Divorce records in Chautauqua County, New York, can be accessed through several channels. ChautauquaCourt.us can help you find publicly available divorce record information. You can also obtain records directly from the court that issued the decree, the Chautauqua County Clerk's office, or the New York State Department of Health's Vital Records Section. The type of document you need — a full judgment of divorce or a divorce certificate — determines which office to contact.
Chautauqua Divorce Records Search
In New York, divorce cases are heard in Supreme Court. The Chautauqua County Clerk serves as clerk of the Supreme Court and maintains court files including judgments of divorce. The county's own FAQ confirms that copies of judgments of divorce are available from the County Clerk. These court files may include:
- Judgments (decrees) of divorce
- Settlement and separation agreements incorporated into the judgment
- Custody and support orders
- Summonses, complaints, and other pleadings
The New York State Department of Health also maintains divorce certificates — shorter documents that confirm a divorce occurred, listing the names of the parties, date, and county. These certificates are separate from the full court file.
Chautauqua County Clerk's Office
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Chautauqua
Divorce actions in Chautauqua County are filed in and decided by the New York State Supreme Court, Eighth Judicial District. After the court signs a judgment of divorce, it is filed with the Chautauqua County Clerk, who acts as clerk of the Supreme and County Courts. Court filings in New York are now handled through the state's electronic filing system (NYSCEF), though older cases remain in paper files at the clerk's office.
Depending on what you need, contact one of these offices:
For the full judgment of divorce or court file
Chautauqua County Clerk — Supreme & County Court Records
The County Clerk can provide copies of the judgment of divorce and related court documents. You can also submit a FOIL (Freedom of Information Law) request if you need access to specific records from the court file. Most judgments of divorce are less than four pages.
For a divorce certificate (vital record)
New York State Department of Health — Vital Records Section
The Department of Health issues divorce certificates for divorces granted in New York State from January 1963 to the present. For divorces before 1963, contact the Chautauqua County Clerk directly. You can request a divorce certificate online through the NYS Vital Records website.
Which office to contact — quick guide
| What You Need | Contact |
|---|---|
| Full judgment of divorce | Chautauqua County Clerk |
| Settlement agreement or custody order from the case file | Chautauqua County Clerk |
| Divorce certificate (vital record, 1963–present) | NYS Department of Health |
| Divorce certificate (before 1963) | Chautauqua County Clerk |
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Chautauqua
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of judgment of divorce (County Clerk) | $1.25 per page (minimum $1.25); $5.00 per page for certified copies | While-you-wait for in-person requests; 1–2 weeks by mail |
| Divorce certificate (NYS Dept. of Health, by mail) | $30.00 | Approximately 6–8 weeks |
| Divorce certificate (NYS Dept. of Health, online/expedited) | $30.00 plus processing and shipping fees | Approximately 2–4 weeks |
| FOIL request for court records (County Clerk) | $0.25 per page for standard copies | Varies; up to 5 business days for initial response |