Ontario County Divorce Records Search

Ontario County divorce records are on file at the County Clerk's Office in Canandaigua, New York. The clerk maintains divorce judgments, decrees, and all Supreme Court case filings related to divorce proceedings. If you need a certified copy or want to check on a past case, this is where to go. Ontario County belongs to the 7th Judicial District, and only the Supreme Court can grant a divorce here. The New York State Department of Health also has divorce certificates going back to 1963, which gives residents an alternative source for certain types of requests.

Ontario County Clerk Office Information

The Ontario County Clerk's Office is at 27 North Main Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424. The phone number is 585-396-4200. Hours are Monday through Friday during regular business hours. The County Clerk serves as Clerk of the Supreme and County Courts. All divorce filings are processed and stored at this location.

Divorce records in New York are sealed. You must be a named party, an attorney of record, or have a court order to access them. Domestic Relations Law Section 235 sets this rule. The clerk checks your ID before giving you any divorce documents. Third parties without proper authorization will be turned away.

Besides divorce records, the Ontario County Clerk holds land records, civil judgments, liens, and other filed papers. The office also handles passport applications and pistol permits.

How to Find Ontario County Divorce Records

The best way to find a divorce record is to go to the clerk's office in person. Bring your photo ID. You need both spouses' names and the rough date. Having the index number makes the search faster. Staff will look up the file and can make copies on the spot. The search fee is $5.00 per name per year. Certified copies cost $8.00. Uncertified copies are $0.65 per page with a $1.30 minimum.

The screenshot below shows the NYS Department of Health divorce certificate page, which covers Ontario County records from 1963 forward.

This state resource lets you request divorce certificates by mail, online, or phone.

Online, you can use WebCivil Supreme to look up basic case data. Select Ontario County, type a party name, and you will see case numbers, dates, and case status. The documents themselves are not available through this system. You need to go through the clerk's office for actual copies of divorce papers.

Divorce Filing in Ontario County

All divorces in Ontario County are filed in Supreme Court. Family Court has no jurisdiction over divorce. To begin, file a Summons with Notice or Summons and Complaint at the County Clerk's Office. The index number costs $210. A Request for Judicial Intervention is $95. The Note of Issue runs $125. An uncontested divorce costs at least $335 in court fees.

If you cannot pay the fees, ask the court for a waiver by filing an "Affidavit in Support of Application to Proceed as Poor Person." Ontario County supports NYSCEF electronic filing. Attorneys are required to e-file. Self-represented parties may file on paper or use the electronic system. NYSCEF runs around the clock.

New York's residency requirement under DRL Section 230 says at least one spouse must have lived in the state for two continuous years, or one year under certain conditions. The no-fault ground, irretrievable breakdown for six months or more under DRL Section 170(7), is the most common basis for filing.

Ontario County Divorce Records by Mail

To request records by mail, write to the Ontario County Clerk, 27 North Main Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424. Include both party names, the approximate divorce date, and a copy of your ID. Enclose a check or money order payable to "Ontario County Clerk" for the search and copy fees. Processing by mail takes longer than an in-person visit, so keep that in mind if you have a tight deadline.

The NYS Department of Health can also provide divorce certificates from 1963 onward. Mail requests cost $30 per copy and take 10 to 12 weeks. Priority handling is available for $15 extra, cutting the wait to roughly two weeks. Phone and online orders run $45 plus vendor fees.

Certified Copies and Judgments

When the judge signs a divorce judgment, the Ontario County Clerk files it and stamps the entry date. The divorce is final only when the judgment is entered. After that, the defendant gets served with the judgment and a "Notice of Entry." Someone over 18 who is not a party must do the serving.

Certified copies cost $8.00 from the clerk. You may need one for a name change, to prove your divorce for remarriage, or for a government application. For international use, get the certified copy first, then take it to the NYS Department of State Apostille Unit at 99 Washington Avenue, Albany. The New York State Archives explains this authentication process in detail.

State law seals divorce records for 100 years from the date of the final decree.

Legal Aid in Ontario County

Several resources can help if you need legal assistance with a divorce in Ontario County. The NYS CourtHelp website lists court help centers and free legal resources across the state. These centers explain forms and procedures but do not provide legal representation. The 7th Judicial District serves a wide area, so check for any local court rules specific to Ontario County.

Legal Aid of Western New York and Law Help New York at lawhelp.org/ny are other options for low-income residents who need help. Divorce forms are available free on the NYS Courts website. The forms come with instructions, though the process still takes time to learn if you are handling it without a lawyer.

Nearby Counties

If the divorce was filed in another county, contact that county's clerk for records. These counties border Ontario County.