Arizona Divorce Records

Marriage and divorce records are unique to each state, and Arizona is no exception to this. Some Arizona divorce records are restricted, which means it may be more difficult to access what would otherwise be completely public in other jurisdictions.

Arizona divorce records are managed by the superior court of the county in which the divorce was filed. This means that if the divorce was filed in Pima County, you would visit the Pima County Superior Court, or if in Cochise County, the Cochise County Superior Court clerk?s office, and so on.

The legislature of the state of Arizona has passed privacy laws over the course of several years that restricted access to certain records. The reason for this is increased security and identity protection for those involved in the cases. As a result, some public records like those of mental health and juvenile criminal cases are restricted with limited public access available. Family, adoption, and marriage records are treated with greater leniency, although it is not as easy to access them as in other states.

Most records must be requested by mail with a proof of relationship to the person whom the case involves. You may also visit an Arizona superior court?s clerk?s office in person to obtain copies of these records. Some counties, such as Maricopa, offer online databases for searching public record. Counties may also operate with 3rd party companies that display recordings of case filings that can be found by name. Keep in mind that many of these ?agencies? are third-party, and require a fee or membership to view their databases.

Older Arizona case filings may not be available online at all. These must be collected in person or through postage. These include cases filed before 1980. For cases prior to 1950, you may have to visit a court in person to resurface the case. Arizona divorce records have been kept in an organized system in the state since 1909, so over a century of marriage certificates and divorce decrees are available through the court, if not by online means.

For convenience and accuracy, the best way to search for records in a restricted state would be to visit the county court?s official website and search their directory for records. If they aren?t available, which may be the case if you live in a smaller county, then you will likely have to plan a visit to the superior court clerk?s office yourself. To begin your Arizona divorce records search online, use the above form and enter a first and last name to begin.