Divorce records in Sullivan County, New York, are available through several channels: online tools, the court that issued the decree, the county clerk's office, and the New York State Department of Health. SullivanNYCourt.us can help find public information about divorce records in the county. Additionally, you can contact the civil department of the Sullivan County Clerk's Office, the Supreme Court of the county, or the New York State Department of Health as the state registry of vital records.
Sullivan Divorce Records Search
In New York State, divorce cases are handled exclusively by the Supreme Court — despite its name, it is a court of first instance with general jurisdiction. After a divorce decree is issued, the documents are stored in two places: the court's office and the Sullivan County Clerk's Office.
The collection of divorce records includes:
- Judgment of divorce (divorce decree)
- Settlement agreements
- Custody orders
- Divorce certificates issued by the Department of Health
- Related procedural documents — complaints, motions, alimony decisions
Copies of divorce records can be obtained by the plaintiff, defendant, or their attorneys — an ID must be presented. Contact the civil department of the county clerk's office.
Sullivan County Clerk's Office — Civil Department
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Sullivan
Divorces in Sullivan County go through the Sullivan County Supreme Court. This court issues the judgment of divorce, and the complete court proceedings — from the complaint to the final decision — are stored in its office.
Once the judge signs the decree, the county clerk registers it in their office. Therefore, a copy of the divorce decree can usually be obtained through both the court and the county clerk's divorce records department.
Separate from court records, there is a divorce certificate — a brief document confirming the fact of divorce. It is issued by the New York State Department of Health, Vital Records Section.
Where to Go Depending on Your Needs
- Complete court decision, property settlement agreement, custody orders — Sullivan County Supreme Court or the county clerk's civil department.
- Divorce certificate — New York State Department of Health, Vital Records Section.
Sullivan County Supreme Court
New York State Department of Health — Vital Records Section
Note: The Department of Health maintains divorce records from 1963 to the present. For divorces prior to 1963, contact the clerk of the county where the decree was issued directly.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Sullivan
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy of divorce decree (County Clerk) | $1.25 per page + $5.00 for certification | During visit or 5–10 business days by mail |
| Divorce certificate (NYS Department of Health) | $30.00 | Approximately 4–6 weeks |
| Record search in county clerk's archive | $5.00 per name for two years of search | Depends on the complexity of the request |
| Additional certified copy (Department of Health, in the same request) | $15.00 | Together with the main request |