Suffolk County Divorce Records

What Are Suffolk County Divorce Records?

Suffolk County divorce records are official legal documents maintained by the county court system that document the dissolution of marriages within the 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 a marriage's legal termination.

Suffolk County divorce records typically consist of several components:

• Divorce decree (final judgment)
• Divorce certificate
• Settlement agreements
• Court filings and pleadings
• Financial disclosure statements
• Child custody and support arrangements (when applicable)

These records are maintained by the Suffolk County Supreme Court, which has exclusive jurisdiction over divorce proceedings in the county. Divorce records serve multiple important purposes, including:

• Providing legal proof of marital status change
• Enabling remarriage
• Documenting legal name changes
• Supporting applications for Social Security benefits
• Verifying status for loan applications
• Establishing eligibility for immigration matters
• Facilitating property transfers and estate planning

The New York State Department of Health's Vital Records Section also maintains a registry of divorce certificates, which serve as official verification that a divorce was granted, though these contain less detailed information than court files.

Are Suffolk County Divorce Records Public?

Suffolk County divorce records have a nuanced public access status governed by New York Public Officers Law § 87, also known as the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), and various provisions of the Domestic Relations Law. The accessibility of these records follows a two-tier system:

Court divorce case files are generally considered public records and may be accessed by any member of the public with certain important exceptions:

• Financial disclosure affidavits filed in divorce proceedings are confidential under New York Domestic Relations Law § 235
• Records containing information about minor children are often redacted or sealed
• Cases involving allegations of domestic violence may have restricted access
• Records may be sealed by judicial order for compelling privacy reasons

Certified divorce certificates, which confirm the basic fact of divorce, date, and location, have more restricted access. These documents are available only to:

• The parties to the divorce
• Attorneys of record representing either party
• Individuals with a New York State Court order authorizing access
• Individuals with a documented legitimate legal interest

The Suffolk County Clerk's Office maintains divorce records filed after 1963. Records prior to that date may be available through the New York State Archives. Researchers seeking historical divorce records for genealogical purposes may face additional restrictions and requirements for demonstrating their relationship to the parties involved.

How To Find a Divorce Record In Suffolk County in 2026

Members of the public seeking divorce records in Suffolk County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The primary repositories for these records are:

Suffolk County Clerk's Office
310 Center Drive
Riverhead, NY 11901
631-852-2000
Suffolk County Clerk

To obtain divorce records, individuals may follow these steps:

1. Complete a Records Search Request Form, available at the County Clerk's office or downloadable from their website
2. Provide specific information including:
   • Full names of both parties (including maiden name if applicable)
   • Approximate date of divorce (at minimum, the year)
   • Case index number (if known)
3. Submit the request in person, by mail, or through authorized online channels
4. Pay the required search fee ($5 per name searched)
5. Pay additional fees for copies of documents ($1.25 per page for uncertified copies, $8 for certified copies)

For divorces granted after January 1, 1963, records may also be requested through:

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

Requestors must provide:

• A completed application form
• Copy of valid government-issued photo ID
• $30 processing fee per certificate
• Documentation proving entitlement to the record (if not a party to the divorce)

Processing times vary based on request volume and complexity, typically ranging from 2-4 weeks for mail requests and 15-30 minutes for in-person requests at the County Clerk's office.

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Suffolk County Online?

Suffolk County provides limited online access to divorce record information through several digital platforms. While full divorce case files are not available online due to privacy considerations, index information can be accessed through:

New York State Unified Court System WebCrims
This system allows searches of the case index by name or case number for cases filed after 2000.

1. Visit the NYS Courts Electronic Filing System
2. Select "Supreme Court" and "Suffolk County" from the dropdown menus
3. Enter party name information in the search fields
4. Review index information showing case numbers, filing dates, and case types
5. Note that only basic case information is available; full documents require in-person requests

Suffolk County Clerk's Online Records System

1. Access the Suffolk County Clerk Records Portal
2. Create a user account if required
3. Select "Matrimonial Records" from the search options
4. Enter search criteria (names, date ranges)
5. Pay applicable online search fees
6. View available index information

For certified copies of divorce certificates (not full case files), eligible individuals may use:

New York State Department of Health Electronic Vital Records System

1. Visit the NYS DOH Vital Records Online Ordering System
2. Create an account and verify identity
3. Complete the application for a divorce certificate
4. Upload required identification and eligibility documentation
5. Pay the processing fee ($45 for online orders)
6. Track order status through the online portal

Online access is limited to index information and ordering capabilities. Full case file review requires in-person visits to the County Clerk's office or Supreme Court. Confidential information is not available through online systems.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Suffolk County?

Suffolk County residents seeking to access divorce records without incurring fees have limited but viable options. While most official copies involve statutory fees, the following methods may be utilized to view records at minimal or no cost:

In-Person Court Record Review

1. Visit the Suffolk County Supreme Court Clerk's Office during public hours (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday)

   Suffolk County Supreme Court
   1 Court Street
   Riverhead, NY 11901
   631-852-2000
   Suffolk County Supreme Court

2. Request to view publicly available divorce case files using the case index number

3. Present valid identification

4. Review records on-site at no charge (copying fees apply if copies are needed)

Public Access Law Libraries
The Suffolk County Law Library provides free access to legal resources and limited court records:

Suffolk County Law Library
Cohalan Court Complex
400 Carleton Avenue
Central Islip, NY 11722
631-853-7676
Suffolk County Law Library

Library resources include:

• Legal research databases
• Court rules and procedures
• Access to public case indices
• Reference assistance from law librarians

Public Records Terminal Access
The County Clerk's Office maintains public access terminals for searching record indices:

1. Visit the County Clerk's Office during business hours
2. Request access to public records terminals
3. Search by party names or case numbers
4. View basic case information at no charge

While viewing basic record information may be free, obtaining copies or certified documents will incur standard fees. Additionally, confidential portions of divorce files remain restricted regardless of the access method. Parties to the divorce may access their own records more comprehensively than members of the general public.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Suffolk County

Suffolk County divorce records comprise a comprehensive collection of documents that chronicle the entire divorce proceeding. These records are maintained pursuant to New York Judiciary Law § 255, which governs court record-keeping requirements. The contents typically include:

Core Legal Documents:

• Summons and Complaint/Petition for Divorce
• Defendant's Answer and/or Counterclaims
• Affidavits of Service
• Request for Judicial Intervention (RJI)
• Preliminary Conference Orders
• Stipulations between parties
• Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law
• Judgment of Divorce (final decree)
• Certificate of Dissolution of Marriage

Financial Documentation:

• Statement of Net Worth from both parties
• Financial disclosure affidavits
• Tax returns (when submitted as evidence)
• Pension and retirement account information
• Property appraisals and valuations
• Business valuation reports (if applicable)

Child-Related Documents (when applicable):

• Parenting plans
• Custody and visitation arrangements
• Child support calculations and orders
• Parental education certificates

Procedural Documents:

• Court appearance notices
• Transcripts of proceedings
• Motions and responses
• Temporary orders
• Referee reports
• Guardian ad litem reports (if appointed)

Settlement Documents:

• Separation agreements
• Property settlement agreements
• Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs)
• Support agreements

The divorce certificate, which is a separate document maintained by the New York State Department of Health, contains more limited information:

• Names of both parties
• Date and place of divorce
• Case number
• Grounds for divorce
• Court that granted the divorce

Access to these various components differs based on confidentiality provisions and the requestor's relationship to the case. Financial affidavits and documents pertaining to children generally have heightened privacy protections under New York law.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Suffolk County?

Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in Suffolk County have several options for obtaining certified documentation. The type of proof needed often depends on the purpose for which it will be used.

For Certified Copy of Divorce Decree (Judgment):

Suffolk County Clerk's Office
310 Center Drive
Riverhead, NY 11901
631-852-2000
Suffolk County Clerk

Process:

1. Submit a written request including:
   • Full names of both parties (including maiden name if applicable)
   • Date of divorce
   • Index number (if known)
2. Provide proof of identity (government-issued photo ID)
3. If requesting as a third party, provide documentation establishing legal right to access
4. Pay the certification fee ($8 per document)
5. Submit request in person or by mail with a self-addressed stamped envelope

For Certificate of Dissolution of Marriage:

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

Process:

1. Complete the Application for Copy of Divorce Certificate (DOH-4382)
2. Provide copy of valid identification
3. Include $30 processing fee per certificate (money order payable to "New York State Department of Health")
4. Submit documentation proving entitlement to record if not a party to the divorce
5. Allow 2-4 weeks for processing by mail

Expedited Service Options:

• In-person requests at the County Clerk's Office are typically processed while you wait
• Priority handling through the NYS Department of Health is available for an additional fee
• Third-party expedited services like VitalChek offer faster processing for additional fees

For international use, divorce documents may require additional authentication:

1. Obtain certified copy from County Clerk
2. Submit for authentication to the NYS Department of State
3. For use in countries participating in the Hague Convention, request an Apostille

Individuals should specify the intended use of the document when requesting, as different purposes may require different forms of certification or authentication.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Suffolk County?

Divorce proceedings in Suffolk County may be subject to confidentiality protections under specific circumstances, though complete confidentiality is rare. The New York court system balances the public's right to access court records with privacy considerations as outlined in New York Domestic Relations Law § 235.

Standard Confidentiality Protections:

Certain divorce file components are automatically confidential:

• Financial disclosure affidavits and net worth statements
• Records containing children's identifying information
• Mental health evaluations
• Substance abuse treatment records
• Domestic violence affidavits and related protective orders
• Social Security numbers and financial account numbers

Sealing Divorce Records:

Parties may petition the court to seal divorce records under limited circumstances:

1. File a motion demonstrating compelling reasons for confidentiality
2. Establish that privacy interests outweigh the public interest in access
3. Request specific documents be sealed rather than the entire file
4. Obtain judicial approval through court order

Grounds that may support sealing include:

• Risk of identity theft or financial harm
• Protection of domestic violence victims
• Safeguarding business trade secrets
• Preventing public disclosure of sensitive medical information
• Protecting children from harmful publicity

Alternative Confidentiality Measures:

When full sealing is not granted, parties may utilize:

• Redaction of sensitive information from public documents
• Use of initials or pseudonyms in certain circumstances
• Filing documents under "Anonymous v. Anonymous" in exceptional cases
• Stipulated confidentiality agreements between parties

Confidential Alternative Dispute Resolution:

Parties seeking greater privacy may utilize:

• Mediation (proceedings are confidential by law)
• Collaborative divorce process
• Private arbitration
• Settlement negotiations (which remain confidential until filed)

Even when records are sealed, certain basic information remains public, including the fact that a divorce was filed and granted. Complete confidentiality is extremely rare and granted only in exceptional circumstances where compelling privacy interests are demonstrated to the court's satisfaction.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Suffolk County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in Suffolk County varies significantly based on multiple factors. According to the New York State Unified Court System, divorce timelines are influenced by case complexity, court congestion, and the level of agreement between parties.

Uncontested Divorces: When both parties agree on all issues, the process typically takes:

• 3-6 months from filing to final judgment
• Processing time increases if paperwork contains errors or omissions
• Suffolk County's current average for uncontested divorces is approximately 4 months

Contested Divorces: When parties disagree on one or more substantive issues, timelines extend considerably:

• 9-18 months is typical for moderately contested cases
• Complex cases involving significant assets or custody disputes may take 18-36 months
• Cases requiring trial typically take at least 12 months to reach resolution

Factors Affecting Timeline:

1. Case Complexity

   • Simple cases with few assets and no children proceed more quickly
   • Cases involving business valuations, complex property division, or custody disputes take longer
   • Cases requiring forensic evaluations add 3-6 months to the timeline

2. Court Scheduling

   • Suffolk County Supreme Court's matrimonial parts currently have an average caseload of 300-400 cases per judge
   • Initial preliminary conferences are typically scheduled 45-60 days after filing
   • Subsequent court appearances are scheduled 30-90 days apart

3. Statutory Waiting Periods

   • New York has eliminated its previous 6-month waiting period
   • The summons must be served at least 20 days before further proceedings
   • A 40-day waiting period applies after filing of Note of Issue before trial can commence

4. Alternative Dispute Resolution Impact

   • Successful mediation can reduce timeframes by 30-50%
   • Collaborative divorce typically concludes in 4-8 months
   • Settlement conferences resolve approximately 65% of cases before trial

According to the New York State Office of Court Administration, the median time from filing to disposition for all divorce cases in Suffolk County is currently 10 months, though individual cases may vary significantly from this median based on the factors outlined above.

How Long Does Suffolk County Keep Divorce Records?

Suffolk County maintains divorce records according to a structured retention schedule established under New York Arts and Cultural Affairs Law § 57.25 and implemented by the New York State Archives. These retention periods vary by document type and historical significance.

Court Case Files:

• Complete divorce case files are retained permanently by the Suffolk County Clerk's Office for all cases filed after 1950
• Pre-1950 divorce records have been transferred to the New York State Archives but remain accessible through request
• Digital conversion of older records is ongoing, with priority given to records from 1950-1980

Divorce Certificates:

• The New York State Department of Health maintains divorce certificates permanently
• Certificates from 1963 to present are maintained in a centralized electronic database
• Pre-1963 certificates are maintained in county-level repositories and the State Archives

Temporary Orders and Procedural Documents:

• Temporary orders are retained for 25 years after case disposition
• Procedural notices and scheduling documents are retained for 10 years
• Discovery materials not entered into evidence are retained for 3 years after case disposition

Financial Records:

• Financial disclosure affidavits are retained for 25 years
• Supporting financial documentation not entered into evidence may be returned to parties after case conclusion
• QDROs and pension division orders are retained permanently

Sealed Records:

• Records ordered sealed by judicial decree follow the same retention schedule as public records
• Confidentiality designations remain in effect throughout the retention period
• Access restrictions are preserved when records are transferred to archival custody

The Suffolk County Clerk's Office maintains a comprehensive index of all divorce proceedings, which is retained permanently. This index includes party names, case numbers, filing dates, and disposition information, even for cases where detailed records may have been destroyed according to retention schedules.

Individuals seeking historical divorce records should note that while the records themselves are retained according to these schedules, the accessibility of older records may be limited by physical condition, storage location, and the need for specialized handling of fragile documents.

How To Get a Divorce In Suffolk County

Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Suffolk County must follow specific procedures established under New York Domestic Relations Law. The process varies depending on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested.

For Uncontested Divorce:

1. Determine Eligibility

   • Confirm residency requirements are met under New York Domestic Relations Law § 230
   • Identify grounds for divorce (New York recognizes "irretrievable breakdown" for at least 6 months)

2. Prepare Required Documents

   • Summons with Notice (Form UD-1) or Summons and Verified Complaint (Forms UD-1a and UD-2)
   • Notice of Automatic Orders
   • Notice Concerning Continuation of Health Care Coverage
   • Settlement agreement (if applicable)

3. File Initial Papers

   Suffolk County Supreme Court
   1 Court Street
   Riverhead, NY 11901
   631-852-2000
   Suffolk County Supreme Court

   Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

   • Pay filing fee ($210) or submit poor person application
   • Receive index number and case assignment

4. Serve Documents on Spouse

   • Arrange for service by someone over 18 who is not a party to the case
   • Prepare Affidavit of Service (Form UD-3)
   • Wait for defendant's time to respond (20-30 days depending on service method)

5. Complete Remaining Paperwork

   • Affidavit of Plaintiff (Form UD-6)
   • Note of Issue (Form UD-9)
   • Findings of Fact/Conclusions of Law (Form UD-10)
   • Judgment of Divorce (Form UD-11)
   • Additional forms for child support, maintenance, etc. if applicable

6. Submit Completed Packet

   • File all documents with the County Clerk's Office
   • Pay any additional fees
   • Wait for judicial review (typically 4-8 weeks)

For Contested Divorce:

1. Consult an Attorney

   • The Suffolk County Bar Association offers referral services
   • Nassau/Suffolk Law Services provides assistance to qualifying low-income residents

2. File and Serve Initial Papers

   • Same initial filing process as uncontested divorce
   • Defendant typically files an Answer or Answer with Counterclaims

3. Request for Judicial Intervention (RJI)

   • File RJI with appropriate fee ($95)
   • Court schedules Preliminary Conference

4. Preliminary Conference

   • Establish discovery schedule
   • Address temporary support, custody, and housing issues
   • Consider referral to Alternative Dispute Resolution

5. Discovery Process

   • Exchange financial disclosure forms
   • Depositions (if necessary)
   • Appraisals and forensic evaluations (if needed)

6. Pre-Trial Conference

   • Attempt settlement negotiations
   • Identify contested issues for trial

7. Trial (if necessary)

   • Present evidence and testimony
   • Judge issues decision and judgment

Suffolk County also offers resources to assist with the divorce process:

Suffolk County Matrimonial Mediation Program
400 Carleton Avenue
Central Islip, NY 11722
631-853-4044
Suffolk County ADR Programs

Suffolk County Law Library Resource Center
400 Carleton Avenue
Central Islip, NY 11722
631-853-7676
Suffolk County Law Library

How To Get Divorce Papers In Suffolk County

Individuals initiating divorce proceedings in Suffolk County have multiple options for obtaining the necessary legal forms and documents. These resources ensure access to proper documentation regardless of whether parties have legal representation.

Court-Provided Forms:

Suffolk County Supreme Court Clerk's Office
1 Court Street
Riverhead, NY 11901
631-852-2000
Suffolk County Supreme Court

Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Services available:

• Uncontested divorce packets (available free of charge)
• Individual court forms for contested matters
• Instructions for completion of required documents
• Filing fee schedules and poor person application forms

Online Resources:

The New York State Unified Court System provides comprehensive divorce form packets through their website:

1. Visit the NYS Courts Divorce Resources page
2. Select appropriate forms based on case circumstances:
   • Uncontested divorce with children
   • Uncontested divorce without children
   • Contested divorce initial filings
3. Download PDF forms with detailed instructions
4. Forms are available in multiple languages including Spanish, Chinese, Russian, and Korean

Law Library Assistance:

Suffolk County Law Library Resource Center
400 Carleton Avenue
Central Islip, NY 11722
631-853-7676
Suffolk County Law Library

Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Services provided:

• Access to all required divorce forms
• Reference materials explaining divorce procedures
• Computer terminals for form completion
• Limited assistance from law librarians (not legal advice)
• Photocopying services (nominal fee)

Legal Service Providers:

For individuals needing assistance beyond forms:

Nassau/Suffolk Law Services
1757 Veterans Highway, Suite 50
Islandia, NY 11749
631-232-2400
Nassau/Suffolk Law Services

Suffolk County Bar Association Referral Service
560 Wheeler Road
Hauppauge, NY 11788
631-234-5577
Suffolk County Bar Association

These organizations can provide:

• Guidance on form completion
• Review of documents before filing
• Referrals to attorneys offering reduced-fee consultations
• Full representation for qualifying low-income individuals

When obtaining divorce papers, individuals should ensure they have the most current versions of all forms, as requirements change periodically. The Suffolk County Supreme Court Clerk's Office can verify whether forms are current before acceptance for filing.

Lookup Divorce Records in Suffolk County