Ulster County Public Records /Ulster County Divorce Records

Ulster County Divorce Records

What Are Ulster County Divorce Records?

Divorce records in Ulster County are official legal documents maintained by the county clerk's office that document the dissolution of marriage between two individuals. These records are created and maintained pursuant to New York Domestic Relations Law § 236, which governs matrimonial actions including divorce proceedings within the state. Divorce records serve as the official documentation of the legal termination of a marriage and typically include various court filings, judgments, and supporting documentation.

Ulster County divorce records generally consist of:

Petition or complaint for divorce
Summons
Financial disclosure statements
Separation agreements (if applicable)
Child custody and support arrangements
Property division determinations
Final judgment of divorce

These records serve multiple important purposes for citizens, including:

Providing legal proof of marital status change
Enabling remarriage
Supporting legal name changes
Documenting eligibility for Social Security benefits
Verifying status for loan applications
Establishing status for immigration matters
Facilitating estate planning and inheritance matters

The Ulster County Clerk's Office maintains these records as part of its statutory responsibility to preserve court records for the county. Under New York Public Officers Law § 84, known as the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), certain divorce record information may be accessible to the public, though with specific limitations to protect privacy.

Are Ulster County Divorce Records Public?

Ulster County divorce records have a complex public access status that balances transparency with privacy protections. The accessibility of divorce records depends on the specific document type and the requesting party's relationship to the case.

Under New York State law, divorce records are subject to varying levels of access:

Court case files: Basic divorce case information (case numbers, party names, filing dates) is generally available to the public through the Ulster County Clerk's Office. However, pursuant to New York Domestic Relations Law § 235, the actual pleadings, testimony, and other evidence in matrimonial actions are sealed and not available for public inspection except by:
- The parties to the action
- Their attorneys of record
- Individuals with a court order authorizing access
Certificates of dissolution: These official documents confirming a divorce are restricted and available only to:
- The former spouses named in the record
- Their authorized representatives with proper documentation
- Individuals with a New York State court order

The restricted access to detailed divorce records reflects the legislature's recognition of the sensitive personal, financial, and family information contained within these documents. This approach balances the public's right to certain government records with individuals' privacy interests in their domestic affairs.

Researchers seeking statistical information about divorces in Ulster County may access anonymized data through the New York State Department of Health Vital Records Section, which maintains divorce statistics without personally identifying information.

How To Find a Divorce Record In Ulster County in 2026

Members of the public seeking divorce records in Ulster County must follow specific procedures established by the Ulster County Clerk's Office. The process varies depending on the requester's relationship to the case and the specific documents sought.

For parties to the divorce or their attorneys:

Submit a written request to the Ulster County Clerk's Office specifying:
- Full names of both parties to the divorce
- Approximate date of divorce filing or finalization
- Case index number (if known)
- Specific documents requested
- Proof of identity (government-issued photo ID)
If requesting as an attorney of record, provide:
- Bar identification
- Documentation of representation
Pay applicable fees:
- Search fee: $5.00 per name/year
- Copy fees: $0.65 per page
- Certification fee (if needed): $8.00 per document

For third parties without direct case involvement:

Obtain a court order from a New York State judge authorizing access to the specific divorce records
Present the court order along with a written request to the Ulster County Clerk's Office
Pay applicable fees as listed above

Requests may be submitted in person or by mail to:

Ulster County Clerk's Office
244 Fair Street
Kingston, NY 12401
(845) 340-3288
Ulster County Clerk

The office maintains public counter hours Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding legal holidays. Requesters should note that processing times vary based on current volume and staff availability, with in-person requests typically processed more quickly than mail requests.

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Ulster County Online?

Ulster County provides limited online access to divorce record information through its electronic court records system. The online search capabilities allow for basic case verification but do not provide access to the full content of divorce files due to privacy restrictions established under New York law.

To conduct an online search for divorce records in Ulster County:

Visit the Ulster County Clerk's Court Records Search IQS portal
Create a user account if you don't already have one
Select "Matrimonial" from the case type dropdown menu
Enter search criteria such as:
- Party name(s)
- Case number (if known)
- Date range
Review the search results, which typically include:
- Case number
- Filing date
- Party names
- Case type
- Current status

Important limitations of the online system include:

Only basic case information is viewable online
Actual pleadings and judgments are not accessible electronically
Records prior to 1990 may not be included in the electronic database
Sealed cases will not appear in search results

For comprehensive divorce record information, parties to the case or their attorneys must still request copies through the procedures outlined in the previous section. The online system primarily serves as a verification tool to confirm the existence of a case and obtain basic identifying information to facilitate more detailed requests.

Telephone inquiries regarding online access may be directed to the Ulster County Clerk's Office at (845) 340-3288, but staff can only provide technical assistance with the search system, not specific case information, over the phone.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Ulster County?

Ulster County offers limited options for accessing divorce record information without fees, though comprehensive searches and document copies typically involve costs. The following methods may be utilized to obtain basic divorce record information without payment:

In-person index search: Individuals may visit the Ulster County Clerk's Office during regular business hours to conduct a self-service search of the public divorce index. This index provides basic case information including:
- Names of parties
- Case numbers
- Filing dates
- Case status
Public access terminals: The Ulster County Clerk's Office maintains public computer terminals that allow visitors to search basic case information at no charge. These terminals are available on a first-come, first-served basis during regular office hours.
Public library resources: The Kingston Library and other public libraries in Ulster County may provide access to historical newspapers and public records that contain announcements of divorces, particularly for older cases.

It is important to note the following limitations on free access:

While index searches are free, obtaining copies of actual documents requires payment of statutory fees
Staff assistance with extensive searches may incur research fees
Records sealed under New York Domestic Relations Law § 235 are not accessible through free public searches
Free resources typically provide only verification of a divorce's existence, not the substantive content of divorce files

For individuals with financial hardship, the Ulster County Clerk's Office may, at its discretion, waive certain fees upon submission of an affidavit of indigency. This determination is made on a case-by-case basis according to office policies and applicable state regulations.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Ulster County

Divorce records in Ulster County comprise a comprehensive collection of documents that chronicle the entire legal process of marriage dissolution. These records are maintained by the Ulster County Clerk's Office as the official repository of Supreme Court records for the county.

A complete divorce file typically contains the following components:

Summons with Notice or Summons and Complaint: The initiating documents that commence the divorce action, stating the grounds for divorce and relief sought
Verified Answer: The responding spouse's formal reply to the allegations in the complaint
Request for Judicial Intervention (RJI): The form that formally places the case on the court calendar
Financial Disclosure Statements: Sworn statements detailing each spouse's income, expenses, assets, and liabilities, including:
- Statement of Net Worth
- Tax returns
- Pay stubs
- Bank statements
- Investment account information
Separation Agreement (if applicable): A contract between the spouses resolving issues such as:
- Property division
- Debt allocation
- Spousal support arrangements
- Child custody and visitation schedules
- Child support calculations
Parenting Plans: Detailed arrangements for child custody, visitation, and decision-making authority
Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs): Court orders directing the division of retirement accounts and pension benefits
Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law: The court's determinations regarding the facts of the case and application of relevant law
Judgment of Divorce: The final court order that legally terminates the marriage and incorporates all settlements and court decisions
Certificate of Dissolution: The official document certifying that the divorce has been finalized

The level of detail in these records varies depending on whether the divorce was contested or uncontested, and whether it was resolved through settlement or trial. Files for contested divorces that proceeded to trial typically contain transcripts of testimony and exhibits presented as evidence.

Certain sensitive information may be redacted from publicly accessible versions of these documents, including:

Social Security numbers
Financial account numbers
Children's birth dates
Confidential medical information

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Ulster County?

Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in Ulster County have several options for obtaining certified documentation. The appropriate method depends on the intended use of the proof and the level of detail required.

For official proof of divorce, the following options are available:

Certificate of Dissolution:
- This is the most commonly accepted proof of divorce
- Contains names of parties, date of divorce, and county of issuance
- May be obtained by either party to the divorce
- Submit a written request to the Ulster County Clerk's Office with:
  - Full names of both parties (including maiden name if applicable)
  - Date of divorce
  - Copy of government-issued photo ID
  - $8.00 certification fee
Certified Copy of Divorce Judgment:
- More detailed than a certificate of dissolution
- Contains the court's full ruling including property division and custody arrangements
- Available only to parties to the divorce or their attorneys
- Submit request to Ulster County Clerk's Office with:
  - Case number (if known)
  - Names of parties
  - Approximate date of divorce
  - Proof of identity
  - $8.00 certification fee plus $0.65 per page
Exemplified Copy (for use in another state):
- Contains additional certifications attesting to the authenticity of the document
- Includes signatures of the County Clerk and a Supreme Court Justice
- Required fee: $20.00

Requests may be submitted in person or by mail to:

Ulster County Clerk's Office
244 Fair Street
Kingston, NY 12401
(845) 340-3288
Ulster County Clerk

For divorces finalized after January 1, 1963, individuals may also obtain a Certificate of Dissolution from:

New York State Department of Health
Vital Records Section
P.O. Box 2602
Albany, NY 12220-2602
(855) 322-1022
NYS Department of Health Vital Records

Processing times vary based on current volume, with in-person requests typically fulfilled within 1-2 business days and mail requests requiring 2-4 weeks for processing.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Ulster County?

Divorce proceedings in Ulster County offer certain confidentiality protections by default, with additional options available for enhanced privacy in specific circumstances. The confidentiality of divorce records is governed primarily by New York Domestic Relations Law § 235, which establishes special privacy protections for matrimonial proceedings.

By default, the following confidentiality measures apply to all divorce cases in Ulster County:

Pleadings, testimony, and evidence in divorce proceedings are not available for public inspection
Access is restricted to parties, their attorneys, and individuals with court orders
Financial disclosure statements are automatically sealed
Documents containing children's identifying information have restricted access

Additional confidentiality options include:

Sealing the entire case file:
- Requires a motion to the court demonstrating good cause
- Judge must find that privacy interests outweigh the public interest in access
- Typically granted in cases involving:
  - Domestic violence concerns
  - High-profile individuals
  - Sensitive business information
  - Protection of minor children
Anonymous filing (rare):
- Parties are identified by initials rather than full names
- Requires court approval based on exceptional circumstances
- Generally limited to cases involving:
  - Public figures
  - Matters of significant public interest
  - Situations where identification could cause harm
Redaction of sensitive information:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Children's birth dates
- Medical information

It is important to note that while divorce records have enhanced privacy protections, the fact that a divorce occurred remains part of the public record. The index of cases, which includes party names and case numbers, remains publicly accessible unless a specific court order directs otherwise.

Parties seeking additional confidentiality protections should consult with an attorney to file appropriate motions with the court. The determination of whether to grant enhanced confidentiality is made on a case-by-case basis by the presiding judge.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Ulster County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in Ulster County varies significantly based on multiple factors, including case complexity, level of agreement between parties, court caseload, and procedural requirements established by New York State law.

Typical timeframes for divorces in Ulster County are as follows:

Uncontested Divorces:

Minimum waiting period: 6 weeks from filing to finalization
Average processing time: 3-6 months
Factors affecting timeline:
- Completeness of initial paperwork
- Current court processing volume
- Statutory waiting periods
- Administrative review time

Contested Divorces:

Minimum duration: 6-9 months
Average duration: 12-18 months
Complex cases: May extend to 24+ months
Factors affecting timeline:
- Discovery process length
- Court scheduling availability
- Settlement negotiations
- Motion practice
- Trial length (if required)

According to the New York State Unified Court System, the following procedural requirements affect divorce timelines:

Residency requirements must be satisfied before filing
Automatic orders take effect upon filing
Financial disclosure process typically requires 2-3 months
Preliminary conference scheduled within 45 days of Request for Judicial Intervention
Mandatory settlement conferences before trial scheduling

The COVID-19 pandemic created a significant backlog in the court system that continues to affect processing times. Currently, Ulster County Supreme Court is working through this backlog, which may add additional time to both contested and uncontested divorces.

For uncontested divorces, the Ulster County Clerk's Office reports that complete, error-free filings are typically processed within 60-90 days, while filings requiring correction or additional information may take considerably longer.

Parties seeking the most expeditious resolution should consider:

Mediation or collaborative divorce approaches
Ensuring complete and accurate initial filings
Prompt responses to court requests for information
Realistic expectations regarding property division and support

How Long Does Ulster County Keep Divorce Records?

Ulster County maintains divorce records according to a structured retention schedule established under New York State Archives guidelines and the New York Civil Practice Law and Rules § 2103. These retention periods ensure the preservation of important legal documents while managing storage requirements.

The retention schedule for divorce records in Ulster County is as follows:

Permanent Retention:

Judgment of Divorce
Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law
Divorce Decree
Separation Agreements incorporated into judgments
Index of cases (party names, case numbers, dates)
Certificates of Dissolution

Minimum 25-Year Retention:

Case files for contested divorces
Trial transcripts
Exhibits entered into evidence
Financial disclosure statements

Minimum 10-Year Retention:

Uncontested divorce case files
Temporary orders
Motions and supporting documentation
Correspondence related to the case

Minimum 6-Year Retention:

Administrative records
Scheduling documents
Routine procedural filings

Records from approximately 1965 to present are maintained in their original paper format or as microfilm/digital images at the Ulster County Clerk's Office. Records prior to 1965 may have been transferred to the New York State Archives for permanent preservation.

For historical research purposes, divorce records over 100 years old are generally considered historical documents with fewer access restrictions. These older records may be accessed through:

Ulster County Archives
New York State Archives
Historical societies

It is important to note that while the physical records may be destroyed after the minimum retention period, the legal effect of the divorce judgment remains permanent. The index of divorce cases is maintained permanently, allowing verification of a divorce's occurrence even if the full file is no longer available.

How To Get a Divorce In Ulster County

Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Ulster County must follow specific procedures established under New York State law. The divorce process involves several steps that must be completed in sequence.

To initiate a divorce in Ulster County, the following requirements must be met:

Residency Requirements:
- At least one spouse must satisfy one of these conditions:
  - Continuous residence in New York for at least 2 years before filing
  - Continuous residence for 1 year if the marriage occurred in New York or the couple lived in New York as married, or the grounds for divorce occurred in New York
  - Both spouses are New York residents at the time of filing and the grounds occurred in New York
Grounds for Divorce:
- New York recognizes the following grounds:
  - Irretrievable breakdown for at least 6 months (no-fault)
  - Cruel and inhuman treatment
  - Abandonment for at least 1 year
  - Imprisonment for 3 or more consecutive years
  - Adultery
  - Living apart pursuant to a separation judgment or decree
  - Living apart pursuant to a written separation agreement
Filing Process:
- Prepare and file the following documents with the Ulster County Supreme Court:
  - Summons with Notice or Summons and Complaint
  - Notice of Automatic Orders
  - Notice Concerning Continuation of Health Care Coverage
  - Request for Judicial Intervention (RJI)
  - Filing fee of $210 (or fee waiver application if eligible)
Service of Process:
- The non-filing spouse must be properly served with divorce papers
- Service must be completed by someone other than the filing spouse
- Proof of service must be filed with the court
Financial Disclosure:
- Both parties must complete and exchange:
  - Statement of Net Worth
  - Recent tax returns
  - Pay stubs
  - Financial account statements
Resolution Process:
- Uncontested: If the spouse agrees to all terms, the case can proceed directly to judgment
- Contested: If disagreements exist, the case proceeds through:
  - Preliminary conference
  - Discovery
  - Compliance conference
  - Settlement conference
  - Trial (if necessary)
Judgment:
- Once all issues are resolved, the following documents are submitted:
  - Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law
  - Judgment of Divorce
  - Additional forms as required by the court

Divorce papers may be filed at:

Ulster County Supreme Court
285 Wall Street
Kingston, NY 12401
(845) 481-9300
New York State Unified Court System

Individuals considering divorce are strongly encouraged to consult with an attorney or utilize the resources available through the New York State Courts Access to Justice Program.

How To Get Divorce Papers In Ulster County

Individuals seeking to initiate a divorce in Ulster County have several options for obtaining the necessary legal forms. The availability of forms depends on the complexity of the case and whether the divorce is contested or uncontested.

For uncontested divorces, the following resources are available:

New York State Court System Website:
- The NYS Unified Court System provides free downloadable forms for uncontested divorces
- Forms include step-by-step instructions
- Available in both English and Spanish
- Includes separate packets for divorces with and without children
Ulster County Clerk's Office:
- Provides court record resources including divorce form packets
- Available during regular business hours:
  - Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Located at: Ulster County Clerk's Office
  244 Fair Street
  Kingston, NY 12401
  (845) 340-3288
Ulster County Law Library:
- Reference copies of divorce forms and legal resources
- Staff cannot provide legal advice but can direct to appropriate resources
- Located at: Ulster County Courthouse
  285 Wall Street
  Kingston, NY 12401
  (845) 481-9300
Ulster County Supreme Court Clerk's Office:
- Provides information on filing requirements
- Cannot provide legal advice
- Located at: Ulster County Supreme Court
  285 Wall Street
  Kingston, NY 12401
  (845) 481-9300

For contested divorces or complex situations, standardized forms may not be sufficient. In these cases, individuals should consider:

Consulting with an attorney
Utilizing the services of the New York State Courts Access to Justice Program
Contacting the Legal Services of the Hudson Valley for potential assistance if income-eligible

The uncontested divorce packet typically includes:

Summons with Notice or Summons and Complaint
Affidavit of Service
Sworn Statement of Removal of Barriers to Remarriage
Affidavit of Defendant
Note of Issue
Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law
Judgment of Divorce
Certificate of Dissolution
Self-addressed stamped envelopes for court notifications

Individuals should ensure they have the most current versions of all forms, as requirements and procedures are periodically updated by the New York State Office of Court Administration.