“How to check divorce status online in NYC?” is one of the common queries of New Yorkers. Luckily, the whole process is simple, as you will only have to follow some basic steps.
To check the divorce status online in NYC, do this:
- Visit the New York Courts website at www.nycourts.gov.
- Select ‘E-Courts’ from the available options.
- Choose ‘Web Civil Supreme’ and follow the on-screen instructions. After this, click ‘Submit.’
- Use the ‘Index Search’ to enter your case’s index number and the specific county it’s associated with.
- Select ‘Find Case(s)’ to view information about your case.
That’s it.
Continue reading, as we’re now explaining the procedure in detail. In some cases, these steps may not work. Don’t worry; we’re also explaining what you can do instead as well.
Let’s start!
How To Check Divorce Status Online in NYC? (Step-by-Step)
Checking the status of a divorce in New York City online involves a few specific steps. Given the complexity of the legal system and the importance of privacy, it’s important to understand how this process works and what you might need. Here’s a detailed guide on how to check your divorce status online in NYC:
But before we explain the steps, knowing what a divorce record is is essential. In New York, divorce records typically include the divorce decree (the final judgment) and other documents filed in your case, like custody agreements or property settlements.
Step 1: Determine What Type of Divorce Record You Need
New York State provides two types of divorce records:
- Divorce Decree: This is the final judgment from the court, ending the marriage and outlining the terms of the divorce.
- Divorce Certificate: This is a document for record-keeping purposes that confirms that a divorce occurred.
Step 2: Identify Where the Divorce Was Filed
Knowing where the divorce was filed is crucial. If you filed in one of the five boroughs of New York City (Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, or Staten Island), the process might differ slightly from other parts of New York State.
Step 3: Access the New York State Unified Court System’s Website
In this step, visit the New York Courts website at www.nycourts.gov. There, go to ‘E-Courts’ from the available options and select “E-track.”
Step 4: Use the eCourts WebCivil Supreme Service
For divorces filed in New York City, use the eCourts WebCivil Supreme service. This service provides information on both active and disposed Supreme Court cases in all 62 counties of New York, including divorce cases.
Step 5: Searching for Your Case
You can search for your case using various criteria, such as:
- The index number
- Party name
- Attorney/firm name
- Judge name.
For divorce cases, the most straightforward way is to search by the names of the parties involved in the divorce.
Step 6: Review the Case Information
Once you find your case, you’ll be able to see basic information, including the case status, which tells you whether your divorce is still pending or if it has been finalized.
For details on court appearances, click ‘Appearance Date,’ which will open a new dialog box. Here, you can select ‘Show All Appearances’ to view all scheduled appearances for your case.
However, understand the limitations.
Remember, the online system may not provide detailed information, such as the specifics of the divorce decree or settlement. For detailed information, you may need to visit the courthouse or contact the court directly.
Note that divorce records in New York are sealed for 100 years. However, parties involved in the divorce, their attorneys, or someone with a New York State Court Order may access them.
Obtaining a Copy of the Divorce Decree or Certificate is also easy.
For a Divorce Decree: If you need a copy of your divorce decree, visit the County Clerk’s Office in the county where the divorce was granted. Be prepared to provide identification and, possibly, a fee. If you fear your divorce decree might be expired, then don’t worry. We’ve written a guide on divorce decree expiration for you.
For a Divorce Certificate: You can order a divorce certificate through the New York State Department of Health. This can be done online, by mail, or in person. There’s typically a fee for this service.
Additional Steps if You Can’t Find Your Case Online
If you are unable to find your divorce case online in New York City, or if you need more detailed information, there are two main steps you can take:
Step 1: Contact the County Clerk’s Office
The County Clerk’s Office can provide additional guidance and information regarding divorce cases. Each borough in New York City has its own County Clerk’s Office where divorce records are maintained. You can contact these offices online, by phone, or in person.
For instance, the County Clerk’s Office for Manhattan can be reached at the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, Room 161, or by calling 646-386-5955.
Similarly, each of the other boroughs – Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island – has its own County Clerk’s Office with specific contact information and business hours. These offices may offer additional search tools or methods to assist you in finding your case or obtaining more information about it.
Step 2: Hire a Legal Professional
If you find the process challenging or if you are unable to obtain the necessary information through the County Clerk’s Office, consulting with a legal expert is a good idea. Remember that the lawyer you choose must be familiar with New York’s system. You can then easily understand the specifics of your case and access information that may not be readily available through online searches.
It’s important to note that divorce records are not open to public inspection. Also, only one of the parties or attornies representative of the parties can get copies of documents.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information on court operations and how to contact your county’s County Clerk’s Office, you should check the respective websites or directly reach out to the offices. It’s because each county may have specific procedures or requirements for accessing divorce records or case information.
Things to Consider When Checking Divorce Status Online in NYC
In our experience, if the judge reviewing your case identifies any need for corrections in your papers, you will be notified via mail. However, such notifications won’t appear on the website. Therefore, there’s no need to contact the Matrimonial Office to check this, as the E-Courts system is always up-to-date.
If your case status is marked as “Disposed,” it means the judgment has been signed, and you will see a marking labeled “JS/Date” (which stands for “Judgment Signed/Date Signed”) in the ‘Comments’ column.
To get a copy of your signed judgment, visit the Queens County Clerk’s Office, Room 106, approximately 2-3 weeks after the judgment date. It’s a good idea to call the County Clerk’s Office at (718) 298-0616 first to ensure the judgment is ready for pickup.
If your case is marked “Dismissed,” this suggests there were issues with your papers that prevented the judge from signing them. In such cases, you should call the County Clerk’s Office using the same phone number to find out when you can get a copy of the dismissal order for more clarity.
Please note: The status of your divorce won’t appear on the website until your case has been assigned to a judge. There’s no need to call the Matrimonial Office for an estimated date of assignment, as they won’t have this information. Instead, keep checking the website for updates.
Bottom Line
Checking your divorce status online in New York City is easy. You can do this effortlessly if you have some understanding of the legal system and patience. Simply visit the New York court’s website, select “E” court, go to “Web Civil Supreme,” and find your case there.
However, it’s important to respect privacy laws. Furthermore, keep in mind that some information may require a personal visit to the court or a formal request. While convenient, the online system has limitations, so be prepared for additional steps if necessary.
Remember, each divorce case is unique, and the online information is just a part of the larger picture. Staying informed and understanding your rights and resources can make post-divorce life easier and more manageable.
