Divorce records in Onondaga County, New York, are available through several channels. OnondagaCourt.us allows quick access to public divorce information in this county. Additionally, records can be obtained directly from the court that issued the decision, at the Onondaga County Clerk's Office, as well as at the New York State Department of Health, which functions as the state office for civil registration.
Onondaga Divorce Records Search
In New York State, divorce cases are handled by the Supreme Court — a court of general jurisdiction with the authority to issue divorce decrees. After a case is concluded, records are stored in two places:
- The Supreme Court Clerk's Office at the Onondaga County Clerk — maintains the complete court file: divorce decree, property settlement agreements, child custody orders, and all procedural documents.
- New York State Department of Health — maintains a registry of divorce certificates starting from 1963.
The county's record collection includes court decisions, settlement agreements, alimony and custody orders, and related motions. Records filed with the Onondaga County Supreme Court date back to the 19th century.
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Onondaga
Divorces in Onondaga County go through the New York State Supreme Court, Sixth Judicial District. This is the only court in the state authorized to issue divorce decrees. Family Court handles custody and alimony matters, but the divorce itself is the exclusive jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.
Once a judge signs the judgment of divorce, the document is filed with the County Clerk's Office. This office is the official custodian of the county's court records. If you need a complete copy of the court's decision with all attachments, contact them.
The state civil registration office maintains a separate record. Here's where to go depending on your needs:
To obtain a divorce decree and case materials:
To obtain a divorce certificate after 1963:
Divorces processed before 1963 are recorded only in the county's court records. For such cases, the County Clerk remains the sole source.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Onondaga
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Court record copy — Onondaga County Clerk | $1.30 per page | During visit or 5–10 business days by mail |
| Certified copy — County Clerk | $5.00 per document | During visit or 5–10 business days by mail |
| Divorce certificate — NYS Department of Health | $30.00 | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Search fee — NYS Department of Health | Included in certificate cost | — |
| Expedited processing — NYS Department of Health | Additional $15.00 + express delivery cost | Approximately 15 business days |