Ulster County Divorce Decree Search

Ulster County divorce decree records are stored at the County Clerk's Office in Kingston, the county seat. The clerk, Taylor Bruck, oversees all court records including divorce decrees granted by the Supreme Court in the 3rd Judicial District. You can visit the office at 244 Fair Street to search for records, or send a request by mail to P.O. Box 1800, Kingston, NY 12402. Ulster County has a detailed process for divorce file requests, with specific rules for in-person and mail access. Online court record searching is also available through the clerk's website for records from July 1987 forward.

Ulster County Divorce Decree Office

The Ulster County Clerk's Office is the primary source for divorce decree records in this county. The main office is at 244 Fair Street, Kingston, NY 12401. You can call at (845) 340-3288 or fax at (845) 340-3299. The email address is countyclerk@co.ulster.ny.us. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:45 PM. County Clerk Taylor Bruck and the staff handle all divorce decree requests.

To get a copy in person, you must be the plaintiff, the defendant, or the attorney of record. Bring a valid photo ID. The clerk accepts a driver's license, non-driver ID card, US passport, or any state or federally issued photo ID. You will need the names of both parties and the index number if you have it. The records room is on the second floor at 244 Fair Street. Staff can help you locate the file once you check in.

Certified copies of an Ulster County divorce decree cost $5.00 for the first four pages. Each page after that is $1.25, up to a maximum of $40.00. Non-certified copies run $0.65 per page. Payment is by check or money order made out to the Ulster County Clerk's Office. Cash may be accepted at the counter, but check with the office first.

For mail requests, you need to send a notarized letter. The letter must state the names of both parties, the index number, the filing date, and the type of records you want. Include your payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail it to P.O. Box 1800, Kingston, NY 12402-1800.

Search Ulster County Divorce Decrees Online

The Ulster County Court Records page gives you options for searching records online. Court records from July 1987 to the present are available through Search IQS, an online records portal. You can search by name, index number, or date range. This covers Supreme Court civil cases, which includes divorce filings.

Here is the Ulster County Clerk's court records search page, which outlines the ways to search for divorce decree records in the county.

The search tool can help you find case details and the index number you need to request a certified copy of a divorce decree from the clerk.

You can also visit the records room in person on the 2nd floor at 244 Fair Street. The Ulster County Records Center at 300 Foxhall Avenue in Kingston has older files. Call (845) 340-3415 to set up an appointment if you need records stored at the Foxhall location. Walk-ins are welcome at the main office, but the records center works best with an appointment.

Ulster County Divorce Decree Court

The Ulster County Supreme Court is part of the 3rd Judicial District. The courthouse is at 285 Wall Street, Kingston, NY 12401. You can reach the court at (845) 481-9375. Chief Clerk Claudia Jones oversees the court operations. The Supreme Court justices who hear divorce cases in Ulster County include Hon. Christopher Cahill, Hon. James Gilpatric, and Hon. Julian Schreibman. County Court Judge Hon. Bryan Rounds handles related matters.

All divorce cases in Ulster County go through the Supreme Court. Family Court does not have the power to grant a divorce in New York. When a divorce is finalized, the judge signs the judgment of divorce, which becomes the official divorce decree. That decree is then filed with the County Clerk for permanent record keeping. The clerk's copy is what you request when you need a certified copy of your divorce decree.

WebCivil Supreme is a free state-run tool for looking up case information online. It shows case status, party names, and filing dates. You cannot view the full divorce decree through WebCivil because of the privacy rules under DRL Section 235. But the search can confirm a case exists and provide the index number for your records request.

Divorce Decree Laws for Ulster County

Section 235 of the Domestic Relations Law makes all divorce files in Ulster County confidential for 100 years. Only the parties to the divorce, their attorneys, or someone with a court order can access the full file. This covers the pleadings, testimony, findings, and the divorce decree itself. Anyone can request a certification of disposition, which is a short document that confirms the case outcome without sharing the private terms.

Under Judiciary Law Section 255, the clerk must search records and provide copies when asked by a qualified person. The clerk checks your identity before handing over anything. For older records, the New York State Archives has guidance on where to find divorce decree files that are more than 100 years old.

For divorces after January 1, 1963, the NYS Department of Health also has a divorce certificate on file. The certificate is a short form listing names and the date the marriage ended. It costs $30 by mail or $45 online. For divorces before 1963, the Ulster County Clerk has the only copy.

Help With Ulster County Divorce Decrees

The NYS Unified Court System has free forms and instructions for filing a divorce. The site covers both uncontested and contested cases. The New York State Bar Association referral line is 1-800-342-3661 if you need to find a lawyer in Ulster County.

For free legal help, Ask a Law Librarian can answer questions about divorce decree records and court procedures. Legal Services of the Hudson Valley serves Ulster County residents who qualify for free legal assistance. They handle family law matters and can help with issues that come up during a divorce, like custody and support.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Ulster County and maintain their own divorce decree records.