Onondaga Public Records /Onondaga County Divorce Records

Onondaga County Divorce Records

What Are Onondaga County Divorce Records?

Divorce records in Onondaga County are official legal documents that provide evidence of the dissolution of a marriage within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to New York Domestic Relations Law § 236, which governs matrimonial actions including divorce proceedings. Divorce records consist of various court filings, judgments, and certificates that document the legal termination of a marriage.

The records typically include:

Summons and complaint documents
Responsive pleadings
Financial disclosure statements
Settlement agreements
Court orders and judgments
Certificate of dissolution

These documents serve as the official record of divorce proceedings handled by the Onondaga County Supreme Court, which has exclusive jurisdiction over matrimonial matters in New York State.

Divorce records fulfill multiple important functions for residents of Onondaga County, including:

Providing legal proof of marital status change
Enabling remarriage by demonstrating legal termination of previous marriage
Supporting name change processes following divorce
Documenting eligibility for Social Security benefits
Verifying marital status for loan applications
Establishing marital history for immigration proceedings
Serving as evidence in property disputes or child custody matters

The Onondaga County Clerk's Office maintains these records as part of its statutory responsibility to preserve court records pursuant to New York Judiciary Law § 255.

Are Onondaga County Divorce Records Public?

Divorce records in Onondaga County maintain a dual status regarding public accessibility. Court divorce case files are generally considered public records under the New York Freedom of Information Law, but with significant limitations and exceptions.

The public accessibility of divorce records is governed by the following framework:

Court divorce case files: Basic case information such as party names, case numbers, and filing dates are typically accessible to the public through the Onondaga County Clerk's Office. However, sensitive information within these files may be redacted or sealed.
Financial disclosure documents: Financial affidavits and related documents submitted during divorce proceedings are generally not available to the public pursuant to 22 NYCRR § 202.5(e), which provides for the confidentiality of certain court records.
Certified divorce certificates: These documents have restricted access and are available only to:
- The parties named in the divorce
- Attorneys of record
- Individuals with a New York State Court order
- Individuals with written authorization from a party to the divorce

Certain categories of information within divorce records may be sealed or redacted to protect privacy, including:

Social Security numbers
Financial account information
Information about minor children
Allegations of domestic violence
Health and medical information
Information deemed confidential by court order

The Onondaga County Supreme Court may seal divorce records partially or entirely when disclosure would cause undue harm to the parties involved, particularly in cases involving domestic violence, child abuse, or when other compelling privacy interests exist.

How To Find a Divorce Record In Onondaga County in 2026

Members of the public seeking divorce records in Onondaga County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The primary custodian of divorce records is the Onondaga County Clerk's Office, which maintains records of all divorce proceedings filed within the county.

To obtain divorce records, individuals may follow these steps:

Determine the type of record needed: Identify whether a divorce certificate, divorce decree, or complete case file is required.
Gather necessary information: Prepare the following details:
- Full names of both parties (including maiden name if applicable)
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case index number (if known)
Submit a request to the Onondaga County Clerk's Office:

Onondaga County Clerk's Office
401 Montgomery Street, Room 200
Syracuse, NY 13202
(315) 435-2227
Onondaga County Clerk

Complete required forms: Request forms are available at the clerk's office or can be downloaded from the Onondaga County Clerk's website.
Pay applicable fees: The current fee structure includes:
- Certified copy of divorce decree: $8.00 per page plus $8.00 certification fee
- Uncertified copies: $0.65 per page
- Search fee: $5.00 per name/per year
Provide identification: Valid government-issued photo identification is required when requesting records in person.
Submit proof of entitlement: For certified divorce certificates, requestors must demonstrate legal entitlement through one of the following:
- Being a party to the divorce
- Presenting a notarized authorization from a party
- Providing an attorney authorization letter
- Submitting a court order authorizing access

Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or through authorized third-party services. In-person requests typically receive same-day processing, while mail requests may require 5-10 business days for completion.

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Onondaga County Online?

Onondaga County provides limited online access to divorce record information through several digital platforms. While complete divorce records are not available online due to privacy considerations, basic case information can be accessed through the following resources:

New York State Unified Court System WebCrims: This system provides basic case information for divorce proceedings filed after 2000.
- Visit the NYS Courts Electronic Filing System
- Select "Supreme Court" and "Onondaga County"
- Enter party names or index number
- Note that only basic case information is viewable online
Onondaga County Clerk's Office Records Search:
- Access the County Clerk Records Search Portal
- Registration may be required for certain searches
- Search capabilities include party name and case number searches
- Results provide case filing dates, party names, and case types
New York State Department of Health Vital Records:
- Limited to verification of divorce status for authorized parties
- Available through the NYS Department of Health
- Requires personal identifying information and proof of entitlement

Online searches have significant limitations:

Complete divorce decrees and judgments are not available online
Financial disclosures and settlement agreements are not accessible electronically
Records prior to 2000 may have limited or no online presence
Sealed or confidential cases will not appear in online searches

For comprehensive divorce record information, individuals are advised to contact the Onondaga County Clerk's Office directly or visit in person, as online resources provide only limited case information rather than complete divorce records.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Onondaga County?

Individuals seeking no-cost access to divorce records in Onondaga County have several options available, though free access is typically limited to basic information rather than complete certified records. The following methods provide free or low-cost access to divorce record information:

In-person inspection at the Onondaga County Clerk's Office:
- Members of the public may visit the clerk's office during regular business hours
- Public terminals are available for searching basic case information
- While viewing basic information is free, printing or obtaining copies incurs standard fees

Onondaga County Clerk's Office
401 Montgomery Street, Room 200
Syracuse, NY 13202
(315) 435-2227
Onondaga County Clerk

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)

Onondaga County Public Library - Local History/Genealogy Department:
- Provides access to historical divorce records for genealogical research
- Resources include newspaper archives that may contain divorce announcements
- Librarians can assist with navigating available resources

Onondaga County Public Library
447 South Salina Street
Syracuse, NY 13202
(315) 435-1900
Onondaga County Public Library

New York State Unified Court System Website:
- Provides free access to basic case information
- Available at NYS Courts Electronic Filing System
- Limited to basic docket information and case status
Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York:
- Offers assistance to low-income individuals seeking divorce records
- May provide guidance on accessing records without fees
- Available by appointment for qualifying individuals

Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York
221 South Warren Street, Suite 310
Syracuse, NY 13202
(315) 703-6600
Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York

While basic information may be accessed without charge, fees apply for official copies, certified documents, and comprehensive record searches. Fee waivers may be available for individuals who demonstrate financial hardship through the submission of a fee waiver application pursuant to CPLR § 1101.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Onondaga County

Divorce records in Onondaga County comprise a comprehensive collection of documents that chronicle the legal dissolution of marriage from initiation through final judgment. These records contain various components that document the proceedings, agreements, and court determinations.

The typical contents of an Onondaga County divorce record include:

Index Number and Case Information:
- Unique case identifier
- Filing date
- Court of jurisdiction
- Names of parties and attorneys
Initiating Documents:
- Summons with Notice
- Verified Complaint stating grounds for divorce
- Affidavit of Service
Responsive Pleadings:
- Answer from responding spouse
- Counterclaims (if applicable)
- Notices of appearance
Financial Documentation:
- Statement of Net Worth (Form D-31)
- Financial disclosure affidavits
- Tax returns (typically redacted in public files)
- Property valuations
Custody and Support Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting plans
- Child support worksheets
- Custody evaluations
- Support calculations pursuant to NY Domestic Relations Law § 240
Settlement Documents:
- Separation agreements
- Stipulations of settlement
- Property division agreements
- Pension and retirement account Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs)
Court Orders and Judgments:
- Temporary orders (e.g., temporary support, custody)
- Judgment of Divorce
- Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law
- Supplemental judgments
Certificate of Dissolution:
- Official document certifying the marriage dissolution
- Filing date with Department of Health
- Names of parties and date of divorce
Post-Judgment Filings (if applicable):
- Modification petitions
- Enforcement proceedings
- Appeals documentation

The level of detail in divorce records varies based on whether the divorce was contested or uncontested, whether minor children were involved, and the complexity of assets requiring division. Records involving minor children typically contain additional documentation related to custody, visitation, and support arrangements.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Onondaga County?

Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in Onondaga County have several options for obtaining certified documentation that verifies the dissolution of marriage. The type of proof needed often depends on the specific purpose for which verification is required.

The primary methods for obtaining proof of divorce include:

Certified Copy of Divorce Decree from Onondaga County Clerk:
- Most comprehensive form of proof
- Contains the judge's signature and court seal
- Accepted for all legal purposes including remarriage

To obtain a certified copy of a divorce decree:

Onondaga County Clerk's Office
401 Montgomery Street, Room 200
Syracuse, NY 13202
(315) 435-2227
Onondaga County Clerk

Required information:

Names of both parties (including maiden name if applicable)
Date of divorce (approximate if exact date unknown)
Index number (if available)
Valid identification
$8.00 per page plus $8.00 certification fee

Certificate of Dissolution from NYS Department of Health:
- Abbreviated proof of divorce
- Contains names, date, and place of divorce
- Sufficient for most administrative purposes

To obtain a Certificate of Dissolution:

New York State Department of Health
Vital Records Section
P.O. Box 2602
Albany, NY 12220-2602
(855) 322-1022
NYS Department of Health Vital Records

Required information:

Names of both parties
Date and place of divorce
Copy of valid identification
$30.00 fee per certificate
Proof of entitlement (being a party to the divorce)

Divorce Verification Letter:
- Simple verification of divorce status
- Contains minimal information
- Suitable for certain administrative purposes

Authorized requestors for proof of divorce include:

Parties named in the divorce
Legal representatives with proper authorization
Individuals with court orders authorizing access
Individuals with notarized authorization from a party

Processing times vary by method:

In-person requests at the County Clerk: Same day service typically available
Mail requests to County Clerk: 5-10 business days
Department of Health requests: 10-12 weeks for standard processing

Expedited services are available for an additional fee through the Department of Health for urgent requests.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Onondaga County?

Divorce proceedings in Onondaga County are presumptively public records under New York law. However, various mechanisms exist to protect sensitive information and, in certain circumstances, to seal divorce records partially or entirely from public view.

The legal framework for confidentiality in divorce proceedings includes:

Sealing of Records: Pursuant to 22 NYCRR § 216.1, courts may seal divorce records upon a showing of good cause. Factors considered include:
- Risk of harm to minor children
- Presence of confidential business information
- History of domestic violence
- Privacy interests that outweigh the public interest in disclosure
Automatic Confidentiality Protections:
- Financial disclosure affidavits are automatically confidential under court rules
- Records containing Social Security numbers are redacted
- Medical records are protected from disclosure
- Records pertaining to minor children receive heightened protection
Anonymous Filing: In exceptional cases involving significant safety concerns or public figures, the court may permit filing under "Anonymous v. Anonymous" designation.

To request confidentiality for divorce records, parties may:

File a motion to seal records with the Onondaga County Supreme Court
Demonstrate specific, factual reasons why public access would cause harm
Request redaction of specific sensitive information
Enter into a confidentiality stipulation with the opposing party (subject to court approval)

The standard for sealing records is substantial, requiring demonstration that:

Public access would likely result in harm, serious injury, or prejudice
The privacy interest outweighs the presumption of public access
Sealing is narrowly tailored to protect legitimate privacy concerns

Even when records are sealed from public view, they remain accessible to:

The parties to the divorce
Attorneys of record
Court personnel
Law enforcement officials with proper authorization
Individuals with a court order authorizing access

Confidentiality orders may be temporary or permanent, and may be modified upon changed circumstances or challenge by media organizations asserting public interest in disclosure.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Onondaga County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in Onondaga County varies significantly based on multiple factors, including case complexity, level of agreement between parties, court caseload, and procedural requirements. New York State imposes certain statutory timeframes that affect all divorces within the state.

Key factors influencing divorce timeframes include:

Type of Divorce:
- Uncontested divorces: 3-6 months from filing to finalization
- Contested divorces: 9-18 months on average, potentially longer for complex cases
- Default divorces (when one party fails to respond): 4-6 months
Mandatory Waiting Periods:
- New York has eliminated the traditional waiting period for divorce
- However, the Domestic Relations Law § 170(7) requires a statement that the marriage has been "irretrievably broken" for at least six months
Residency Requirements:
- At least one spouse must meet New York residency requirements before filing
- Various residency scenarios exist under Domestic Relations Law § 230
Case Complexity Factors:
- High-value or complex assets: adds 3-6 months
- Business valuations: adds 2-4 months
- Child custody disputes: adds 3-8 months
- Pension division requiring QDROs: adds 1-3 months
Court Scheduling:
- Preliminary conference: typically scheduled within 45 days of request for judicial intervention
- Compliance conference: usually 60-90 days after preliminary conference
- Trial dates: dependent on court calendar, often scheduled 3-6 months in advance

According to the New York State Unified Court System, the average timeframe for divorces in Onondaga County is:

Uncontested divorces: 3-6 months
Contested divorces with settlement: 6-12 months
Fully litigated contested divorces: 12-24 months

Expedited processing may be available in limited circumstances involving:

Military deployment
Medical emergencies
Relocation necessities
Domestic violence situations

The COVID-19 pandemic created significant backlogs in the Onondaga County court system, though these delays have gradually diminished as operations have normalized. Currently, the court system continues to process cases according to standard timeframes.

How Long Does Onondaga County Keep Divorce Records?

Onondaga County maintains divorce records according to a structured retention schedule established under New York State Archives guidelines and statutory requirements. The retention periods vary based on record type, historical significance, and legal requirements.

The retention schedule for divorce records in Onondaga County includes:

Permanent Retention:
- Judgment rolls (the final judgment and supporting documents)
- Index books and computerized indices
- Divorce decrees and certificates
- Records deemed to have historical significance

These records are maintained permanently pursuant to Arts and Cultural Affairs Law § 57.25, which establishes the State Archives' authority to set retention schedules.

Long-Term Retention (25+ years):
- Case files for contested divorces: 25 years after disposition
- Financial disclosure statements: 25 years after disposition
- Orders of protection issued in divorce proceedings: 25 years
Medium-Term Retention (6-10 years):
- Temporary orders: 6 years after expiration
- Motion papers: 6 years after disposition
- Exhibits not returned to parties: 10 years after final disposition
Short-Term Retention (1-5 years):
- Routine correspondence: 3 years
- Scheduling documents: 1 year after disposition
- Audio recordings of proceedings: 5 years

Records management practices include:

Microfilming or digital conversion of older records
Climate-controlled storage for permanent paper records
Electronic backup systems for digital records
Periodic transfer of historical records to the Onondaga County Archives

The New York State Records Retention and Disposition Schedule for County Records provides the comprehensive framework for records retention. This schedule is established under Section 57.25 of the Arts and Cultural Affairs Law and Part 185, Title 8 of the Official Compilation of Codes, Rules and Regulations of the State of New York.

Individuals seeking historical divorce records should note that older records may be:

Stored in the Onondaga County Archives rather than the County Clerk's Office
Available only in microfilm or other non-original formats
Subject to special handling procedures due to age and condition
Accessible through specialized research requests

How To Get a Divorce In Onondaga County

Residents seeking to dissolve a marriage in Onondaga County must follow specific procedures established under New York State law. The divorce process involves multiple steps and varies depending on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested.

The general procedure for obtaining a divorce in Onondaga County includes:

Meet Residency Requirements:
- Verify eligibility under New York Domestic Relations Law § 230, which requires that either:
  - The marriage ceremony was performed in New York and either spouse is a resident when the action is commenced and has been a resident for one year
  - The spouses lived as husband and wife in New York and either spouse is a resident when the action is commenced and has been a resident for one year
  - The grounds for divorce occurred in New York and either spouse has been a resident for at least one year
  - The grounds for divorce occurred in New York and both spouses are New York residents
  - Either spouse has been a New York resident for at least two years prior to filing
Determine Grounds for Divorce:
- Most divorces use the "irretrievable breakdown" ground under Domestic Relations Law § 170(7)
- Other grounds include cruel and inhuman treatment, abandonment, imprisonment, adultery, and living apart pursuant to a separation agreement
Prepare and File Initial Documents:
- Summons with Notice or Summons and Verified Complaint
- Notice of Automatic Orders
- Notice Concerning Continuation of Health Care Coverage
- Filing fee: $210.00

Onondaga County Supreme Court
401 Montgomery Street
Syracuse, NY 13202
(315) 671-1020
Onondaga County Supreme Court

Serve Documents on Spouse:
- Personal service by someone over 18 who is not a party to the action
- File proof of service with the court
Complete Financial Disclosure:
- Both parties must exchange and file Statement of Net Worth forms
- Exchange tax returns, pay stubs, and other financial documentation
Negotiate Settlement or Proceed to Trial:
- For uncontested divorces: prepare settlement agreement
- For contested divorces: participate in preliminary conference, discovery, and possible mediation
- If no settlement: proceed to trial before a judge
Finalize the Divorce:
- Submit proposed Judgment of Divorce
- Include Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law
- Include any required child support or maintenance worksheets
- Pay $45.00 filing fee for Note of Issue
Post-Judgment Procedures:
- Serve copy of signed Judgment on spouse
- File Notice of Entry
- Distribute retirement assets according to QDROs if applicable

Free resources for divorce assistance include:

Onondaga County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project
221 South Warren Street, Suite 200
Syracuse, NY 13202
(315) 471-3409
Onondaga County Bar Association

Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York
221 South Warren Street, Suite 310
Syracuse, NY 13202
(315) 703-6600
Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York

How To Get Divorce Papers In Onondaga County

Individuals initiating divorce proceedings in Onondaga County must obtain and complete specific legal forms as required by New York State law. These documents can be acquired through several channels, depending on the individual's circumstances and needs.

The primary methods for obtaining divorce papers include:

New York State Unified Court System Website:
- The NYS Unified Court System provides free downloadable divorce forms
- Forms available include:
  - Uncontested divorce packets (with instructions)
  - Individual forms for contested divorces
  - Financial disclosure forms
  - Child support worksheets
Onondaga County Supreme Court Clerk's Office:
- Paper copies of forms available for a nominal fee

Onondaga County Supreme Court
401 Montgomery Street
Syracuse, NY 13202
(315) 671-1020
Onondaga County Supreme Court

Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)

Onondaga County Law Library:
- Reference copies of forms and legal resources
- Staff available to direct users to appropriate resources (but cannot provide legal advice)

Onondaga County Law Library
401 Montgomery Street, 5th Floor
Syracuse, NY 13202
(315) 671-1266
Onondaga County Law Library

Legal Aid Organizations:
- Assistance with form completion for qualifying low-income individuals

Hiscock Legal Aid Society
351 South Warren Street
Syracuse, NY 13202
(315) 422-8191
Hiscock Legal Aid Society

Essential divorce papers required in Onondaga County include:

Initial Filing Documents:
- Summons with Notice (Form UD-1) or Summons (Form UD-1a) and Verified Complaint (Form UD-2)
- Notice of Automatic Orders
- Notice of Guideline Maintenance
- Request for Judicial Intervention (RJI) (Form UCS-840)
Financial Disclosure Documents:
- Statement of Net Worth (Form D-31)
- Affidavit of Income and Expenses
Child-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Child Support Worksheet (Form UD-8)
- Qualified Medical Child Support Order (QMCSO)
- Parenting Plan
Judgment Documents:
- Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law (Form UD-10)
- Judgment of Divorce (Form UD-11)
- Part 130 Certification (Form UD-12)
- Certificate of Dissolution of Marriage

When obtaining divorce papers, individuals should:

Verify they have the most current version of all forms
Obtain the complete set of forms needed for their specific situation
Consider whether they need forms for contested or uncontested divorce
Determine if specialized forms are needed for unique circumstances (military service, international issues, etc.)

All forms must be completed in accordance with 22 NYCRR § 202.16, which governs matrimonial actions in New York State courts.

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