Divorce records in Herkimer County, New York, can be accessed through several channels. HerkimerCourt.us can help find publicly available divorce record information. You can also obtain records directly from the court that issued the divorce decree, the Herkimer County Clerk's Office, or the New York State Department of Health Vital Records Section. The method you choose depends on whether you need a court file, a certified copy of the decree, or a divorce certificate.
Herkimer Divorce Records Search
In New York, divorce cases are handled by the Supreme Court — which, despite its name, is the state's trial-level court of general jurisdiction. The Herkimer County Supreme Court Clerk maintains case files for divorces granted in the county. These files can include:
- Judgments of divorce (divorce decrees)
- Settlement and separation agreements
- Custody and visitation orders
- Equitable distribution orders
- Related motions and filings
The New York State Department of Health also keeps divorce certificates for divorces granted anywhere in the state since 1963. These certificates confirm that a divorce occurred but do not contain the full case details found in court files. For records of divorces before 1963, the Herkimer County Clerk is typically the point of contact, as the clerk serves as the county's official record keeper.
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Herkimer
Understanding where divorce records are filed helps you contact the right office on the first try.
Herkimer County Supreme Court Clerk
All divorce actions in Herkimer County are filed with and adjudicated by the Supreme Court. After a judgment of divorce is signed by the judge, the court clerk enters it and maintains the complete case file. If you need the full divorce decree, settlement agreement, or any motion filed during the case, this is the office to contact.
Herkimer County Clerk's Office
The County Clerk records certain court judgments and may hold older divorce records. The clerk's office can also help locate documents that were filed or recorded with the county. Reach them at the address and phone number listed above.
New York State Department of Health — Vital Records Section
The state vital records office issues divorce certificates for divorces granted in New York State from 1963 to the present. A divorce certificate is a shorter document that confirms the divorce occurred and lists the parties and date — it is not the same as the full court decree. Requests can be submitted by mail or through the Department of Health's online application.
Which Office Should You Contact?
| What You Need | Where to Go |
|---|---|
| Full divorce decree or judgment | Herkimer County Supreme Court Clerk |
| Settlement agreement or custody order | Herkimer County Supreme Court Clerk |
| Divorce certificate (1963–present) | NYS Department of Health Vital Records |
| Older divorce records (pre-1963) | Herkimer County Clerk's Office |
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Herkimer
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Divorce certificate from NYS Dept. of Health | $30.00 | 4–6 weeks by mail |
| Court record copy (per page, uncertified) | $0.65 | Varies; in-person requests may be same day |
| Certified court document copy | $1.25 per page (minimum $5.00 certification fee) | Varies by court workload |
| County Clerk search fee | $5.00 per two-year period searched | Up to several business days |