Free Divorce Records

Why Get Free Divorce Records?

Divorcing a person is hard enough without worrying about the record. However, there may be times when you need access to your own or other’s divorce records. Reasons for getting them include:

• Original copies were destroyed in fire or flood
• Checking on the status of current motions or filings in an ongoing case
• Find out the status of someone you are dating

Because the dating world is so often filled with untrustworthy people, you can never be sure about those you meet. People you meet online or through a third party may not always be telling you the truth.

People are using all the tools in their disposal to find out everything they can about their potential partner. Not only to protect themselves, but to safeguard children or others who will be affected by their relationship choices as well.

If your investigation into your significant other’s divorce records turn up something suspicious, you may want to reconsider your relationship. This is a big “red flag” that there may be something more going on with this person that you do not want to get involved in.

Finding Divorce Records

To find a divorce record, you will need to know at minimum the last name of the person you are searching for and the state in which she or he filed. Additional information that may be of help includes:

• Full name of person you are searching for
• Name of person whom he or she was divorced from
• County in which papers were filed
• Current or previous address
• Date of divorce decree

As most of the public knows, divorce records are open information to the public. That is why celebrity divorce papers are often shown on entertainment programs.

Viewing free divorce records usually requires a trip down to the county clerk’s office where the papers are held. Although you may be able to view the papers at no cost, there may be a charge to make copies of the divorce records.

Sometimes records are considered “sealed” when extenuating circumstances surround the case, such as physical or sexual abuse of minor children. In those cases, you may not be able to view divorce records.

Beware the “Free” Advertisement

Looking for free divorce records online may seem like the fastest and easiest way to get your information. These so-called “free divorce records” are rarely free. A large portion of companies will check to find records, period. However, actually viewing them will cost you.

Most internet-based companies will list the different names, ages, and locations of people with similar names to the one for which you searched. This information is “free.” To see or read the divorce record, most of these companies direct you to another page, where payment information for the record document is needed. Cost is anywhere from $10-$40, depending on the company you were searching with and the amount of information you want.

The most you may be able to find out for no cost through an online information search is whether or not the person whose free divorce records you are searching for actually exists or has anything on record.

Use Courts to Find Divorce Records

Some states may have an online listing of cases on docket within their court systems. For example, the state of Iowa has an online search system that allows you to do a simple search for free. (Advanced searches will cost money.) Find links to other states at The Background Network.

To find out how to get the easiest access to free divorce records in your county, call the clerk’s office. They will be able to direct you to an online record retrieval system or will look up your information for you. Again, to get a hard copy of the record, you may need to pay a small fee.