Clearfield County Public Records /Clearfield County Divorce Records

Clearfield County Divorce Records

What Are Clearfield County Divorce Records?

Divorce records in Clearfield County are official legal documents that provide documentation of the dissolution of marriage between two individuals. These records are maintained pursuant to Pennsylvania Divorce Code § 3301, which governs divorce proceedings throughout the Commonwealth. Divorce records typically consist of multiple documents filed throughout the divorce process, including the initial complaint, financial disclosures, custody arrangements (if applicable), and the final decree of divorce.

The Clearfield County Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts Office serves as the official custodian of divorce records within the county. These records serve several important purposes:

Legal proof of marital status change
Documentation required for remarriage
Evidence for name change proceedings
Verification for Social Security benefits
Supporting documentation for loan applications
Required evidence for immigration matters
Historical and genealogical research

Divorce records are categorized as both court records and vital records, with different components maintained by different government entities. The court case files are maintained at the county level, while the statistical data is reported to the Pennsylvania Department of Health's Division of Vital Records.

Are Clearfield County Divorce Records Public?

Divorce records in Clearfield County have a complex public access status that varies by record type and content. Generally, court divorce case files are considered public records under the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law § 67.101, but with significant exceptions and limitations.

The public accessibility of divorce records is determined by several factors:

Basic divorce decrees (the final judgment) are generally public records
Financial information, psychological evaluations, and certain personal identifiers may be redacted or sealed
Cases involving minors often have additional privacy protections
Records containing allegations of abuse may be sealed to protect victims
Records may be sealed by judicial order upon request of either party

While court records of divorce proceedings are generally accessible to the public, certified divorce certificates with restricted information are available only to:

The parties named in the divorce
Their legal representatives with proper authorization
Individuals with a court order authorizing access
Certain government agencies for official purposes

The Pennsylvania Department of State maintains oversight of public records policies, while the actual implementation occurs at the county level through the Clearfield County Prothonotary's Office.

How To Find a Divorce Record In Clearfield County in 2026

Members of the public seeking divorce records in Clearfield County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The primary repository for divorce records is the Clearfield County Prothonotary's Office, which maintains court records including divorce proceedings.

To obtain divorce records, requesters should follow these steps:

Determine the specific divorce record information needed (decree, full case file, etc.)
Gather essential information including:
- Full names of both parties (including maiden name if applicable)
- Approximate date of divorce filing or finalization
- Case number (if known)
Contact or visit the Clearfield County Prothonotary's Office:

Clearfield County Prothonotary & Clerk of Courts
230 East Market Street, Suite 210
Clearfield, PA 16830
(814) 765-2641 ext. 5000
Prothonotary & Clerk of Courts

Complete the appropriate request form (available at the office or downloadable from the county website)
Submit the required identification (government-issued photo ID)
Pay applicable fees (currently $10.00 for record search, additional fees for copies)
Allow processing time (typically 1-3 business days for standard requests)

For records dating before 1968, requesters may need to contact the Pennsylvania State Archives, as older records may have been transferred from county repositories.

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Clearfield County Online?

Clearfield County provides limited online access to divorce records through its electronic case management system. The Civil On-Line Records Access system allows authorized users to search for basic case information, though complete divorce files typically require in-person inspection or formal requests.

To search for divorce records online:

Visit the Clearfield County Prothonotary's website
Navigate to the Civil Records Online Access portal
Register for an account (if required) or proceed as a guest user (limited access)
Enter search criteria:
- Last names of parties involved
- Case number (if known)
- Date range of filing
Review search results for basic case information
Note that online access typically provides:
- Case numbers
- Party names
- Filing dates
- Case type
- Basic docket entries
- Current status

For comprehensive divorce records, including supporting documents and final decrees, requesters must typically:

Submit a formal records request to the Prothonotary's Office
Visit the courthouse in person to inspect records
Request certified copies by mail with appropriate fees

Online access is subject to Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Policy on Public Access and may not include sealed or confidential portions of divorce files.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Clearfield County?

Members of the public may access certain divorce records in Clearfield County without payment by utilizing public inspection options. While obtaining copies typically involves fees, viewing records may be accomplished at no cost through several methods:

In-person inspection at the courthouse:
- Visit the Clearfield County Prothonotary's Office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM)
- Request to view specific divorce case files using available public access terminals
- Bring case number or names of parties and approximate date of divorce
- No fee is charged for viewing public records, though identification is required
Limited online search capabilities:
- Basic case information may be searchable through the county's public access portal
- Guest access may provide limited information without registration fees
- Docket sheets may show case progression and basic filing information
Public law libraries:
- The Clearfield County Law Library, located in the courthouse, may provide access to public legal records
- Pennsylvania State Law Library resources may include divorce record indices

It is important to note that while viewing basic records may be free, the following limitations apply:

Copying services incur standard fees ($0.25-$1.00 per page)
Certification of documents requires payment of statutory fees
Staff research assistance may involve hourly research fees
Sealed or confidential records are not available for public inspection
Records may be redacted to protect sensitive information

Pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of Judicial Administration 509, the Prothonotary's Office maintains a public fee schedule for all services related to divorce records.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Clearfield County

Divorce records in Clearfield County comprise a comprehensive collection of documents that chronicle the legal dissolution of marriage. These records typically contain several distinct components, each serving specific legal and administrative purposes.

The standard divorce file includes:

Initial Complaint for Divorce - The formal petition that initiates the divorce proceeding, stating grounds for divorce under Pennsylvania Divorce Code § 3301
Proof of Service - Documentation showing the non-filing spouse received legal notice
Answer to Complaint - The responding spouse's formal reply to divorce allegations
Financial Disclosures - Statements of assets, debts, income, and expenses from both parties
Property Settlement Agreement - Documentation of how marital property is divided
Child Custody Arrangements - If applicable, details regarding custody and visitation
Child Support Determinations - Calculations and orders for financial support of minor children
Alimony/Spousal Support Orders - Terms of continuing financial support, if awarded
Affidavit of Consent - For no-fault divorces, statements indicating mutual agreement
Final Decree of Divorce - The judge's official order terminating the marriage

Additional documents may include:

Temporary orders issued during proceedings
Transcripts of hearings or depositions
Expert witness reports or evaluations
Name change orders (if requested as part of divorce)
Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for division of retirement accounts

The level of detail in divorce records varies based on whether the divorce was contested or uncontested, whether minor children were involved, and the complexity of marital assets requiring division.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Clearfield County?

Individuals requiring legal proof of divorce in Clearfield County may obtain official documentation through established procedures administered by the Prothonotary's Office. Certified copies of divorce decrees serve as the primary form of proof recognized by government agencies, financial institutions, and other organizations.

To obtain proof of divorce, requesters should:

Submit a written request to the Clearfield County Prothonotary's Office:

Clearfield County Prothonotary & Clerk of Courts
230 East Market Street, Suite 210
Clearfield, PA 16830
(814) 765-2641 ext. 5000
Prothonotary & Clerk of Courts

Include in the request:
- Full names of both parties (including maiden name if applicable)
- Date of divorce (approximate if exact date unknown)
- Case number (if known)
- Requester's relationship to the case
- Contact information for response
- Number of certified copies needed
Provide proper identification:
- Government-issued photo ID for parties to the divorce
- Court order or power of attorney for third-party requests
- Attorney bar identification for legal representatives
Submit required fees:
- $10.00 for record search
- $5.00-$15.00 per certified copy (varies by document type)
- Additional fees for expedited service if available

For divorce records needed for international use, requesters may require additional authentication through apostille or certification. These services are provided by the Pennsylvania Department of State rather than the county office.

Proof of divorce documents typically include:

Certified copy of the divorce decree
Certificate of divorce (administrative summary)
Docket sheet showing case disposition

Processing times generally range from 1-5 business days for standard requests, depending on current office workload and the age of the records requested.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Clearfield County?

Under certain circumstances, divorce proceedings and associated records in Clearfield County may be granted confidential status, though complete confidentiality is rare. Pennsylvania law provides mechanisms for protecting sensitive information while maintaining the generally public nature of court proceedings.

Parties seeking confidentiality in divorce cases may pursue several options:

Sealing specific documents - Pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 1930.1, certain sensitive documents may be sealed, including:
- Financial records and tax returns
- Medical and psychological evaluations
- Records containing children's identifying information
- Documentation of abuse or domestic violence
Redaction of sensitive information - Personal identifiers may be removed from public documents, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Dates of birth
- Minor children's names (initials may be used instead)
Petition for sealed proceedings - In exceptional cases, parties may request that the entire case be sealed from public view by:
- Filing a motion with the presiding judge
- Demonstrating compelling privacy interests
- Showing potential harm from public disclosure
- Obtaining judicial approval through court order

Factors that may support confidentiality include:

Protection of domestic violence victims
Safeguarding children from publicity
Preventing identity theft or financial harm
Protecting trade secrets or sensitive business information
Mental health considerations

Even when certain aspects of divorce proceedings are confidential, basic case information typically remains in the public record, including parties' names and the fact that a divorce was granted. Complete confidentiality is extremely rare and requires extraordinary circumstances.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Clearfield County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in Clearfield County varies significantly based on several factors, including the type of divorce filed, level of agreement between parties, and court caseload. Under Pennsylvania law, different procedural timelines apply to various divorce scenarios.

For uncontested no-fault divorces (mutual consent):

Minimum waiting period: 90 days after filing and service
Typical completion time: 3-6 months
Requirements: Both parties file affidavits consenting to divorce

For uncontested no-fault divorces (irretrievable breakdown):

Statutory separation period: 1 year
Typical completion time: 12-18 months
Requirements: Parties must live separate and apart for one year before filing affidavits

For contested divorces:

Minimum duration: 6-12 months
Typical completion time: 18-24 months
Complex cases may extend to: 2-3+ years

Factors affecting timeline include:

Court congestion and scheduling availability
Complexity of asset division
Child custody disputes
Discovery process duration
Need for expert witnesses or evaluations
Attorney scheduling conflicts
Settlement negotiations
Appeals or post-decree modifications

According to the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts, the average time from filing to disposition for divorce cases in Pennsylvania counties of similar size to Clearfield is approximately 8.5 months for uncontested cases and 14.7 months for contested matters.

Expedited procedures may be available in certain circumstances, such as when both parties have reached full agreement on all issues prior to filing or in cases involving domestic violence.

How Long Does Clearfield County Keep Divorce Records?

Clearfield County maintains divorce records according to Pennsylvania's record retention schedules, which establish different preservation periods based on record type and historical significance. The retention of these records is governed by the Pennsylvania County Records Manual issued by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

The standard retention periods for divorce records are:

Final Divorce Decrees: Permanent retention
Case Files (complete): Minimum 75 years from date of final decree
Docket Books and Indices: Permanent retention
Financial Support Records: 20 years after case closure
Temporary Orders: 10 years after case closure
Exhibits: Returned to parties or destroyed after appeal period (typically 30 days)

Records management practices include:

Active records (recent cases): Maintained in the Prothonotary's Office
Semi-active records (older cases): May be transferred to county archives
Historical records (pre-1968): May be transferred to Pennsylvania State Archives
Digital conversion: Ongoing process of scanning older paper records

Factors affecting retention include:

Historical or genealogical significance
Space limitations in county facilities
Technological capabilities for digital preservation
Budget constraints for records management
Legal requirements for accessibility

Researchers seeking very old divorce records (pre-1900) may need to consult with the Pennsylvania State Archives or the State Library of Pennsylvania, as these institutions maintain historical vital records that may no longer be available at the county level.

How To Get a Divorce In Clearfield County

Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Clearfield County must follow specific procedures established under Pennsylvania law. The divorce process involves several distinct steps, regardless of whether the case is contested or uncontested.

To initiate a divorce proceeding:

Determine eligibility - At least one spouse must have been a Pennsylvania resident for at least six months prior to filing, pursuant to Pennsylvania Divorce Code § 3104
Select appropriate grounds for divorce:
- No-fault mutual consent (both parties agree marriage is irretrievably broken)
- No-fault irretrievable breakdown (1-year separation required)
- Fault-based grounds (including adultery, cruelty, desertion, etc.)
Prepare and file initial documents with the Prothonotary's Office:
- Complaint for Divorce
- Notice to Defend
- Verification
- Filing fee payment ($200-$300, varies based on complaint type)
Serve divorce papers to spouse according to Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure:
- Personal service by sheriff or process server
- Acceptance of service (if spouse cooperates)
- Alternative service methods if ordered by court
Complete mandatory waiting periods:
- 90-day cooling off period for mutual consent divorces
- 1-year separation for irretrievable breakdown cases
Address related matters:
- Property division
- Alimony/spousal support
- Child custody and support (if applicable)
- Name change requests
Finalize the divorce:
- Submit praecipe to transmit record
- File affidavits of consent (for mutual consent divorces)
- Attend hearing (if required)
- Receive final decree from judge

Legal assistance options include:

Private attorneys
North Penn Legal Services (for income-eligible residents)
Pro se (self-representation) resources available through the Clearfield County Law Library

All divorce filings should be submitted to:

Clearfield County Prothonotary & Clerk of Courts
230 East Market Street, Suite 210
Clearfield, PA 16830
(814) 765-2641 ext. 5000
Prothonotary & Clerk of Courts

How To Get Divorce Papers In Clearfield County

Individuals initiating divorce proceedings in Clearfield County must obtain and complete the appropriate legal forms. Several methods exist for acquiring these documents, depending on the complexity of the case and whether professional legal assistance is utilized.

To obtain divorce papers:

Clearfield County Prothonotary's Office:
- Visit in person during regular business hours
- Request divorce packet appropriate to your situation
- Pay nominal fee for forms (typically $1-$5 per form)

Clearfield County Prothonotary & Clerk of Courts
230 East Market Street, Suite 210
Clearfield, PA 16830
(814) 765-2641 ext. 5000
Prothonotary & Clerk of Courts

Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System website:
- Access standardized state forms for basic divorce proceedings
- Download forms at no cost
- Print and complete according to instructions
- PA Courts Self-Help Resources
Legal aid organizations:
- North Penn Legal Services (for income-eligible residents)
- Pro bono clinics periodically offered in Clearfield County
- Self-help resources at the county law library
Private attorneys:
- Consultation with family law practitioners
- Attorney preparation of customized documents
- Full-service representation including document preparation

Essential divorce forms typically include:

Complaint for Divorce (Form 1)
Notice to Defend and Claim Rights (Form 2)
Verification (Form 3)
Acceptance of Service (Form 4)
Affidavit of Consent (Form 5)
Waiver of Notice (Form 6)
Praecipe to Transmit Record (Form 14)

Additional forms required for specific situations:

Counter-Affidavit (Form 7) - for contested matters
Affidavit of Non-Military Service (Form 8)
Income and Expense Statement (Form 23) - for support cases
Inventory and Appraisement (Form 25) - for equitable distribution
Parenting Plan (Form 31) - for custody matters
Vital Records Forms - for post-divorce documentation

Completed forms must be filed with the Prothonotary's Office with appropriate filing fees. Fee waivers (In Forma Pauperis) may be available for those who demonstrate financial hardship.