Divorce records in Genesee County, New York, are available through several channels. GeneseeNYCourt.us can help you find publicly available divorce record information for the county. You can also request records directly from the court that issued the divorce decree, the Genesee County Clerk's office, or the New York State Department of Health's Vital Records Section. Each office holds different types of documentation, so the right contact depends on whether you need a court filing or a vital record certificate.
Genesee Divorce Records Search
Divorce cases in Genesee County are handled by the New York State Supreme Court, which has exclusive jurisdiction over matrimonial actions statewide. The Genesee County Supreme Court Clerk maintains case files that include divorce decrees, judgments of divorce, settlement agreements, custody orders, property distribution orders, and related motions. These court records are generally public, though certain sealed or confidential filings may be restricted.
The New York State Department of Health Vital Records Section also maintains divorce certificates for dissolutions granted anywhere in New York State. A divorce certificate is a shorter document confirming that a divorce occurred — it does not contain the full terms of the settlement or custody arrangement.
For court-filed divorce documents in Genesee County, contact:
Genesee County Clerk's Office
The County Clerk serves as clerk of the Supreme Court in Genesee County and is the primary custodian of divorce case records filed locally.
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Genesee
New York's court structure assigns all divorce and matrimonial cases to the Supreme Court — not a family court or district court. In Genesee County, the Supreme Court sits in Batavia. After a judge signs a judgment of divorce, the decree is filed with the Genesee County Clerk, who acts as the Supreme Court Clerk for the county.
A separate record is also forwarded to the state. The New York State Department of Health maintains divorce certificates for statistical and vital records purposes. Which office you contact depends on what you need:
- Full divorce decree, settlement terms, custody orders, or case filings — Contact the Genesee County Clerk's Office (Supreme Court records).
- Divorce certificate confirming the divorce occurred — Request from the New York State Department of Health, Vital Records Section.
Genesee County Clerk's Office (Supreme Court Records)
New York State Department of Health — Vital Records Section
If you are unsure which office holds the record you need, start with the Genesee County Clerk. Staff can confirm whether the divorce was filed locally and direct you to the correct source for certified copies.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Genesee
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy of divorce decree (County Clerk) | $1.25 per page; $5.00 certification fee | 5–10 business days |
| Divorce certificate (NYS Department of Health) | $30.00 | 4–6 weeks by mail |
| Additional copy of divorce certificate (same order, NYS DOH) | $30.00 each | Included with initial order |
| County Clerk record search fee | $5.00 per two-year period searched | Varies |