Divorce and Separation

Information

Divorce and Separation

Q. How do I get a Divorce?

A. To obtain information on how to obtain a divorce in New York, the following link has extensive resources and information on the process and the various forms needed to file for a divorce: http://www.nycourts.gov/courthelp/Family/divorce.shtml.

Q. How do I obtain a copy of my divorce or other matrimonial papers?

A. To obtain a copy of any divorce or matrimonial documents, please complete the form located on the Suffolk County Clerk’s website at https://suffolkcountyny.gov/Portals/0/formsdocs/clerk/Forms/Court%20Actions/Divorce%20Stipulation%20QDRO%20order%20form.seal%20.pdf. Follow all instructions contained therein and mail same to our office as detailed on the form.
Please be advised that ONLY the parties, their attorneys of record, someone with a properly executed Power of Attorney granting the agent the necessary power or a duly appointed personal representative of a deceased party’s estate may obtain a copy of a divorce document. NO written authorizations to allow a third-party to obtain copies will be accepted. However, third-parties may obtain a Certificate of Filing at a cost of $9 which indicates the date upon which a Judgment of Divorce was entered by the Suffolk County Clerk.

Q. How do I file my Separation Agreement?

A. Send the original document to the Suffolk County Clerk at 310 Center Drive, Riverhead, NY 11901, Attention: Court Actions. The fee is $5 for filing. You would not receive any filing receipt unless you submitted a copy of at least the first page of the Separation Agreement and a post-paid return envelope. Make your check or money order payable to the Suffolk County Clerk.

Q. How do I register a Judgment of Divorce issued in another state?

A. To register a foreign Judgment of Divorce in Suffolk County, You will need to file the certified copy of your divorce decree, with the raised seal, along with the filing fee of $210. If the judgment is not already in English a translation must accompany the document. If you are filing without an attorney, you may either mail the paper document to Suffolk County Clerk’s Office, Court Actions, 310 Center Dr, Riverhead, NY 11901 or you can scan as a PDF and e-file the document.

If you choose to mail the document, include a copy and a self-addressed stamped envelope so we can stamp your copy and return to you. You must also include an index number application.

If you choose to e-file the document, please take a pencil and shade over the raised seal so it is visible in the scan.

To E-file the document, visit the following website: https://iapps.courts.state.ny.us/nyscef

When asked to choose a case type, choose the appropriate Matrimonial type, Contested or Uncontested.

When asked to choose the document type, choose Summons. Under the document type, there will be a box that reads “additional document information” please type Foreign Divorce in that box.

Q. How do I get a status update on my divorce?

A. The County Clerk does not have any information concerning the status of your application for a divorce that is pending with the Court. To obtain a status, please call the Supreme Court Chief Clerk’s Office at 631-740-3852.

If you have any additional questions about your divorce, please email the County Clerk at: CAMatrimonial@suffolkcountyny.gov.