Yes, divorce records are generally public records. This means that basic information about a divorce—such as the names of the spouses, the court where the case was filed, and the date of the divorce—is usually accessible to the public. However, access to specific details can vary depending on state law and whether any portion of the record has been sealed.
Understanding what information is public, what is restricted, and how to access divorce records can save time and prevent frustration.
What Information in Divorce Records Is Public?
In most cases, the following information is considered public:
- Names of both spouses
- Date the divorce was filed and finalized
- Court location and case number
- Type of case (divorce, dissolution, legal separation)
- Final judgment or divorce decree (with limitations)
This information is typically available through the courthouse or official government databases.
What Information Is Usually Not Public?
While divorce records are generally public, not everything inside the file is freely accessible.
Commonly restricted or redacted information includes:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Detailed financial disclosures
- Medical or mental health records
- Information involving minor children
- Domestic violence or restraining order details
Courts may automatically redact sensitive information, or they may restrict access entirely if privacy concerns outweigh public access.
How to Find Divorce Records: Step-by-Step
1. Identify Where the Divorce Was Filed
Divorce records are maintained by the county court where the divorce was filed—not the county where the spouses lived afterward.
You will need:
- Full names of one or both spouses
- Approximate date of the divorce
- County or court where the case was handled
2. Check Online Court Records
Many courts provide online access to basic case information.
You can often:
- Search by name or case number
- View case summaries
- Confirm filing and judgment dates
Some courts allow you to download copies of documents, while others only show case details and require an in-person or written request for copies.
3. Request Records from the Court Clerk
If documents are not available online, you can request them directly from the court clerk’s office.
This may involve:
- Submitting a request form
- Paying a small copy or certification fee
- Showing identification in some cases
Certified copies are usually required for legal or administrative purposes.
Divorce Decrees vs. Divorce Records: What’s the Difference?
A divorce record refers broadly to the case file and public information about the divorce.
A divorce decree is the final court order that officially ends the marriage and outlines:
- Property division
- Support obligations
- Custody and parenting plans (if applicable)
Divorce decrees are often public but may be partially redacted or restricted depending on the case.
Are Divorce Records Public in California?
In California, divorce case information is generally public, but access to documents is more limited than in some states.
- Case summaries and judgments are usually accessible
- Financial disclosures and custody evaluations are not public
- Certain records may only be available to the parties or their attorneys
Because privacy rules can be nuanced, especially in sensitive cases, many people consult an experienced Los Angeles divorce attorney to understand what information is accessible and whether any records can be restricted or sealed.
Can Divorce Records Be Sealed?
Yes, but not automatically.
Courts may seal or restrict divorce records when:
- Children’s privacy is at risk
- There is a history of domestic violence
- Sensitive financial or medical information is involved
- Public access would cause undue harm
Sealing records usually requires a court order and a valid legal reason. Judges balance privacy interests against the public’s right to access court records.
Why Someone Might Look Up Divorce Records
People search for divorce records for many legitimate reasons, including:
- Genealogy or family history research
- Verifying marital status
- Legal or financial due diligence
- Confirming prior court orders
- Administrative or background checks
Understanding the limits of public access helps ensure searches are done appropriately and lawfully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are divorce records public everywhere?
Most states treat divorce records as public, but access rules vary. Some states restrict access to certified copies or detailed filings.
Can anyone get a copy of a divorce decree?
In many cases, yes—but certified copies may be limited to the parties involved or require additional verification.
Are online divorce record websites reliable?
Some are accurate, others are outdated or incomplete. Official court or government websites are the most reliable sources.
Can I hide my divorce records from the public?
Only in limited situations. Courts must approve requests to seal or restrict records.
Key Takeaway
Divorce records are generally public, but access is not unlimited. While basic case information is often available, sensitive details may be restricted, redacted, or sealed depending on the circumstances and state law. Knowing where to look—and what you can realistically obtain—makes the process far easier and avoids unnecessary frustration.
