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Pennsylvania Divorce Certificate

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What is a Divorce Certificate in Pennsylvania?

A divorce certificate in Pennsylvania is a legal document that serves as proof that a couple has ended their marriage in the state. Like other Pennsylvania divorce records, this document provides evidence that a divorce has been granted and finalized by a court in Pennsylvania. A divorce certificate in Pennsylvania typically contains the following details:

  • Full names of both parties
  • Date of divorce
  • County where the divorce was granted
  • Child custody
  • Property division
  • Divorce grounds
  • Case number

To obtain a divorce certificate in Pennsylvania, record seekers can contact the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the county courthouse where the divorce was granted. However, Divorce records, divorce decrees and other divorce documents from 1963 are kept by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. To receive a copy of a divorce certificate granted before 1963, record seekers will need to get in touch with the county courthouse where the divorce was granted.

Are Divorce Certificates Public in Pennsylvania?

No. Pennsylvania divorce certificates are not public records. They are considered confidential and are only available to authorized individuals, such as the parties involved in the divorce or the legal representatives. Per the Pennsylvania Divorce Code, Records of divorces shall be open to the public for inspection only upon order of the court.

When a couple obtains a divorce, a divorce decree is issued by the court. However, while a divorce decree is a public record and is filed with the court, certified copies of divorce records (certificates) are exempt from public disclosure. Notwithstanding, certain information about divorces are a matter of public record, including divorce filings and court proceedings However, the outcome of the divorce or the terms of the divorce decree are not open to the public. This is also the case for a death certificate, birth certificate, marriage certificate, or a certified copy of any vital record containing personal/identifying information.

Where to Get a Divorce Certificate in Pennsylvania

Record seekers can get a divorce certificate in Pennsylvania through the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the county courthouse where the divorce was issued. The Pennsylvania Department of Health maintains divorce records dating back to 1963. Thus, records seekers can query the Pennsylvania Department of Health to get a copy of the divorce certificate within the timeframe. Meanwhile, parties requesting copies of divorce certificates before 1963 can contact the county courthouse where the divorce was finalized.

How to Get a Divorce Certificate in Pennsylvania

To obtain a copy of a divorce certificate in Pennsylvania, record seekers must determine if they are eligible to receive one. As mentioned earlier, only certain individuals and entities can obtain a divorce certificate. These include the parties named on the divorce certificate, the parents of either party, the legal representative, or a government agency approved by the PA Department of Health for statistical or research purposes.

Eligible record seekers can contact the courthouse where the divorce was issued to obtain a copy of a divorce certificate. Interested persons can also visit the Orphans' court clerks website provided by the PA Department of Health to find contact information for all courthouses in Pennsylvania.

What is a Dissolution of Marriage Certificate in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, a certificate of dissolution of marriage and a divorce certificate are the same document. Both terms are used alternately. Hence, a dissolution of a marriage certificate is a legal document confirming the termination of a marriage in Pennsylvania. The court issues the certificate after the divorce proceedings have been completed and the divorce has been granted. The names of the parties, the divorce date, and any other pertinent information are normally included on the certificate. In Pennsylvania, there are two grounds for divorce: fault-based and no-fault.

  • Fault-based divorce is granted when one party can prove that the other party was at fault for the marriage breakdown. The grounds for fault-based divorce include Adultery, deserting your spouse, cruel and barbaric treatment, and imprisonment.
  • Contrarily, a no-fault divorce does not need to provide evidence of fault. Instead, it is granted when both parties concur that the marriage is irreparably shattered or after at least two years of living apart.

How Can I Get a Certificate of Dissolution of Marriage in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, After the divorce decree has been issued, either party can request a dissolution of a marriage certificate from the issuing court. The certificate will include:

  • The names of the parties involved.
  • The date of the divorce.
  • Any other relevant information.

To obtain a dissolution of marriage certificate, the requesting party must present identification and documentation of their connection to the divorce to get a dissolution of the marriage certificate. This can be done by providing a valid government-issued ID, a copy of the divorce decree, and any other supporting documents that may be required. Requestors are usually required to pay a fee to cover the cost of their query. The fee varies depending on the county where the divorce was granted and the custodial agency concerned.

What is the Difference Between a Pennsylvania Divorce Decree and a Divorce Certificate?

In Pennsylvania, a divorce decree and a divorce certificate have different functions. A Pennsylvania divorce decree is a court document issued at the end of a divorce proceeding. It is a final judgment that outlines the terms and conditions of the divorce. The divorce order may specify how to divide the couple's assets, provide spousal support, and decide who gets custody and pays child support. Most divorce decrees are usually filed with the court and becomes part of the public record.

Contrarily, a divorce certificate is an official document that shows that a divorce took place. Basic details include the names of the parties engaged in the divorce, its date and location, and the court where the divorce was granted. It is issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Health's Division of Vital Records. Pennsylvania divorce certificates don't usually contain different terms and conditions of the divorce. Other key differences between a Pennsylvania divorce decree and a divorce certificate are:

  • Legal Status: A divorce decree, which specifies the terms and conditions of a divorce, is a court-issued, legally-binding document. It is a binding decision that both parties are required to abide by. On the other hand, a divorce certificate is a vital record that proves that a divorce occurred. It is not a legal document and does not contain the terms and conditions of the divorce.
  • Accessibility: A divorce decree is typically filed with the court and becomes part of the public record, meaning anyone can access it. However, a divorce certificate is considered confidential and only available to certain individuals or entities who meet specific criteria.
  • Content: Detailed information concerning the divorce's terms and conditions, such as the distribution of assets and spousal maintenance, is contained in the divorce decree. A divorce certificate features information about the divorce, such as the names of the parties involved, the date and location of the divorce, and the court where the divorce was granted.
  • Issuer: A divorce decree is issued by a court at the end of the divorce proceedings, while a divorce certificate is issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Health's Division of Vital Records.

How Can I Get My Divorce Certificate Online in Pennsylvania?

There are no remote viewing options for Pennsylvania divorce certificates. However, the Pennsylvania Division of Vital Records allows inquirers request these records online. All vital records office services are available from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday, except specifically noted on the PA Department of Health website. Most offices offer same-day services for applications received by 2:30 PM. To acquire a copy of a divorce certificate, the record seeker must request one in person, present a valid photo ID, and pay the applicable price. Alternatively, a record seeker can query the County Court clerk's office where the divorce was granted to get a divorce certificate.

Where Can I Get a Copy of My Divorce Papers in Pennsylvania?

To get a copy of divorce papers in Pennsylvania, interested persons can contact the court where the divorce was granted. Divorce records are kept by the court that handles the divorce proceedings, and copies of these records can usually be obtained from the court clerk's office. Here are the steps to follow when obtaining a copy of divorce papers:

  • Determine which court handled the divorce: This is usually the court in the county where the parties involved in the divorce or spouse resided at the time of the divorce.
  • Contact the court clerk's office for that court: Inquirers can usually find contact information online or call the court directly.
  • Ask the court clerk how to request a copy of divorce papers. The process for requesting divorce papers may vary depending on the court, so following the court's specific instructions is essential.
  • Pay any required fees. The court may charge a fee for copying and certifying the divorce papers.
  • Provide identification and any other necessary information. Inquiries may need to provide identification, such as a driver's license or passport, to request a copy of divorce papers. The court may also ask for other information, such as the divorce date or both parties' names.

The court clerk will retrieve the required divorce records after the completion of the request and any required costs. Interested parties may need to prove an existing relationship with one of the parties involved in the divorce to acquire a copy of the divorce papers.