Search Bronx County Divorce Records
Bronx County divorce records are held at the County Clerk's Office inside the Supreme Court building at 851 Grand Concourse. The office manages divorce court files, judgments, and related case documents for all divorces granted in the Bronx. Getting records here requires some extra steps compared to many upstate counties. All search requests must be in writing, and you need to include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Divorce records in the Bronx are not open to public inspection, so only the parties, their lawyers, or someone with written authorization can get copies. The NYS Department of Health has certificates for Bronx divorces from 1963 on.
Bronx County Overview
Bronx County Clerk Divorce Records Office
The Bronx County Clerk's Office is at 851 Grand Concourse, Room 118, Bronx, NY 10451. The main line is (718) 618-3300. The Records Search Department has its own number at (718) 618-3377. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Divorce decree copies are picked up in Room 118. Certifications and copies are also processed there.
All search requests must be in writing. You have to include a self-addressed stamped envelope with every mail request. This is a firm rule. The office won't process verbal or phone requests for records. Payment must be by U.S. postal money order, certified check, or a New York State attorney's check. Personal checks are not accepted. This is different from many other counties, so keep it in mind before visiting.
How to Get Bronx Divorce Records
To get a copy of your divorce decree from the Bronx, you need to be a party to the case, the attorney of record, or have a notarized letter from one of the parties giving you permission. This rule comes from DRL Section 235, which seals all matrimonial records. The NYC 311 page on divorce records makes clear that these files are not open to public inspection in any borough.
The Bronx County Clerk charges these fees for records work:
- Search Certificate: $10.00 (covers two years)
- Additional search years: $5.00 per two-year period
- Certified copy of Supreme Court document: $8.00
- Copying: $0.65 per page (minimum $1.50)
- Exemplification: $25.00 (plus certification and copy fees, allow 48 to 72 hours)
If a case had any activity from the year 2000 forward, basic details are viewable through the online search tools no matter when the case was originally filed. But cases with index numbers from before 1992 are on microfiche. Those must be searched in person or by staff request.
The Bronx County Clerk records request page shown below outlines the full process for getting divorce case files.
Check this page for the most current fee schedule and mailing instructions.
Bronx County Online Divorce Case Search
Several online tools let you search for Bronx County divorce case information. The WebCCOS (County Clerk Online Search) system covers Bronx cases. NYSCEF handles electronic filing records. There is also a Money Judgments and Property Liens search tool and Local Civil Court Cases through E-Courts.
These tools show case index data, filing dates, and status information. They do not display the actual divorce documents because of the state confidentiality law. If you want the full file or a certified copy of the judgment, you still have to go through the clerk's office in Room 118. For cases from 2000 onward, there is more data online. Older cases need an in-person search.
The NYC 311 page for the Bronx County Clerk also provides guidance on services at this office.
NYC 311 is a helpful first step for getting contact details and understanding the process.
Filing for Divorce in Bronx County
Divorce in the Bronx goes through the Supreme Court, which is in the same building as the clerk's office at 851 Grand Concourse. The Chief Clerk is Lakisha C. Brown, at 718-618-1400. The Matrimonial Bureau is run by Thomas P. Lavin at 718-618-1340.
Total fees for an uncontested divorce start at $335. That breaks down to $210 for the index number, $125 for the Note of Issue, and $8 for a certified copy of the judgment. Motions cost $45 each if needed. If you can't pay, you can file an "Affidavit in Support of Application to Proceed as Poor Person" and bring it to the Matrimonial Clerk's Office in Room 217 with proof of income. The Office of the Self Represented in Room 121 gives out free uncontested divorce packets.
The Bronx Help Center at 718-618-1350 (Brian Kantor) helps people navigate the system without a lawyer. They provide procedural information on civil matters including matrimonial cases. They cannot give legal advice or act as your advocate. All people should consult an attorney for legal advice.
Note: If your papers come back marked defective, visit Room 217 on Tuesday or Thursday between 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. with your ID and index number.
Bronx County Divorce Residency Rules
New York law gives five ways to meet the residency requirement for filing in the Bronx. You can file if you married in New York and either spouse has lived here for a year. You can file if you lived in New York as a married couple and one spouse has been here a year. You can file if the grounds happened in New York and one spouse is a resident for a year. You can file if the grounds happened here and both of you live in New York. Or you can file if either spouse has been a continuous New York resident for two years.
Once the judge signs the divorce judgment, it must be filed with the Bronx County Clerk to be official. The clerk mails a postcard with a "filed" stamp showing the date. The divorce is not final until that entry happens. After entry, the defendant must be served a copy along with a Notice of Entry. If the defendant signed the Affidavit of Defendant, you can place the case on the calendar right away. If the defendant does nothing after service, you wait 40 days before filing the Note of Issue.
State Divorce Certificates for Bronx County
The NYS Department of Health holds Certificates of Dissolution of Marriage for all Bronx County divorces since 1963. Either spouse can request one. You can also get one with a court order. Mail requests cost $30 per copy. Online or phone orders are $45 plus a vendor fee. Standard processing by mail takes 10 to 12 weeks. The mailing address is Vital Records Certification Unit, P.O. Box 2602, Albany, NY 12220-2602.
For older Bronx divorces (before 1963), only the County Clerk has the records. The NYS Archives confirms that divorce decrees since 1847 are filed with the county clerk where the case was heard. The 100-year sealing rule applies.
Cities in Bronx County
The Bronx is one of the five boroughs of New York City. All Bronx residents file for divorce through the Bronx County Supreme Court.
Nearby Counties
If your divorce took place in a different New York City borough or a neighboring county, contact that county's clerk office.