Wyoming County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Wyoming County in 2026
WyomingRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Wyoming County, New York. Members of the public may find case filing dates, party names, court orders, and final decrees through official channels. Available record categories include dissolution judgments, separation agreements, custody orders, support determinations, and property division documents.
Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The primary custodian of divorce records in Wyoming County is the Wyoming County Supreme Court Clerk, which maintains complete case files for matrimonial actions filed within the county. New York divorce proceedings are handled at the Supreme Court level, and all filings are indexed by party name and case number.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The New York State Courts Electronic Filing system (NYSCEF) allows members of the public to search matrimonial case filings electronically. Basic case information is available at no charge; fees apply for certified document copies. Note that matrimonial cases in New York are subject to confidentiality restrictions under § 235 of the Domestic Relations Law, which limits public access to certain pleadings and papers in divorce proceedings.
2. State Court System Portal
The New York State Unified Court System maintains a statewide portal through which members of the public may search court records across jurisdictions. The eCourts case search tool provides consolidated docket information for Supreme Court matrimonial matters.
3. State Vital Records
New York State does not issue divorce certificates through the Department of Health for divorces granted after January 1, 1963. The New York State Department of Health Vital Records office maintains divorce indexes for the period 1963–1995 only. For records outside that range, the Supreme Court Clerk is the appropriate custodian.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Wyoming County Supreme Court:
Wyoming County Supreme and County Court Clerk
147 North Main Street
Warsaw, NY 14569
Phone: (585) 786-3148
Wyoming County Courts
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
- Services available in person:
- Search case files by party name or index number
- View docket entries and filed documents
- Request certified copies of final judgments
- Use public access terminals
- Receive staff assistance with record location
By Mail
Written Request:
Mail requests to the Wyoming County Supreme and County Court Clerk at 147 North Main Street, Warsaw, NY 14569. Include the following:
- Full names of both parties (including maiden names where applicable)
- Approximate date the divorce was finalized
- Index number, if known
- Requester's full name and mailing address
- Purpose of the request (required for certain restricted documents)
- Payment for copy fees (check or money order payable to the County Clerk)
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
- Processing time: two to four weeks for mail requests
By Phone
Limited Information:
- Wyoming County Supreme Court Clerk: (585) 786-3148
- Staff may confirm whether a case exists, provide the index number, and advise on case status
- Staff cannot provide detailed document contents, copies, or confidential information by telephone
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in New York may access matrimonial case files on behalf of a client, including requesting documents that may be subject to restricted access. The New York State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service connects members of the public with qualified family law practitioners. Attorney access is particularly useful when records are sealed or when post-judgment modification documents are required.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses at the time of filing
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or filing year
- Index number, if previously obtained
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Prior addresses within Wyoming County
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
- Names of minor children (for parenting-related orders)
Search in Correct County
Divorce actions in New York are filed in the Supreme Court of the county where either spouse resided at the time of commencement. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple counties. A divorce cannot be located by searching the county where the marriage ceremony occurred unless one spouse also resided there.
Residency Requirement:
Under New York law, at least one party must meet a state residency requirement before a divorce may be filed. The applicable residency periods are set forth in § 230 of the Domestic Relations Law, which requires, among other conditions, that one spouse have been a resident of New York for a continuous period of two years immediately preceding the commencement of the action, or one year if the parties were married in New York or resided in New York as a married couple.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Records may not appear in electronic systems immediately following a final hearing
- Allow two to four weeks after the judgment is signed before searching
- Paper filings may require additional processing time before digitization
Older Divorces:
- Records predating electronic filing may be archived in paper form
- Archived cases require additional retrieval time
- Records from before 1990 may not be digitized and must be retrieved from physical storage
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- Incorrect county of filing
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- Case still pending and not yet finalized
- Very old records held in off-site storage
- Case sealed by court order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Wyoming County Supreme Court Clerk at (585) 786-3148
- Attempt alternate name spellings
- Search under both spouses' names
- Check the New York State Department of Health divorce index (1963–1995)
- Consult a licensed New York family law attorney
What Are Wyoming County Divorce Records?
Wyoming County divorce records are official court documents generated during matrimonial proceedings filed in the Wyoming County Supreme Court. These records constitute the complete legal file for the dissolution of a marriage and are maintained by the County Clerk as part of the permanent court record.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files
- Summons with notice or summons and complaint
- Verified complaint for divorce
- Defendant's answer and counterclaim (if any)
- Financial disclosure affidavits (Statement of Net Worth)
- Parenting plans and custody stipulations
- Settlement agreements and stipulations of settlement
- Motions, orders to show cause, and resulting orders
- Transcripts of court proceedings (if ordered)
- Final Judgment of Divorce
Final Decree
The Final Judgment of Divorce is the official court order that legally dissolves the marriage. It establishes:
- The date the marriage is dissolved
- Division of marital property and debt
- Spousal maintenance (if awarded)
- Child custody and parenting time arrangements (if applicable)
- Child support orders (if applicable)
- Restoration of a former surname (if requested)
Certified copies of the Final Judgment of Divorce are available from the Wyoming County Supreme Court Clerk upon payment of the applicable fee.
Supporting Documents
- Original marriage certificate (filed with the action)
- Statement of Net Worth (financial disclosure)
- Property appraisals and valuations
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for retirement account division
- Post-judgment modification orders
Purpose of Divorce Records:
Legal Purposes
- Proof of marital status for remarriage
- Name change documentation for government agencies
- Property transfer and title recording
- Estate planning and beneficiary designations
- Immigration proceedings requiring proof of prior marriage dissolution
- Social Security benefit determinations
Personal Purposes
- Genealogical and family history research
- Personal record-keeping
- Verification of divorce terms for compliance purposes
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
The Wyoming County Supreme and County Court Clerk is the primary custodian of all divorce case files. The New York State Department of Health maintains a divorce index for the period 1963–1995, which provides limited identifying information but not full case documents.
Legal Framework:
Divorce proceedings in New York are governed by the Domestic Relations Law, which establishes grounds, procedures, and the rights of parties. Access to matrimonial records is specifically addressed under § 235 of the Domestic Relations Law, which provides that papers filed in a matrimonial action are not open to public inspection except by order of the court. This provision distinguishes New York matrimonial records from general civil court records and imposes a presumption of restricted access to pleadings and financial documents.
Are Wyoming County Divorce Records Public?
In Wyoming County, divorce records occupy a unique position under New York law: while the existence of a matrimonial case and its docket entries are accessible to the public, the underlying pleadings and financial papers are presumptively restricted under § 235 of the Domestic Relations Law. As the New York State Unified Court System notes, "papers filed in a matrimonial action shall not be open to inspection by any person other than a party, the attorney or counsel of a party, or the attorney general, except by order of the court."
What Is Public:
- Index number and filing date
- Names of the parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and resulting orders
- Final Judgment of Divorce (the judgment itself is generally accessible)
- Docket entries reflecting the chronological history of the case
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information
- Statement of Net Worth (restricted under § 235)
- Tax returns submitted to the court
- Bank account and investment account statements
- Detailed income and expense documentation
Children's Information
- Names and addresses of minor children (may be redacted)
- School and medical information
- Custody evaluation reports
- Guardian ad litem reports (restricted or sealed)
- Law guardian submissions
Sensitive Personal Information
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse records
- Medical records submitted in proceedings
- Addresses of parties in domestic violence matters
Sealed Records:
A court may seal an entire case file or specific documents upon a showing of good cause. High-profile cases, cases involving abuse, and cases with confidential settlement terms may be subject to sealing orders. Mediation communications are confidential by statute and are not part of the court record.
Who Can Access Records:
| Category | Level of Access |
|---|---|
| General public | Docket entries, final judgment |
| Parties to the case | Full access to own case file |
| Attorneys of record | Full access to client's case |
| Law enforcement | Statutory access as required |
| Researchers and media | Public portions only; sealed records require court order |
Restrictions on Use:
Members of the public who obtain divorce records may not use them for stalking, harassment, identity theft, or any purpose that violates a protective order. Permitted uses include legal proceedings, genealogical research, news reporting protected by the First Amendment, and personal verification of one's own records.
Obtaining Confidential Records:
A party seeking access to restricted documents must file a motion with the Supreme Court demonstrating good cause. The court applies a balancing test weighing the need for disclosure against the privacy interests of the parties and any children involved. Certain agencies, including child protective services and law enforcement, have statutory authority to access otherwise restricted records.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Wyoming County?
The Wyoming County Supreme and County Court Clerk charges fees for copies and certifications in accordance with the New York County Law § 909 and applicable court fee schedules. Current fees are as follows:
Standard Copy and Certification Fees:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain paper copy (per page) | $0.65 per page |
| Certified copy of judgment or order | $6.00 per document |
| Exemplified (triple-certified) copy | $10.00 per document |
| Search fee (when no documents are copied) | $5.00 |
| NYSCEF electronic document download | Free for registered users; nominal fee for non-registered |
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Personal check or money order payable to the Wyoming County Clerk
- Cash (in-person only)
- Credit and debit cards (availability subject to clerk's office policy; confirm by phone)
Fee Waivers:
Parties who have been granted poor person status by the court pursuant to CPLR § 1101 may be entitled to waive copy fees. A motion for poor person relief must be filed with the court and granted prior to requesting fee-free copies.
What Is Available at No Charge:
- Viewing docket entries through the NYSCEF public portal (no registration required for viewing)
- Confirming case existence and status by telephone
- Reviewing case files at the public access terminal in the clerk's office (no copy fee for viewing only)
What's Included in Divorce Records in Wyoming County
A complete Wyoming County divorce case file contains all documents filed with the Supreme Court from the commencement of the action through any post-judgment proceedings. The scope of the file depends on whether the divorce was contested or uncontested and whether children or significant assets were involved.
Basic Case Information:
- Index number assigned at filing
- Court name (Wyoming County Supreme Court)
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Judge assigned to the matter
- Attorneys of record with contact information
- Filing date and case type designation
Initial Pleadings:
The Verified Complaint sets forth the grounds for divorce, the date and place of marriage, the date of separation (if applicable), information regarding any children of the marriage, and the relief requested. New York recognizes no-fault divorce on the ground of irretrievable breakdown of the marriage for a period of at least six months, as established under the Domestic Relations Law. The defendant's Answer and any Counterclaim reflect the responding party's position.
Financial Affidavits:
The Statement of Net Worth is a comprehensive financial disclosure document required of both parties in contested matrimonial actions. It details income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets (real property, vehicles, bank accounts, retirement accounts, investments, and personal property), and liabilities (mortgages, loans, and credit obligations).
Discovery Documents:
In contested cases, the file may include interrogatories and responses, requests for production of documents, deposition transcripts, subpoenas, and expert reports including business valuations and real property appraisals.
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting plan or custody stipulation specifying legal and physical custody
- Detailed parenting time schedule including holidays, school breaks, and vacations
- Child support calculation worksheet prepared pursuant to the Child Support Standards Act
- Income deduction orders for support enforcement
- Custody evaluation reports (subject to restricted access)
- Guardian ad litem or attorney for the child submissions
Settlement Documents:
An uncontested divorce includes a Stipulation of Settlement or Separation Agreement signed by both parties and notarized, which resolves all issues including property division, debt allocation, spousal maintenance, and child-related matters. This agreement is incorporated but not merged into the Final Judgment of Divorce.
Court Orders and Final Judgment:
The Final Judgment of Divorce is the definitive court order dissolving the marriage. It contains the court's findings, the effective date of dissolution, all property and support determinations, custody and parenting time provisions, and any name restoration order. A Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) is filed separately when retirement plan benefits are divided.
Post-Judgment Documents (if applicable):
- Petitions to modify custody or support
- Orders on modification motions
- Contempt motions and resulting orders
- Income deduction orders and enforcement filings
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:
- Social Security numbers (redacted from all public-facing documents)
- Bank account and financial account numbers (redacted)
- Residential addresses of parties in domestic violence matters
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluation records
- Children's school and medical information
- Mediation communications (not filed with the court)
- Settlement negotiation correspondence (not part of the record)
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Wyoming County?
Proof of divorce in Wyoming County is obtained through a certified copy of the Final Judgment of Divorce issued by the Wyoming County Supreme and County Court Clerk. A certified copy bears the court's official seal and the clerk's certification, making it acceptable to government agencies, financial institutions, and foreign authorities.
Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy:
- Identify the index number of the divorce action. This may be obtained by contacting the clerk's office or searching the NYSCEF portal.
- Submit a written request to the Wyoming County Supreme and County Court Clerk at 147 North Main Street, Warsaw, NY 14569, or appear in person during business hours.
- Provide the full names of both parties, the approximate year of the divorce, and the index number if known.
- Pay the certification fee of $6.00 per document (plain copies are $0.65 per page).
- For mail requests, include a self-addressed stamped envelope and allow two to four weeks for processing.
For divorces finalized between 1963 and 1995, the New York State Department of Health maintains a divorce index that may be used to confirm the fact of divorce, though it does not provide full case documents.
Wyoming County Supreme and County Court Clerk
147 North Main Street
Warsaw, NY 14569
Phone: (585) 786-3148
Wyoming County Courts
For divorces involving name restoration, the certified judgment serves as the legal basis for updating a driver's license, Social Security record, and passport. The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles and the Social Security Administration each require a certified copy of the judgment for name change processing.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Wyoming County?
Certain divorce records in Wyoming County may be confidential or subject to restricted access under New York law. The primary statutory basis is § 235 of the Domestic Relations Law, which establishes that papers filed in a matrimonial action are not open to public inspection except by court order.
Records that may be confidential include:
- Pleadings and financial affidavits: The Verified Complaint, Answer, and Statement of Net Worth are presumptively restricted under § 235 and require a court order for third-party access.
- Custody evaluation reports: Reports prepared by court-appointed psychologists or evaluators are restricted to protect the privacy of minor children.
- Guardian ad litem and attorney for the child submissions: These documents are filed under restricted access to protect children's interests.
- Domestic violence-related documents: Courts routinely seal or restrict documents containing allegations of domestic violence, addresses of protected parties, and related evidence.
- Mental health and medical records: Records submitted in connection with custody or fitness determinations are restricted under both state law and federal HIPAA protections.
- Mediation communications: Under New York law, mediation proceedings are confidential and communications made during mediation are not filed with the court or subject to disclosure.
- Sealed cases: A party may move the court to seal an entire case file upon a showing of compelling circumstances. The court applies a balancing test weighing privacy interests against the public's right of access.
Members of the public seeking access to restricted documents must file a motion with the Wyoming County Supreme Court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for disclosure.
How Long Does Wyoming County Keep Divorce Records?
Wyoming County divorce records are retained permanently as part of the official court record, consistent with New York State court records retention requirements established by the New York State Archives.
Retention periods by record type:
- Final Judgments of Divorce: Retained permanently. These are considered records of permanent legal significance and are never destroyed.
- Complete case files (contested actions): Retained permanently in Wyoming County, consistent with the New York State court records schedule for Supreme Court matrimonial cases.
- Uncontested divorce files: Retained permanently, though older paper files may be transferred to off-site archival storage.
- Temporary orders and interlocutory documents: Retained as part of the complete case file for the duration of the permanent retention period.
- Post-judgment modification files: Retained permanently as part of the original case file or as a related action.
- Electronic records (NYSCEF filings): Maintained in the statewide electronic filing system indefinitely.
Older records, particularly those predating electronic filing, may be held in physical storage and require additional retrieval time. The New York State Archives publishes retention schedules applicable to court records, which govern the minimum periods for which records must be preserved. Wyoming County's practice of permanent retention for matrimonial judgments exceeds the minimum requirements and ensures that proof of divorce remains accessible regardless of how much time has elapsed since the proceeding.