Access Washington County Divorce Decree

Washington County divorce decree records are held at the County Clerk's Office in Fort Edward. The clerk, Lisa Boyce, manages all Supreme Court files along with land records, liens, and other court documents. If you need a copy of a divorce decree from Washington County, you can visit the Municipal Center at 383 Broadway or send a written request by mail. Washington County is part of the 4th Judicial District, and all divorce cases go through the Supreme Court there. The county also has a records archive in the basement of the Municipal Center that holds older court filings and historical documents.

Washington County Divorce Decree Office

The Washington County Clerk's Office is the main place for divorce decree records. It is located in Municipal Center, Building A, 383 Broadway, Fort Edward, NY 12828. Call at (518) 746-2170 or fax at (518) 746-2177. County Clerk Lisa Boyce and Deputy County Clerk Vanita LaFarr run the office. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

To get a copy of your Washington County divorce decree, you must be a party to the divorce or an attorney of record. Bring a valid photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, or state-issued ID card. You will need the names of both spouses and the index number if you have it. Without the index number, the clerk can search for it. There is a $5 fee for each two-year period they search. Certified copies cost $5 for the first four pages and $1.25 for each additional page, with a maximum of $40. Non-certified copies are about $0.65 per page. Payment by check or money order is preferred.

The Washington County Clerk handles more than just divorce decrees. The office records deeds, mortgages, liens, and business certificates. It also processes passport applications and pistol permits. If you are visiting for a divorce decree, the staff can direct you to the right counter.

Here is the Washington County Clerk's department listing page, which provides contact information and office details for the clerk and related services.

This listing covers the clerk's office hours, phone numbers, and the services available at the Municipal Center in Fort Edward.

Search Washington County Divorce Decrees

The Washington County archives and records guide has information about the types of records held in the county. The County Historian, Dona Crandall, can be reached at (518) 746-2178 for questions about older records. The archives are in the basement of Building A at 383 Broadway. The archives phone number is (518) 746-2136. These resources are useful for genealogy work or for finding very old divorce decree records.

Here is a guide to Washington County records and archives, which covers court records, vital records, and other historical documents held in the county.

This guide is helpful for anyone doing genealogy research or looking for older Washington County divorce decree records that may be in the archives.

For online searching, WebCivil Supreme is a free tool from the New York State court system. You can search Washington County divorce cases by party name, index number, or attorney. The results show case status and filing dates. The full divorce decree is not viewable online because of privacy restrictions under DRL Section 235. But a search can give you the index number you need when requesting records from the clerk.

Divorce Decree Laws in Washington County

Section 235 of the Domestic Relations Law makes all matrimonial files confidential in Washington County. The divorce decree, pleadings, testimony, and findings are sealed for 100 years. Only the parties to the case, their lawyers, or someone with a court order can view them. A certification of disposition is available to anyone. This short document confirms the case outcome without giving away the private terms of the divorce.

Judiciary Law Section 255 requires the clerk to search records and make copies for eligible requesters who pay the fees. The clerk verifies your identity before releasing any Washington County divorce decree records. For divorces after January 1, 1963, the NYS Department of Health has a divorce certificate on file. Mail orders cost $30. For divorces before 1963, the clerk is the only source.

The New York State Archives has information about very old divorce records. Records over 100 years old open up for public access. Washington County's older court files may be at the State Archives or in the local archives at the Municipal Center.

Washington County Divorce Decree Help

The NYS Unified Court System website has free divorce forms and instruction booklets. They cover both uncontested and contested divorce cases. The court system recommends using a lawyer, but the forms are available if you plan to handle it yourself.

The New York State Bar Association lawyer referral line is 1-800-342-3661. For free help, Ask a Law Librarian answers questions about divorce decree records and court procedures. Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York serves Washington County residents who qualify for free legal services. They can assist with family law issues like custody and support that often come up during a divorce.

The Washington County Surrogate's Court is at 383 Broadway, Fort Edward, NY 12828. Call (518) 746-2515. This court handles wills and estates, not divorces. But if you need probate records related to a divorced person, the Surrogate's Court is where to go. The general county phone number is (518) 746-2100 if you need to be directed to the right office.

Nearby Counties

These counties are near Washington County and maintain their own divorce decree records.