Greene County Public Records /Greene County Divorce Records

Greene County Divorce Records

How To Find a Divorce Record In Greene County in 2026

GreeneNYRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Greene County, New York, including court filings, final decrees, and related case documents. Members of the public may find case numbers, party names, filing dates, judgment details, and docket entries. Record categories available through official channels include divorce decrees, dissolution orders, property settlement agreements, custody arrangements, and support orders.

Records may be searched through official resources including the Greene County Clerk's office, the New York State Unified Court System, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online search tools maintained by state and county agencies.

Online Searches

1. Clerk of Court Case Search

The New York State Unified Court System's eCourts portal provides online access to civil court case information, including Supreme Court matrimonial actions where divorces are filed in New York. This is the most common method for locating Greene County divorce cases. Basic case information is available at no charge; fees apply for certified copies of documents.

2. State Court System Portal

The New York Courts WebCivil Supreme portal allows members of the public to search across jurisdictions statewide. Divorce proceedings in New York are filed in Supreme Court, and the portal consolidates case data from all counties, including Greene County.

3. State Vital Records

New York State does not issue divorce certificates through the Department of Health for divorces granted after 1963. The New York State Department of Health Vital Records office maintains divorce records only for the period 1963–1967. For all other periods, the official record is held by the court that granted the divorce.

In-Person Searches

Greene County Supreme Court Clerk (County Clerk's Office)

Divorce actions in Greene County are filed with the Supreme Court, and the County Clerk serves as the clerk of that court. Members of the public may visit the office to search case files, view documents, request certified copies, and use public access terminals.

Greene County Clerk's Office
411 Main Street
Catskill, NY 12414
Phone: (518) 719-3255
County Clerk | Greene County, New York

Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Staff are available to assist with case searches, and public access terminals are located on-site for self-service record review.

Greene County Records Center

Historical and archived divorce case files may be stored at the Greene County Records Center, which is overseen by the County Clerk.

Greene County Records Center
465 Main Street
Catskill, NY 12414
Phone: (518) 719-3255
Greene County Records Center

By Mail

Written Request

Members of the public may submit written requests for divorce record copies by mail to the Greene County Clerk's Office at 411 Main Street, Catskill, NY 12414. Requests should include:

Full names of both parties (including maiden names where applicable)
Approximate date of divorce
Case number, if known
Requester's full name and contact information
Purpose of the request, if required
Payment for applicable copy fees
A self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence

Processing time for mail requests is typically one to two weeks, depending on volume and whether records require retrieval from the Records Center.

By Phone

Limited Information Available

The Greene County Clerk's Office may be reached at (518) 719-3255. Staff can confirm whether a case exists in the system, provide a case number, confirm case status, and verify the filing date. Staff are not able to provide detailed document contents, copies of filed documents, or any confidential case information by telephone.

Through Attorneys

An attorney licensed in New York may access divorce case files on behalf of a client, request sealed documents through appropriate court motions, and obtain certified copies. Members of the public seeking assistance with complex or sealed records may consult the New York State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service for a referral to qualified legal counsel.

Information Needed for Search

Essential Information:

Full legal names of both spouses
Maiden names, if applicable
Approximate date of divorce or filing
Case number, if known

Helpful Information:

Date and location of marriage
Previous addresses in Greene County
Names of children, if applicable
Names of attorneys of record, if known

Search in Correct County

Divorce actions in New York are filed in the Supreme Court of the county where either spouse resided at the time of filing. Members of the public should search in the county of residence, not the county where the marriage occurred. If residency is uncertain, it may be necessary to search multiple counties. Under New York Domestic Relations Law § 230, at least one spouse must have been a resident of New York State for a minimum of two years immediately preceding the commencement of the action, or one year under certain qualifying circumstances.

Time Considerations

Recent Divorces: Newly finalized divorce records may not appear in online systems immediately following the final hearing. Members of the public should allow several days to several weeks for processing before the record becomes searchable.

Older Divorces: Records predating electronic filing systems may be archived in paper format at the Greene County Records Center and may require additional retrieval time. Records that have not been digitized require in-person or mail requests.

What If You Cannot Find a Record

Common Issues:

Incorrect county of search
Name variations between married and maiden names
Spelling differences in party names
Case still pending and not yet finalized
Very old records held in off-site storage
Record sealed by court order

Next Steps:

Contact the Greene County Clerk's Office at (518) 719-3255
Attempt alternate name spellings
Search under both spouses' names
Check the New York State Department of Health Vital Records for records from 1963–1967
Consult a licensed New York attorney for sealed or difficult-to-locate records

What Are Greene County Divorce Records?

Greene County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings filed in the Greene County Supreme Court. These records constitute part of the public court file and are maintained by the Greene County Clerk in the capacity of Supreme Court clerk. Divorce records document the legal dissolution of a marriage and encompass all pleadings, orders, agreements, and judgments entered in the case.

Types of Divorce Records

Court Case Files include the full set of documents filed with the court throughout the proceeding:

Summons with notice or summons and complaint
Verified complaint for divorce
Defendant's answer and counterclaim, if any
Financial disclosure affidavits (Form UD-8 and UD-8a)
Parenting plans and custody stipulations
Settlement agreements and stipulations of settlement
Motions, orders to show cause, and resulting orders
Transcripts of court hearings, if ordered
Judgment of divorce and findings of fact

Final Judgment of Divorce is the official court order that legally ends the marriage. It establishes the date of dissolution, division of marital property, any spousal maintenance award, child custody and parenting time arrangements, child support obligations, and any court-ordered name restoration. Certified copies of the judgment are available from the County Clerk's office.

Supporting Documents filed in the case may include the original marriage certificate, financial disclosure statements, property appraisals, parenting evaluations, and any post-judgment modification orders.

Purpose of Divorce Records

Divorce records serve a range of legal and personal purposes:

Proof of marital status for remarriage
Documentation for name change proceedings
Evidence in estate planning and probate matters
Support for immigration applications
Verification for Social Security benefit claims
Genealogical and family history research
Personal record-keeping and verification of divorce terms

Who Maintains Divorce Records

The Greene County Clerk's Office is the primary custodian of divorce records for cases filed in Greene County Supreme Court. The Greene County Records Center at 465 Main Street, Catskill, NY 12414, maintains archived and historical case files under the oversight of the County Clerk.

The New York State Department of Health maintains a limited set of divorce records for the period 1963–1967 only. As noted by the New York State Archives, members of the public seeking divorce records outside that period should contact the clerk of the court that granted the divorce.

Legal Framework

Divorce proceedings in New York are governed by the New York Domestic Relations Law § 170, which sets forth the grounds for divorce, including irretrievable breakdown of the marriage for a period of at least six months. Public access to court records is governed by the New York Civil Rights Law and the Uniform Rules for the Supreme Court, which establish a presumption of public access to court filings subject to specific statutory and judicial exceptions.

Are Greene County Divorce Records Public?

Divorce records filed in Greene County Supreme Court are public court records subject to the presumption of openness under New York law. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need or purpose. However, certain categories of information within divorce files are restricted or redacted to protect sensitive personal and financial data.

What Is Public:

Case number and filing date
Names of both parties
Names of attorneys of record
Court hearing dates and resulting orders
Final judgment of divorce
Property division orders
General case status and docket entries
Stipulations of settlement incorporated into the judgment

What May Be Restricted:

Financial Information:

Social Security numbers (redacted pursuant to court rules)
Bank account and credit card numbers (redacted)
Detailed tax returns (may be filed under seal)
Certain financial disclosure affidavits (limited public access in some circumstances)

Children's Information:

Residential addresses of minor children
Names of schools children attend
Medical and psychological records pertaining to children
Custody evaluation reports (may be sealed by court order)
Guardian ad litem reports (restricted access)

Sensitive Personal Information:

Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders
Medical records of either party

Sealed Records

A court may seal all or part of a divorce file upon a showing of good cause. Cases involving allegations of abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlement terms may be subject to sealing orders. Mediation communications are confidential under New York law and are not part of the public court record.

Legal Basis for Public Access

The presumption of public access to court records in New York is grounded in the Uniform Rules for the New York State Trial Courts and the New York Civil Rights Law. Restrictions on access require a specific legal basis, and courts apply a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties and any minor children.

Who Can Access Records:

General Public: May access most case information, view docket summaries, and obtain copies of public documents upon payment of applicable fees. Photo identification may be required.
Parties to the Case: Have full access to their own case file, including documents that may be restricted from general public view.
Attorneys: May access case files on behalf of clients and may petition the court for access to sealed materials upon a proper showing.
Researchers and Media: May access public portions of the record; access to sealed materials requires court authorization.

Prohibited Uses of Divorce Records:

Stalking, harassment, or intimidation of any party
Identity theft or fraudulent purposes
Violation of any protective or restraining order
Any use prohibited by applicable state or federal law

How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Greene County?

The Greene County Clerk's Office charges standard fees for copies and certified copies of divorce records. Current fees are established pursuant to New York County Law § 909, which governs fees charged by county clerks for record services.

Standard Fee Schedule:

Service	Fee
Plain copy (per page)	$0.65 per page
Certified copy of judgment or decree	$5.00 per document
Certification fee (seal and signature)	$5.00
Search fee (when no record found)	$5.00

Additional Fee Information:

Fees are subject to change; members of the public should confirm current fees with the County Clerk's Office at (518) 719-3255 prior to submitting a request.
Accepted payment methods at the Greene County Clerk's Office include cash, check, and money order made payable to the Greene County Clerk. Credit card acceptance should be confirmed directly with the office.
Mail requests must include a check or money order; cash is not accepted by mail.
Electronic copies, where available through the eCourts system, may be subject to separate fees established by the Office of Court Administration.
Inspection of records at the public access terminal is available at no charge; fees apply only when copies are requested.
Fee waiver provisions may be available for indigent parties upon application to the court; members of the public seeking a fee waiver should consult with the clerk's office or legal counsel.

What Is Available at No Cost:

Viewing case docket entries and case status through the New York Courts eCourts portal
In-person inspection of public case documents at the County Clerk's Office
Verbal confirmation of case existence, case number, and filing date by telephone

What's Included in Divorce Records in Greene County

A complete Greene County divorce case file contains all documents filed with the Supreme Court from the initiation of the proceeding through final judgment and any post-judgment motions. The scope of the file depends on whether the divorce was uncontested or contested and whether children or significant assets were involved.

Basic Case Information:

The case caption identifies the case number, the court and division, the names of the petitioner and respondent, the assigned judge, and the attorneys of record. Filing information includes the date the action was commenced, the filing fees paid, and the jurisdictional basis for the action.

Initial Pleadings:

The Summons with Notice or Verified Complaint sets forth the petitioner's identifying information, the respondent's identifying information, the date and location of the marriage, the date of separation if applicable, the grounds for divorce under New York Domestic Relations Law § 170, information regarding any children of the marriage, claims regarding marital property, and the relief requested. The defendant's Answer and any Counterclaim set forth the respondent's position and requests for relief.

Financial Affidavits:

Both parties are required to file a Net Worth Statement (Form UD-8) disclosing income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets including real property, vehicles, bank and investment accounts, retirement accounts, and personal property, as well as all liabilities. These affidavits form the evidentiary basis for property distribution and support determinations.

Property-Related Documents:

The case file may include a marital asset inventory, appraisals of real property and business interests, valuations of retirement accounts, and a debt inventory covering mortgages, vehicle loans, credit card obligations, and other liabilities. Expert reports on asset valuation may also be filed.

Children-Related Documents:

Where the parties have minor children, the file includes a Parenting Plan or custody stipulation addressing legal custody (decision-making authority), physical custody and primary residence, a detailed parenting time schedule including holidays and vacations, transportation arrangements, and provisions for relocation. A Child Support Worksheet prepared pursuant to the Child Support Standards Act documents the income of both parties, the number of children, and the calculated support obligation. If the court ordered a custody evaluation, the evaluator's report may be included, subject to any sealing order.

Settlement Documents:

An uncontested divorce typically includes a Stipulation of Settlement or Separation Agreement signed by both parties and their attorneys, addressing all issues including property division, debt allocation, spousal maintenance, and child-related provisions. Mediation agreements, if any, may be incorporated by reference but mediation communications remain confidential.

Court Orders and Final Judgment:

Temporary orders entered during the pendency of the action address interim custody, support, and use of marital property. The Final Judgment of Divorce is the court's definitive order dissolving the marriage, incorporating or referencing the settlement agreement, and setting forth all terms of the dissolution. If retirement accounts are divided, a separate Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) is prepared and filed to instruct the plan administrator.

Post-Judgment Documents:

The file may also contain petitions to modify custody or support, enforcement motions, income deduction orders, and contempt proceedings filed after entry of the final judgment.

What Is Typically Confidential or Redacted:

Social Security numbers and financial account numbers
Residential addresses and school information for minor children
Domestic violence evidence and related protective order materials
Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
Sealed custody evaluations and guardian ad litem reports
Settlement negotiation communications not filed with the court
All mediation communications

How to Get Proof of Divorce in Greene County

Proof of divorce in Greene County is obtained through a certified copy of the Judgment of Divorce issued by the Greene County Clerk's Office. A certified copy bears the clerk's official seal and signature and constitutes legally recognized proof that the marriage was dissolved by court order.

Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy:

Identify the case number by searching the New York Courts eCourts portal or by contacting the Greene County Clerk's Office at (518) 719-3255.
Submit a request in person at the Greene County Clerk's Office, 411 Main Street, Catskill, NY 12414, during business hours (Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.), or submit a written request by mail.
Provide the full names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, and the case number if known.
Pay the applicable certification fee (currently $5.00 per certified document plus $0.65 per page for copies).
Receive the certified copy in person or by mail with a self-addressed stamped envelope.

For divorces granted between 1963 and 1967, members of the public may also contact the New York State Department of Health Vital Records Section at Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12237, telephone 855-322-1022 (toll free), for a divorce record from that period.

For all other periods, the certified copy from the County Clerk is the authoritative proof of divorce recognized by government agencies, financial institutions, and courts.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Greene County?

Divorce proceedings in Greene County are presumptively public, but certain cases or portions of cases may be made confidential by court order or by operation of law.

Circumstances Under Which Divorce Records May Be Confidential:

Court Sealing Orders: A party may move the Supreme Court to seal all or part of the case file upon a demonstrated showing of good cause, such as the presence of trade secrets, sensitive business information, or a compelling privacy interest that outweighs the public interest in access.
Domestic Violence Cases: Where a party has obtained an order of protection or where the case involves allegations of domestic violence, the court may restrict public access to addresses, contact information, and related evidence to protect the safety of the victim.
Children's Information: Pursuant to New York court rules, information identifying the residential address, school, or medical condition of a minor child is subject to redaction from publicly accessible documents.
Mental Health and Medical Records: Records pertaining to the mental health or medical treatment of either party, if filed with the court, may be sealed or restricted from public access.
Mediation Records: All communications made in the course of court-ordered or voluntary mediation are confidential under New York law and do not become part of the public court record.
Sealed Settlements: Confidential settlement agreements may be filed under seal if the court approves, though the existence of the case and the final judgment remain public.

Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the court demonstrating a legitimate legal basis for access. The court evaluates such requests on a case-by-case basis.

How Long Does Greene County Keep Divorce Records?

Greene County retains divorce records in accordance with the New York State Archives records retention schedules applicable to Supreme Court case files. Retention periods vary by document type and the nature of the proceeding.

Retention Periods for Divorce Records:

Final Judgments of Divorce: Retained permanently. The judgment of divorce is a permanent court record and is not subject to destruction.
Complete Case Files (Contested Divorces): Retained for a minimum of 50 years from the date of final judgment, pursuant to the New York State Archives retention schedule for Supreme Court matrimonial records.
Complete Case Files (Uncontested Divorces): Retained for a minimum of 25 years from the date of final judgment under applicable retention schedules.
Financial Affidavits and Supporting Documents: Retained as part of the case file for the applicable retention period.
Post-Judgment Modification and Enforcement Records: Retained as part of the original case file for the duration of the applicable retention period.
Archived Records: Case files that have exceeded their active retention period may be transferred to the Greene County Records Center at 465 Main Street, Catskill, NY 12414, or to the New York State Archives for long-term preservation.

Members of the public seeking records from older cases should contact the Greene County Clerk's Office to determine whether the file has been transferred to the Records Center or the State Archives. The New York State Archives maintains guidance on locating historical court records that have been transferred from county custody.