Access Fulton County Divorce Records

Fulton County divorce records are managed by the County Clerk's Office in Johnstown, New York. The Supreme Court in Fulton County is the only court that can grant a divorce, and every Judgment of Divorce gets filed with the clerk after the judge signs it. Fulton County also offers online records access through SearchIQS, which lets you search certain filed documents from home. If you need a certified copy of a divorce decree or want to look into a case filing, this page covers all the steps, fees, and contact information for Fulton County.

Fulton County Clerk Divorce Records

The Fulton County Clerk's Office is located at 223 W. Main Street, Johnstown, NY 12095. The phone number is (518) 736-5555. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. During the summer months, the office closes at 4 PM. The clerk holds all court records for the county, including divorce judgments.

A Dissolution of Marriage Certificate from the Fulton County Clerk costs $5.00. Certified copies of other documents are also $5.00. These fees cover most divorce records that are four pages or less. If you need more pages, expect a small charge per extra page.

You must be a party to the divorce, the attorney of record, or have notarized written permission from one of the parties to get a copy. Photo ID is required for in-person requests. Mail requests need a signed and notarized letter along with the names of both parties, the approximate year, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Below is a screenshot of the Fulton County Clerk's Office page on the county government website.

The Fulton County Clerk page provides contact details and information on the services available at the Johnstown office.

Online Records Search in Fulton County

Fulton County offers online records access through SearchIQS. This is a paid service that lets you search filed, recorded, and archived documents from the county. Subscription plans cost $50 per month for in-state users and $100 per month for out-of-state users. You can also search as a guest with limited access.

The screenshot below shows the SearchIQS portal used for Fulton County records.

SearchIQS provides a way to search Fulton County records online, though matrimonial files remain restricted under state law.

Keep in mind that divorce case files are sealed for 100 years under New York law. While some land and court records may be viewable through SearchIQS, the full contents of matrimonial files are only available to the parties or their attorneys. Basic case information like filing date and status may appear in the NYSCEF system if the case was e-filed.

Filing for Divorce in Fulton County

Divorce cases in Fulton County are filed at the Supreme Court. The first step is buying an index number for $210. This is your case number. You then file the summons and complaint or summons with notice.

New York requires residency before filing. At least one of these must apply:

• You married in New York and one spouse has been a resident for one year
• You lived in New York as a married couple and one spouse has been a resident for one year
• The grounds for divorce occurred in New York and one spouse is a one-year resident
• Both spouses are New York residents and the grounds happened here
• One spouse has been a New York resident for two straight years

After filing, you have 120 days to serve the other party. Service must be done by someone at least 18 years old who is not involved in the case. The NYS CourtHelp divorce page has forms and step-by-step instructions for both contested and uncontested cases.

Fulton County Record Confidentiality

All matrimonial records in Fulton County are sealed for 100 years from the date of the final decree. Domestic Relations Law Section 235 sets this rule for the entire state. The public cannot view, copy, or request any part of a sealed divorce file.

Only the parties named in the divorce or their attorneys can access these records. A third party would need a notarized letter of authorization from one of the parties, or a New York State Court Order. The clerk checks ID and authorization before releasing anything.

Note: The Dissolution of Marriage Certificate is the most commonly requested document and costs $5.00 at the Fulton County Clerk's Office.

State Divorce Certificates for Fulton County

The New York State Department of Health maintains divorce certificates for all cases across the state since 1963. These certificates confirm that a divorce took place. They list both names, the date, and the county. The full decree with the terms of the divorce stays with the Fulton County Clerk.

A certificate by mail costs $30. Online or phone orders are $45 plus a vendor processing fee. Only the spouses or someone with a court order can order a copy. Processing by mail takes roughly 10 to 15 business days. The New York State Archives can also help you find older divorce records from before 1963.

Nearby Counties

Fulton County is located in central New York State. If the divorce was granted in a different county, you need to contact that county's clerk for records.