Sullivan County Public Records /Sullivan County Divorce Records

Sullivan County Divorce Records

How To Find a Divorce Record In Sullivan County in 2026

SullivanCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available data related to divorce records in Sullivan County. Members of the public may find case numbers, filing dates, party names, and final judgment information through official court resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online search tools. Available record categories include dissolution of marriage filings, final divorce decrees, parenting plans, property settlement agreements, and post-judgment modification orders.

Records may be searched through the following official resources:

Sullivan County Supreme Court Clerk's Office (primary custodian of divorce records in New York)
New York State Courts Electronic Filing (NYSCEF) system for electronically filed cases
New York State Department of Health Vital Records for divorce certificates
In-person public access terminals at the courthouse
Mail-in written requests to the Clerk of Court

Online Searches

1. Clerk of Court Case Search

The New York State Unified Court System provides an eCourts case search portal that allows members of the public to search Supreme Court matrimonial cases by party name or index number. Basic case information is available at no charge; fees apply for obtaining copies of documents.

2. New York State Courts Electronic Filing (NYSCEF)

The NYSCEF system serves as the statewide electronic filing portal. Cases filed electronically through NYSCEF may be searched and documents viewed online. A free account is required to access filed documents. Not all Sullivan County matrimonial cases are filed electronically; older cases remain in paper format.

3. New York State Vital Records

The New York State Department of Health maintains divorce records for proceedings finalized in New York State. The Department issues certified divorce certificates, which serve as official proof of dissolution. Fees apply for certified copies.

In-Person Searches

Sullivan County Supreme Court Clerk's Office

Sullivan County Supreme Court Clerk
Sullivan County Courthouse, 414 Broadway
Monticello, NY 12701
Phone: (845) 794-4066
Sullivan County Supreme Court

Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Services available in person:
- Search matrimonial case files by party name or index number
- View filed documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final judgments and decrees
- Staff assistance for locating case records
- Access to archived paper files upon request

By Mail

Written Request:

Mail requests to the Sullivan County Supreme Court Clerk at 414 Broadway, Monticello, NY 12701. Each written request should include:

Full legal names of both parties (including maiden names where applicable)
Approximate date of divorce or filing year
Index number (if known)
Requestor's full name and mailing address
Purpose of the request (required for certain record types)
Payment for applicable copy fees
Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents

Processing time for mail requests is two to four weeks, depending on volume and whether records require retrieval from archives.

By Phone

Limited Information Available by Phone:

Sullivan County Supreme Court Clerk: (845) 794-4066
Staff may confirm whether a case exists, provide the index number, confirm case status, and verify the filing date
Staff cannot provide detailed document contents, copies of filed documents, or confidential case information by telephone

Through Attorneys

An attorney licensed in New York State may access matrimonial case files on behalf of a client, request sealed documents upon a proper showing of need, and obtain certified copies through professional channels. The New York State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service connects members of the public with qualified family law attorneys for complex matters.

Information Needed for Search

Essential Information:

Full legal names of both spouses at the time of filing
Maiden names, if applicable
Approximate year of divorce or filing date
Index number, if previously obtained

Helpful Information:

Date and location of marriage
Prior addresses in Sullivan County
Names of attorneys of record, if known
Names of minor children, if applicable

Search in Correct County

Pursuant to New York Domestic Relations Law § 230, a divorce action must be commenced in the county where either party resides at the time of filing, or where the parties last resided together as a married couple. Members of the public searching for a divorce record should confirm the county of residence at the time of the proceeding, as records are maintained by the court in the county where the action was filed.

Residency Requirement:

Under current New York law, at least one party must have been a resident of New York State for a continuous period of at least one year immediately preceding the commencement of the action, or the parties must have been married in New York and one party must be a resident at the time of filing. The divorce is filed in the county of the qualifying party's residence.

Time Considerations

Recent Divorces:

Cases finalized within the past several weeks may not yet appear in online search systems
Allow two to four weeks after the final hearing for the judgment to be entered and indexed
Electronic filings are typically available sooner than paper filings

Older Divorces:

Cases predating electronic filing systems may exist only in paper format
Archived records may require additional retrieval time
Records from the 1970s and earlier may require special archival requests

What If You Cannot Find a Record

Common Issues:

The divorce was filed in a different county
Name variations between married and maiden names
Spelling differences in party names
The case has not yet been finalized (still pending)
Very old records stored in off-site archives
The case has been sealed by court order

Next Steps:

Contact the Sullivan County Supreme Court Clerk at (845) 794-4066
Attempt alternate name spellings and both parties' names
Search the New York State Department of Health vital records database
Search neighboring county courts if residency is uncertain
Retain a licensed attorney for complex searches

What Are Sullivan County Divorce Records?

Sullivan County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after matrimonial proceedings in the Sullivan County Supreme Court, which holds exclusive jurisdiction over divorce actions in New York State. These records constitute part of the public court file and are maintained by the Clerk of the Supreme Court as the primary custodian.

Types of Divorce Records:

Court Case Files include the complete record of the proceeding:

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 court orders
Transcripts of court proceedings
Final judgment of divorce

Final Judgment of Divorce is the official court order dissolving the marriage. It establishes:

The date of dissolution
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)

Supporting Documents filed with the court include financial disclosure statements, property appraisals, parenting evaluations, and post-judgment modification orders.

Purpose of Divorce Records:

Divorce records serve numerous legal and personal purposes, including:

Proof of marital status for remarriage
Documentation for name change proceedings
Evidence in estate planning and probate matters
Support for immigration and naturalization applications
Social Security survivor and spousal benefit claims
Genealogical and family history research

Legal Framework:

Divorce proceedings in New York are governed by the New York Domestic Relations Law, which establishes the grounds, procedures, and requirements for dissolution of marriage. Access to court records is governed by the New York Civil Rights Law and the Uniform Rules for the Supreme Court, which establish the presumption of public access to court filings while providing for the protection of sensitive personal information.

Are Sullivan County Divorce Records Public?

Divorce records filed in Sullivan County Supreme Court are public court records subject to the presumption of openness under New York law. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need. However, certain categories of information within divorce files are restricted or redacted to protect sensitive personal data.

What Is Public:

Index number and filing date
Names of both parties (petitioner and respondent)
Names of attorneys of record
Court hearing dates and scheduled appearances
Docket entries reflecting the chronological history of the case
Court orders and judgments, including the final judgment of divorce
Property division orders
General case status

What May Be Restricted:

Financial Information:

Social Security numbers are redacted from all publicly accessible documents pursuant to court rules
Bank account and financial account numbers are redacted
Detailed tax returns may be subject to limited access
Certain financial affidavit contents may be restricted upon court order

Children's Information:

Addresses where minor children reside
Schools attended by minor children
Medical and psychological records pertaining to children
Custody evaluation reports (may be sealed)
Guardian ad litem reports (restricted access)

Sensitive Personal Information:

Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
Medical records of the parties
Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders

Sealed Records:

A court may seal a divorce case file or specific documents upon a showing of good cause. Circumstances warranting sealing include cases involving domestic violence victims, high-profile parties where public access poses a safety risk, and cases containing trade secrets or proprietary business information. Mediation communications are confidential and are not part of the public court record.

Who Can Access Records:

General public: Access to most case information and public documents; photo identification may be required at the clerk's office; copying fees apply
Parties to the case: Full access to their own case file, including documents otherwise restricted from public view
Attorneys of record: Access to all filed documents in cases where they appear; may petition for access to sealed materials upon a proper showing
Researchers and media: Access to public portions of the record; court permission required for sealed materials; First Amendment protections apply to news reporting on matters of public concern

Prohibited Uses:

Members of the public who obtain divorce records may not use the information for stalking, harassment, identity theft, or any purpose that violates a protective order issued by the court. New York law prohibits the use of personal information obtained from court records for commercial solicitation purposes in certain circumstances.

Obtaining Confidential Records:

A party seeking access to sealed or restricted records must file a motion with the court demonstrating a legitimate legal need. The court applies a balancing test weighing the requesting party's interest against the privacy interests of the affected individuals. Certain governmental entities, including child protective services and law enforcement agencies, are entitled by statute to access otherwise restricted family court information.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Sullivan County?

The Sullivan County Supreme Court Clerk's Office charges standard fees for copies and certified documents in accordance with New York law. Under New York Judiciary Law § 255, the clerk is authorized to collect fees for copies and certifications of court records.

Current Fee Schedule:

Service	Fee
Plain copy (per page)	$0.65 per page
Certified copy of judgment or decree	$6.00 per document
Certification fee (seal and signature)	$5.00
Search fee (clerk-conducted search)	$5.00 per two-year period searched
NYSCEF electronic document download	Free for registered users

New York State Department of Health Divorce Certificate Fees:

Service	Fee
Certified divorce certificate (first copy)	$30.00
Each additional copy ordered at the same time	$30.00

Accepted Payment Methods:

Cash (in-person only)
Money order payable to the Sullivan County Clerk
Personal check (in-person requests)
Credit card (accepted for some online transactions through NYSCEF)

Fee Waivers:

Parties who have been granted poor person status by the court pursuant to New York Civil Practice Law and Rules § 1101 may be entitled to obtain copies of records from their own case without charge. A motion for poor person relief must be filed with the court and granted prior to requesting fee-waived copies.

What Is Available at No Charge:

Viewing case docket entries through the eCourts public portal
Searching for case information by party name online
Viewing electronically filed documents through a free NYSCEF account
Reviewing documents at public access terminals in the clerk's office (no copying fee for viewing only)

What's Included in Divorce Records in Sullivan County

A complete Sullivan County divorce case file contains all documents filed with the Supreme Court from the commencement of the action through final judgment and any post-judgment proceedings. The contents vary depending 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 (Sullivan County Supreme Court) and part assignment
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 Summons with Notice or Verified Complaint identifies both parties, states the date and place of marriage, the date of separation (if applicable), the grounds for divorce, and the relief requested. Under current New York law, the most common ground is irretrievable breakdown of the marriage for a period of at least six months pursuant to New York Domestic Relations Law § 170(7). The complaint also sets forth claims regarding property, support, and custody.

The Statement of Net Worth is a detailed financial affidavit required of both parties in contested matrimonial actions. It discloses income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets (real property, bank accounts, investments, retirement accounts, vehicles, and personal property), and liabilities (mortgages, loans, and credit card debt).

Discovery Documents may include interrogatories and responses, requests for production of documents, deposition transcripts, and subpoenaed financial records. These documents are part of the court file when filed with the clerk.

Property-Related Documents:

Inventory of marital and separate assets with estimated values
Real property appraisals and expert valuation reports
Business valuation reports (if a party owns a business interest)
Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) directing the division of retirement plan benefits

Children-Related Documents (if applicable):

Parenting plan or custody stipulation detailing legal and physical custody, parenting time schedules, holiday arrangements, and decision-making authority
Child support calculation worksheet reflecting both parties' incomes, number of overnights, and applicable expenses
Custody evaluation reports prepared by court-appointed psychologists or evaluators (may be sealed)
Guardian ad litem reports (restricted access)

Settlement Documents:

The Stipulation of Settlement or Separation Agreement is a comprehensive written agreement resolving all issues in the divorce, including property division, debt allocation, spousal maintenance, and child-related provisions. When incorporated into the final judgment, it becomes enforceable as a court order.

Court Orders and Final Judgment:

Temporary orders entered during the pendency of the action address interim custody, support, and use of marital property. The Final Judgment of Divorce is the court's definitive order dissolving the marriage, incorporating or referencing the settlement agreement, and establishing all rights and obligations of the parties going forward.

Post-Judgment Documents:

After entry of the final judgment, the case file may be supplemented with petitions to modify custody or support, contempt motions alleging non-compliance, income deduction orders for support enforcement, and orders on all such applications.

What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:

Social Security numbers (redacted from all public documents)
Financial account numbers (redacted)
Residential addresses of minor children
Mental health and substance abuse evaluation records
Domestic violence evidence in cases with protective orders
Mediation communications (not filed with the court)
Settlement negotiation correspondence (not part of the record)

How to Get Proof of Divorce in Sullivan County?

Proof of divorce in Sullivan County is obtained through a certified copy of the final judgment of divorce issued by the Sullivan County Supreme Court Clerk or through a certified divorce certificate issued by the New York State Department of Health.

Method 1: Certified Copy from the Supreme Court Clerk

A certified copy of the final judgment of divorce is the most comprehensive form of proof and is accepted for remarriage, name change, immigration, and most legal purposes. Members of the public may obtain a certified copy by:

Visiting the Sullivan County Supreme Court Clerk's Office in person at 414 Broadway, Monticello, NY 12701, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Submitting a written mail request to the same address with the parties' names, approximate divorce date, index number (if known), and payment of applicable fees
Requesting through the NYSCEF system for electronically filed cases

Sullivan County Supreme Court Clerk
414 Broadway
Monticello, NY 12701
Phone: (845) 794-4066
Sullivan County Supreme Court

Method 2: Divorce Certificate from New York State Department of Health

The New York State Department of Health issues certified divorce certificates for divorces granted in New York State. A divorce certificate provides official confirmation of the dissolution but contains less detail than the full court judgment.

New York State Department of Health, Vital Records Section
800 North Pearl Street
Menands, NY 12204
Phone: (518) 474-3077
New York State Vital Records

Applications may be submitted by mail using the form available on the Department of Health website. The fee is $30.00 per certified copy. Processing time for mail applications is four to six weeks; expedited processing is available for an additional fee.

Method 3: Online Through VitalChek

The New York State Department of Health partners with VitalChek to process online orders for certified divorce certificates. Orders placed online are subject to the same $30.00 fee plus a service charge.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Sullivan County?

Divorce proceedings in Sullivan County are presumptively public, but New York law and court rules provide mechanisms through which specific documents or entire case files may be sealed or kept confidential under defined circumstances.

Circumstances Under Which Divorce Records May Be Confidential:

Court-ordered sealing: A party may move the court to seal the case file or specific documents upon a demonstrated showing of good cause, such as a credible safety risk, the presence of trade secrets, or the involvement of minor children whose welfare would be harmed by public disclosure
Domestic violence cases: Where a party has obtained an order of protection, the court may restrict public access to addresses, contact information, and evidence related to the abuse
Mental health and medical records: Records reflecting a party's mental health treatment, substance abuse history, or medical condition are subject to heightened privacy protections and are not routinely available to the public
Custody evaluations: Reports prepared by court-appointed psychologists or custody evaluators are restricted from general public access and are available only to the parties, their attorneys, and the court
Mediation communications: All communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and are not filed with the court or made part of the public record
Children's identifying information: The residential addresses, schools, and identifying information of minor children are protected from public disclosure

The legal basis for sealing court records in New York is found in the Uniform Rules for the Supreme Court and the court's inherent authority to protect the integrity of proceedings and the safety of participants. Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion and demonstrate a legitimate legal interest that outweighs the privacy interests at stake.

How Long Does Sullivan County Keep Divorce Records?

Sullivan County Supreme Court divorce records are retained in accordance with the New York State Archives records retention schedules applicable to court records. Retention periods vary by document type and the nature of the proceeding.

Retention Periods for Divorce Records:

Final judgments of divorce: Retained permanently; these records are never destroyed and remain accessible indefinitely
Complete case files (contested matrimonial actions): Retained for a minimum of 50 years from the date of final judgment pursuant to New York State court records retention schedules
Uncontested divorce case files: Retained for a minimum of 25 years from the date of final judgment
Post-judgment modification orders: Retained as part of the original case file for the duration of the applicable retention period
Financial affidavits and discovery documents: Retained as part of the case file for the applicable retention period; some financial documents may be returned to the parties or destroyed after a shorter period upon court order
Electronic records (NYSCEF filings): Maintained in the electronic filing system indefinitely for cases filed electronically

Archived Records:

Cases older than approximately 25 years may be transferred to off-site storage or the New York State Archives. Members of the public seeking records from archived cases should contact the Sullivan County Supreme Court Clerk's Office in advance to arrange retrieval, as additional processing time of one to two weeks may be required.

The New York State Archives maintains records schedules for all state and local government agencies, including courts, and provides guidance on the retention and disposition of official records. Members of the public may consult the Archives' records retention schedules for detailed information on the applicable retention periods for specific document types within matrimonial case files.