Getting a Divorce

A divorce symbolizes so much more than the end of a marriage.  Having divorce records to show is almost as emotionally important as that marriage license was when you first start out.  Divorce doesn’t happen in a minute, it takes time for people to grow apart, to find a new focus, and to be ready to move on.  That divorce certificate is tangible proof of the change.

Keeping a Copy of a Divorce

When a couple divorces, it can be difficult for one or the other to move on.  Still, that divorce decree is a hard copy version of an agreement that is designed to support both partners as they progress into a new life. Child and spousal support arrangements, parenting schedules and important commitments like life or health insurance are all delineated within the divorce decree.

Both parties should receive a certified copy from the State when the divorce is finalized.  For one reason or another, it gets lost sometimes.  Acquiring a copy ensures that you know exactly what you agreed to, especially as the years pass by.  To request a copy, you need to contact the state where you divorced.

State Requirements for Vital Statistic Records

The State will request that you fill out an application and include the name of both parties in the divorce.  You will need to be related in some capacity and be able to prove it with a government issued ID.

A fee is charged, and if you want the whole agreement, and not just verification, expect to pay more.  A certified copy is made, stamped, and sent out.  Keep it in a safe place since social security numbers are usually included in a proper decree.

Conduct an Ancestor Search

While divorces were less common in the past than they are now, they still occurred.  Most states keep records that go back about 100 years with accuracy, but prior to that documentation become spotty.

If you want to get a copy of such divorce records, you will need to apply to the state as described above.  For this, a simple verification is usually enough.  If you lack a maiden name or a wife’s name, the search is still possible.  It will take more time and results are not guaranteed.

Checking Divorce Papers of Someone You are Dating

A strange but equally valid reason to search divorce records is when dating.  People aren’t quite as honest as they should be when presenting themselves in the dating world.  If you want to check up on a potential partner, your best bet isn’t the State, rather it is an online search service.

Find divorce records easily without all the information that a State will require with an online search database.  They will do so under the premise that they are preventing potential harm to physical or financial property, a legitimate clause.  In a matter of minutes, you can find out if your date is really divorced.  Peace of mind waits for you at your keyboard.

Who would have ever believed that we would live in an era where we have to check to see if a date is divorced?  When you need to find divorce records, the best place to search is online.  With everything coming out of the courts being scanned and loaded onto accessible databases, it is possible to find just about anything from the comfort of your own home.

Where to Start Your Divorce Papers Search

The obvious place to start if you want to find out if someone is actually divorced is to ask them.  Ask yourself if the story is credible and reasonable.  If you find yourself questioning the version of events as told, you will have some additional hints as to where you need to search.

Each state will list, in the public record, when a divorce is finalized.  Still, that information isn’t generally available.  The State of Colorado lists the following as those who may view divorce records.  This is a typical list.

The petitioner or respondent listed on certificate Parents, Stepparents, Grandparents and Great Grandparents, Siblings, Children, Stepchildren, Grandchildren, and Great Grandchildren, In-laws, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins if they can demonstrate direct and tangible interest. Legal representative of any of the above Other people who may demonstrate a direct and tangible interest when information is needed for determination or protection of a personal or property right. Paralegal Consular Corps Probate researchers with documented proof of a direct and tangible interest Creditors must present documentary evidence to establish direct and tangible interest Employer for processing benefits Insurance companies so claims/benefits can be processed

An application that provides your information, explaining your interest and proving your credentials, a fee, and naming both the husband and wife are required.  At that point, your request becomes dependant upon a person in the Clerk’s office agreeing with your need.  Why let someone else determine your fate?

Use an Online Search Service Instead

These services have paid to access all the databases compiled by the states and have organized them for easy use.  You can enter just one name to complete a search.  Narrow down the parameters with information you garnered in conversations with your date and quickly find out whether or not the story you heard is accurate.

After all, you don’t really need a certified copy of the divorce decree; you just want to make sure that the person you are dating is actually divorced.  Take a few minutes to quickly find divorce records online and put your mind at ease.

Before filing divorce papers, there are other documents and forms you must also compete. Each state has different parameters and requirements that must be met before your divorce papers can be filed correctly.

Fault or No Fault Divorce Proceedings?

The modern habit in the U.S. now allows for no-fault divorces. In the past, the court would only allow spouses to divorce in the occurrence that either party incurred a liability.

Divorce wasn’t usually permitted for reasons that had no grounds of evidence. In fact, “irreconcilable differences” is frequently cited as the cause of many divorces these days.

Divorce Records–No Laughing Matter

Holmes and Rahe created the Life Events Scale in an attempt to measure life changes. The life events on the scale are listed in order from greatest stress to least stress.

It’s interesting to note that the death of a spouse is at the number 1 spot while divorce is number 2. Martial separation is number 3, and death of a sibling is number 4. All of this leads to the conclusion that divorce and even a marital separation is one of the most stressful things you will go through in life.

If you are going through the process of a divorce, take extra special care of yourself.

It is understood that you should take better care of yourself when you are going through something traumatic, but it’s often hard to do.

Especially if you are seeking a divorce because infidelity has occurred or dishonesty was discovered.

How to Find Pubic Records

If you want to find out if the guy you are seeing is currently married or hiding a divorce he’s not that proud of, you can request a copy of his records at the county courthouse responsible for keeping records.

Be prepared to spend a great deal of time waiting. Unfortunately, most public buildings aren’t open past five or six during the workweek. You may not be able to fit the visit during your lunch hour.

Luckily, there are online sites that have completely consolidated the process for you. These online sites are very reliable for retrieving the same information available at the registrar’s office.

It’s hard enough to get time away from the office for a dentist appointment, let alone the time it would take to research public records in person. Start your online search here.