Divorce Records in New York County

New York County covers the borough of Manhattan. All divorce cases here are handled by the Manhattan Supreme Court, and the County Clerk maintains every judgment of divorce on file. The clerk's records are split between two locations: 60 Centre Street and 31 Chambers Street. Manhattan is one of the busiest court systems in the state, so knowing the right office, the right floor, and the correct hours is important. Whether you need a certified copy of a divorce decree or want to search for case information, the New York County Clerk's office is your primary resource.

New York County Clerk Locations

The New York County Clerk maintains records at two main locations in Manhattan. The Supreme Court Record Room is at 60 Centre Street, in the basement level. You can reach them at 646-386-5942. The Records Room is open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on regular business days.

The County Clerk Archives are at 31 Chambers Street, 7th Floor. The archives phone number is 646-386-5395. Files from 1998 through 2003 and selected records from earlier years are stored at this location. If you are looking for an older case, you may need to visit 31 Chambers Street. For more recent filings, start at 60 Centre Street.

Manhattan handles a very high volume of cases. Arrive early if possible. The Records Room closes at 3:00 p.m., which is earlier than most county offices in the state. Plan your visit accordingly.

Manhattan Divorce Records Access

Matrimonial files in New York County are confidential. They are available only to the parties named in the case or their attorneys. This rule comes from Section 235 of the Domestic Relations Law and applies across all five boroughs and every county in the state. Divorce files are sealed for 100 years after the final decree.

The NYC 311 portal confirms that divorce records are not open to public inspection in New York City. Copies of documents other than the Judgment of Divorce itself can only be obtained by one of the parties or their attorney. Even for the judgment, you must prove your identity and your connection to the case. Bring a valid photo ID. If someone else is picking up on your behalf, they need a notarized letter from a party granting that authority.

Fees for New York County Divorce Records

Certified copies of Supreme Court documents cost $8.00 per certification. Copies are 65 cents per page with a minimum of $1.50. A search certificate covering a two-year search is $10.00. Each additional two years costs $5.00. An exemplification costs $25.00, plus certification and copying fees, and takes 48 to 72 hours to prepare.

Payment is by U.S. postal money order, certified check, or NYS attorney's check. Personal checks are not accepted. These payment rules are consistent across New York City's county clerk offices. If you are mailing a request, include the proper payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Note: The Records Room at 60 Centre Street closes at 3:00 p.m., so arrive with enough time to complete your request.

Filing for Divorce in Manhattan

All divorce cases in New York County are filed in the Manhattan Supreme Court. The index number fee is $210. The Note of Issue is $125. Motions cost $45 each. If you cannot afford the fees, the court has a Poor Person Application that may waive some or all of the costs. You would need to fill out the Affidavit in Support of Application to Proceed as Poor Person and provide proof of income.

New York's no-fault ground requires that the marriage has broken down irretrievably for at least six months and that all financial and custody issues are settled. Fault-based grounds are still available but less common. The residency requirements give you five paths to qualify. The most used options are one year of state residence with certain ties, or two continuous years of residence.

The NYS Courts divorce page has all the forms, including packets for uncontested divorce. The Help Center in the courthouse can also provide forms and explain the steps. They are free to use, though they cannot give legal advice.

Online Tools for New York County Cases

The NYSCEF system is the main e-filing tool for Manhattan Supreme Court. You can search for cases by index number, party name, or attorney. Electronically filed cases will appear in the results. However, matrimonial case documents are restricted. You may see the case listing, but the documents inside remain sealed to the public.

WebCivil Supreme also covers New York County and all other counties in the state. It lets you search civil case records by party name or index number. Divorce case information is limited due to the confidentiality rules. For older records, the New York State Archives can direct you to the right office for divorce decrees from 1847 forward.

State Divorce Certificates

The New York State Department of Health has divorce certificates for all cases since January 1, 1963. New York County divorces are included. The certificate is a summary document. It confirms the divorce, names the parties, and shows the date and county.

Mail orders cost $30 per copy. Online and phone orders are $45 plus a vendor fee. Only the named spouses or someone with a court order can request a certificate. Processing by mail takes 10 to 15 business days. The mail request page has the application form.

For out-of-state divorces, the NYC 311 portal suggests using VitalChek. For international divorces, contact the consulate of the country where the divorce took place.

Legal Help in Manhattan

Manhattan has several legal aid organizations that help with divorce cases. The courthouse Help Center gives free procedural information and forms. Court staff can help you understand the process but cannot represent you or give legal advice. The CourtHelp website walks you through every step.

If you qualify based on income, legal aid groups may take your case at no cost. The New York City Bar Association also has a referral service that can connect you with an attorney. For the Help Center location and hours, check with the clerk's office when you call or visit.

Screenshot of NYC 311 Divorce Records Page

The NYC 311 portal provides clear information about how to get divorce records in all five boroughs, including Manhattan.

This page covers access rules, what you can and cannot get, and where to go for records from outside New York City.

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