Madison County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Madison County in 2026
MadisonNYRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Madison County, New York. Members of the public may find case numbers, filing dates, party names, and final judgment details through official court and clerk resources. Available record categories include divorce decrees, dissolution petitions, settlement agreements, custody orders, and support determinations. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the case and any applicable court-ordered restrictions.
Divorce records in Madison County may be searched through several official channels, including the Madison County Clerk's office, the New York State Unified Court System, the New York State Department of Health Vital Records office, and public access terminals located at the courthouse. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking divorce record information.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Madison County Clerk's office maintains court records that allow for the inspection of judgments and case outcomes. Many records are available online through the county's official portal. Basic case information is accessible at no charge; fees apply for certified copies or document reproduction.
2. New York State Court System Portal
The New York State Unified Court System provides a statewide eCourts search tool that allows users to search divorce and Supreme Court cases across jurisdictions. This consolidated database is particularly useful when the county of filing is uncertain.
3. New York State Vital Records
New York State does not issue divorce certificates through the Department of Health for divorces finalized after January 1, 1963. For divorces finalized between January 1, 1963, and December 31, 1967, the New York State Department of Health maintains divorce records. For all other periods, the Supreme Court in the county where the divorce was granted serves as the primary custodian.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Madison County Supreme Court:
- Address: Madison County Courthouse, 138 North Court Street, Wampsville, NY 13163
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Phone: (315) 366-2261
- Services available:
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View filed documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees
- Staff assistance for locating archived records
Records Department:
Older or archived divorce cases may be stored separately from active files. Members of the public seeking records from cases filed prior to electronic filing should inquire directly with the Clerk's office regarding retrieval timelines for archived materials.
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Madison County Clerk, 138 North Court Street, Wampsville, NY 13163
- Include the following in the written request:
- Full legal names of both parties
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or filing year
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Specific documents requested
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence
- Processing time: Requests are processed within approximately one to two weeks, subject to volume and record availability.
By Phone
Limited Information Available:
- Madison County Clerk: (315) 366-2261
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number and filing date
- General case status
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents by phone
- Copies of filed documents
- Confidential or restricted case information
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in New York State may access divorce case files on behalf of a client, request sealed documents through appropriate court motions, and obtain certified copies with professional authorization. The New York State Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for members of the public seeking legal representation in connection with divorce record access or related family law matters.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses at the time of filing
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate year or date of divorce
- Case number, if previously obtained
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Prior addresses of either party in Madison County
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Divorce proceedings 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 who are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple counties. Under New York Domestic Relations Law § 230, at least one party 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 if the parties were married in New York, lived in New York as a married couple, or the grounds for divorce arose in New York.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Newly finalized cases may not appear in online systems immediately following the final hearing.
- Members of the public should allow several days to several weeks for processing after the final judgment is entered.
Older Divorces:
- Cases predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format.
- Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time.
- Records from the mid-twentieth century or earlier may not be digitized.
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- The divorce was filed in a different county
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- The case has not yet been finalized
- Very old records stored in off-site archives
- The case has been sealed by court order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Madison County Clerk at (315) 366-2261
- Attempt alternate name spellings or maiden name variations
- Search under both spouses' names
- Check the New York State Unified Court System's eCourts portal
- Consult a licensed New York attorney for complex searches
What Are Madison County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Madison County are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings adjudicated in the Madison County Supreme Court. These records constitute part of the permanent family law court file and are maintained by the Madison County Clerk as the official custodian of Supreme Court records.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files
The complete case file includes all documents filed by the parties and the court throughout the proceeding:
- Summons with notice or summons and complaint
- Verified complaint for divorce
- Defendant's answer or affidavit of defendant
- Financial disclosure affidavits (Form UD-8 or UD-8a)
- Parenting plans and custody stipulations
- Settlement agreements and stipulations of settlement
- Motions, orders to show cause, and court orders
- Transcripts of court hearings (if ordered)
- Final judgment of divorce
Final Decree
The final judgment of divorce is the official court order dissolving the marriage. It establishes:
- The legal date of dissolution
- Division of marital property and debt
- Spousal maintenance terms, if any
- Child custody and parenting time arrangements, if applicable
- Child support orders, if applicable
- Restoration of a former surname, if requested
Certified copies of the final judgment are available through the Madison County Clerk's office upon payment of applicable fees.
Supporting Documents
Supporting materials filed with the court may include:
- Marriage certificate
- Financial disclosure statements
- Property appraisals and valuations
- Parenting plan details
- Post-judgment modification orders
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
The Madison County Clerk serves as the primary custodian of all Supreme Court divorce records, including complete case files and certified copies of final judgments. The New York State Department of Health maintains limited divorce records only for the period between January 1, 1963, and December 31, 1967.
Legal Framework:
Divorce proceedings in New York are governed by the New York Domestic Relations Law, which establishes grounds for divorce, residency requirements, and procedural rules. Public access to court records is governed by the New York Judiciary Law and the court rules of the Unified Court System. Under New York Domestic Relations Law § 170, irretrievable breakdown of the marriage for a period of at least six months constitutes a no-fault ground for divorce in New York State.
Are Madison County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Madison County Supreme Court are public court records subject to the presumption of public access 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.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and scheduled appearances
- Court orders and judgments
- Final judgment of divorce
- Property division orders
- General case status and docket entries
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers are redacted from all publicly accessible documents pursuant to court rules
- Bank account numbers and credit card numbers are redacted
- Detailed tax returns may be subject to limited access
Children's Information:
- Names and addresses of minor children may be redacted in certain circumstances
- Schools attended by children
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children
- Child custody evaluations may be sealed by court order
- Guardian ad litem reports are subject to restricted access
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse records
- Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders
Sealed Records:
A court may seal divorce records 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.
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.
- Parties to the case: Have full access to their own case file, including documents that may be restricted from general public view.
- Attorneys: Have professional access to case files and may seek court authorization to access sealed materials.
- Researchers and media: May access public portions of case files; sealed records require court authorization.
Prohibited Uses:
- Stalking, harassment, or intimidation of any party
- Identity theft or fraudulent purposes
- Violation of any existing protective or restraining order
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Madison County?
The Madison County Clerk's office charges standard fees for the reproduction and certification of divorce records. Current fees are established pursuant to New York County Law § 909, which governs fees charged by county clerks for official services.
| Service | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy (per page) | $0.65 per page |
| Certified copy of judgment or decree | $5.00 per document |
| Search fee (when no record is found) | $5.00 |
| Exemplified/authenticated copy | $10.00 per document |
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash (in-person only)
- Personal check or money order made payable to the Madison County Clerk
- Credit or debit card (availability subject to confirmation with the Clerk's office)
Fee Waivers:
Members of the public who are parties to the original divorce proceeding and who demonstrate financial hardship may petition the court for a fee waiver. Fee waiver applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
What Is Available at No Charge:
- Viewing case docket entries online through the New York State Unified Court System portal
- Confirming the existence of a case by phone or in person
- Reviewing documents at public access terminals in the Clerk's office (no copy fee for viewing only)
What's Included in Divorce Records in Madison County
A complete Madison County divorce case file contains all documents filed from the initiation of proceedings through final judgment and any post-judgment modifications. The following summarizes the principal categories of documents found in a typical divorce case file.
Basic Case Information:
- Case caption including case number, court name, and division
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Judge assigned to the matter
- Attorneys of record with contact information
- Filing date and case type designation
Initial Pleadings:
The petition or verified complaint sets forth the petitioner's identifying information, the respondent's identifying information, the date and location of marriage, the date of separation if applicable, the grounds for divorce under New York Domestic Relations Law, information regarding any children of the marriage, and the relief requested including property division, maintenance, and custody.
The respondent's answer or affidavit of defendant states the respondent's position, admissions or denials of the allegations, and any counterclaims or requests for affirmative relief.
Financial Affidavits:
Both parties are required to submit financial disclosure affidavits detailing income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets including real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investment and retirement accounts, and personal property, as well as all liabilities including mortgages, loans, and credit obligations.
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory with descriptions and estimated values
- Debt inventory including all joint and individual obligations
- Real property appraisals
- Business valuations, if applicable
- Expert reports on asset values
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting plan or custody stipulation specifying legal and physical custody
- Timesharing schedule including regular, holiday, and vacation provisions
- Child support calculation worksheet
- Income information for both parties
- Health insurance and childcare cost documentation
- Child support order specifying amount, payment method, and schedule
- Custody evaluations, if ordered by the court (may be sealed)
- Guardian ad litem reports, if a guardian was appointed (subject to restricted access)
Support Documents:
- Spousal maintenance agreement or court order specifying type, amount, duration, and termination conditions
- Calculation worksheets reflecting income, standard of living, and statutory factors
Settlement Documents:
- Stipulation of settlement or marital settlement agreement resolving all contested issues
- Mediation agreement, if the parties participated in mediation (note: mediation communications themselves are confidential)
Court Orders and Final Judgment:
- Temporary orders entered during the pendency of the proceeding
- Final judgment of divorce incorporating all terms of the dissolution
- Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO), if retirement accounts are divided, directing the plan administrator to distribute benefits
Post-Judgment Documents (if applicable):
- Petitions to modify custody, parenting time, or support
- Court orders on modification petitions
- Income deduction orders for support enforcement
- Contempt motions and orders
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:
- Social Security numbers (redacted from all public documents)
- Bank account and financial account numbers (redacted)
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence details (may be sealed upon motion)
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluations
- Mediation communications (confidential by law)
- Trade secrets contained in business valuations
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Madison County
Proof of divorce in Madison County is obtained through a certified copy of the final judgment of divorce issued by the Madison County Clerk. A certified copy bears the official court seal and the signature of the County Clerk, and is accepted as legal proof of marital dissolution for purposes of remarriage, name change, immigration proceedings, Social Security benefits, and estate planning.
Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy:
- Gather the full names of both parties and the approximate year of divorce. The case number, if known, will expedite the search.
- Contact the Madison County Clerk's office in person, by mail, or by phone to confirm the case number and document availability.
- Submit a written request specifying the documents needed, along with payment of the applicable certification fee.
- For in-person requests, present a valid government-issued photo identification.
- For mail requests, include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order payable to the Madison County Clerk.
Madison County Clerk's Office
138 North Court Street
Wampsville, NY 13163
Phone: (315) 366-2261
Madison County Clerk
Members of the public who require divorce information or self-represented litigants seeking forms may also access resources through the New York State Unified Court System, which provides standardized uncontested divorce forms and instructions at no charge.
New York State Department of Health — Vital Records
Corning Tower, Empire State Plaza
Albany, NY 12237
Phone: (518) 474-3077
New York State Vital Records
For divorces finalized between January 1, 1963, and December 31, 1967, members of the public may request a divorce record from the New York State Department of Health. For all other periods, the Supreme Court Clerk in the county of filing is the sole custodian.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Madison County?
Divorce proceedings in Madison County are presumptively public, but certain records or portions of records may be made confidential by court order or by operation of law.
Circumstances under which divorce records may be confidential include:
- Domestic violence cases: When a party has obtained an order of protection or has alleged domestic violence, the court may seal the residential address and contact information of the protected party to prevent disclosure to the adverse party or the public.
- Children's information: Pursuant to New York court rules, identifying information about minor children, including addresses, schools, and medical records, may be redacted from publicly accessible documents.
- Mental health and substance abuse records: Records reflecting mental health treatment or substance abuse evaluation are protected under state and federal law and are not part of the public court record.
- Sealed cases: A party may move the court to seal the entire case file upon a showing of compelling circumstances. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties.
- Mediation communications: Under New York law, all communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and are not filed with the court or disclosed to the public.
- Confidential settlements: Settlement terms that the parties designate as confidential may be incorporated by reference into the final judgment without being set forth in full in the public record.
The legal basis for sealing or restricting access to court records is found in the New York Civil Practice Law and Rules and the Uniform Rules for the Supreme Court.
How Long Does Madison County Keep Divorce Records?
Madison County maintains divorce records in accordance with the New York State Archives records retention schedules applicable to Supreme Court case files.
Retention periods for divorce records include:
- Final judgments of divorce: Retained permanently. The final judgment of divorce is a permanent court record and is never destroyed.
- Complete case files (contested divorces): Retained for a minimum of 50 years following the close of the case, pursuant to New York State Archives retention schedules for Supreme Court civil case files.
- Complete case files (uncontested divorces): Retained for a minimum of 25 years following the close of the case.
- Financial disclosure affidavits: Retained as part of the case file for the applicable retention period.
- Post-judgment modification orders: Retained as part of the original case file and subject to the same retention schedule.
- Archived paper records: Cases predating electronic filing are maintained in paper format and may be stored off-site. Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time.
Members of the public seeking records from older cases should contact the Madison County Clerk's office directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures. The New York State Archives publishes retention schedules for local government records, including court records, which govern the minimum periods for which records must be preserved.