Divorce records in Rockland County, New York, are available through several channels. RocklandCourt.us allows you to quickly find public information about divorce records in the county. Additionally, you can contact the court that issued the decision, the county clerk's office, or the New York State Department of Health, which serves as the office of vital records. Each of these institutions maintains different types of documents, so the choice depends on the specific document you need.
Rockland Divorce Records Search
In New York State, divorce cases are handled by the Supreme Court, which has jurisdiction over family law matters at the county level. After a divorce decree is issued, the case documents are kept by the Rockland County Supreme Court clerk. Meanwhile, the State Department of Health maintains a registry of divorce certificates starting from 1963.
The collection of records includes:
- Judgment of divorce / divorce decree
- Settlement agreements
- Custody orders
- Related procedural documents (motions, stipulations)
- Divorce certificates issued by the state
To search county court records, you can use the Rockland County Clerk's online records portal. The portal also recommends checking information through the NYSCEF (New York State Courts Electronic Filing) system.
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Rockland
Divorces in Rockland County are processed through the Supreme Court of the State of New York, Rockland County. This is the only court in the state authorized to issue divorce decrees. Once the judge signs the judgment of divorce, the document is registered with the county clerk's office.
Depending on what you need, contact the appropriate institution:
Court Case Documents (Full File)
If you need the text of the court decision, a property settlement agreement, or a custody order, contact the Supreme Court clerk. Court cases are generally public, although certain documents may be sealed by the court.
Divorce Certificate (Vital Record)
The State Department of Health issues divorce certificates for divorces finalized after January 1963. This document confirms the fact of divorce but does not include details of the settlement or court decision. You can order it by mail or through the NYS Department of Health online portal.
For divorces before 1963, the only source remains the clerk of the county where the court issued the decision.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Rockland
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Divorce Certificate (NYS Department of Health) | $30 | 4–6 weeks by mail |
| No Result Search (NYS DOH) | $30 (non-refundable) | 4–6 weeks |
| Copy of Court Document (County Clerk) | $1.25 per page; $5.00 for certification | Usually the same day for in-person requests |
| County Clerk Records Search | $5 for every two years searched | Depends on the scope of the request |