Divorce record is a legal document otherwise known as dissolution of marriage. Such document states that two people whom were married are now divorced. This document cannot be used for identity theft. However, most states prefer to keep people's vital documents confidential. Divorce certificate is a one page document that states that formerly husband and wife are now legally divorced. There exist two types of divorce records.
The first one is the divorce decree. This is the document prepared by the court, setting forth the terms and conditions of the divorce. It is signed by the judge and filed with the County Clerk of the County where the decree was issued. This is usually the County where the plaintiff resided. For information about obtaining a copy of a divorce decree, contact the appropriate County Clerk. Please note that if the divorce was granted before January 1, 1963, the divorce decree is the only type of document available. Your final decree of divorce is the court’s formal order granting a termination of your marriage. If your case goes to trial and the judge issues a judgment, the judgment is confirmed when the decree is signed and dated by the judge and court clerk. A final decree of divorce is archived in the vital records office of your courthouse, in the county in which you obtain your divorce. In most situations, the court clerk or your attorney will mail you a copy of your final decree. If this doesn’t happen or you need an extra copy you should write to or go to the court clerk’s office and request a copy. Certified copies of actual divorce decrees are only available from the Superior Court in the county where the divorce was filed. The Office of Vital Records can only issue a Certificate of Record - and only for divorces that occurred between 1962 and June 1984. A Certificate of Record includes the names of the parties to the divorce, the county where the divorce was filed, and the court case number. A Certificate of Record is not a certified copy of the divorce decree, and does not indicate whether the divorce was ever finalized in court. Divorce decree becomes a more important document if the divorced parties share children. Decree goes in detail describing the visitation right of none custody parent and child support details. In cases as such, divorce certificate is much less significant because it is simply a document that states that a person is divorced. On the other hand, you may want to obtain both the certificate and decree.
The second is a divorce certificate filed, for example, with the New York State Department of Health for divorces granted on or after January 1, 1963. The divorce certificate contains basic information about the husband and wife, and the date and place the marriage ended. For information about obtaining a divorce certificate copy from the New York State Department of Health, please continue. Divorce certificates are available from the Department of Health only for divorces which occurred within the past five years. After five years, the records are transferred to the State Archives and Records Administration(exit VDH). To order a divorce certificate from the Department of Health you will need to complete the application, print it on your local printer, sign and date the application and return it with your check or money order to the specified address.
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