📅 2026 Update: Changes in Divorce Records and Accessibility

Since the original article was written, several important changes have happened regarding divorce records across various states. These changes affect how records are processed, accessed, and the fees involved. The earlier article continues below, covering more general information about divorce records.

🗂️ New York State Updates

Effective March 1, 2026, New York State has revised forms for matrimonial actions in the Supreme Court. This includes an increase in the combined income cap under the Child Support Standards Act from $183,000 to $193,000. Additionally, the income cap of the maintenance payor under the Maintenance Guidelines Act has risen from $228,000 to $241,000.

📜 Maryland Record Access

Starting October 1, 2026, Maryland's House Bill 0403 requires custodians to deny inspection of specific records related to divorce proceedings. These records can only be released to certain applicants under set circumstances, making access more restricted than before.

📋 Virginia Certification Requirements

As of October 18, 2026, Virginia's Section 32.1-268 mandates that clerks of court must certify and file reports of final divorce decrees with the State Registrar. This includes key information like the ages of the parties and the number of minor children involved, enhancing the accuracy and comprehensiveness of divorce records.

💵 Current Fees for Divorce Records

As of October 2026, the fees for certified copies of divorce records vary by state. In New York, it's $30.00 per copy, while Texas charges $22.00, and California has a fee of $18.00. Oregon and Kansas both charge $25.00 for the first certificate, with Kansas charging an additional $20.00 for each additional copy requested.

📌 Key Changes Summary

  • 🗂️ New York State's income caps for support have increased.
  • 📜 Maryland restricts access to divorce records under new legislation.
  • 📋 Virginia now requires clerks to certify divorce decrees with specific information.
  • 💵 Fees for certified copies of divorce records vary by state, with New York at $30.00 and Texas at $22.00.

💡 Tips for Navigating Divorce Records

Review the details of your situation with an attorney.

🗝️ Know Your State’s Requirements

Each state has different laws regarding divorce records. Familiarize yourself with these regulations to avoid delays or complications.

📑 Gather Necessary Information

When requesting divorce records, collect all required information beforehand. This may include names, dates, and case numbers to streamline the process.

⏳ Be Aware of Processing Times

Processing times can vary significantly by state. For example, Michigan may take 10-12 weeks for regular service, while Washington processes orders within 3-7 business days online.

💰 Budget for Fees

It's essential to account for the fees associated with obtaining divorce records. These can range from $18.00 to $30.00 depending on the state and type of record required.

🔍 Use Government Resources

Many states offer free resources for obtaining vital records. Check your state’s health department or court system websites for more information.

🏆 Top Services for Divorce Records Ranked by User Reviews (2026)

This section highlights services that assist with divorce records and related legal processes. The rankings are based on Trustpilot data from October 2026. Ratings may change over time, and it's important to consider that unhappy customers often leave more reviews.

🥇 1. LegalZoom

LegalZoom has been rated 4.6. It is known for offering comprehensive legal services, including assistance with divorce paperwork. However, some users report delays in service and occasional customer support issues, which may impact user experience.

🥈 2. CompleteCase Online Divorce

CompleteCase Online Divorce holds a score of 4.0. This service specializes in uncontested divorce cases and provides affordable legal assistance. Some reviewers have noted issues with customer support and delays in processing, which could affect timely access to records.

🥉 3. 3StepDivorce

3StepDivorce has a rating of 2.6. It is known for preparing online divorce forms and providing state-specific documents. However, users have reported delays in customer support responses and issues with form accuracy, which could complicate the divorce process.

4️⃣ Rocket Lawyer

Rocket Lawyer averages 4.5. It offers legal document creation and affordable legal services. Some users note that the subscription model may not suit everyone, and there are reports of unexpected charges, which could affect budgeting for services.

🆓 Free Government Resources

Many states offer free options for obtaining divorce records. For example, the New York State Department of Health and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment provide resources for accessing vital records, including divorce certificates.

🔎 What to Compare When Choosing a Service

  • 💰 Fees for certified copies of divorce records.
  • ⏳ Processing times for obtaining records.
  • 🗂️ Types of records available in each state.
  • 📞 Customer support responsiveness and reliability.
  • 📜 User reviews and overall satisfaction ratings.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

❔ What is a divorce record?

A divorce record is a legal document that officially states the dissolution of a marriage. It includes details such as the names of the parties involved, the date of the divorce, and any court orders regarding child custody or support.

📅 How can I request a divorce record?

To request a divorce record, you typically need to contact the vital records office or court where the divorce was finalized. This process may vary by state, so be sure to check specific requirements for your location.

🌐 Are divorce records public?

Divorce records are generally considered public records, but access may be restricted in certain cases. Some states may have laws that limit access to specific individuals or under particular circumstances.

🏦 What fees are associated with obtaining divorce records?

Fees for obtaining divorce records vary by state. As of October 2026, fees range from $18.00 in California to $30.00 in New York for certified copies.

📜 How long does it take to get a divorce record?

Processing times for divorce records differ by state. For example, Michigan may take 10-12 weeks for regular service, while Washington can process online orders in 3-7 business days.

🏛️ What should I do if my divorce records are missing?

If your divorce records are missing, contact the court where your divorce was finalized. They can assist in locating the records or provide information on how to obtain duplicates.

⚖️ Recent Court Rulings on Divorce Cases

Several recent court rulings have impacted divorce cases and record accessibility. Case law may influence how records are processed and the information included in divorce decrees.

For further information on recent rulings, please check more rulings on the news page.

End of October 2026 Update





In order to find divorce records, individuals must either utilize a paid website, or go to the court house where the proceedings took place. Public divorce records are available to everyone and any individual has the right to see them. In fact, public divorce records can contain each and every detail of a divorce, especially in cases that required a decision by the judge. 



In fact, that is the very reason that many couples avoid court intervention for their divorce agreements. In some cases, such as collaborative divorce agreements, the only record of the divorce will be the final agreement. However, couples that take part in a contested divorce, generally have every aspect of their divorce on record. Public divorce records will include allegations that pertain to abuse, infidelity and any claims regarding grounds for divorce. Couples do not must realize that everything they say during the proceedings will be available to any member of the public, including their children who are above 18 years old.

All You Need to Know About Divorce Records Purpose Accessibility



It is very simple for an individual to find divorce records. There are websites online that offer access to any individual's public records of any kind, including public divorce records. In order to find divorce records on those sites, individuals are often required to pay a fee, and the search may take days or weeks. However, there are no requirements for providing a reason for such a search. In fact, any individual my request such information. However, those that wish to see free public divorce records, may do so at the court house that is located within the county where the divorce took place. 




Generally, there is a small fee to obtain copies of these documents, but that fee is likely to be considerably inexpensive. Those records will contain all information about the divorce, if the case was heard before a judge. However, some public divorce records will only include information about the divorce agreement if the divorce took place in the absence of court intervention. Once the documents are requested, court employees will find divorce records that contain the names provided by the person requesting such records.



In order to find divorce records, an individual needs only basic information, such as a name and the location of the divorce. Past that, there are no other requirements for individuals wishing to find divorce records. If they are local, they need only request the documents at the court house. If however, they are not local, they can pay a fee to receive the documents online. Public records are just that, available to any member of the public. If couples that choose to divorce are reminded that their records will be public, they may be less likely to take part in false accusations and unnecessary conflict. This is especially true when parents realize that their children will eventually have access to their divorce records, if they choose to.