Delaware County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Delaware County in 2026
Members of the public seeking divorce records in Delaware County may access publicly available information through DelawareOHRecords.us and official government resources. Delaware County divorce records may include final decrees, case filings, custody orders, and property settlement agreements. Available record categories include:
- Final judgments of dissolution
- Petitions and responses
- Parenting plans and custody orders
- Support orders and financial affidavits
- Post-judgment modification orders
Records can be searched through official resources including the Delaware County Clerk of Courts, the Ohio Courts public access portal, the Ohio Department of Health Vital Statistics office, and public access terminals located at the courthouse. The following methods are available to members of the public at present.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Delaware County Clerk of Courts online case search provides the most common method for locating divorce case information. Basic case information is available at no charge, though fees apply for obtaining copies of documents.
2. State Court System Portal
The Ohio Courts public access portal allows members of the public to search across jurisdictions and access a consolidated statewide database of court case information, including family law matters filed in Delaware County Common Pleas Court.
3. State Vital Records
The Ohio Department of Health Vital Statistics maintains divorce records for the state of Ohio. Divorce certificates may be obtained through this office for a fee. Ohio registers divorces as vital records, and the state office maintains an index of all divorces granted in Ohio.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Domestic Relations Division
Delaware County Clerk of Courts
91 N. Sandusky Street
Delaware, OH 43015
Phone: (740) 833-2500
Delaware County Clerk of Courts
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Services available in person include:
- Searching case files by party name or case number
- Viewing documents at public access terminals
- Requesting certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Staff assistance for locating records
Records Department
The Clerk of Courts maintains a separate records area for archived and historical cases. Older divorce records that have not been digitized may require additional retrieval time. Certified copy requests for archived cases are accepted at the same address listed above.
By Mail
Written Request
Mail requests to:
Delaware County Clerk of Courts
91 N. Sandusky Street
Delaware, OH 43015
Phone: (740) 833-2500
Delaware County Clerk of Courts
Written requests should include:
- Full names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's contact information
- Purpose of request, if required
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
Processing time for mail requests is typically one to two weeks, depending on case volume and whether records require retrieval from archives.
By Phone
Limited Information Available
- Clerk of Courts: (740) 833-2500
- Staff can confirm whether a case exists, provide the case number, confirm case status, and verify the filing date
- Staff cannot provide detailed document contents, copies of documents, or confidential case information by phone
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Ohio may access divorce records on behalf of a client, request sealed documents through appropriate court motions, and assist with complex cases involving restricted or confidential information. The Ohio State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service connects members of the public with qualified family law attorneys.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses in Delaware County
- Names of children, if applicable
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Divorce proceedings in Ohio are filed in the county where either spouse resided at the time of filing. Members of the public may need to search multiple counties if residency is uncertain. Under Ohio Revised Code § 3105.03, one spouse must have been a resident of Ohio for at least six months immediately preceding the filing of the complaint for divorce.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces: Records for recently finalized cases may not appear in online systems immediately. Members of the public should allow several days to weeks after the final hearing for records to be processed and indexed.
Older Divorces: Cases predating electronic filing systems may be archived in paper format. These records may not be digitized and may require additional retrieval time upon request.
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common reasons a record may not be located include:
- The divorce was filed in a different county
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- The case is still pending and has not been finalized
- Very old records stored in off-site archives
- The case has been sealed by court order
Members of the public encountering difficulty locating a record may contact the Clerk of Courts at (740) 833-2500, attempt alternate name spellings, search under both spouses' names, or check the Ohio Department of Health Vital Statistics office.
What Are Delaware County Divorce Records?
Delaware County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings filed in the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division. These records constitute part of the public court file and are maintained by the Clerk of Courts as the primary custodian.
Types of Divorce Records
Court Case Files include the full range of documents filed during the proceeding:
- Complaint for divorce or dissolution of marriage
- Answer and counterclaim, if filed
- Financial affidavits from both parties
- Parenting plans and shared parenting agreements
- Settlement agreements
- Motions, responses, and court orders
- Transcripts of court hearings
- Final judgment entry of divorce or dissolution
Final Decree: The final judgment entry is the official court order terminating the marriage. It serves as legal proof of divorce and establishes the date of dissolution, division of marital property, spousal support terms, child custody and parenting time arrangements, child support orders, and any approved name changes. Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Clerk of Courts.
Supporting Documents may include the original marriage certificate, financial disclosure statements, property inventories, appraisals, and any post-decree modification orders.
Purpose of Divorce Records
Divorce records serve legal purposes including proof of marital status for remarriage, name change documentation, property transfer proceedings, estate planning, immigration proceedings, and Social Security benefit determinations. They also serve personal purposes such as genealogical research and verification of divorce terms.
Who Maintains Divorce Records
The Delaware County Clerk of Courts is the primary custodian of all divorce case files and provides certified copies upon request. The Ohio Department of Health Vital Statistics maintains a statewide index of divorces and issues divorce verification letters and certificates.
Legal Framework
Divorce proceedings in Ohio are governed by Ohio Revised Code § 3105.01, which establishes the grounds for divorce and the jurisdiction of the domestic relations court. Public access to court records is governed by the Ohio Rules of Superintendence, Rule 44 through Rule 47, which establish the presumption of public access to court records while providing for restrictions on certain categories of sensitive information.
Are Delaware County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Delaware County are public court records subject to Ohio's public records law. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents. However, certain categories of information are restricted or may be sealed by court order.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of parties
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and docket entries
- Court orders and judgments
- Final divorce decree
- Property division orders
- General case status
What May Be Restricted
Financial Information: Social Security numbers and financial account numbers are redacted from public court records pursuant to Ohio Rules of Superintendence, Rule 45. Detailed tax returns and certain financial statements may be subject to limited access.
Children's Information: Names and addresses of minor children, schools attended, medical information, psychological evaluations, and guardian ad litem reports may be restricted or sealed to protect the interests of minor children.
Sensitive Personal Information: Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence, mental health records, medical records, substance abuse treatment information, and personal addresses in cases involving protective orders may be restricted or sealed.
Sealed Records: A court may seal a divorce case file or specific documents upon a showing of good cause. Cases involving abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlements may be subject to sealing orders.
Legal Basis for Public Access
Ohio's public records law, codified at Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, establishes the presumption that public records are open to inspection by any person. Restrictions on access require a specific legal basis, and the burden rests on the custodian to demonstrate that a restriction applies.
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. Photo identification may be required.
- Parties to the Case: Have full access to their own case file, including confidential information pertaining to their matter.
- Attorneys: May access case files and, with appropriate court authorization, may request sealed documents.
- Researchers and Media: May access public portions of case files. Court permission is required to access sealed records, with First Amendment considerations applicable to news reporting.
Restrictions on Use
Prohibited uses of divorce records include stalking or harassment, identity theft, fraudulent purposes, and violation of protective orders. Permitted uses include legal proceedings, background checks conducted in accordance with applicable law, genealogical research, news reporting, academic research, and personal verification of divorce status.
Obtaining Confidential Records
A party seeking access to sealed or restricted records must file a motion with the court demonstrating a legitimate need. The court evaluates such requests on a case-by-case basis, applying a balancing test between the public interest in transparency and the privacy interests of the parties. Certain entities, including law enforcement agencies, child protection investigators, and court-appointed evaluators, may be entitled by statute to access otherwise restricted records.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Delaware County?
The Delaware County Clerk of Courts charges standard fees for copies and certified copies of divorce records. Current fees are as follows:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy (per page) | $0.10 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree | $1.00 per page + $1.00 certification fee |
| Exemplified copy | $1.00 per page + $2.00 exemplification fee |
| Online case information (basic) | Free |
| Document download (online) | Varies by document |
- Inspection of public records at the courthouse is available at no charge during regular business hours.
- Certified copies of the final judgment entry are the most commonly requested documents and are required for remarriage, name change proceedings, and legal status verification.
- The Ohio Department of Health charges a separate fee for divorce verification letters issued through the vital records office; current fees are listed on the Ohio Department of Health Vital Statistics fee schedule.
- Accepted payment methods at the Clerk of Courts include cash, check, money order, and credit or debit card.
- Fee waivers may be available for indigent parties upon application to the court. Members of the public seeking a fee waiver should contact the Clerk of Courts directly.
- Fees for copies are governed by Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, which permits public offices to charge the actual cost of making copies.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Delaware County
A complete Delaware County divorce case file contains documents generated from the initial filing through final judgment and any post-decree proceedings. The contents vary depending on whether the case was contested or uncontested and whether children were involved.
Basic Case Information
The case caption identifies the case number, the name of the court and division, the names of the petitioner and respondent, the judge assigned, and the attorneys of record. Filing information includes the date filed, fees paid, and the case type.
Initial Pleadings
The complaint for divorce or dissolution sets forth the petitioner's information, the respondent's information, the date and location of the marriage, the date of separation if applicable, the grounds for divorce, information about minor children, property claims, and the relief requested. The answer or response contains the respondent's position, admissions or denials, and any counterclaim.
Financial affidavits filed by both parties disclose income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets including real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investments, and personal property, and liabilities including mortgages, loans, and credit card debt.
Discovery Documents
Discovery materials may include tax returns, pay stubs, bank and investment account statements, retirement account statements, credit card statements, loan documents, business financial statements, written interrogatories and answers, and requests for production of documents.
Property-Related Documents
The marital asset inventory describes and values all marital property. The debt inventory identifies all marital liabilities. Appraisals and expert valuations for real property, business interests, and personal property may be included in the file.
Children-Related Documents
When minor children are involved, the case file includes a parenting plan or shared parenting plan addressing legal custody, physical custody, the regular parenting time schedule, holiday and vacation schedules, transportation arrangements, and decision-making responsibilities for education, healthcare, religion, and extracurricular activities. Child support calculation worksheets, income information, and the support order are also part of the file. Custody evaluations and guardian ad litem reports, when ordered, may be restricted or sealed.
Support Documents
Spousal support provisions, if any, identify the type, amount, duration, payment schedule, modification provisions, and termination conditions. Calculation worksheets documenting the standard of living analysis and the need and ability to pay are included.
Settlement Documents
The marital settlement agreement is a comprehensive document resolving all issues in the case, including property division, debt allocation, spousal support, child-related provisions, tax provisions, and attorney fee allocation. Mediation agreements, when applicable, may be incorporated into the settlement agreement.
Court Orders and Judgments
Temporary orders addressing custody, support, use of property, and restraining orders may be entered during the pendency of the case. The final judgment entry of divorce or dissolution is the court's definitive order ending the marriage, containing findings of fact, conclusions of law, and all provisions governing the parties' rights and obligations. Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) are entered separately when retirement accounts are divided.
Post-Judgment Documents
Post-decree filings may include petitions to modify custody or support, contempt motions, income deduction orders, and enforcement actions. These documents are part of the original case file and are accessible under the same public access rules applicable to the original proceeding.
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 (restricted)
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
- Settlement negotiations not incorporated into filed documents
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Delaware County
Proof of divorce in Delaware County is obtained through a certified copy of the final judgment entry of divorce or dissolution, issued by the Delaware County Clerk of Courts. A certified copy bears the court's official seal and the clerk's certification, making it acceptable for legal purposes including remarriage, name change proceedings, and government benefit applications.
Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy:
- Identify the case number by searching the Delaware County Clerk of Courts online case search or by contacting the Clerk's office at (740) 833-2500.
- Submit a request in person at the Clerk of Courts, 91 N. Sandusky Street, Delaware, OH 43015, or by mail to the same address.
- Provide the full names of both parties, the case number, and the approximate date of the divorce.
- Pay the applicable certification fee at the time of the request.
- Receive the certified copy in person or by mail, depending on the method of request.
For divorces granted in Ohio but not in Delaware County, members of the public may obtain a divorce verification letter from the Ohio Department of Health Vital Statistics office, which maintains a statewide index of all divorces granted in Ohio.
Delaware County Court of Common Pleas — Domestic Relations Division
91 N. Sandusky Street
Delaware, OH 43015
Phone: (740) 833-2500
Delaware County Court of Common Pleas
Ohio Department of Health — Vital Statistics
246 N. High Street
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: (614) 466-2531
Ohio Department of Health Vital Statistics
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Delaware County?
Divorce proceedings in Delaware County are presumptively public, but certain cases or portions of cases may be made confidential under Ohio law and court rules.
- A court may seal a divorce case file or specific documents upon a finding of good cause, such as the presence of domestic violence, abuse allegations, or sensitive information requiring protection.
- Mediation communications are confidential by statute and are not part of the public court record.
- Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and similar identifying information are redacted from all public documents pursuant to Ohio Rules of Superintendence, Rule 45.
- Information pertaining to minor children, including residential addresses, school information, and psychological evaluations, may be restricted or sealed to protect the children's welfare.
- Domestic violence victims may request that their addresses and contact information be withheld from public court records.
- A party seeking to seal a divorce record must file a motion with the court and demonstrate a specific legal basis for confidentiality. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in open records against the privacy interests at stake.
- The legal framework governing confidentiality in Ohio family law cases is found in the Ohio Rules of Superintendence, Rule 45, which addresses the redaction of personal identifiers from public court documents.
How Long Does Delaware County Keep Divorce Records?
Delaware County divorce records are retained for extended periods in accordance with Ohio's records retention schedules established by the Ohio Historical Records Advisory Board and the Ohio Common Pleas Court records retention schedule.
- Final judgment entries and permanent court orders in divorce cases are retained permanently and do not expire or become unavailable over time.
- Complete case files, including all pleadings, motions, and supporting documents, are retained for a minimum of 75 years from the date of the final judgment under the Ohio Common Pleas Court records retention schedule.
- Post-decree modification orders and enforcement actions are retained as part of the original case file for the same retention period applicable to the underlying case.
- Older paper records that have not been digitized remain available upon request, though retrieval may require additional time.
- Records that have been microfilmed or digitized are accessible through the Clerk of Courts and may also be available through the Ohio History Connection, which maintains historical court records for some counties.
- The retention schedule applicable to Ohio court records is established pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.38, which governs the management and preservation of public records by state and local agencies.
- Members of the public seeking records older than those available in the Clerk's active system should contact the Clerk of Courts directly to inquire about retrieval procedures for archived materials.