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Quick Overview of Divorce Records

Quick Overview of Divorce Records Divorce records are often a complete record of all of the aspects of a divorce, including the causes, the filing process, the court hearing, and the ultimate settlement. However, the specificity of the records will depend on the type of divorce that took place. In contested divorces, the records will be complete and concise in regards to all events that took place during the divorce. For example, the divorce records will contain any allegations on acts committed against the marriage contract or grounds for divorce. Those allegations may include physical abuse, emotional abuse, or infidelity. The divorce record will also include any testimony that took place. 

For example, involved children may have been asked who they preferred to live with, and their answers would be recorded in the divorce record. In addition, those divorce records would include a divorce agreement and orders for child support, spousal support, and child custody. The divorce agreement is a detailed record that describes how property and assets were distributed. Also, the agreement, which is part of the divorce record, will detail all debt, as well as which individual is held responsible for said debt. Divorce records will include significantly less information when a divorce agreement is handled outside of the court room. In fact, divorce records in that case will only include the divorce agreement that was approved by the judge. Anyone can have access to divorce records, as they are public records. Many couples choose to keep their divorce out of the courtroom because of the public access to divorce records. 

In fact, many couples consider the possibility that their children may one day have access to those records. Parents sometimes want to spare their children form the stress involved in contested divorces, including records of disputes between parents. In fact, children of divorce can view those records as soon as they turn eighteen. In addition, there are no restrictions on access to such information, and anyone can view it at any time.


Individuals can search for public records online, but there is often a fee associated with such services. However, individuals will likely acquire a complete public record on the name that they had searched. In contrast, individuals may obtain a free divorce record from any court house. The only stipulation is that they make the request at the courthouse where the divorce took place, or at which the divorce agreement was approved. Divorce records are important for numerous different purposes. Any individual can easily gain access to public records, including divorce records.

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