Need a copy of your divorce decree or, are you wishing to find out the particulars of someone else’s divorce? Whichever, divorce records are an abundant source of information.

If you have someone’s divorce record you can find information about the ex-spouse, any children of the marriage such as names and birth dates. You will also have the date of the marriage, where the couple married. There will be financial information such as the income of both spouses at the time of the divorce.

There is will be in-depth information regarding the divorce settlement, custody arrangements, whether or not alimony was ordered and the grounds for which the divorce was filed. Best of all, if there are any accusations of domestic abuse or any restraining orders filed this will be available in the pubic divorce record.

Luckily most divorce records can be obtained at no charge. Some states do charge a fee though.

Different states and counties have different rules on the cost of obtaining divorce records. Some divorce records are kept at the state level, some are kept at the county level. To find out where the divorce records you want are located you can search the Internet.

There are a multitude of free directories for public records. Your best is to search your state’s website or contact your local court clerk. To find contact information for your local court clerk google the name and state of you county.
There are assorted reasons a person may wish to delve into the divorce records of another.

Below are a few good reasons:
The Importance of Divorce Records:

• Are you romantically involved with someone who is divorce? If so, divorce records will let you know if there were serious issues in his/her past marriage. Issues that would indicate problems in a future marriage.
  Think about it; if you are involved with someone who has a history of domestic abuse or infidelity don’t you want to know now before becoming more involved or even entering into a marriage with that person?
  
• Was the divorce finalized? You would be surprised with how many people begin the divorce process but never follow through. Just because someone tells you they are divorced doesn’t mean they are. If you have doubts, divorce records can put those doubts to rest.
• Are you doing family tree research? Divorce records are a wealth of information when determining genealogy. For example, if your grandparents were divorced and you are searching for aunts or uncles. Divorce records will give you the names, birth dates and birthplaces to all children of the marriage. It is a great way of locating relatives you may have lost contact with.

Remember, start at the state level and work your way down to the county level. With a little digging you will find where the divorce records are kept and since they are classified as a public record will be able to get a copy.