Delaware County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Delaware County in 2026
DelawarePARecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Members of the public may find case docket entries, final decrees, party names, filing dates, and related court documents through official channels. Available record categories may include dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, property settlement agreements, support orders, and custody determinations. Access and completeness of records vary depending on the age of the case and applicable confidentiality protections.
Divorce records in Delaware County may be searched through official court resources, the Clerk of Courts office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and authorized online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking divorce case information.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The C-Track Public Access portal provides online access to Delaware County Court of Common Pleas civil case dockets and the judgment index. This is the most common method for locating divorce case information remotely.
- Free basic case information, including party names, filing dates, and docket entries
- Document images may require a fee or in-person request
- Search by party name or case number
- The portal notes that "while every effort is made to keep information provided over the internet current and accurate, the County does not guarantee the accuracy of the information"
2. State Court System Portal
The Pennsylvania Courts statewide portal provides access to public records policies and links to individual county court resources, including Delaware County. Members of the public may use this portal to navigate court-specific access tools across jurisdictions.
3. Pennsylvania Vital Records
Pennsylvania does not currently register divorce certificates through the Pennsylvania Department of Health vital records system in the same manner as birth or death records. Divorce records are maintained exclusively by the Court of Common Pleas in the county where the action was filed. Members of the public seeking official proof of divorce must obtain certified copies directly from the court.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Courts — Family Division (Office of Judicial Support)
Office of Judicial Support
201 W. Front Street
Media, PA 19063
Phone: (610) 891-4370
Delaware County Office of Judicial Support
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Services available in person:
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View filed documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Staff assistance for locating case information
- Payment of copy and certification fees
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Office of Judicial Support, 201 W. Front Street, Media, PA 19063
- Include the following in the written request:
- Full names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
- Requester's full name and contact information
- Specific documents requested
- Payment for applicable fees (check or money order payable to Delaware County)
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
- Processing time: Requests are processed in the order received; allow one to two weeks for standard requests
By Phone
Limited Information Available:
- Clerk of Courts: (610) 891-4370
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number and filing date
- General case status
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents by phone
- Copies of filed documents
- Confidential or restricted case information
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Pennsylvania may access divorce case files on behalf of a client, request sealed or restricted documents through appropriate court motions, and obtain certified copies. Members of the public seeking legal representation may consult the Pennsylvania Bar Association's lawyer referral service for assistance locating qualified family law counsel.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses at the time of filing
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or filing
- Case number, if previously obtained
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Last known addresses of the parties
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Divorce actions in Pennsylvania are filed in the Court of Common Pleas of the county where either spouse resided at the time of filing. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple county court systems. A divorce may not be searched in the county where the marriage ceremony occurred unless one of the parties also resided there.
Under 23 Pa. C.S. § 3104, jurisdiction over divorce actions is vested in the Court of Common Pleas of the county in which either party is domiciled.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Newly finalized cases may not appear in online systems immediately
- Allow several business days to weeks after the final hearing for the record to be indexed
- Contact the Clerk of Courts directly to confirm availability
Older Divorces:
- Cases predating electronic filing may exist only in paper form
- Archived records may require additional retrieval time
- Not all historical records have been digitized
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- Incorrect county — the divorce was filed in a different county
- Name variations, including married versus maiden name
- Spelling differences in party names
- The case remains pending and has not been finalized
- Very old records stored in off-site archives
- The case has been sealed by court order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Clerk of Courts at (610) 891-4370
- Attempt alternate name spellings in the search portal
- Search under both spouses' names
- Verify the county of residence at the time of filing
- Consult an attorney for assistance with sealed or difficult-to-locate records
What Are Delaware County Divorce Records?
Delaware County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings filed in the Court of Common Pleas. These records constitute part of the permanent court file maintained by the Office of Judicial Support and are subject to Pennsylvania's public records framework under the Right-to-Know Law, 65 P.S. § 67.101 et seq., as well as the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure governing family law matters.
Types of Divorce Records
Court Case Files contain the complete record of the proceeding, including:
- Petition for divorce or complaint in divorce
- Affidavits of consent (in no-fault uncontested matters)
- Financial affidavits and disclosure statements
- Motions, responses, and court orders
- Hearing transcripts and master's reports
- Final decree in divorce
Final Decree in Divorce is the official court order that legally dissolves the marriage. It establishes:
- The date the marriage is legally terminated
- Division of marital property, if addressed
- Alimony or spousal support terms, if ordered
- Child custody and support arrangements, if applicable
- Restoration of a former name, if requested
- Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Office of Judicial Support at a fee of $6.00 per certified copy, as noted in the Delaware County divorce filing information
Supporting Documents may include:
- Marriage certificate submitted as an exhibit
- Financial disclosure documents
- Property settlement agreements
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for retirement account division
- Post-divorce modification orders
Purpose of Divorce Records
Divorce records serve multiple legal and personal purposes, including:
- Establishing proof of marital status for remarriage
- Supporting name change documentation
- Facilitating property transfers and title changes
- Providing evidence in estate planning and probate proceedings
- Supporting immigration and Social Security benefit applications
- Enabling genealogical and family history research
Who Maintains Divorce Records
The Office of Judicial Support for the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas serves as the primary custodian of all divorce case files. The office indexes records by party names and case number, maintains certified copies, and provides public access in accordance with applicable court rules and Pennsylvania law. Pennsylvania does not maintain a separate statewide divorce registry through the vital records system.
Are Delaware County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas are public court records, accessible to members of the public in accordance with Pennsylvania law and the Pennsylvania Rules of Judicial Administration, Rule 509, which governs public access to court records. The presumption under Pennsylvania law favors public access, subject to specific statutory and rule-based exceptions.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and scheduled events
- Docket entries reflecting the chronological history of the case
- Court orders and judgments, including the final decree
- Property division orders
- General case status
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers are redacted from all publicly accessible documents pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 1930.1
- Bank account numbers and credit card numbers are redacted
- Detailed financial statements may carry limited access designations
- Tax returns submitted as exhibits may be subject to restricted access
Children's Information:
- Names and addresses of minor children may be redacted or restricted
- Schools children attend are not disclosed in public records
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children are restricted
- Guardian ad litem reports and custody evaluation reports may be sealed by court order
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence may be sealed
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records are restricted
- Personal addresses of parties in domestic violence matters are protected
- Mediation communications are confidential and not part of the public record
Sealed Records:
A court may seal all or part of a divorce case file upon a showing of good cause. Circumstances that may warrant sealing include cases involving allegations of abuse, high-profile parties, confidential settlement terms, or the protection of minor children. Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the court demonstrating a legitimate legal basis for access.
Who Can Access Records:
| Requester | Level of Access |
|---|---|
| General public | Public documents, docket entries, final decrees |
| Parties to the case | Full access to their own case file |
| Attorneys of record | Full access; may petition for sealed documents |
| Law enforcement | Statutory access to restricted information |
| Researchers and media | Public portions; court permission required for sealed records |
Prohibited Uses:
Members of the public who obtain divorce records may not use them for stalking, harassment, identity theft, fraudulent purposes, or any use that violates an existing protective order. Misuse of court records may constitute a criminal offense under Pennsylvania law.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Delaware County?
The Office of Judicial Support for the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas maintains a current fee schedule for divorce record requests. As noted in the official Delaware County divorce filing information, the following fees apply:
Standard Fee Schedule:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Filing fee for divorce complaint | $24.50 |
| Certified copy of final decree or court document | $6.00 per copy |
| Uncertified photocopy | Varies; contact office for current rate |
| Search fee | Contact office to confirm |
Additional Fee Information:
- Fees are subject to change; members of the public should confirm current amounts with the Office of Judicial Support prior to submitting a request
- Payment is accepted by cash, check, or money order payable to Delaware County at the courthouse
- Online access through the C-Track Public Access portal provides free basic docket information; fees may apply for document images
- Fee waivers may be available for indigent parties; members of the public seeking a fee waiver should inquire directly with the Office of Judicial Support or consult with legal aid
Free Access:
- Basic case docket information, including party names, filing dates, and case status, is available at no charge through the C-Track Public Access portal
- Public access terminals at the courthouse allow in-person viewing of case information without a per-page fee for viewing only
What's Included in Divorce Records in Delaware County
A complete divorce case file maintained by the Delaware County Office of Judicial Support contains the full record of the proceeding from initial filing through final judgment and any post-judgment actions. The contents vary depending on whether the matter was contested or uncontested and whether children or significant assets were involved.
Basic Case Information:
- Case caption identifying the court, division, parties, and assigned judge
- Case number and filing date
- Case type designation
- Attorneys of record and their contact information
Initial Pleadings:
The Complaint in Divorce or Petition for Divorce sets forth the petitioner's identifying information, the date and location of the marriage, the date of separation if applicable, the grounds for divorce, and the relief requested. Under 23 Pa. C.S. § 3301, Pennsylvania recognizes both no-fault and fault-based grounds for divorce. The most common ground is irretrievable breakdown of the marriage under § 3301(c) (mutual consent) or § 3301(d) (two-year separation).
The Answer or Response contains the respondent's admissions, denials, and any counterclaims for relief.
Financial Affidavits and Disclosure Documents:
- Income and expense statements for both parties
- Asset and liability inventories
- Tax returns submitted as exhibits (subject to access restrictions)
- Pay stubs, bank statements, and investment account records
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory with valuations
- Debt inventory
- Real property appraisals
- Business valuations, if applicable
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders for retirement account division
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Proposed and final parenting plans addressing legal and physical custody
- Child support calculation worksheets
- Income deduction orders
- Custody evaluation reports (may be restricted)
- Guardian ad litem reports (may be sealed)
Settlement Documents:
- Marital Settlement Agreement or Property Settlement Agreement, if the parties resolved issues by consent
- Mediation agreements incorporated into the record (mediation communications themselves remain confidential)
Court Orders and Final Judgment:
- Temporary orders for support, custody, or use of property
- Master's report and exceptions, if the matter was referred to a hearing officer
- Final Decree in Divorce, which is the court's official order terminating the marriage and resolving all ancillary claims
Post-Judgment Documents:
- Petitions to modify custody or support
- Contempt motions and enforcement orders
- Income deduction orders
- Liens filed against property
What Is Typically Confidential or Redacted:
- Social Security numbers
- Bank account and financial account numbers
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence evidence and related protective order information
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluation records
- Mediation communications
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Delaware County
Proof of divorce in Delaware County is obtained through a certified copy of the Final Decree in Divorce issued by the Office of Judicial Support of the Court of Common Pleas. A certified copy bears the court's official seal and the signature of the Clerk of Courts, making it legally acceptable for remarriage, name change, immigration, Social Security, and other official purposes.
Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy:
-
Identify the case. Locate the case number using the C-Track Public Access portal by searching the names of both parties. Note the case number and the date the final decree was entered.
-
Submit a request in person. Visit the Office of Judicial Support at 201 W. Front Street, Media, PA 19063, during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). Provide the case number, the names of both parties, and the approximate date of the decree. Pay the certification fee of $6.00 per certified copy.
-
Submit a request by mail. Send a written request to the Office of Judicial Support at 201 W. Front Street, Media, PA 19063. Include the case number, names of both parties, approximate date of the decree, your contact information, payment by check or money order payable to Delaware County, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
-
Verify online docket information. For non-certified confirmation of divorce status, the Delaware County public access portal provides docket information reflecting the entry of a final decree, which may be sufficient for some informal verification purposes.
Office of Judicial Support
201 W. Front Street
Media, PA 19063
Phone: (610) 891-4370
Delaware County Office of Judicial Support — Divorce Information
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Delaware County?
Divorce proceedings in Delaware County are presumptively public, but Pennsylvania law and court rules permit the sealing of specific records or entire case files under defined circumstances.
Circumstances Under Which Records May Be Sealed or Restricted:
- Domestic violence cases: When a party has obtained a Protection From Abuse (PFA) order or when the case involves allegations of abuse, the court may seal identifying information, including addresses and contact details, to protect the safety of the victim
- Cases involving minor children: Custody evaluations, guardian ad litem reports, and psychological assessments of children may be sealed to protect the children's privacy and best interests
- Confidential financial information: Social Security numbers, account numbers, and tax returns are redacted from publicly accessible documents pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 1930.1
- Mediation communications: All communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and are not filed with the court or made part of the public record
- Court-ordered sealing: Any party may petition the court to seal all or part of a case file upon a showing of good cause; the court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the private interest in confidentiality
- High-profile or sensitive matters: Courts retain discretion to restrict access in extraordinary circumstances
Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a formal motion with the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas. The court will provide notice to the parties and conduct a hearing before ruling on the request.
How Long Does Delaware County Keep Divorce Records?
Delaware County maintains divorce records in accordance with the Pennsylvania Judicial Records Retention Schedule established by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts.
Retention Periods:
- Final decrees and permanent orders: Retained permanently; these records are never destroyed and remain accessible indefinitely through the Office of Judicial Support
- Complete case files (contested matters): Retained for a minimum of 20 years from the date of the final order, after which the file may be transferred to archival storage
- Uncontested divorce files: Retained for a minimum of 10 years from the date of the final decree
- Financial affidavits and discovery documents: Retained as part of the case file for the applicable retention period; may be purged from the active file after the retention period expires
- Post-judgment modification records: Retained for the applicable period from the date of the most recent order in the matter
- Archived records: Cases beyond the active retention period may be stored off-site; retrieval requires additional time and members of the public should contact the Office of Judicial Support in advance
The Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System provides guidance on records retention policies applicable to all courts of common pleas. Members of the public seeking records from cases older than the standard retention period should contact the Office of Judicial Support directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures.