Niagara County Divorce Records
Niagara County divorce records are filed with the County Clerk in Lockport. The Supreme Court handles all divorce cases for the county, and the clerk stores every judgment once it is signed and entered. If you are searching for a divorce decree or need a certified copy, the clerk's office at 175 Hawley Street is your starting point. Niagara County sits in the 8th Judicial District, which also covers several neighboring counties in western New York. The court and clerk staff can walk you through the steps for requesting records, and this page covers everything you need to know about fees, access rules, and the filing process.
Niagara County Overview
Niagara County Clerk Office
The Niagara County Clerk's Office is at 175 Hawley Street, Lockport, NY 14094. The phone number is 716-439-7021. This is where all divorce judgments, court filings, and related documents are stored. The office is open Monday through Friday during regular business hours.
When you visit, bring a valid photo ID. Only the parties to the divorce or their attorney of record can get copies of the file. If you are not one of the named parties, you need either a notarized authorization letter or a court order. The clerk can search for your case by index number or party name. If you do not have the index number, you can request a search for a fee.
8th Judicial District Resources
Niagara County is part of the 8th Judicial District, which also includes Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Orleans, and Wyoming counties. The district offers Alternative Dispute Resolution services, providing mediation and arbitration for civil and matrimonial matters. This can be an option if you and your spouse want to settle issues outside of a full court trial.
The screenshot below shows the Niagara Supreme Court page from the NYS Courts website.
This page has contact information for the court and links to district-wide resources for divorce and other civil cases.
The Court Help Center for the 8th Judicial District provides free procedural information, forms, and explanations of court processes. Staff can help you understand the steps for filing or requesting records, but they cannot give legal advice or represent you.
Getting Divorce Records in Niagara County
Certified copies of divorce judgments cost $5.00 for up to four pages. Extra pages are $1.25 each. Search fees are $5.00 per name for each two-year period. These are standard fees across most New York counties.
For mail requests, send a written request to the Niagara County Clerk at 175 Hawley Street, Lockport, NY 14094. Include the full names of both parties, the approximate date of the divorce, and any other details you have, such as the index number. Include your payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Payment should be by money order or certified check. Processing times vary, but expect about one to two weeks for mail requests.
Walk-in requests are handled during business hours. Bring your ID and any case details you have. The clerk can pull the file while you wait, depending on how busy the office is that day.
Niagara County Divorce Filing Process
To file for divorce in Niagara County, go to the Supreme Court. The index number costs $210. The Note of Issue is $125. Motion fees are $45 each. If you cannot pay these fees, you may qualify for a fee waiver through the Poor Person Application.
New York's no-fault ground for divorce states that the marriage has broken down irretrievably for at least six months. You can also file on fault-based grounds, but no-fault is more common. Residency requirements apply. You must have lived in New York for at least one year (with specific ties) or two continuous years before filing. The NYS Courts divorce page has all the forms and instructions.
After filing, serve your spouse within 120 days. Someone over 18 who is not a party must handle the service. For uncontested cases where your spouse signs the Affidavit of Defendant, you can move to the Note of Issue right away. Otherwise, wait 40 days. Once the judge signs the judgment, file it with the County Clerk, and the divorce is done.
Note: E-filing through NYSCEF may be available for Niagara County cases.
Privacy Rules for Niagara County Divorce Records
All matrimonial files in New York are sealed for 100 years under Section 235 of the Domestic Relations Law. This means divorce records are not public. Only the parties or their attorneys can view or get copies. A court order can grant access to a third party, but this is not common.
Online search tools will show limited details for matrimonial cases. The case may appear in search results, but the documents stay sealed. This rule applies to every county in the state.
State Certificates for Niagara County Divorces
The New York State Department of Health keeps divorce certificates for all cases from 1963 onward. The certificate is a summary document, not the full court file. Mail orders are $30. Online or phone orders are $45 plus a vendor fee. Only the spouses or someone with a court order can get a copy. Processing takes 10 to 15 business days by mail.
For the full Judgment of Divorce or the complete case file, go to the Niagara County Clerk. The state DOH only has the certificate. The New York State Archives explains where to get older decrees dating back to 1847.
Online Search Tools
The NYSCEF electronic filing system covers Niagara County Supreme Court. You can look up cases by party name, index number, or attorney. Matrimonial documents are restricted, but you may see basic case details.
WebCivil Supreme is the statewide search tool for civil cases. It includes all 62 counties. Search by name or index number to find Niagara County cases. Divorce listings may appear, but the sealed file details will not be visible to the public.