Kings County Divorce Records

Kings County covers the borough of Brooklyn, and all divorce cases here go through Brooklyn Supreme Court. The County Clerk at 360 Adams Street keeps every judgment of divorce filed in the borough. If you need a certified copy of a divorce decree or want to look up case details, you can visit the clerk in person or search through the state's online tools. Brooklyn is one of the busiest courts in New York State, so knowing where to go and what to bring can save you time. Divorce records in Kings County date back well over a century, and the clerk's office handles thousands of filings each year.

Kings County Clerk Office Details

The Kings County Clerk is at 360 Adams Street, Room 189, Brooklyn, NY 11201. You can call them at 347-404-9772. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office sits inside the Supreme Court building, which is the same place where all divorce cases in Brooklyn are heard and decided.

To get a copy of a divorce decree, you must be a party to the case or an attorney of record. Bring a valid photo ID. If someone else is picking up records on your behalf, they need a notarized letter from one of the parties granting that authority. The clerk can provide certified copies of the Judgment of Divorce, and the standard fee is $8.00 per certification. Copies run 65 cents per page with a minimum charge of $1.50. These rules apply to all five New York City boroughs under the same court system guidelines.

Walk-in requests are handled during regular hours. Staff can look up cases by index number or party name. If you do not have the index number, you can ask for a search. The search fee is $10.00, which covers a two-year period. Each extra two years costs $5.00 more.

Brooklyn Divorce Records Online

Several online tools let you look up Kings County divorce case information without going to the courthouse. The NYSCEF system handles electronic filings for Brooklyn Supreme Court. You can search by index number, party name, or attorney name. Cases filed electronically since the system launched are available to view. Not every older case is in the system, but anything with recent activity may show up.

The state also runs WebCivil Supreme, which lets you search civil case records statewide. You can look up cases by county, party name, or index number. Keep in mind that divorce files are sealed under New York law. The case listing might appear, but the actual documents inside a matrimonial file are not open to the public. Only the parties or their lawyers can view the full file. This rule comes from Section 235 of the Domestic Relations Law, which keeps all matrimonial records confidential for 100 years after the final decree.

Filing for Divorce in Kings County

All divorces in Brooklyn are filed in Kings County Supreme Court. The fee to purchase an index number is $210. That is the case number assigned to your filing. You will also pay $125 for the Note of Issue when the case is ready for the court to review. If you need to file a motion, each one costs $45.

New York allows no-fault divorce. You can file on the ground that the marriage has broken down irretrievably for at least six months. There are also fault-based grounds, but most people use the no-fault option because it is simpler. Either way, you must meet a residency requirement. Five different paths qualify you to file in New York. The most common are that you married in the state and one spouse has lived here at least one year, or that either spouse has been a resident for two or more continuous years before filing.

Uncontested divorce packets are free from the Help Center. In Brooklyn, the Office of the Self Represented can provide forms and explain the steps. They cannot give legal advice, but they can help you understand the process. The NYS Courts divorce page also has downloadable forms and instructions.

Note: Court staff cannot act as your attorney or give you legal advice about your specific case.

Divorce Records Access Rules in Kings County

Divorce records in Brooklyn are not open to the public. This is true for all of New York City. The NYC 311 portal explains that copies of documents other than the Judgment of Divorce itself can only be obtained by a party to the case or by their attorney. Even the judgment has restrictions. You need to prove your identity and your connection to the case.

For divorces that happened outside New York City but within New York State, you contact the County Clerk in the county where the divorce was granted. For out-of-state divorces, VitalChek can help. For international divorces, you would contact the consulate of that country.

State Divorce Certificates for Kings County

The New York State Department of Health keeps divorce certificates for all cases since January 1, 1963. This includes Kings County divorces. The certificate is not the same as the full court file. It is a shorter document that confirms the divorce happened, lists the names of the parties, and gives the date and county.

You can order by mail for $30 per copy. Online and phone orders cost $45 plus a vendor processing fee. Only the spouses named on the record or someone with a court order can request a copy. Processing by mail takes 10 to 15 business days, sometimes longer during busy periods. You need to include the names of both parties, the date of the divorce, and the county where it was granted.

The New York State Archives also provides guidance on where to get older divorce decrees. For records dating from July 1, 1847 onward, the County Clerk in the county where the proceeding took place is the right office to contact.

Kings County Divorce Filing Steps

Here is what the process looks like when filing in Brooklyn:

• Purchase an index number from the County Clerk for $210
• Serve your spouse within 120 days of filing
• Wait 40 days after service if your spouse does not respond, or file right away if they sign an Affidavit of Defendant
• Submit all required forms and the Note of Issue ($125)
• Once the judge signs the Judgment of Divorce, file it with the County Clerk

After the judgment is filed, the clerk stamps it with the date. That date is when the divorce becomes final and legal. You should get a certified copy for your own records. You may need it to prove your divorce status later, whether for remarriage, government benefits, or other legal matters. The fee for a certified copy is $8.00.

E-filing through NYSCEF is available for Kings County Supreme Court. This lets you file documents around the clock and track your case online. You get immediate confirmation of each filing. Free training is offered through the NYSCEF portal if you are new to the system.

Brooklyn Legal Help Resources

If you cannot afford a lawyer, several resources exist. The court's Help Center provides free information about procedures and forms. They can point you in the right direction but will not represent you. Legal aid groups in Brooklyn also help with divorce cases for qualifying low-income residents.

The NYS CourtHelp website has a full section on divorce that walks you through the steps. It covers everything from filing to the final judgment. You can also call the court for procedural questions at 347-404-9772.

Note: If you cannot pay the filing fees, ask about the Poor Person Application, which may waive certain court costs.

Screenshot of State Divorce Resources

The New York State Department of Health provides an online page where you can learn about ordering divorce certificates for any county, including Kings County.

This page explains eligibility, fees, and how to submit your request by mail or online.

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