerk
Mail Requests:
- Prepare a written request including names of parties, approximate date of divorce, and specific documents requested.
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- Enclose a money order for applicable fees.
- Mail the request to the Queens County Clerk's Office.
Online Index Searches:
- Access the New York State Unified Court System's WebCivil Supreme database.
- Select Queens County from the county dropdown menu.
- Enter party names to search for case information.
- Note that while index information may be available online, document copies typically require in-person or mail requests.
For certified copies of divorce certificates, eligible individuals must provide proof of identity and legal interest in the record.
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Queens County Online?
Queens County offers limited online access to divorce record information through several digital platforms maintained by New York State agencies. The following online resources are currently available for conducting preliminary divorce record searches:
New York State Unified Court System WebCivil Supreme:
- Navigate to the WebCivil Supreme portal.
- Select "Supreme Court" and "Queens County" from the dropdown menus.
- Enter search criteria (party names, index number, or attorney/firm name).
- The system will display basic case information including:
- Index number
- Filing date
- Case type
- Parties involved
- Attorney information
- Case status
- Appearance dates
New York State Department of Health: The New York State Department of Health maintains a divorce certificate database that provides verification of divorces granted in New York State since 1963. While full records are not available online, the system can confirm whether a divorce was granted.
- Visit the Department of Health Vital Records website.
- Complete the online verification request form.
- Pay the required fee ($30-45 depending on search parameters).
- Receive verification of divorce status (not a certified copy).
E-Courts Filing System: For attorneys and registered users, the New York State Courts Electronic Filing system provides access to electronically filed divorce cases.
It is important to note that comprehensive divorce records and certified copies are not available through online platforms due to privacy regulations under New York Domestic Relations Law § 235. Online searches primarily provide index information rather than document content.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Queens County?
Queens County residents seeking no-cost access to divorce records have limited but viable options. The following methods provide free or low-cost access to basic divorce record information:
Public Access Law Library Terminals:
- Visit the Queens County Supreme Court Law Library.
- Use public access terminals to search court databases.
- Basic case information is viewable without charge.
- Document printing may incur nominal fees.
Queens County Supreme Court Law Library
88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Room 65
Jamaica, NY 11435
718-298-1206
Queens County Supreme Court Law Library
Court Clerk's Office Public Counter:
- Visit the Queens County Clerk's Office public counter.
- Request assistance with basic case status verification.
- Staff can confirm whether a divorce was granted without charge.
- Document copies will incur standard fees.
Public Case Calendars:
- Review public court calendars posted daily at the courthouse.
- Calendars list scheduled cases including matrimonial matters.
- This method provides only current case scheduling information.
Legal Aid Organizations: Several legal aid organizations in Queens County may assist eligible low-income individuals with accessing necessary divorce records:
Queens Legal Services
89-00 Sutphin Boulevard, 5th Floor
Jamaica, NY 11435
718-657-8611
Queens Legal Services
While free access to basic information is available, comprehensive searches and document copies typically require payment of statutory fees. Fee waivers may be available to qualifying individuals through a judicial order based on demonstrated financial hardship.
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Queens County
Queens County divorce records comprise a comprehensive collection of documents generated throughout the divorce proceeding. These records contain detailed information about the dissolution of marriage and related matters. The content of divorce records typically includes:
Core Legal Documents:
- Summons and Complaint/Petition for Divorce - Initial filing that states grounds for divorce
- Affidavit of Service - Proof that divorce papers were properly served
- Answer/Response - Responding party's formal reply to divorce petition
- Request for Judicial Intervention (RJI) - Form that places case on court calendar
- Note of Issue - Document indicating case is ready for trial
- Certificate of Dissolution - Official document certifying marriage dissolution
Financial Documentation:
- Statement of Net Worth - Sworn financial disclosure from both parties
- Child Support Worksheet - Calculations for child support obligations
- Maintenance (Alimony) Determinations - Spousal support agreements or orders
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) - Orders dividing retirement assets
- Property Division Agreements - Documentation of marital asset distribution
Child-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting Plans - Detailed arrangements for child custody and visitation
- Custody Agreements or Orders - Legal determination of child custody
- Child Support Orders - Court-mandated child support arrangements
- Visitation Schedules - Formalized parenting time arrangements
Procedural Documents:
- Preliminary Conference Orders - Initial case management directives
- Compliance Conference Orders - Documentation of discovery compliance
- Motion Papers and Decisions - Records of requests for court intervention
- Transcripts of Proceedings - Official record of court hearings
- Stipulations - Formal agreements between parties on specific issues
Final Judgment Documents:
- Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law - Court's factual and legal determinations
- Judgment of Divorce - Final court order terminating the marriage
- Settlement Agreement - Comprehensive agreement resolving all divorce issues
The level of detail in Queens County divorce records varies based on whether the divorce was contested or uncontested, the complexity of financial and custody matters, and whether the case was resolved through settlement or trial.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Queens County?
Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in Queens County may obtain this documentation through established procedures administered by the county clerk's office. The following methods are currently available for securing proof of divorce:
Certified Copy of Divorce Decree:
- Visit the Queens County Clerk's Office in person.
- Complete a "Divorce Certificate Application" form.
- Provide valid government-issued photo identification.
- Submit proof of relationship to the case (must be a party to the divorce or authorized representative).
- Pay the required fee ($30 for the search plus $8 per certified copy).
- Receive certified copy, typically provided same day for in-person requests.
Queens County Clerk's Office
88-11 Sutphin Boulevard
Jamaica, NY 11435
718-298-0601
Queens County Clerk
Mail Request for Certified Copy:
- Prepare a written request including:
- Full names of both parties to the divorce
- Date of divorce (approximate if exact date unknown)
- Index number (if known)
- Copy of requester's identification
- Proof of relationship to the case
- Include a money order for applicable fees.
- Provide a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- Mail the request to the Queens County Clerk's Office.
Certificate of Disposition: For individuals who need simple verification that a divorce was granted rather than a complete decree:
- Request a "Certificate of Disposition" from the County Clerk's Office.
- This document confirms the divorce was granted and provides the date and index number.
- The fee for this document is typically lower than for a complete certified copy.
New York State Department of Health: For divorces granted after January 1, 1963:
- Submit a request to the New York State Department of Health.
- Complete the required application form.
- Pay the state fee ($30 for a two-year search).
- Receive a certification of divorce record (not the actual decree).
Pursuant to New York Domestic Relations Law § 235, access to divorce records is restricted to parties to the action, their attorneys, or individuals with a court order authorizing access.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Queens County?
Queens County divorce proceedings offer several mechanisms for maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information, though complete confidentiality of the entire divorce action is rare. The following provisions currently exist for protecting privacy in divorce matters:
Statutory Confidentiality: Under New York Domestic Relations Law § 235, all matrimonial case files, including divorce records, receive heightened confidentiality protection. This statute restricts public access to divorce records without a court order, creating a baseline of privacy beyond what applies to most other civil proceedings.
Sealing of Records:
- Parties may petition the court to seal specific documents or the entire case file.
- The court applies a balancing test weighing privacy interests against the presumption of public access.
- Complete sealing requires demonstration of compelling circumstances such as:
- Risk of harm to parties or children
- Sensitive medical or mental health information
- Confidential business information or trade secrets
- History of domestic violence or stalking
Redaction Requirements: Pursuant to New York Civil Practice Law and Rules § 202.5(e), certain personal identifying information must be redacted from all court filings, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Names of minor children
- Birth dates
- Home addresses in certain circumstances
Anonymous Caption Option: In exceptional cases, the court may permit filing under "Anonymous v. Anonymous" when:
- The case involves matters of utmost sensitivity.
- Public knowledge would cause significant harm.
- The party requesting anonymity demonstrates compelling need.
- The public interest in identification is outweighed by privacy concerns.
Confidential Alternative Dispute Resolution: Couples seeking maximum privacy may utilize:
- Private mediation
- Collaborative divorce process
- Arbitration
These methods keep negotiations and evidence exchange outside the court record, with only the final agreement submitted for court approval.
While these mechanisms provide significant privacy protections, it is important to note that the fact of the divorce itself (names of parties and the existence of the case) typically remains a matter of public record even when documents are sealed or redacted.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Queens County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Queens County varies significantly based on multiple factors related to case complexity, court congestion, and the level of cooperation between parties. The following timeframes represent current processing expectations:
Uncontested Divorces: When parties agree on all issues and properly complete all required documentation:
- Minimum processing time: 3-6 months
- Average processing time: 6-8 months
- Factors affecting timeline:
- Completeness of initial filing
- Court administrative processing backlogs
- Judicial review scheduling
According to the New York State Unified Court System, uncontested divorces follow a standardized process with predictable timelines, though administrative delays may occur.
Contested Divorces: When parties disagree on one or more substantive issues:
- Minimum duration: 9-12 months
- Average duration: 12-18 months
- Complex cases: 18-36 months or longer
- Factors affecting timeline:
- Number and complexity of disputed issues
- Court calendar congestion
- Discovery compliance
- Motion practice
- Attorney scheduling conflicts
- Judicial availability
Mandatory Waiting Periods:
- New York State has eliminated the traditional waiting period for divorce.
- The residency requirement under New York Domestic Relations Law § 230 must be satisfied before filing.
Procedural Milestones and Typical Timeframes:
- Filing to Preliminary Conference: 45-90 days
- Preliminary Conference to Completion of Discovery: 3-6 months
- Post-Discovery to Trial Readiness: 2-4 months
- Trial Scheduling Delay: 2-6 months (varies with court congestion)
- Trial Duration: 1 day to several weeks
- Post-Trial Decision: 30-90 days
- Judgment Processing: 30-60 days
Expedited Processing: Limited circumstances may qualify for expedited handling:
- Military deployment
- Medical emergencies
- Relocation necessities
- Domestic violence situations
The Queens County Supreme Court matrimonial part currently processes approximately 5,000-6,000 divorce cases annually, contributing to scheduling constraints that affect timeline expectations.
How Long Does Queens County Keep Divorce Records?
Queens County maintains divorce records according to a structured retention schedule established by the New York State Unified Court System in compliance with New York Judiciary Law § 89. This comprehensive records management program ensures the preservation of these important legal documents while balancing administrative capacity.
Permanent Retention: The following divorce record components are retained permanently:
- Judgment of Divorce
- Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law
- Settlement Agreements incorporated into judgments
- Orders affecting title to real property
- Final orders of custody and support
- Index books and case registers
Extended Retention (25+ Years):
- Case files for contested divorces: 25 years after disposition
- Financial disclosure statements: 25 years after filing
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs): 25 years after filing
Standard Retention (10 Years):
- Case files for uncontested divorces: 10 years after disposition
- Temporary orders: 10 years after expiration
- Motion papers: 10 years after decision
- Exhibits not returned to parties: 10 years after final judgment
Abbreviated Retention:
- Audio/visual recordings of proceedings: 5 years
- Stenographic notes: 6 years
- Administrative correspondence: 3 years
Digital Conversion: The Queens County Clerk's Office has implemented a digital records management system for divorce records filed after approximately 2010. Older records exist in paper format and are being digitized according to a phased conversion schedule.
Historical Records: Divorce records predating 1950 may have been transferred to the:
New York City Municipal Archives
31 Chambers Street, Room 103
New York, NY 10007
212-788-8590
NYC Municipal Archives
Individuals seeking access to older divorce records may need to contact both the County Clerk's Office and the Municipal Archives to locate records from different time periods.
How To Get a Divorce In Queens County
Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Queens County must follow specific procedures established by the New York State Unified Court System. The divorce process involves several distinct steps:
Residency Requirements: Before filing, at least one spouse must satisfy the residency requirements under New York Domestic Relations Law § 230, which includes one of the following:
- Both spouses are residents when the action is commenced and the grounds occurred in New York
- Either spouse has been a resident for at least 2 years before filing
- Either spouse has been a resident for at least 1 year and the marriage occurred in New York, the couple lived in New York as married, or the grounds occurred in New York
- Both parties are residents and the grounds for divorce occurred outside New York
Grounds for Divorce: New York recognizes the following grounds:
- Irretrievable breakdown of the marriage for at least 6 months (no-fault)
- Cruel and inhuman treatment
- Abandonment for at least 1 year
- Imprisonment for 3 or more consecutive years
- Adultery
- Living apart pursuant to a separation judgment or decree
- Living apart pursuant to a written separation agreement
Filing Process:
- Prepare the required forms, including:
- Summons with Notice or Summons and Verified Complaint
- Notice of Automatic Orders
- Notice Concerning Continuation of Health Care Coverage
- Affidavit of Service
- File documents with the Queens County Clerk's Office and pay filing fees (currently $210).
Queens County Supreme Court
88-11 Sutphin Boulevard
Jamaica, NY 11435
718-298-1000
Queens County Supreme Court
Service of Process:
- Have the non-filing spouse served with divorce papers by a person over 18 who is not a party to the action.
- File proof of service with the court.
Contested vs. Uncontested Path:
- Uncontested: If the spouse agrees to the divorce and all terms, submit additional forms including a settlement agreement.
- Contested: If the spouse contests the divorce or any terms, the court will schedule conferences to resolve issues.
Financial Disclosure: Both parties must complete and exchange:
- Statement of Net Worth
- Recent tax returns
- Pay stubs and other financial documentation
Judgment of Divorce: After all issues are resolved, submit final paperwork for judicial review and signature, including:
- Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law
- Judgment of Divorce
- Part 130 Certification
- Note of Issue (if contested)
Post-Judgment Matters: After receiving the signed judgment:
- File the judgment with the County Clerk's Office.
- Obtain certified copies as needed.
- Implement the terms of the divorce judgment.
How To Get Divorce Papers In Queens County
Individuals initiating divorce proceedings in Queens County have several options for obtaining the necessary legal forms. The following resources are currently available for accessing divorce paperwork:
New York State Unified Court System Website:
- Visit the NYS Unified Court System's DIY Forms page.
- Download the uncontested divorce packet appropriate to your situation (with children or without children).
- The comprehensive packet includes all required forms with detailed instructions.
- Forms are available in multiple languages including English, Spanish, Russian, and Chinese.
Queens County Supreme Court:
- Visit the Supreme Court Clerk's Office in person.
- Request the uncontested or contested divorce packet.
- Court staff cannot provide legal advice but can identify required forms.
Queens County Supreme Court
88-11 Sutphin Boulevard
Jamaica, NY 11435
718-298-1000
Queens County Supreme Court
Queens County Law Library:
- Access public computers with form templates.
- Obtain assistance locating appropriate forms.
- Print forms for a nominal fee.
Queens County Supreme Court Law Library
88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Room 65
Jamaica, NY 11435
718-298-1206
Queens County Supreme Court Law Library
Self-Help Resources: The court provides access to the following resources:
- DIY (Do-It-Yourself) computer terminals in the courthouse
- Help Centers with volunteer attorneys (limited availability)
- Written guides explaining the divorce process
Legal Assistance Programs: For qualifying low-income individuals:
Queens Volunteer Lawyers Project
90-35 148th Street, Room 100
Jamaica, NY 11435
718-739-4100
Queens Volunteer Lawyers Project
Queens Legal Services
89-00 Sutphin Boulevard, 5th Floor
Jamaica, NY 11435
718-657-8611
Queens Legal Services
Required forms vary based on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested and whether children are involved. The basic uncontested divorce packet typically contains 12-15 forms that must be completed according to specific instructions.