Bronx County Divorce Records

What Are Bronx County Divorce Records?

Bronx County divorce records are official legal documents maintained by the New York State court system that document the dissolution of marriages within Bronx County jurisdiction. These records are created and maintained pursuant to New York Domestic Relations Law § 236, which governs matrimonial actions including divorce proceedings. Divorce records serve as the authoritative documentation of the legal termination of a marriage.

The records typically consist of several components:

• The initial divorce petition or complaint
• Court orders and judgments
• Settlement agreements
• Financial disclosure statements
• Child custody and support arrangements (when applicable)
• The final divorce decree

Divorce records in Bronx County are maintained by the Bronx County Clerk's Office, which serves as the official repository for these documents. These records fulfill numerous important functions, including:

• Providing legal proof of marital status change
• Enabling remarriage by demonstrating the legal termination of a previous marriage
• Supporting name change processes following divorce
• Documenting eligibility for Social Security benefits
• Verifying marital status for loan applications
• Establishing marital history for immigration matters
• Serving as evidence in subsequent legal proceedings

The creation, maintenance, and accessibility of divorce records are governed by both state statutes and court administrative procedures to ensure their accuracy, completeness, and appropriate availability.

Are Bronx County Divorce Records Public?

Bronx County divorce records have a nuanced public access status that varies by document type and information sensitivity. Under the New York Public Officers Law § 87, commonly known as the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), government records are presumptively open to public inspection. However, this general principle is subject to important limitations regarding divorce proceedings.

The public accessibility of divorce records in Bronx County is structured as follows:

• Court Case Files: Basic divorce case information including party names, case numbers, and filing dates are generally available to the public through the New York State Unified Court System. However, pursuant to New York Domestic Relations Law § 235, the actual pleadings, testimony, and other evidence in matrimonial actions are not public records and cannot be obtained by individuals who are not parties to the action without a court order.

• Divorce Certificates: Certified divorce certificates, which provide official verification of a divorce, have restricted access. These documents are available only to:

  • The parties named in the divorce
  • Attorneys of record in the divorce proceeding
  • Individuals with a New York State court order authorizing access
  • Individuals with a properly executed power of attorney from one of the parties

• Divorce Decrees: The final judgment of divorce may be accessed by the parties to the divorce and their legal representatives. Third parties typically require a court order to obtain copies of these documents.

This balanced approach to public access reflects the state's effort to maintain transparency in judicial proceedings while protecting the privacy interests of individuals involved in divorce cases, particularly when sensitive personal or financial information is involved.

How To Find a Divorce Record In Bronx County in 2026

Members of the public seeking divorce records in Bronx County may utilize several established methods to locate these documents. The appropriate approach depends on the requester's relationship to the case and the specific documents needed.

For parties to the divorce seeking records:

1. Contact the Bronx County Clerk's Office directly:

Bronx County Clerk's Office
851 Grand Concourse, Room 118
Bronx, NY 10451
718-618-1383
Bronx County Clerk

2. Submit 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 government-issued photo identification
   • Appropriate search and copy fees

3. For certified copies of divorce certificates (for divorces granted after January 1, 1963), contact:

New York State Department of Health
Vital Records Certification Unit
P.O. Box 2602
Albany, NY 12220-2602
855-322-1022
NYS Department of Health

4. For divorce records prior to 1963, requests must be directed to the county clerk where the divorce was granted.

For attorneys or legal representatives:

1. File an official request with the Bronx County Clerk's Office with proof of representation
2. Access case information through the New York State Courts Electronic Filing System (NYSCEF) if the case was filed electronically

For third parties without direct interest:

1. Obtain a court order authorizing access to the divorce records
2. Submit the court order along with the standard request form to the County Clerk's Office

All requesters should be prepared to pay the applicable fees, which currently include a $30 search fee plus $10 per certified copy for divorce certificates through the Department of Health, or varying fees for court documents through the County Clerk's Office.

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Bronx County Online?

Bronx County offers limited online access to divorce record information through several digital platforms. The availability of records online is restricted in accordance with New York Domestic Relations Law § 235, which protects the confidentiality of matrimonial proceedings.

For basic case information, the following online resources are available:

1. New York State Courts Electronic Filing System (NYSCEF)

   • Accessible at NYSCEF website
   • Provides case status information for divorces filed electronically
   • Requires registration and login credentials
   • Full document access limited to parties and their attorneys
   • Public access limited to case listings and certain non-confidential documents

2. WebCriminal/WebCivil Supreme

   • Available through the New York State Unified Court System
   • Allows searching of basic case information by name or index number
   • Provides case status, appearance dates, and motion information
   • Does not provide access to actual divorce documents

3. New York State Department of Health Electronic Death Registration System

   • For verification of divorce certificates (not full records)
   • Available only to authorized users such as government agencies
   • Not accessible to general public

Important limitations of online access include:

• Complete divorce records are not available online to the general public
• Sensitive information including financial disclosures, custody arrangements, and detailed allegations are not accessible online
• Records from cases prior to the implementation of electronic filing (approximately 2013 for Bronx County) have limited or no online presence
• Certified copies of divorce certificates or decrees cannot be obtained online

For comprehensive divorce record access, individuals must still follow the in-person or mail request procedures through the Bronx County Clerk's Office or the New York State Department of Health.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Bronx County?

While obtaining certified copies of divorce records in Bronx County typically involves fees, several options exist for accessing basic divorce record information at no cost. These free resources provide limited information but can be useful for verifying the existence and general status of divorce cases.

Free access options include:

1. Public Access Terminals at the Bronx County Courthouse

Bronx County Supreme Court
851 Grand Concourse
Bronx, NY 10451
718-618-1000
Bronx Supreme Court

• Available during regular court hours (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday)
• Allows searching of basic case information including party names, case numbers, and filing dates
• No fee for searching, though printing documents incurs charges

2. New York State Unified Court System Website

• The WebCivil Supreme portal provides free access to basic case information
• Searchable by party name or index number
• Provides case status, appearance dates, and disposition information
• No registration required for basic searches

3. Bronx County Public Library Resources

Bronx Library Center
310 East Kingsbridge Road
Bronx, NY 10458
718-579-4244
Bronx Library Center

• Offers free access to legal research databases
• Provides assistance with navigating public records
• May have historical divorce records on microfilm for older cases

4. Legal Aid Organizations

• Several legal aid organizations in Bronx County offer assistance with locating divorce records for qualifying low-income individuals
• Services typically limited to those who meet financial eligibility requirements

It is important to note that while basic case information may be accessible for free, obtaining official copies of divorce decrees, certificates, or complete case files will still require payment of the applicable fees. Additionally, the free resources typically provide only limited information and not the complete divorce record.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Bronx County

Divorce records in Bronx County comprise a comprehensive collection of documents that chronicle the entire divorce proceeding from initiation to conclusion. The specific contents vary based on the complexity of the case and whether the divorce was contested or uncontested.

A complete divorce record file typically contains:

• Summons with Notice or Summons and Complaint: The initial filing that commences the divorce action, stating the grounds for divorce and relief sought.

• Verified Answer: The responding spouse's formal reply to the divorce complaint, either admitting or denying allegations.

• Request for Judicial Intervention (RJI): The form that formally places the case on the court calendar.

• Notice of Appearance: Documentation of attorneys representing each party.

• Statement of Net Worth: Detailed financial disclosure forms required under 22 NYCRR § 202.16 that itemize each spouse's income, expenses, assets, and liabilities.

• Stipulations and Agreements: Any written agreements between the parties regarding:

  • Division of marital property and debts
  • Spousal maintenance (alimony)
  • Child custody and parenting time
  • Child support obligations

• Court Orders: Temporary and final orders issued by the court during the proceedings.

• Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law: The court's determinations regarding relevant facts and application of law.

• Judgment of Divorce: The final decree that legally dissolves the marriage and incorporates all settlements and court determinations.

• Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs): Special orders for dividing retirement accounts and pensions.

• Parenting Plans: Detailed arrangements for child custody, visitation, and decision-making authority.

• Child Support Worksheets: Calculations of child support obligations based on the New York Child Support Standards Act.

• Certificate of Dissolution of Marriage: The official document certifying that the divorce has been granted.

The divorce record may also include transcripts of hearings, expert witness reports, appraisals of property, and other evidence submitted during the proceedings. Access to these various components is governed by the confidentiality provisions of New York Domestic Relations Law and may require different levels of authorization depending on the sensitivity of the information contained within each document.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Bronx County?

Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in Bronx County have several options for obtaining this documentation, depending on when the divorce was granted and the level of detail needed. The most commonly recognized forms of divorce proof are certified copies of the divorce certificate or the judgment of divorce.

For divorces granted after January 1, 1963:

1. Obtain a Certified Divorce Certificate from the New York State Department of Health:
   • Complete the Divorce Certificate Application
   • Provide proper identification
   • Submit the $30 search fee plus $10 per certified copy
   • Mail to:

New York State Department of Health
Vital Records Certification Unit
P.O. Box 2602
Albany, NY 12220-2602
855-322-1022
NYS Department of Health Vital Records

For divorces granted before January 1, 1963, or for obtaining a copy of the actual Judgment of Divorce:

2. Request documents from the Bronx County Clerk's Office:
   • Submit a written request including names of both parties, approximate date of divorce, and index number (if known)
   • Provide proper identification
   • Pay applicable fees ($15-$30 depending on document type)
   • Visit or mail request to:

Bronx County Clerk's Office
851 Grand Concourse, Room 118
Bronx, NY 10451
718-618-1383
Bronx County Clerk

For expedited service or assistance with complex situations:

3. Engage a Professional Record Retrieval Service:

   • Several private companies specialize in obtaining divorce records
   • Additional fees apply but may offer faster processing
   • Particularly useful for complicated cases or older records

4. Consult with an Attorney:

   • Legal representatives can file requests on behalf of clients
   • May be necessary if court order is required for access

Eligible requesters for divorce proof include:

• Either party named in the divorce
• Legal representatives with proper authorization
• Individuals with a New York State court order
• Persons with a properly executed power of attorney from one of the parties

When requesting proof of divorce, applicants should be prepared to provide government-issued photo identification and documentation establishing their right to access the records if they are not a party to the divorce.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Bronx County?

Divorce proceedings in Bronx County offer certain confidentiality protections under New York law, though complete confidentiality is rarely available. The degree of privacy afforded to divorce records is governed primarily by New York Domestic Relations Law § 235, which establishes specific confidentiality provisions for matrimonial actions.

Standard confidentiality protections include:

• Limited Public Access to Pleadings: While basic case information (names, case numbers, filing dates) is publicly accessible, the actual pleadings, testimony, and evidence in matrimonial actions are not public records and cannot be obtained by non-parties without a court order.

• Automatic Redaction: Certain sensitive information is automatically redacted from publicly accessible documents, including:

  • Social Security numbers
  • Financial account numbers
  • Names of minor children
  • Birth dates

• Financial Privacy: Statements of Net Worth and detailed financial disclosures are considered confidential and not available to the general public.

For enhanced confidentiality, parties may pursue:

1. Sealing Orders: Pursuant to 22 NYCRR § 216.1, parties may petition the court to seal all or portions of the divorce file upon demonstrating good cause, such as:

   • Risk of harm to minor children
   • Disclosure of trade secrets or confidential business information
   • Risk of identity theft or financial harm
   • Legitimate privacy concerns outweighing the public interest in access

2. Anonymous Caption: In exceptional circumstances, the court may permit parties to proceed under "Anonymous v. Anonymous" or initials rather than full names.

3. Confidential Alternative Dispute Resolution: Utilizing private mediation or collaborative divorce processes can keep negotiations and settlements out of the public court record.

4. Settlement Agreements: Parties may incorporate confidentiality provisions into their settlement agreements, though the agreements themselves become part of the court record.

It is important to note that complete confidentiality is rarely granted, as New York courts generally favor transparency in judicial proceedings. Requests for sealing or anonymity must demonstrate compelling reasons that outweigh the presumption of public access to court records. Additionally, even sealed records remain accessible to the parties, their attorneys, and authorized court personnel.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Bronx County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in Bronx County varies significantly based on multiple factors, including case complexity, level of conflict between parties, court caseload, and the specific procedural path followed. While each case is unique, certain timeframes are typical for different categories of divorce cases.

For uncontested divorces (where both parties agree on all issues):

• Minimum processing time: 3-6 months
• Average completion time: 6-9 months
• Factors affecting timeline:
  • Completeness of initial paperwork
  • Court processing backlogs
  • Judicial review schedules
  • Correction of any filing errors

For contested divorces (where parties disagree on one or more issues):

• Minimum processing time: 9-12 months
• Average completion time: 12-18 months
• Complex cases: 18-36 months or longer
• Factors affecting timeline:
  • Number and complexity of disputed issues
  • Court scheduling and availability
  • Discovery process duration
  • Need for expert witnesses or evaluations
  • Motion practice and preliminary hearings
  • Settlement negotiations
  • Trial length if settlement not reached

According to the New York State Unified Court System's 2022 Annual Report, the average time from filing to disposition for contested matrimonial cases in Bronx County was approximately 436 days, though this figure varies based on case complexity.

Procedural milestones that influence timing include:

• Filing to preliminary conference: 45-90 days
• Discovery completion: 3-9 months
• Settlement conferences: 1-3 sessions over 2-6 months
• Trial scheduling: Often 3-6 months after discovery completion
• Post-trial decision: 30-90 days after trial conclusion
• Judgment processing: 30-60 days after decision

Expediting factors may include:

• Comprehensive settlement agreements prepared before filing
• Effective use of mediation or collaborative divorce processes
• Prompt compliance with disclosure requirements
• Limited contested issues
• Availability of both parties for required appearances

The COVID-19 pandemic created significant backlogs in the Bronx County court system, though the courts have implemented various efficiency measures to address these delays. Currently, the court system continues to work through these backlogs, which may still affect processing times for newly filed cases.

How Long Does Bronx County Keep Divorce Records?

Bronx County maintains divorce records according to a structured retention schedule established under New York State law and court administrative policies. The retention periods vary based on the type of record and its historical or legal significance.

The primary retention guidelines are as follows:

• Judgment Rolls and Case Files: Pursuant to New York Judiciary Law § 89 and the Retention and Disposition Schedule for New York State Courts, complete divorce case files are retained permanently. These records include:

  • Judgments of divorce
  • Findings of fact and conclusions of law
  • Settlement agreements incorporated into judgments
  • Orders affecting property rights, custody, or support

• Divorce Certificates: Maintained permanently by the New York State Department of Health for divorces granted after January 1, 1963.

• Divorce Indexes: Permanent retention as essential finding aids for the permanent records.

• Temporary Orders and Procedural Documents: Retained for a minimum of 25 years after case disposition, including:

  • Temporary support orders
  • Interim custody arrangements
  • Scheduling orders
  • Motion papers

• Financial Disclosure Documents: Retained for a minimum of 25 years after case disposition, including:

  • Statements of net worth
  • Tax returns
  • Financial affidavits

• Exhibits: Physical exhibits are typically returned to the submitting parties after the appeal period expires (usually 30 days after judgment). Copies or records of exhibits are retained with the case file.

• Transcripts: Court reporter transcripts are preserved according to the same schedule as the case files to which they relate.

For historical divorce records (generally pre-1950), the retention practices include:

• Microfilming or digital conversion for preservation
• Transfer of original documents to the New York State Archives for permanent historical preservation
• Maintenance of searchable indexes at the Bronx County Clerk's Office

It is important to note that while records are retained according to these schedules, the accessibility of older records may be limited by their physical condition, storage location, and the available finding aids. Records from the early to mid-20th century may require special handling and extended retrieval times. Additionally, while the records themselves are retained, the supporting documentation and exhibits may be more difficult to locate for very old cases.

How To Get a Divorce In Bronx County

Obtaining a divorce in Bronx County requires adherence to specific legal procedures established under New York State law. The process varies depending on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested, but follows these general steps:

For Uncontested Divorces (both parties agree on all issues):

1. Determine Eligibility: Verify that you meet New York State residency requirements under Domestic Relations Law § 230.

2. Prepare and File Initial Documents:

   • Summons with Notice (Form UD-1) or Summons and Complaint (Forms UD-1a and UD-2)
   • Filing fee of $210 (fee waiver available for eligible individuals)
   • File at:

Bronx County Supreme Court Clerk's Office
851 Grand Concourse, Room 217
Bronx, NY 10451
718-618-1400
Bronx Supreme Court

3. Serve Documents on Spouse: Have a third party over 18 years of age who is not involved in the case serve the divorce papers on your spouse.

4. Complete Additional Forms:

   • Affidavit of Service (Form UD-3)
   • Sworn Statement of Removal of Barriers to Remarriage (Form UD-4)
   • Affidavit of Defendant (Form UD-7) if spouse agrees
   • Settlement agreement addressing property division, support, and custody if applicable

5. File Remaining Paperwork:

   • Request for Judicial Intervention (Form UD-13)
   • Note of Issue (Form UD-9)
   • Findings of Fact/Conclusions of Law (Form UD-10)
   • Judgment of Divorce (Form UD-11)

6. Judicial Review and Judgment: A judge reviews the paperwork and, if everything is in order, signs the judgment of divorce.

For Contested Divorces (disagreement on one or more issues):

1. Consult an Attorney: Due to complexity, legal representation is strongly recommended.

2. File and Serve Initial Papers:

   • Summons with Notice or Summons and Complaint
   • Filing fee of $210

3. Preliminary Conference: Attend initial court appearance to establish discovery schedule and temporary arrangements.

4. Discovery Process: Exchange financial information and other relevant evidence.

5. Settlement Negotiations: Attempt to resolve disputed issues through negotiation or mediation.

6. Pre-Trial Conference: Meet with the judge to narrow issues and explore settlement possibilities.

7. Trial: Present evidence and testimony on unresolved issues.

8. Judgment: Receive court decision and final judgment of divorce.

Additional Resources:

• Bronx County Supreme Court Help Center
  851 Grand Concourse, Room 124
  Bronx, NY 10451
  718-618-2500
  DIY Forms

• New York State Courts Access to Justice Program
  Divorce Resources

• Bronx Legal Services
  349 East 149th Street, 10th Floor
  Bronx, NY 10451
  917-661-4500
  Bronx Legal Services

The divorce process typically takes 3-6 months for uncontested cases and 9-18 months or longer for contested cases in Bronx County.

How To Get Divorce Papers In Bronx County

Obtaining divorce papers in Bronx County can be accomplished through several methods, depending on whether you are initiating a new divorce case or seeking copies of documents from a completed divorce. The following options are available to members of the public:

For initiating a new divorce:

1. Bronx County Supreme Court Help Center:
   • Provides free divorce packet with all required forms
   • Offers assistance in completing paperwork
   • Available during regular court hours

Bronx County Supreme Court Help Center
851 Grand Concourse, Room 124
Bronx, NY 10451
718-618-2500
Bronx Supreme Court Help Center

2. New York State Courts Website:

   • Download Uncontested Divorce Forms
   • Access DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Form programs
   • Available 24/7 at no cost

3. Bronx County Law Library:

   • Reference materials and form books available
   • Public computers for accessing online resources
   • Staff assistance with locating appropriate forms

Bronx County Law Library
851 Grand Concourse, Room 815
Bronx, NY 10451
718-618-3710
Law Library Resources

For obtaining copies of documents from completed divorce cases:

4. Bronx County Clerk's Office:
   • Request certified copies of divorce judgments
   • Obtain copies of filed documents from your case
   • Fees apply: $15-$30 depending on document type

Bronx County Clerk's Office
851 Grand Concourse, Room 118
Bronx, NY 10451
718-618-1383
Bronx County Clerk

5. New York State Department of Health:
   • For certified divorce certificates (post-1963)
   • $30 search fee plus $10 per certificate
   • Application available online

New York State Department of Health
Vital Records Certification Unit
P.O. Box 2602
Albany, NY 12220-2602
855-322-1022
NYS Vital Records

6. Legal Service Organizations:
   • Free assistance for income-eligible individuals
   • Help with form completion and filing

Legal Services NYC - Bronx Office
349 East 149th Street, 10th Floor
Bronx, NY 10451
917-661-4500
Bronx Legal Services

When requesting divorce papers, be prepared to provide:

• Full names of both parties
• Date of divorce (approximate if unknown)
• Index number (if available)
• Valid photo identification
• Proof of relationship to the case if you are not a party
• Payment for applicable fees (cash, certified check, money order, or credit card depending on the agency)

Most agencies offer both in-person and mail request options, though in-person requests typically result in faster processing times.

Lookup Divorce Records in Bronx County

Divorce Record · NYC311