Greene County Divorce Records Search

Greene County divorce records are maintained at the County Clerk's Office in Catskill, New York. Part of the 3rd Judicial District, Greene County processes all divorce cases through its Supreme Court. The County Clerk holds each Judgment of Divorce after a judge signs it and stamps it with the filing date. If you need a certified copy of a divorce decree, want to check case information, or are starting the divorce process, this page provides the details for Greene County, including the clerk's contact information, fees, and how privacy rules affect access.

Greene County Clerk Divorce Records

The Greene County Clerk's Office is at 411 Main Street, Catskill, NY 12414. The phone number is 518-719-3275. This office maintains all court records for the county, including divorce judgments and related case documents filed with the Supreme Court.

You can request a certified copy of a Judgment of Divorce by visiting in person or sending a written request by mail. You have to be one of the named parties, an attorney of record, or have notarized written authorization from a party. Bring valid photo ID for in-person visits. The certified copy fee is generally $5.00 for up to four pages, plus $1.25 per page after that. The search fee runs $5.00 per name for each two-year period searched.

For mail requests, send your letter to Greene County Clerk, 411 Main Street, Catskill, NY 12414. Include the full names of both parties, the approximate year the divorce was granted, payment, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.

The screenshot below shows the Greene County Clerk's page.

The Greene County Clerk's website provides information about office services and how to request court records.

Filing for Divorce in Greene County

Divorce cases in Greene County start at the Supreme Court. You buy an index number for $210 to open the case. Then you file your summons and complaint or summons with notice. The court clerk assigns the case to a judge.

Before you can file, you must meet one of New York's residency requirements. The most straightforward option is that one spouse has lived in the state for two consecutive years. Other paths require just one year of residency combined with certain conditions, like having married in New York or having lived here together as spouses. The NYS Courts website has all five options listed along with the necessary forms.

You have 120 days after filing to serve the other party. Service must be done in person by someone who is 18 or older and not a party to the action. If the other spouse cooperates and signs an Affidavit of Defendant, you can file the Note of Issue right away. The Note of Issue fee is $125. If they do not respond, you wait 40 days after service to proceed.

Greene County Divorce Record Access

Divorce records in Greene County are sealed for 100 years from the final decree date. Domestic Relations Law Section 235 makes this mandatory across the state. No one outside the parties and their attorneys can see the file unless they have a court order.

The seal applies to every document in the case. That means the complaint, answer, financial disclosures, and the judgment itself are all restricted. If you need records for a family member, they must provide a notarized letter giving you permission. The clerk verifies all requests.

Below is a screenshot of the Greene County government website.

The Greene County government site links to various county departments including the clerk's office where divorce records are held.

State Divorce Certificates for Greene County

The New York State Department of Health holds divorce certificates for all cases since January 1, 1963. A certificate is not the full decree. It is a short document that confirms the divorce and lists both names, the date, and the county. The full decree stays with the Greene County Clerk.

Mail orders cost $30 per copy. Phone and online orders are $45 plus a vendor fee. Processing by mail takes about 10 to 15 business days. Only the spouses or someone with a court order can request a certificate. The DOH Vital Records page has the application form and mailing address.

Online Case Lookup for Greene County

You can search for case information using the NYSCEF electronic filing system. If a divorce was filed electronically in Greene County, basic details like the filing date and case status may appear. The full case file is not viewable by the public due to the 100-year confidentiality rule.

The New York State Archives is another resource if you are looking for historical divorce records. Divorce decrees dating back to July 1, 1847 are held by the county clerk where the case was heard.

Nearby Counties

Greene County is located in the Hudson Valley region. If the divorce was granted in a neighboring county, you will need to contact that county's clerk for records.