Access Nassau County Divorce Records
Nassau County divorce records are on file with the County Clerk in Mineola. The Supreme Court in Nassau County oversees all divorce cases for the area, and every final judgment goes to the clerk's office at 240 Old Country Road. Nassau County is one of the more populated counties on Long Island, so the clerk's office handles a large number of divorce filings. If you need to find a divorce decree, get a certified copy, or check on a case, the clerk can help. There is also a specific Divorce Document Request Form for Nassau County, which simplifies the process.
Nassau County Overview
Nassau County Clerk Office Information
The Nassau County Clerk's Office is located at 240 Old Country Road, Mineola, NY 11501. Phone: 516-571-2664. The County Clerk is Maureen O'Connell. The Document Room has specific hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Pay attention to the Document Room schedule. It is not the same every day. If you plan to visit on a Monday, Wednesday, or Friday, you need to arrive before 3:30 p.m. On Tuesday and Thursday, you have until 4:30. This is the room where you request copies of divorce judgments and other court documents. The clerk's office also has a specific Divorce Document Request Form that you can fill out to streamline the process.
The screenshot below shows the Nassau County Clerk's website with office details and services.
Check this page for any schedule changes or updates before your visit.
Nassau County Divorce Records Fees
Nassau County has its own copy fee schedule. Non-certified copies cost 65 cents per page, with a minimum of $1.30 and a maximum of $40.00. Certified copies are $1.25 per page, with a minimum of $5.00 and a maximum of $40.00. These fees are for documents in the clerk's records.
If you need the clerk to search for a case and you do not have the index number, there will be additional search fees. It is always faster and cheaper if you can provide the index number or at least the approximate year of the divorce. Payment methods may vary, so call ahead to confirm what the office accepts.
Note: Nassau County also has a dedicated Divorce Document Request Form that may speed up your request.
Filing for Divorce in Nassau County
All divorce cases in Nassau County go through the Supreme Court. The index number costs $210 to purchase. The Note of Issue fee is $125. Motion fees are $45 each. These are statewide fees and are the same in every county.
New York allows no-fault divorce. The ground is that the marriage has been irretrievably broken for at least six months. Fault-based grounds include cruel treatment, abandonment, imprisonment, and adultery. Most people go with no-fault because it is simpler and does not require proving fault in court.
Residency requirements must be met before you can file. The NYS Courts divorce page outlines all five ways to qualify. The most common are one year of state residence with ties to New York, or two continuous years of residence by either spouse. After filing, you have 120 days to serve your spouse.
Nassau County Divorce Records Access Rules
Divorce records in Nassau County are sealed. Under Section 235 of the Domestic Relations Law, all matrimonial files are confidential for 100 years. Only the parties or their attorneys can view or copy the file. This is a statewide rule, not specific to Nassau County.
If you need copies but are not a party, you can apply to the court for an order granting access. This is rarely given without a strong legal reason. For records older than 100 years, they may be accessible for genealogy and historical research. The New York State Archives has guidance on finding older divorce decrees.
Online Search Tools for Nassau County
The NYSCEF electronic filing system handles e-filed cases in Nassau County Supreme Court. You can search by party name, index number, or attorney. Keep in mind that matrimonial documents are restricted from public view, even on NYSCEF.
WebCivil Supreme is the state's broader search tool for civil cases. It covers all counties. You can look up cases in Nassau County by name or index number. Divorce case entries may appear in the results, but the actual file contents remain sealed. Nassau County also has land documents available online through the clerk's office, though these are separate from divorce records.
State Divorce Certificates for Nassau County
The New York State Department of Health keeps divorce certificates for all New York divorces since 1963. Nassau County cases are included. The certificate confirms the divorce happened and lists the names, date, and county. It is not the full court file.
Mail orders cost $30 per copy. Phone or online orders are $45 plus a vendor fee. Only the named spouses or someone with a court order can request a copy. Processing by mail typically takes 10 to 15 business days. Provide both party names, the date, and the county. The DOH Vital Records page has the application and instructions.
Legal Resources in Nassau County
Court Help Centers in Nassau County provide free information about procedures and forms. Staff cannot give legal advice, but they can explain how to fill out forms and where to file them. The CourtHelp website covers the full divorce process.
Nassau County has several legal aid organizations and bar association referral services. If you qualify based on income, you may get free or reduced-cost legal help with your divorce case. The court can also direct you to resources for fee waivers if you cannot afford the filing costs.
Cities in Nassau County
Nassau County includes several large towns and communities. All residents file for divorce through Nassau County Supreme Court in Mineola.