Nassau County Divorce Records
What Are Nassau County Divorce Records?
Nassau County divorce records are official legal documents maintained by the county court system that document the dissolution of marriage between two individuals within Nassau County, New York. Pursuant to New York Domestic Relations Law § 236, these records constitute the formal documentation of marriage termination proceedings. Divorce records typically include the original petition for divorce, court orders, property settlement agreements, child custody arrangements, and the final judgment of divorce.
These records serve multiple important purposes:
- Legal proof of marital status change
- Documentation required for remarriage
- Evidence for name change processes
- Verification for Social Security benefits claims
- Supporting documentation for loan applications
- Required evidence for immigration matters
- Historical and genealogical research
The Nassau County Supreme Court maintains jurisdiction over divorce proceedings as established by New York Judiciary Law § 140-b. As the court of original instance for matrimonial actions, the Supreme Court generates and preserves these vital records as part of its official functions.
Are Nassau County Divorce Records Public?
Nassau County divorce records maintain a complex public access status that balances transparency with privacy protections. The accessibility of divorce records depends on the specific document type and the requesting party's relationship to the case.
Court divorce case files in Nassau County are generally considered public records under the New York Freedom of Information Law, with certain important exceptions:
- Basic case information (parties' names, case numbers, filing dates) is publicly accessible
- Financial disclosure affidavits are sealed from public view
- Records containing sensitive information about minor children are restricted
- Documents containing Social Security numbers, financial account details, and other personal identifiers are redacted or sealed
Certified divorce certificates and divorce decrees have more restricted access. Pursuant to New York Public Health Law § 4174, only the following individuals may obtain certified copies:
- Parties to the divorce
- Attorneys of record representing either party
- Individuals with a New York State Court order authorizing access
- Individuals with a properly executed power of attorney from a party to the divorce
The Nassau County Clerk's Office and the New York State Department of Health maintain these records and enforce access restrictions in accordance with state law.
How To Find a Divorce Record In Nassau County in 2026
Members of the public seeking divorce records in Nassau County may follow these established procedures:
-
Determine the appropriate office based on record type:
- Court case files: Nassau County Supreme Court
- Divorce certificates: Nassau County Clerk's Office or NYS Department of Health
-
For Supreme Court divorce records:
- Visit or contact the Nassau County Supreme Court, Matrimonial Division
- Provide case information (names of parties, approximate date of divorce, index number if known)
- Complete a records request form
- Pay applicable search and copy fees
Nassau County Supreme Court
100 Supreme Court Drive
Mineola, NY 11501
516-571-2800
Nassau County Supreme Court
- For divorce certificates:
- Submit a written request to the Nassau County Clerk's Office
- Provide proof of identity and eligibility to access the record
- Pay the required certificate fee
Nassau County Clerk's Office
240 Old Country Road
Mineola, NY 11501
516-571-2664
Nassau County Clerk
- For divorces finalized after January 1, 1963:
- Records may also be requested from the New York State Department of Health
- Complete the DOH-4382 form (Application for Copy of Divorce Record)
- Provide identification and proof of eligibility
- Submit payment for the certificate fee
New York State Department of Health
Vital Records Section
P.O. Box 2602
Albany, NY 12220-2602
1-855-322-1022
NYS Department of Health Vital Records
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Nassau County Online?
Nassau County provides limited online access to divorce record information. The following digital resources are currently available:
-
New York State Unified Court System WebCrims:
- Provides basic case information for divorce proceedings
- Accessible at the NYS Courts Electronic Filing System
- Requires registration and login credentials
- Displays case status, appearances, and basic procedural information
- Does not provide access to actual documents
-
Nassau County Clerk's Land and Court Records:
- Offers index searches for divorce judgments
- Available through the Nassau County Clerk's website
- Provides judgment information but not full case files
- Requires in-person visit to view complete records
-
New York State Department of Health Electronic Death Registration System:
- Limited to authorized users (attorneys, government agencies)
- Provides verification of divorce status
- Not available to general public
For comprehensive divorce record access, individuals must submit formal requests through the appropriate channels as detailed in the previous section. Online systems primarily serve as finding aids rather than complete record repositories.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Nassau County?
Nassau County residents seeking no-cost access to divorce records have several options, though service limitations may apply:
- In-person index searches at the Nassau County Supreme Court:
- Basic case information can be viewed without charge
- Available during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
- Self-service terminals provide free access to case indices
- Document viewing fees still apply
Nassau County Supreme Court
100 Supreme Court Drive
Mineola, NY 11501
516-571-2800
Nassau County Supreme Court
- Public access terminals at the Nassau County Clerk's Office:
- Free access to judgment indices
- Available during regular business hours
- Document retrieval and copying fees still apply
Nassau County Clerk's Office
240 Old Country Road
Mineola, NY 11501
516-571-2664
Nassau County Clerk
- Public libraries offering access to legal research databases:
- Select Nassau County libraries provide free access to legal databases
- May include limited divorce record information
- Research assistance available from library staff
- Call ahead to confirm resource availability
While index searches may be conducted without charge, fees typically apply for document retrieval, certification, and copying services. Fee waivers may be available for individuals meeting financial hardship criteria as determined by the court.
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Nassau County
Nassau County divorce records comprise several distinct document types that collectively document the legal dissolution of marriage. The comprehensive divorce file typically contains:
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Initiating documents:
- Summons with Notice
- Verified Complaint
- Affidavit of Service
- Notice of Appearance
-
Financial documentation:
- Statement of Net Worth (sealed from public view)
- Financial disclosure affidavits
- Tax returns (when submitted as evidence)
- Property valuation reports
-
Procedural documents:
- Preliminary Conference Orders
- Compliance Conference Orders
- Motion papers and decisions
- Referee reports (if applicable)
-
Settlement documents:
- Stipulation of Settlement
- Separation Agreement (if incorporated)
- Property distribution schedules
- Support calculations
-
Judgment documents:
- Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law
- Judgment of Divorce
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs)
- Child support/custody orders
-
Post-judgment filings:
- Modification petitions
- Enforcement proceedings
- Appeals documentation (if applicable)
The divorce certificate, issued by the New York State Department of Health, contains more limited information, including:
- Names of both parties
- Date and place of divorce
- Case number
- Grounds for divorce
- Official certification
Pursuant to New York Domestic Relations Law § 235, certain sensitive information within these records may be redacted or sealed to protect privacy interests.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Nassau County?
Individuals requiring legal proof of divorce in Nassau County may obtain official documentation through established channels:
- Certified Copy of Judgment of Divorce:
- Submit a written request to the Nassau County Clerk's Office
- Provide the index number, names of parties, and approximate date of divorce
- Present valid photo identification
- Pay the certification fee ($8.00 per certification)
- Available to parties to the divorce or their authorized representatives
Nassau County Clerk's Office
240 Old Country Road
Mineola, NY 11501
516-571-2664
Nassau County Clerk
- Certificate of Dissolution of Marriage:
- For divorces after January 1, 1963
- Complete the DOH-4382 form (Application for Copy of Divorce Record)
- Submit to the NYS Department of Health or Nassau County Clerk
- Provide proof of identity and eligibility
- Pay the required fee ($30-$45 depending on number of copies)
New York State Department of Health
Vital Records Section
P.O. Box 2602
Albany, NY 12220-2602
1-855-322-1022
NYS Department of Health Vital Records
-
Divorce Verification Letter:
- Available through the NYS Department of Health
- Confirms divorce occurred but provides fewer details than certificate
- Lower cost alternative ($30.00 per letter)
- Same eligibility requirements as certificate
-
Court File Requisition:
- Submit the Nassau County Court File Requisition Form
- Available for in-person review at the courthouse
- Certified copies of specific documents may be requested
- Fees vary based on document type and certification needs
For international use, divorce documents may require additional authentication through apostille or certification processes available through the New York Secretary of State.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Nassau County?
Nassau County divorce proceedings offer limited confidentiality protections under specific circumstances as prescribed by New York State law. While complete confidentiality is rarely granted, certain aspects of divorce cases may be sealed or redacted:
-
Sealing of entire case files:
- Granted only in exceptional circumstances
- Requires judicial determination of good cause
- Must demonstrate potential harm outweighs public interest
- Authorized under New York Domestic Relations Law § 235
-
Automatic confidentiality protections:
- Financial disclosure affidavits
- Records containing children's identifying information
- Medical and mental health records
- Social Security numbers and financial account details
- Allegations of domestic violence when protective orders exist
-
Pseudonym usage ("Anonymous v. Anonymous"):
- Granted in limited circumstances
- Requires judicial approval
- Typically involves public figures or unique privacy concerns
- Case details remain accessible despite name anonymization
-
Confidential Alternative Dispute Resolution:
- Mediation communications protected from disclosure
- Settlement negotiations generally inadmissible in court
- Final agreements become part of public record unless sealed
Parties seeking enhanced confidentiality must file a motion for a protective order demonstrating specific reasons why public access would cause harm. Judges evaluate these requests against the presumption of open court records established in New York Judiciary Law § 4.
The Nassau County Supreme Court reviews confidentiality requests on a case-by-case basis, balancing individual privacy interests against the public's right to access court records.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Nassau County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Nassau County varies significantly based on multiple factors. Current timeframes reflect the following general patterns:
-
Uncontested divorces:
- Minimum processing time: 3-6 months
- Factors affecting timeline:
- Court calendar congestion
- Completeness of submitted paperwork
- Statutory waiting periods
- Judicial review timelines
-
Contested divorces:
- Average duration: 9-18 months
- Complex cases may extend 2+ years
- Timeline influenced by:
- Case complexity (assets, custody disputes)
- Attorney and judicial scheduling
- Discovery compliance
- Settlement negotiations
- Trial requirements
-
Procedural milestones and timeframes:
- Preliminary Conference: Scheduled within 45 days of Request for Judicial Intervention
- Discovery completion: Typically 6 months from Preliminary Conference
- Pre-trial Conference: 30-60 days after discovery completion
- Trial: Scheduled based on court calendar availability
- Judgment signing: 30-90 days after trial conclusion or settlement
According to the New York State Unified Court System, Nassau County maintains standards for timely case disposition, with goals of resolving 60% of contested matrimonial cases within 12 months and 95% within 18 months.
The implementation of presumptive early settlement conferences has reduced average disposition times in recent years, though individual case timelines continue to vary substantially based on complexity and cooperation between parties.
How Long Does Nassau County Keep Divorce Records?
Nassau County maintains divorce records according to established retention schedules that vary by document type and maintaining agency:
-
Nassau County Supreme Court:
- Case files: Permanent retention
- Exhibits: Returned to parties after appeals period
- Transcripts: Minimum 25 years
- Retention governed by New York Judiciary Law § 89
-
Nassau County Clerk's Office:
- Judgment rolls: Permanent retention
- Index books: Permanent retention
- Microfilm/digital records: Permanent retention
- Retention schedules established by the New York State Archives
-
New York State Department of Health:
- Divorce certificates (post-1963): Permanent retention
- Electronic records: Permanent retention
- Paper records: Converted to electronic format after processing
Historical divorce records (pre-1963) may be maintained by multiple repositories:
- Nassau County Clerk's Office
- New York State Archives
- Local historical societies (in some cases)
Records may transition between active, semi-active, and archival status based on age and reference frequency, but the legal documentation of divorce is preserved indefinitely. Physical storage locations may change over time, potentially affecting retrieval timeframes for older records.
Pursuant to the New York Arts and Cultural Affairs Law § 57.05, the State Archives establishes records retention schedules for all local government records, including court documents.
How To Get a Divorce In Nassau County
Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Nassau County must follow established legal procedures in accordance with New York State law:
-
Residency requirements:
- Either spouse must have resided in New York State continuously for at least two years before filing; or
- Either spouse must have resided in New York State continuously for at least one year if the marriage occurred in New York or the couple lived in New York as married, or the grounds for divorce occurred in New York; or
- Both spouses must be residents of New York on the day of filing if the grounds for divorce occurred in New York
-
Grounds for divorce:
- No-fault: Irretrievable breakdown of the marriage for at least six months
- Fault-based grounds (less commonly used):
- Cruel and inhuman treatment
- Abandonment for one year or more
- Imprisonment for three or more consecutive years
- Adultery
-
Filing procedures:
- Prepare and file summons and complaint/petition
- Pay filing fees (approximately $210)
- Serve documents on spouse according to legal requirements
- File proof of service with the court
Nassau County Supreme Court
100 Supreme Court Drive
Mineola, NY 11501
516-571-2800
Nassau County Supreme Court
-
Case progression:
- Uncontested: Submit required forms, wait for judicial review
- Contested: Attend preliminary conference, complete discovery, participate in settlement conferences, proceed to trial if necessary
-
Judgment:
- Judge signs Judgment of Divorce
- File judgment with County Clerk
- Receive Notice of Entry
- Obtain certified copies as needed
The Nassau County Supreme Court provides self-help resources through the New York State Courts Help Center, including forms and procedural guidance for unrepresented litigants.
How To Get Divorce Papers In Nassau County
Nassau County residents seeking divorce documentation have several options for obtaining the necessary forms:
-
New York State Unified Court System website:
- Comprehensive divorce form packets available for download
- Includes instructions and checklists
- Forms available for both contested and uncontested divorces
- Accessible at NYS Unified Court System Divorce Forms
-
Nassau County Supreme Court Help Center:
- In-person assistance with form selection and completion
- Free services for self-represented litigants
- Available during regular court hours
- No appointment necessary
Nassau County Supreme Court Help Center
100 Supreme Court Drive
Mineola, NY 11501
516-571-2400
Nassau County Supreme Court
- Nassau County Law Library:
- Reference materials and form books
- Computer access for downloading forms
- Limited assistance from library staff
- Available during regular business hours
Nassau County Law Library
240 Old Country Road
Mineola, NY 11501
516-571-2430
Nassau County Law Library
- Legal Aid Society of Nassau County:
- Assistance for income-eligible individuals
- Help with form completion and filing
- Legal advice on divorce procedures
- Appointment required
Legal Aid Society of Nassau County
40 Main Street
Hempstead, NY 11550
516-560-6400
Legal Aid Society of Nassau County
Required forms typically include:
- Summons with Notice (Form UD-1)
- Verified Complaint (Form UD-2)
- Affidavit of Service (Form UD-3)
- Sworn Statement of Removal of Barriers to Remarriage (Form UD-4)
- Affidavit of Plaintiff (Form UD-6)
- Additional forms based on specific circumstances
All forms must be completed accurately and filed with the Nassau County Supreme Court Clerk's Office along with applicable filing fees.