Stark County Divorce Records

What Are Stark County Divorce Records?

Stark County divorce records are official legal documents that provide information about divorce proceedings that have taken place within Stark County, Ohio. These records are maintained by the Stark County Clerk of Courts and document the legal dissolution of marriages. They serve as official proof that a divorce was granted and typically contain information about the parties involved, the date of divorce, and various terms of the settlement.

The Family Court's Domestic Relations Division handles divorce cases in Stark County, creating and maintaining these records as part of their official duties.

Stark County Clerk of Courts, 115 Central Plaza North, Canton, OH 44702

Are Stark County Divorce Records Public?

Yes, divorce records in Stark County are considered public records under Ohio law. This means that any member of the public can request access to these documents without having to provide a reason for their request. However, certain sensitive information within these records may be redacted to protect privacy.

The public nature of these records allows for transparency in the legal system while also providing necessary documentation for individuals who need proof of divorce for personal, legal, or administrative purposes.

How To Find a Divorce Record In Stark County in 2025

To find a divorce record in Stark County in 2025, you can follow these steps:

1. Visit the Stark County Clerk of Courts office in person at the Stark County Courthouse.
2. Provide the names of the parties involved in the divorce and the approximate date of the divorce filing or finalization.
3. Pay the required search and copy fees (typically $1.00 per page for copies, with certified copies available for an additional fee).
4. For records from 1960 to present, contact the Stark County Clerk of Courts directly.
5. For older records (pre-1960), you may need to contact the Ohio History Connection, as they maintain historical records.

Ohio History Connection, 800 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, OH 43211

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Stark County Online?

Stark County offers online access to certain court records, including divorce cases. To look up divorce records online:

1. Visit the Stark County Clerk of Courts website.
2. Navigate to the "Case Search" or "Records Search" section.
3. Enter the relevant information such as names of the parties or case number if known.
4. Review the search results, which typically include basic case information.

Note that while basic case information is available online, you may not be able to view all documents in their entirety. Some documents may only be available by visiting the courthouse in person or by making a specific request.

Stark County Family Court, 110 Central Plaza South, Suite 601, Canton, OH 44702

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Stark County?

There are several ways to access divorce records in Stark County without paying fees:

1. Use the public access terminals at the Stark County Courthouse, which allow free searching of court records.
2. Visit the Stark County Law Library, which provides access to legal records for research purposes.
3. Use the online case search function on the Stark County Clerk of Courts website, which allows free searching of basic case information.

While searching records may be free, obtaining copies typically involves fees. Standard copies cost $1.00 per page, and certified copies have additional fees.

Stark County Law Library, 101 Central Plaza South, Canton, OH 44702

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Stark County

Stark County divorce records typically include:

1. The petition or complaint for divorce
2. Summons and proof of service
3. Financial affidavits and disclosures
4. Separation agreements
5. Child custody and support arrangements
6. Property division details
7. The final decree of divorce
8. Any post-decree modifications

These records document the entire legal process from filing to final judgment, including any contested issues and how they were resolved by the court.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Stark County?

To obtain proof of divorce in Stark County:

1. Request a certified copy of the divorce decree from the Stark County Clerk of Courts.
2. Provide the names of both parties and the approximate date of the divorce.
3. Pay the required fee for a certified copy (typically around $3-5 per certification in addition to copy fees).
4. For expedited service, visit the clerk's office in person rather than requesting by mail.

A certified copy of the divorce decree serves as legal proof of divorce and can be used for name changes, remarriage, immigration purposes, and other legal matters.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Stark County?

While divorce records are generally public in Stark County, there are some options for maintaining privacy:

1. Sealing records: In exceptional circumstances, a judge may order divorce records sealed, but this requires demonstrating compelling reasons.
2. Confidential information: Certain sensitive information like Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and children's information is automatically redacted from public versions of the records.
3. Alternative dispute resolution: Resolving issues through mediation can keep some details out of the public court record.

Complete confidentiality is rare, as Ohio law generally favors public access to court records.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Stark County?

The timeline for a divorce in Stark County varies based on several factors:

1. Uncontested divorces: When both parties agree on all terms, the process can take as little as 3-4 months from filing to finalization.
2. Contested divorces: When disputes exist over property, custody, or support, the process can take 9-18 months or longer.
3. Dissolution of marriage: This alternative to traditional divorce, where parties have already agreed on all terms, can be completed in as little as 30-90 days after filing.

Factors that affect timing include court scheduling, complexity of assets, whether children are involved, and the level of cooperation between parties.

How Long Does Stark County Keep Divorce Records?

Stark County maintains divorce records indefinitely. Records from 1960 to the present are kept by the Stark County Clerk of Courts and are readily accessible. Records prior to 1960 may be transferred to the Ohio History Connection (formerly the Ohio Historical Society) for archival purposes, but they are still preserved and available for research.

Digital records are becoming increasingly common, with many recent records available in electronic format, while older records may exist only on microfilm or as paper documents.

How To Get a Divorce In Stark County

To initiate a divorce in Stark County:

1. Determine eligibility: Either you or your spouse must have been a resident of Ohio for at least six months and a resident of Stark County for at least 90 days.
2. Choose between divorce or dissolution: Dissolution is for couples who agree on all terms, while divorce is necessary when there are disagreements.
3. Prepare and file the appropriate petition with the Stark County Family Court.
4. Pay the filing fee (approximately $300, though fee waivers may be available for those who qualify).
5. Serve the other party with the divorce papers.
6. Attend all required hearings and mediation sessions.
7. Finalize the divorce through either settlement or trial.

Legal representation is recommended but not required. The Stark County Family Court also offers resources for those representing themselves.

How To Get Divorce Papers In Stark County

Divorce papers can be obtained through several methods:

1. Visit the Stark County Family Court's Domestic Relations Division to obtain the necessary forms in person.
2. Download forms from the Stark County Family Court website.
3. Work with an attorney who will prepare the appropriate documents.
4. Use the Ohio Supreme Court's standardized domestic relations forms, which are accepted in Stark County.

The specific forms needed depend on your situation, including whether children are involved, whether the divorce is contested, and whether you're seeking temporary orders during the proceedings.

Lookup Divorce Records in Stark County

For more information about divorce records in Stark County, you can visit these resources:

• Marriage & Divorce Records - Stark County Court - Information on how marriage and divorce records are maintained, including costs and procedures for obtaining certified copies.

• Stark County Clerk of Courts - The official page for the Clerk of Courts, which handles divorce records and other legal documents.

• Domestic Relations - Stark County - Details about services provided by the Domestic Relations Division, including divorce proceedings.

• Divorce - Vital Records at the Archives & Library of the Ohio History Connection - Information on accessing historical divorce records in Ohio.