Pima County Divorce Records
What Are Pima County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Pima County are official legal documents that provide evidence of the dissolution of a marriage within the jurisdiction. These records are maintained by the Clerk of the Superior Court in Pima County and document the legal termination of marital unions. Pursuant to Arizona Revised Statutes § 25-312, which governs dissolution of marriage proceedings, these records constitute the official documentation of divorce proceedings within the county.
Divorce records typically include:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Response to petition
- Temporary orders
- Financial affidavits
- Child custody and support agreements
- Property division settlements
- Final decree of dissolution
These documents serve multiple purposes for individuals and institutions, including:
- Providing legal proof of marital status change
- Enabling remarriage
- Supporting name change processes
- Verifying eligibility for Social Security benefits
- Documenting status for loan applications
- Establishing marital history for immigration matters
The Arizona Superior Court in Pima County maintains these records in accordance with state law and court procedures. The court's Family Law Division specifically handles divorce cases and maintains associated records.
Are Pima County Divorce Records Public?
Pima County divorce records have a dual status regarding public accessibility. Court divorce case files are generally available for public inspection under the Arizona Public Records Law, which establishes the presumption that government records should be accessible to citizens. However, this access is subject to important limitations and exceptions.
The public may access:
- Basic case information including parties' names, case numbers, and filing dates
- Court orders and judgments
- Hearing dates and outcomes
- General procedural documents
Certain components of divorce files may be restricted from public view, including:
- Financial affidavits and statements
- Records containing sensitive personal identifiers
- Documents related to minor children
- Records sealed by court order
- Allegations of domestic violence or abuse
Certified divorce certificates, which provide official verification of a divorce, have more restricted access. Pursuant to Arizona Revised Statutes § 25-318, these certificates are available only to:
- Former spouses named in the record
- Legal representatives with proper authorization
- Individuals with a court order authorizing access
- Government agencies performing official functions
The Arizona Department of Health Services' Bureau of Vital Records maintains certified divorce records and enforces these access restrictions to protect privacy while balancing the public's right to information.
How To Find a Divorce Record In Pima County in 2026
Members of the public seeking divorce records in Pima County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The appropriate approach depends on the type of record needed and the requester's relationship to the case.
For court case files:
- Visit the Clerk of the Superior Court's office in person:
Pima County Superior Court Clerk's Office
110 W. Congress Street
Tucson, AZ 85701
520-724-3200
Pima County Clerk of Superior Court
-
Provide the clerk with:
- Names of both parties to the divorce
- Approximate date of filing or finalization
- Case number (if known)
- Valid government-issued photo identification
-
Complete a records request form available at the clerk's office
-
Pay applicable search and copy fees (currently $0.50 per page for copies)
For certified divorce certificates:
- Submit a request to the Arizona Department of Health Services:
Arizona Department of Health Services - Bureau of Vital Records
150 North 18th Avenue, Suite 120
Phoenix, AZ 85007
602-364-1300
Arizona Department of Health Services
- Provide:
- Completed application form
- Proof of identity
- Documentation of legal right to access (if not a party to the divorce)
- Required fees ($30 for first copy, $20 for each additional copy)
Requests may also be submitted through the Arizona Department of Health Services online portal, which provides a convenient alternative to in-person visits.
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Pima County Online?
Pima County offers digital access to certain divorce record information through several online platforms. These electronic resources provide a convenient method for conducting preliminary research without visiting government offices in person.
The primary online resource is the Public Access Case Lookup system maintained by the Arizona Judicial Branch. This database allows users to search for divorce cases using:
- Party names (last name required, first name optional)
- Case number (if known)
- Attorney bar number (for legal professionals)
- Filing date range
The system provides:
- Basic case information
- Party names
- Filing dates
- Case type
- Judge assignment
- Scheduled hearings
- Case status
To access more detailed documents within a case file, users may utilize the Arizona Judicial Branch's eAccess portal, which requires registration and may involve fees for document retrieval.
For certified divorce records, the Arizona Department of Health Services offers an online ordering system that allows eligible individuals to request official divorce certificates. This system requires:
- Creation of a user account
- Verification of identity
- Documentation of eligibility to access the record
- Payment of applicable fees
Users should note that online systems may not contain complete case files, particularly for older cases or those with sealed components. Additionally, pursuant to Arizona Rules of Supreme Court Rule 123, certain sensitive information is redacted from publicly accessible records.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Pima County?
Individuals seeking no-cost access to divorce records in Pima County have limited but viable options. While obtaining copies typically involves fees, viewing records may be possible without charge through several channels.
Free access options include:
- In-person inspection at the courthouse:
- Visit the Pima County Superior Court Clerk's Office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
- Request to view specific case files using party names or case numbers
- Examine documents on-site without requesting copies
Pima County Superior Court Clerk's Office
110 W. Congress Street
Tucson, AZ 85701
520-724-3200
Pima County Clerk of Superior Court
-
Public access terminals at the courthouse:
- Use computer terminals available in the clerk's office
- Search the case management system for basic case information
- View certain electronic documents that have been filed in the case
-
Public libraries with legal research resources:
- Visit the Pima County Law Library
- Access legal research databases that may contain court opinions related to divorce cases
- Obtain assistance from law librarians in locating relevant records
Pima County Law Library
110 W. Congress Street, 1st Floor
Tucson, AZ 85701
520-724-8456
Pima County Law Library
- Basic case information through the Arizona Judicial Branch website:
- Access the public case lookup system
- Search for cases using party names
- View basic docket information at no charge
While these methods provide free access to view records, obtaining copies or certified documents will still require payment of established fees. Additionally, access to certain sensitive or sealed records may be restricted regardless of payment status.
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Pima County
Divorce records in Pima County comprise a comprehensive collection of documents that chronicle the legal dissolution process from initiation to conclusion. These records contain detailed information about the parties involved and the court's determinations regarding the termination of the marriage.
A complete divorce file typically contains:
-
Initial pleadings:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Summons
- Preliminary Injunction
- Response or Answer to Petition
- Default documents (if applicable)
-
Financial documentation:
- Affidavit of Financial Information from both parties
- Disclosure statements
- Property and debt inventories
- Tax returns (when submitted as evidence)
- Business valuation documents (for self-employed parties)
-
Child-related documents (when applicable):
- Parenting plans
- Child support worksheets
- Child custody evaluations
- Guardian ad litem reports
- Parenting education certificates
-
Court proceedings documentation:
- Minute entries
- Hearing transcripts (when ordered)
- Temporary orders
- Settlement agreements
- Trial exhibits
-
Final documents:
- Decree of Dissolution of Marriage
- Property settlement agreements
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for retirement accounts
- Name change orders
- Child support orders
-
Post-decree filings (if applicable):
- Modification requests
- Enforcement petitions
- Contempt proceedings
- Appeals documentation
The certified divorce certificate, issued by the Arizona Department of Health Services, contains a more limited subset of information, including:
- Names of both parties
- Date and place of marriage
- Date of divorce finalization
- Case number
- Court of jurisdiction
Pursuant to Arizona Revised Statutes § 25-311, divorce records must contain sufficient information to establish the court's jurisdiction and the legal grounds for dissolution.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Pima County?
Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in Pima County have multiple options for obtaining this documentation, depending on the level of certification needed and the intended use of the record.
For certified copies of the Divorce Decree:
- Visit the Clerk of the Superior Court in person:
Pima County Superior Court Clerk's Office
110 W. Congress Street
Tucson, AZ 85701
520-724-3200
Pima County Clerk of Superior Court
-
Submit a written request including:
- Full names of both parties as they appear on the decree
- Date of divorce (approximate if exact date unknown)
- Case number (if known)
- Number of copies requested
- Return address
- Contact phone number
- Copy of valid photo identification
-
Pay the certification fee (currently $30.00 for the first certification and $26.00 for each additional certification of the same document)
For official Certificate of Divorce (abstract):
- Contact the Arizona Department of Health Services:
Arizona Department of Health Services - Bureau of Vital Records
150 North 18th Avenue, Suite 120
Phoenix, AZ 85007
602-364-1300
Arizona Department of Health Services
-
Submit an application with:
- Full names of both parties
- Date of divorce
- Place of divorce
- Proof of identity
- Documentation of legal right to access
- Required fee ($30 for first copy, $20 for each additional copy)
-
Applications may be submitted:
- In person at the Phoenix office
- By mail with notarized signature
- Online through the ADHS vital records portal
- Through authorized third-party vendors
For expedited service, the Arizona Department of Health Services offers priority processing for an additional fee. Pursuant to Arizona Administrative Code R9-19-212, applicants must provide proper identification and establish eligibility to receive certified copies of divorce records.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Pima County?
While divorce proceedings in Pima County are generally matters of public record, Arizona law provides several mechanisms through which certain aspects of divorce cases may be kept confidential under specific circumstances.
Confidentiality options include:
-
Sealing specific documents:
- Parties may petition the court to seal sensitive documents
- Financial records containing personal identifiers
- Medical or psychological evaluations
- Records containing trade secrets or proprietary business information
- Documents containing allegations of abuse or domestic violence
-
Sealing entire case files:
- Granted only in exceptional circumstances
- Requires demonstration of compelling privacy interests
- Must overcome presumption of public access
- Subject to judicial discretion
-
Redaction of sensitive information:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Minor children's names and birthdates
- Medical information
- Home addresses in cases involving safety concerns
-
Use of confidential cover sheets:
- For documents containing sensitive personal information
- Accessible only to parties, attorneys, and court personnel
Pursuant to Arizona Rules of Family Law Procedure Rule 7, parties seeking confidentiality must file a motion demonstrating good cause for restricting public access. The court balances privacy interests against the public's right to access court records when making determinations about confidentiality.
In cases involving domestic violence, the Arizona Address Confidentiality Program provides additional protections, allowing participants to use a substitute address on public records to protect their actual location from potential abusers.
Parties should note that even when records are sealed, basic case information (names of parties, case numbers, and general case types) typically remains accessible through public indexes maintained by the court.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Pima County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Pima County varies significantly based on multiple factors, including case complexity, level of agreement between parties, court caseloads, and statutory waiting periods.
Minimum timeframes:
- Arizona law imposes a 60-day waiting period from the date of service before a divorce can be finalized, pursuant to Arizona Revised Statutes § 25-329
- Uncontested divorces with complete agreements may be finalized shortly after this waiting period expires
Typical timeframes by case type:
-
Uncontested divorces with agreement on all issues:
- 2-3 months from filing to finalization
- Requires complete agreement on property division, debt allocation, and child-related matters
- May be processed through consent decree procedures
-
Contested divorces with partial agreements:
- 4-8 months from filing to finalization
- Requires negotiation, mediation, or limited hearings on disputed issues
- May involve temporary orders while case proceeds
-
Highly contested divorces:
- 9-18 months from filing to finalization
- Involves discovery, depositions, and expert witnesses
- Requires pretrial conferences and trial preparation
- Culminates in formal trial proceedings
-
Complex divorces with significant assets or special circumstances:
- 12-24+ months from filing to finalization
- Requires business valuations, forensic accounting, or custody evaluations
- May involve multiple expert witnesses and extensive discovery
- Often includes pretrial motions and lengthy trial proceedings
According to the Arizona Judicial Branch's annual reports, the average time to disposition for domestic relations cases in Pima County Superior Court is approximately 7 months, though individual cases may vary significantly from this average.
Factors that may extend timeframes include:
- Court congestion and scheduling constraints
- Discovery disputes requiring judicial intervention
- Requests for continuances by either party
- Complexity of property division or business valuation
- Child custody evaluations and home studies
- Post-decree modification requests
How Long Does Pima County Keep Divorce Records?
Pima County maintains divorce records according to a structured retention schedule that varies based on record type, format, and historical significance. These retention periods comply with the Arizona Supreme Court's record retention policies and state archival requirements.
Case files retention periods:
- Active case files: Maintained indefinitely while case remains active
- Closed case files (paper): Minimum of 50 years from date of final disposition
- Closed case files (microfilm/digital): Permanent retention
- Cases with historical significance: Transferred to Arizona State Archives for permanent preservation
Specific document retention periods:
- Final Decrees of Dissolution: Permanent retention
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs): Permanent retention
- Financial affidavits: 50 years from final disposition
- Exhibits: Returned to parties or destroyed after appeal period expires
- Recordings of proceedings: 7 years from date of recording
- Minute entries: Permanent retention
The Arizona Department of Health Services maintains certified divorce records permanently, pursuant to Arizona Administrative Code R9-19-102, which establishes retention requirements for vital records.
For records predating modern retention schedules:
- Historical divorce records (pre-1960): May be archived with the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records
- Territorial-era records (pre-1912): Maintained by the Arizona State Archives
- Records damaged by time or environmental factors: May have been microfilmed or digitized for preservation
Individuals seeking older divorce records may need to contact:
Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records
1901 W. Madison Street
Phoenix, AZ 85009
602-926-3720
Arizona State Archives
The permanent retention of divorce decrees ensures that individuals can obtain proof of divorce regardless of when the dissolution occurred, though locating very old records may require specialized archival assistance.
How To Get a Divorce In Pima County
Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Pima County must follow specific procedures established by Arizona law and local court rules. The process involves multiple steps that must be completed in sequence.
Eligibility requirements:
- At least one spouse must have been domiciled in Arizona for 90 days prior to filing, pursuant to Arizona Revised Statutes § 25-312
- The marriage must be irretrievably broken (Arizona is a "no-fault" divorce state)
- For covenant marriages, additional grounds for dissolution must be established
Step-by-step process:
-
Prepare initial documents:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Summons
- Preliminary Injunction
- Notice of Right to Convert Health Insurance
- Sensitive Data Sheet (filed under seal)
- Notice Regarding Creditors
-
File documents with the Clerk of Superior Court:
Pima County Superior Court Clerk's Office
110 W. Congress Street
Tucson, AZ 85701
520-724-3200
Pima County Clerk of Superior Court
-
Pay filing fees (currently $349 for petitioner) or request fee waiver/deferral if eligible
-
Serve documents on spouse:
- By process server
- By sheriff's deputy
- By certified mail with return receipt
- By acceptance of service (if spouse agrees)
- By publication (if spouse cannot be located)
-
Wait for response:
- Respondent has 20 days to file a Response if served in Arizona
- Respondent has 30 days if served outside Arizona
- If no Response is filed, petitioner may proceed by default
-
Complete disclosure requirements:
- Exchange Affidavits of Financial Information
- Provide documentation of assets, debts, income, and expenses
- Disclose witnesses and exhibits
-
Attend required parent education class (if minor children involved)
-
Negotiate settlement or prepare for trial:
- Participate in court-ordered mediation
- Attend settlement conferences
- Prepare trial memoranda if settlement not reached
-
Finalize divorce:
- By consent decree if agreement reached
- By default if respondent does not participate
- By judicial decision after trial
-
Submit final documents for judge's signature:
- Decree of Dissolution of Marriage
- Property Settlement Agreement
- Parenting Plan and Child Support Order (if applicable)
The Arizona Judicial Branch provides standardized forms and self-help resources for individuals proceeding without attorneys. Additionally, the Pima County Superior Court offers a Self-Service Center to assist self-represented litigants.
How To Get Divorce Papers In Pima County
Individuals initiating divorce proceedings in Pima County have multiple options for obtaining the necessary legal forms. These documents constitute the foundation of the divorce process and must be completed accurately to avoid procedural delays.
Sources for divorce papers include:
- Pima County Superior Court Self-Service Center:
Pima County Superior Court Self-Service Center
110 W. Congress Street, 1st Floor
Tucson, AZ 85701
520-724-8456
Pima County Superior Court Self-Service Center
- Offers packet of forms with instructions
- Provides assistance in identifying appropriate forms
- Staff cannot provide legal advice but can answer procedural questions
- Available during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
- Arizona Judicial Branch website:
- AZCourtHelp.org provides downloadable forms
- Forms available in both English and Spanish
- Includes detailed instructions for completion
- Offers interactive form preparation tools
- Pima County Law Library:
Pima County Law Library
110 W. Congress Street, 1st Floor
Tucson, AZ 85701
520-724-8456
Pima County Law Library
- Reference materials on divorce procedures
- Access to legal research databases
- Sample forms and templates
- Staff available to assist with locating resources
- Legal aid organizations:
Southern Arizona Legal Aid
2343 E. Broadway Blvd., Suite 200
Tucson, AZ 85719
520-623-9465
Southern Arizona Legal Aid
- Provides forms and assistance to income-eligible individuals
- Offers clinics on divorce procedures
- May provide representation in certain cases
Required forms typically include:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Summons
- Preliminary Injunction
- Notice of Right to Convert Health Insurance
- Sensitive Data Sheet
- Notice Regarding Creditors
- Affidavit of Financial Information
- Parenting Plan (if children involved)
- Child Support Worksheet (if children involved)
Pursuant to Arizona Rules of Family Law Procedure, all forms must be completed in accordance with court requirements. Individuals should ensure they are using the most current versions of forms, as requirements may change due to legislative or rule amendments.