Rockland County Divorce Records

What Are Rockland County Divorce Records?

Divorce records in Rockland County are official legal documents maintained by the New York State Unified Court System that document the dissolution of marriage between two parties. These records are created and maintained pursuant to New York Domestic Relations Law § 236, which governs matrimonial actions including divorce proceedings within the state. Divorce records typically originate in the Rockland County Supreme Court, which has exclusive jurisdiction over divorce cases in the county.

Divorce records in Rockland County consist of several document types:

• Divorce certificates (brief documents verifying divorce occurred)
• Divorce decrees (final judgments containing the court's decision)
• Divorce case files (complete documentation of proceedings)
• Settlement agreements (terms agreed upon by parties)
• Financial disclosure statements
• Child custody and support arrangements

These records serve multiple important purposes for individuals and institutions:

• Legal proof of marital status change
• Documentation required for remarriage
• Evidence for name change processes
• Verification for Social Security benefits
• Supporting documentation for loan applications
• Required evidence for immigration matters
• Historical and genealogical research

The Supreme Court of Rockland County processes and maintains divorce records as part of its broader civil case management responsibilities.

New York State Unified Court System - Rockland County Supreme Court
1 South Main Street
New City, NY 10956
845-483-8310
New York State Unified Court System

Are Rockland County Divorce Records Public?

Rockland County divorce records have a nuanced public access status governed by New York Public Officers Law § 87, which establishes the framework for public access to government records. While divorce proceedings generally create public records, access varies by document type and contains important exceptions.

Court divorce case files in Rockland County are generally considered public records with significant limitations:

• Basic case information (parties' names, case numbers, filing dates) is publicly accessible
• Financial affidavits and statements are typically sealed from public view
• Records containing sensitive personal information may be redacted
• Documents with information about minor children have restricted access
• Records sealed by judicial order are not publicly available

Certified divorce certificates and divorce decrees have more restricted access:

• Parties to the divorce may obtain copies
• Individuals with legitimate legal interest may request access
• Attorneys of record with proper authorization can access records
• Certain government agencies may access records for official purposes

The New York State Department of Health's Vital Records Section maintains divorce certificates for divorces granted in New York State since January 1, 1963. Access to these certificates is limited to:

• The divorced parties themselves (with proper identification)
• Individuals with a New York State Court Order
• Attorneys with proper documentation of representation

Requests for divorce records must be made through the appropriate channels, with varying requirements for identification and documentation depending on the requester's relationship to the case.

How To Find a Divorce Record In Rockland County in 2026

Finding divorce records in Rockland County requires understanding which agency maintains the specific record type needed. The process varies based on when the divorce occurred and what documentation is required.

For divorce records from 1963 to present:

1. Contact the New York State Department of Health's Vital Records Section

   • Submit a completed application form DOH-4382
   • Provide proof of identity (government-issued photo ID)
   • Include the required fee ($30 per certified copy)
   • Demonstrate entitlement to the record (as party to divorce or authorized representative)

2. For divorce certificates (verification of divorce only):

New York State Department of Health
Vital Records Certification Unit
P.O. Box 2602
Albany, NY 12220-2602
1-855-322-1022
New York State Department of Health

For divorce decrees and complete case files:

1. Contact the Rockland County Supreme Court Clerk's Office
   • Provide case number if known (facilitates faster retrieval)
   • If case number is unknown, provide names of both parties and approximate date of divorce
   • Submit identification and any documentation showing entitlement to records
   • Pay applicable search and copy fees

Rockland County Supreme Court Clerk's Office
1 South Main Street, Suite 300
New City, NY 10956
845-483-8310
Rockland County Supreme Court

For divorces prior to 1963:

1. Contact the Rockland County Clerk's Office
   • Provide as much information as possible about the divorce (names, dates)
   • Request a search of archived records
   • Pay applicable search and copy fees

Rockland County Clerk's Office
1 South Main Street, Suite 100
New City, NY 10956
845-638-5221
Rockland County Clerk

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Rockland County Online?

Rockland County offers limited online access to divorce record information through the New York State Unified Court System's electronic case management systems. The availability of records online is restricted to protect privacy while providing necessary public access.

To search for basic divorce case information online:

1. Visit the New York State Unified Court System's WebCriminal/WebCivil Supreme website
   • Navigate to the WebCivil Supreme section
   • Select "Rockland County" from the county dropdown menu
   • Search can be conducted by index number, party name, attorney, or calendar date
   • Note that only basic case information is available (case number, parties, filing dates, appearances)
   • Full documents are not available for download through this system

New York State Unified Court System - WebCivil Supreme
New York State Courts Electronic Filing System

For cases filed electronically through the New York State Courts Electronic Filing System (NYSCEF):

1. Register for a NYSCEF account if representing yourself or as an attorney
2. Access is limited to parties in the case and their representatives
3. Login to the system and search for the specific case
4. View available documents that have not been sealed or restricted

New York State Courts Electronic Filing System (NYSCEF)
NYSCEF

Important limitations of online divorce record searches:

• Complete divorce decrees are not available online to the general public
• Financial information and sensitive personal data are not accessible online
• Records involving minor children have restricted online access
• Older cases (typically pre-2000) may not be included in electronic databases
• Certified copies cannot be obtained through online systems

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Rockland County?

Members of the public seeking divorce records in Rockland County without incurring fees have limited options, as most official record requests involve statutory fees. However, certain resources and methods allow for free access to basic information.

Free public access options include:

1. In-person review at the Rockland County Supreme Court
   • Visit the Supreme Court Clerk's Office during regular business hours
   • Request to view publicly available divorce case files
   • Bring case number or names of parties and approximate date
   • While viewing is free, copying documents incurs standard fees
   • Photo ID required for access

Rockland County Supreme Court
1 South Main Street
New City, NY 10956
845-483-8310
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Rockland County Supreme Court

2. Public access terminals at the courthouse

   • Computer terminals available for searching basic case information
   • No fee for searching, though printing may incur charges
   • Limited to publicly available information
   • Staff assistance may be available for search guidance

3. Rockland County Public Law Library resources

   • Access to legal research databases that may contain case information
   • Reference assistance from law librarians
   • No fee for library use by county residents

Rockland County Public Law Library
1 South Main Street, 3rd Floor
New City, NY 10956
845-483-8310
Rockland County Law Library

4. Basic case information through WebCivil Supreme
   • Free online access to case listings and appearance information
   • No registration required for basic searches
   • Limited to case status information, not document content

It is important to note that while basic information may be accessible without fees, obtaining certified copies or complete divorce records typically requires payment of statutory fees that cannot be waived except in specific circumstances of financial hardship.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Rockland County

Divorce records in Rockland County contain various documents that collectively provide a comprehensive account of the marriage dissolution process. The content and detail level varies based on whether the divorce was contested or uncontested and whether children were involved.

A complete divorce case file typically includes:

• Summons with Notice or Summons and Complaint - The initial filing that commences the divorce action
• Verified Answer - The responding spouse's formal reply to the complaint
• Request for Judicial Intervention (RJI) - Form that places the case on the court calendar
• Notice of Appearance - Documentation of attorneys representing each party
• Statement of Net Worth - Detailed financial disclosure from both parties
• Affidavit of Service - Proof that divorce papers were properly served
• Stipulation of Settlement - Agreement between parties on divorce terms (if settled)
• Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law - Court's determinations on relevant issues
• Judgment of Divorce - Final court order terminating the marriage
• Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) - Instructions for dividing retirement assets
• Parenting Plan - Detailed arrangements for child custody and visitation
• Child Support worksheets and orders
• Maintenance (alimony) determinations
• Property division agreements and orders
• Name change authorization (if applicable)
• Certificates of dissolution

A divorce certificate, by contrast, contains only limited information:

• Names of both parties
• Date and place of divorce
• Case number
• Grounds for divorce (in general terms)
• Date of marriage
• County where divorce was granted

The level of detail in divorce records is governed by New York Domestic Relations Law § 235, which establishes parameters for what information must be included and what may be sealed or redacted to protect privacy interests.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Rockland County?

Obtaining proof of divorce in Rockland County requires determining which type of documentation is needed for the intended purpose. Different situations may require different forms of proof, ranging from certified divorce certificates to complete divorce decrees.

For a certified divorce certificate (basic proof of divorce):

1. Contact the New York State Department of Health's Vital Records Section
   • Complete application form DOH-4382
   • Include copy of valid government-issued photo ID
   • Provide $30 fee per certificate (money order payable to "New York State Department of Health")
   • Submit proof of entitlement to record
   • Allow 2-4 weeks for processing by mail

New York State Department of Health
Vital Records Certification Unit
P.O. Box 2602
Albany, NY 12220-2602
1-855-322-1022
New York State Department of Health Vital Records

For a certified copy of divorce decree (detailed court judgment):

1. Contact the Rockland County Supreme Court Clerk's Office
   • Provide case number if known
   • If unknown, provide names of both parties and approximate divorce date
   • Submit identification and documentation showing entitlement to records
   • Pay applicable certification fees ($8 per document plus $0.65 per page)
   • In-person requests may be fulfilled same day; mail requests typically take 1-2 weeks

Rockland County Supreme Court Clerk's Office
1 South Main Street, Suite 300
New City, NY 10956
845-483-8310
Rockland County Supreme Court

For apostille certification (international recognition of documents):

1. First obtain a certified copy from the court
2. Then submit to the New York Department of State for apostille
   • Include completed request form
   • Provide $10 fee per document
   • Include self-addressed stamped envelope

New York Department of State
Division of Licensing Services
Apostille and Authentication Unit
One Commerce Plaza
99 Washington Avenue, 6th Floor
Albany, NY 12231
518-474-4429
New York Department of State Apostille

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Rockland County?

Divorce proceedings in Rockland County are presumptively public under New York law, but various mechanisms exist to protect sensitive information and, in certain circumstances, maintain confidentiality of all or portions of divorce records. The authority for sealing divorce records stems from New York Domestic Relations Law § 235 and related court rules.

Specific elements of divorce cases that may receive confidential treatment include:

• Financial affidavits and statements of net worth
• Tax returns and financial account information
• Medical and mental health records
• Information pertaining to minor children
• Allegations of domestic violence
• Social Security numbers and other personal identifiers
• Sensitive business information or trade secrets

Methods to maintain confidentiality in divorce proceedings include:

1. Sealing orders

   • Parties may petition the court to seal specific documents or entire case files
   • Judge must find good cause exists for sealing
   • Court balances privacy interests against public right of access
   • Orders specify exactly what information is protected and duration of sealing

2. Redaction of sensitive information

   • Personal identifiers (SSNs, birth dates, account numbers) routinely redacted
   • Parties responsible for identifying confidential information in filings
   • Court may order additional redactions to protect privacy

3. Anonymous filing

   • In exceptional circumstances, cases may be filed using initials or pseudonyms
   • Requires specific judicial authorization
   • Generally limited to cases involving domestic violence, minors, or extraordinary privacy concerns

4. Confidential Alternative Dispute Resolution

   • Mediation and collaborative divorce processes remain confidential
   • Settlement discussions generally inadmissible in court
   • Final agreements become part of public record unless sealed by court order

Parties seeking confidentiality must typically file a motion demonstrating specific reasons why public access would cause harm outweighing the presumption of openness in judicial proceedings. Courts evaluate these requests on a case-by-case basis, considering factors such as risk of harm, privacy expectations, and public interest.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Rockland County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in Rockland County varies significantly based on multiple factors, including case complexity, level of agreement between parties, court caseloads, and procedural requirements. New York's divorce process is governed by timeframes established in the New York Civil Practice Law and Rules § 3215 and related statutes.

Uncontested divorces in Rockland County typically follow this timeline:

• Filing to judgment: 3-6 months
• Minimum waiting period after service: 40 days
• Processing time after submission of all paperwork: 2-4 months
• Additional time if corrections to paperwork required: 1-2 months

Contested divorces in Rockland County generally require:

• Preliminary conference: Scheduled within 45 days of Request for Judicial Intervention
• Discovery phase: 3-6 months (can extend to 12+ months in complex cases)
• Settlement negotiations: Variable timeframe
• Pre-trial conferences: Multiple sessions over several months
• Trial (if necessary): 1 day to several weeks depending on complexity
• Post-trial submissions: 30-60 days
• Judgment preparation and entry: 30-60 days
• Total duration: 12-18 months typical, can extend to 24+ months

Factors that influence divorce timeframes in Rockland County include:

• Complexity of asset division (especially businesses, professional practices)
• Child custody disputes
• High-conflict relationships between parties
• Attorney scheduling conflicts
• Court congestion and judicial availability
• Valuation processes for property and businesses
• Use of forensic experts for custody or financial matters
• Discovery disputes requiring judicial intervention

According to the New York State Unified Court System's statistical reports, the average time from filing to disposition for contested matrimonial cases in the 9th Judicial District (which includes Rockland County) is approximately 15 months, though individual cases may vary significantly from this average.

Expedited processing is sometimes available for cases involving:

• Documented domestic violence
• Military deployment
• Serious medical issues
• Relocation necessities
• Financial emergencies

How Long Does Rockland County Keep Divorce Records?

Rockland County divorce records are subject to retention schedules established by the New York State Unified Court System and the New York State Archives under authority granted by New York Arts and Cultural Affairs Law § 57.05. These schedules determine how long different types of divorce records must be maintained before potential disposition.

Retention periods for divorce records in Rockland County:

• Divorce case files (Supreme Court): Permanent retention

  • Complete case files including all pleadings, orders, and judgments
  • Maintained in county courthouse for approximately 25 years
  • After 25 years, may be transferred to county archives or state records center
  • Never destroyed regardless of age

• Divorce certificates (Department of Health):

  • Permanent retention
  • Maintained in state vital records system indefinitely
  • Available through Department of Health regardless of when divorce occurred

• Divorce indexes and dockets:

  • Permanent retention
  • Serve as finding aids for locating specific case files
  • Maintained both electronically and in physical format

• Temporary divorce-related records:

  • Scheduling documents: 1 year after case disposition
  • Attorney notes: Not official records, no mandated retention
  • Draft documents: Destroyed upon finalization of official versions
  • Exhibits returned to parties: Returned after appeals period expires

Records management practices for divorce files include:

• Active records (recent cases): Maintained in Supreme Court Clerk's Office
• Semi-active records (older than 7 years): May be transferred to on-site storage
• Archival records (25+ years): May be transferred to county archives
• Microfilming/digitization: Older records may be reformatted for preservation
• Access procedures: Vary based on storage location and record format

The permanent retention of divorce records serves multiple purposes:

• Legal documentation of marital status changes
• Protection of property rights established in judgments
• Historical and genealogical research value
• Potential future legal proceedings related to property or support
• Administrative needs of government agencies

How To Get a Divorce In Rockland County

Obtaining a divorce in Rockland County requires following specific procedures established under New York Domestic Relations Law. The process varies depending on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested.

For uncontested divorces (both parties agree to divorce and all terms):

1. Determine grounds for divorce

   • No-fault ground: Irretrievable breakdown for at least 6 months
   • Fault-based grounds available but rarely used since 2010 reforms

2. Prepare required forms

   • Summons with Notice (Form UD-1) or Summons and Complaint (Forms UD-1a and UD-2)
   • Affidavit of Service (Form UD-3)
   • Sworn Statement of Removal of Barriers to Remarriage (Form UD-4)
   • Affidavit of Plaintiff (Form UD-6)
   • Affidavit of Defendant (Form UD-7) if applicable
   • Child Support Worksheet (Form UD-8) if children involved
   • Additional forms based on specific circumstances

3. File papers with Rockland County Supreme Court

   • Submit original and two copies of all documents
   • Pay filing fee ($210) or apply for fee waiver if eligible
   • Receive index number assigned to case

Rockland County Supreme Court
1 South Main Street
New City, NY 10956
845-483-8310
Rockland County Supreme Court

4. Serve papers on spouse

   • Personal service by someone 18+ who is not a party to the action
   • Alternative service methods available with court permission
   • Proof of service must be filed with court

5. Complete remaining paperwork

   • Note of Issue (Form UD-9)
   • Findings of Fact/Conclusions of Law (Form UD-10)
   • Judgment of Divorce (Form UD-11)
   • Additional forms as required

6. Submit final papers for judicial review

   • Judge reviews and signs if all requirements met
   • County Clerk's Office processes final judgment
   • Certified copies available for nominal fee

For contested divorces (disagreement on divorce or terms):

1. File and serve initial papers

   • Summons with Notice or Summons and Complaint
   • Defendant files Answer within 20-30 days

2. File Request for Judicial Intervention (RJI)

   • Triggers assignment to judge
   • Preliminary conference scheduled

3. Attend preliminary conference

   • Court establishes discovery schedule
   • Temporary orders may be issued (support, custody)

4. Complete discovery process

   • Exchange of financial documentation
   • Depositions if necessary
   • Custody evaluations if applicable

5. Pre-trial conference

   • Settlement negotiations
   • Trial preparation if settlement not reached

6. Trial (if necessary)

   • Presentation of evidence and testimony
   • Judge issues decision

7. Judgment preparation and entry

   • Winning side prepares judgment
   • Judge signs final order
   • Judgment entered with County Clerk

Additional resources for divorce assistance:

Rockland County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
337 North Main Street, Suite 1
New City, NY 10956
845-634-2149
Rockland County Bar Association

Legal Aid Society of Rockland County
90 North Main Street, Suite 301
New City, NY 10956
845-634-3627
Legal Aid Society of Rockland County

How To Get Divorce Papers In Rockland County

Obtaining divorce papers in Rockland County involves accessing the appropriate forms and documents needed to initiate or respond to divorce proceedings. Multiple resources exist to help individuals acquire these documents.

For uncontested divorce packets:

1. Rockland County Supreme Court Clerk's Office
   • Free uncontested divorce packets available in person
   • Staff cannot provide legal advice but can explain which forms are needed
   • Available during regular business hours

Rockland County Supreme Court Clerk's Office
1 South Main Street, Suite 300
New City, NY 10956
845-483-8310
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Rockland County Supreme Court

2. New York State Unified Court System website
   • Complete set of uncontested divorce forms available for download
   • Instructions for completion included
   • Forms available in multiple languages
   • Separate packets for divorces with and without children

New York State Courts Uncontested Divorce Forms

3. Rockland County Law Library
   • Reference copies of divorce forms and instructions
   • Legal reference materials to assist with completion
   • Public computers available for downloading and printing forms
   • Nominal fee for printing

Rockland County Law Library
1 South Main Street, 3rd Floor
New City, NY 10956
845-483-8310
Rockland County Law Library

For contested divorce documents:

1. Attorney preparation

   • Most contested divorces require attorney assistance
   • Attorney drafts customized pleadings based on specific circumstances
   • Ensures compliance with procedural requirements

2. Commercial legal document providers

   • Various online services offer divorce document preparation
   • Fees vary by provider and services offered
   • Quality and accuracy may vary

3. Legal Aid and Pro Bono resources

   • Limited assistance available for income-qualifying individuals
   • May provide document preparation assistance
   • Clinics occasionally offered for divorce document preparation

Legal Aid Society of Rockland County
90 North Main Street, Suite 301
New City, NY 10956
845-634-3627
Legal Aid Society of Rockland County

Required forms typically include:

• For filing party: Summons, Complaint or Summons with Notice
• For responding party: Notice of Appearance, Answer
• For both parties: Financial disclosure affidavits, settlement agreements
• Additional forms for child custody, support, and property division

Important considerations when obtaining divorce papers:

• Forms must be current versions approved by New York courts
• Different procedures exist for divorces with and without children
• Additional specialized forms may be needed for military divorces, international service, or other special circumstances
• Filing fees ($210) apply regardless of where forms are obtained
• Fee waiver applications available for those who qualify based on financial need

Lookup Divorce Records in Rockland County