Nassau County Divorce Records

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Nassau County Divorce records are the official documents showing a marriage's legal end. They typically include the case number, the names of the spouses, the date, and the place of divorce. People interested in how to find divorce records in Nassau may need them for various reasons, such as settling estates, confirming marital history, gaining personal clarity, or building family trees for genealogy. Nassau County Divorce records are public records, but some details are restricted to protect the parties' privacy.

Nassau County Divorce Rates: In 2023, New York recorded a divorce rate of approximately 2.4 divorces per 1,000 residents. Nassau County, with a population of 1.39 million as of 2024, contributes significantly to the state divorce filings with 3,777 divorces granted in 2017.

Are Divorce Records Public in Nassau County?

Divorce records are public in Nassau County, but they are sealed documents only available in full to the spouses involved, their legal representatives, and specific officials with a court order. The information generally available to the public includes divorce index information and divorce decrees. Information such as financial settlements, child support and custody information, and personal allegations is restricted information that is not generally available to the public but only to the parties themselves.

How to Find Divorce Records in Nassau County

Finding divorce records in Nassau County, New York, depends on whether the searcher is one of the parties involved or just seeking general confirmation. New York law seals divorce files; only spouses or their attorneys can access the full record. Options for persons seeking to look up divorce records in Nassau County include obtaining the documents through the Nassau County Clerk's Office in Mineola. Requesters must provide the case number or names of both spouses and the year of divorce, fill out a request form, and pay the required fee. Certified copies usually cost $5 to $10. The Nassau County Clerk's Office is at:

Nassau County Clerk's Office

240 Old Country Road

Mineola, NY 11501

Alternatively, interested persons can apply through the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH). Applications from the NYSDOH can be submitted via mail, online, or in person. Applicants must provide the full names of both spouses, the date of divorce, and the county. Only the spouses and their legal representatives are eligible to apply. Divorce records through the NYSDOH cost $30 per copy. In-person requests through the NYSDOH must be done at their office in Albany, while mail requests can be made by sending the request to:

NYSDOH Vital Records Office (Albany)

New York State Department of Health

Vital Records Certification Unit

P.O. Box 2602

Albany, NY 12220-2602

In addition, online case index search solutions provide limited information, such as case numbers and filing dates, or just enough information to confirm the divorce. This is available through the New York Unified Court System websiteor genealogy databases.

MethodWhere to GoInfo NeededCostProcessing Time
County Clerk's OfficeNassau County Clerk, MineolaNames of spouses, year of divorce, case numberCertified copies are usually from $5 to $10Same day for in-person requests or a few days by mail
New York State Department of HealthApply online, in Person, or by mailNames of spouses, county of divorce, and date$30 per copy10 to 12 weeks by mail, faster with online
Court Case IndexGenealogy websites or the NY Unified Court System websiteNamesUsually freeInstant online

Overview of the Nassau County Court System

In New York, divorces are filed in the Supreme Court, and they go through the Supreme Court's Matrimonial Division. The court handles divorce filings, separations, and annulments. The Nassau County Supreme Court is at:

100 Supreme Court Drive

Mineola, NY 11501

The Nassau County Clerk's Office is the custodian of all Nassau County Superior Court records, including divorce-related records such as certified copies of divorce judgments.

Note that the family court does not handle divorce filings in Nassau County.

Online Access to Nassau County Divorce Records

Individuals seeking to find Nassau County divorce records online need to know what is available and what is not available. New York divorce records are not provided with full access online for the public to view, so it is not possible to download a full divorce file online or see sensitive details online. Individuals seeking a free online divorce lookup in Nassau County can utilize WebCivil Supreme to search for records and view results, including case numbers, filing dates, case status, and court location. WebCivil Supreme allows search by index number, court, and year.

The Nassau County Clerk's Office does not provide complete online access to divorce case files, but sometimes allows the download of index searches or request forms. There are also third-party sites that interested persons can use to get Nassau County divorce records online. Users of these sites should note that the records for these sites may not be up to date.

What's Typically Included in a Nassau County Divorce Record

Persons searching for divorce records in Nassau County can usually find divorce certificates at the state level or judgment of divorce at the county level. However, certain information is restricted, such as:

  • Financial details showing division of property, debt, and spousal support
  • Custody and child support arrangements to protect children's privacy
  • Sensitive allegations such as claims of abuse, misconduct, and other personal matters

To summarize:

Nassau County Divorce Record Information:

Information TypePublic Availability
Names of both spousesYes
Date of DivorceYes
The county where the divorce was grantedYes
Case or index numberYes
Judgment of Divorce (Divorce decree)Restricted to only parties and attorneys
Financial settlements (property support)No
Child custody and support detailsNo
Sensitive allegations and testimonyNo

How to Get Certified Copies of Nassau County Divorce Records

Individuals seeking legal proof of their divorce for purposes like passport applications or court filings must obtain a certified Nassau County divorce decree, rather than just an informational lookup. A certified copy is legally acceptable as it is stamped and sealed by the court and is deemed the official divorce record copy.

Persons seeking to get a copy of their official divorce record in Nassau County can do so through the Nassau County Clerk's Office or the New York State Department of Health in Albany. Requirements include:

  • Full names of both spouses
  • Approximate year or date of divorce
  • Case or index number if known
  • A valid government-issued photo ID, such as a license, passport, or state ID
  • A photocopy of ID if applying via mail

Applicants can fill in the request form at the Nassau County Clerk's office or use the NYSDOH online application portal for divorce certificates. Required fees are $5 to $10 to the Nassau County Clerk or $30 to the NYSDOH per copy.

In-person requests at the clerk's office can obtain the records on the same day, while requests by mail from the clerk's office usually take 1 -2 weeks. Requests from the NYSDOH take 10 to 12 weeks.

Why People Request Nassau County Divorce Records

There are several reasons for requesting divorce records in Nassau County. These reasons, which can include legal, historic, or personal needs, include:

  • For genealogy or family research
  • Employment or background verification, as in some instances, background check services can seek to verify marital history.
  • Legal or financial matters
  • To provide proof of a finalized divorce
  • To change their name

Nassau County Divorce Records Summary

CustodianAvailable Record TypeAccess MethodFees and Notes
Nassau County Clerk's Office (Mineola)Divorce decrees, judgments, and complete case filesIn person / Mail$5 minimum for four pages; $1.25 per additional page; $5 search fee if index number is unknown; certified copies available only to parties/attorneys
New York State Department of Health (Albany)Divorce certificates from 1963 to the present. Presented in summary only with names, date, and placeMail-in application$30 per copy; excludes complete decree or case details; only parties/legal reps
Can obtain certified copies
Nassau County Supreme Court (Mineola)Docket info, case numbers, court filingsIn-personIndexes and case status access while complete files are not open to the public
Third-Party WebsitesAccumulated divorce record indicesOnlineProvides convenience by showing name, locations, and dates. May not continually be updated

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