Sullivan County Divorce Decree Records

Sullivan County divorce decree records are on file at the County Clerk's Office in Monticello. The clerk, Russell Reeves, manages divorce files along with other court records at the County Government Center on 100 North Street. Sullivan County is part of the 3rd Judicial District. You can get a copy of a divorce decree by visiting in person, mailing a request, or searching online for case information. The clerk has a specific page on their website for divorce records and can walk you through the request process. Processing takes a minimum of five days for certified copies.

Sullivan County Divorce Decree Office

The Sullivan County Clerk's Office has a dedicated divorce records page on their website. The office is at the County Government Center, 100 North Street, Monticello, NY 12701. You can call (845) 807-0411 or fax (845) 807-0434. Russell Reeves is the County Clerk. The office handles all divorce decree requests for Sullivan County.

Here is the Sullivan County Clerk's divorce records page, which details who can request records and how the process works.

The page explains the requirements for obtaining copies, including ID rules and fee details for Sullivan County divorce decree files.

Only the plaintiff, the defendant, or their attorney of record can get a copy of a Sullivan County divorce decree. You must show a valid photo ID. If you are not a party to the case, you need a court order to see the file. This is because of Section 235 of the Domestic Relations Law, which seals divorce files for 100 years. The clerk needs the names of both parties and the index number if you have it. Expect to wait at least five days for a certified copy to be ready.

Certified copies cost $5 for the first four pages and $1.25 for each additional page. Plain copies are $0.65 per page. If the clerk has to search for your case without an index number, there is a $5 fee for every two-year period searched. Send payment by check or money order made out to the Sullivan County Clerk.

Search Sullivan County Divorce Decrees

The Sullivan County Supreme Court is at 414 Broadway in Monticello. The phone number is (845) 791-3540. Supreme Court Justices Hon. Stephan Schick and Hon. Meagan Galligan hear divorce cases there. Tara Hirsch is the Chief Clerk and Maria Durso is the Deputy Chief Clerk. All divorce proceedings in Sullivan County go through this court.

WebCivil Supreme is a free tool to search for Sullivan County divorce cases online. You can look up cases by party name, index number, or attorney. The system shows case status and filing dates but does not display the actual divorce decree. Having the index number from a WebCivil search saves time at the clerk's office. The NYSCEF system may also have documents for some cases.

Divorce Decree Options in Sullivan County

The NYS Department of Health keeps divorce certificates for cases after January 1, 1963. This is a short form record. It lists names and the date the marriage ended but not the full terms. Certificates cost $30 by mail or $45 online. For divorces before 1963, the Sullivan County Clerk in Monticello holds the only record.

The New York State Archives has information about older divorce records across the state. Under Judiciary Law Section 255, the clerk must search files and provide copies when asked by an eligible person who pays the right fees. Once a Sullivan County divorce decree is more than 100 years old, the privacy seal lifts and anyone can view it.

Sullivan County Divorce Decree Help

The NYS Unified Court System provides free divorce forms and guides. The Ask a Law Librarian service answers questions about court records. The New York State Bar Association has a lawyer referral line at 1-800-342-3661.

Sullivan County is a rural area. Many residents live far from Monticello. If you cannot make the trip, mail requests are a good option. Write to the clerk at 100 North Street, Monticello, NY 12701. Include both names, the approximate date of the divorce, a copy of your ID, payment, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. The clerk's staff are used to helping people by phone too, so call (845) 807-0411 if you have questions before you send your request.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Sullivan County and keep their own divorce decree files at their County Clerk offices.