Yuma Divorce Decree Records
Divorce decrees in Yuma County are managed by the Clerk of the Superior Court. This southwestern Arizona county sits along the Colorado River near the California and Mexico borders. The clerk office in downtown Yuma handles all family law cases including divorce filings and dissolution of marriage proceedings. Anyone who filed for divorce in Yuma County will find their final decree stored at this office. The county serves about 212,000 people, making it a mid-sized jurisdiction with steady court activity. Most divorce cases here involve property division, child custody arrangements, and support obligations common to families in the Yuma area.
Yuma County Quick Facts
Yuma County Superior Court Clerk
The Clerk of the Superior Court is the official record keeper for all divorce cases in Yuma County. Lynn Fazz serves as the county clerk. This office processes new divorce filings, maintains case files, and provides copies of divorce decrees to the public. The clerk office is on the second floor of the courthouse at 250 West 2nd Street in Yuma. Staff can search for cases by party name or case number. They can make copies of documents and certify them if needed. All divorce cases filed in Yuma County since the court was established are stored here or in the county archives.
The clerk office operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office is closed on weekends and state holidays. You can visit in person during these hours to request records. If you need help with a divorce case, call the main clerk line at (928) 817-4210. For questions specifically about divorce records, call (928) 817-4238. This dedicated divorce records line can help you locate your case, check on document availability, and explain the process for getting certified copies of your divorce decree in Yuma County.
| Office | Yuma County Clerk of the Superior Court |
|---|---|
| Clerk | Lynn Fazz |
| Address |
250 W. 2nd Street Yuma, AZ 85364 |
| Main Phone | (928) 817-4210 |
| Divorce Records | (928) 817-4238 |
| Fax | (928) 817-4211 |
| lfazz@courts.az.gov | |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
Search Yuma Divorce Decree Records
You can search for divorce decrees in Yuma County through online systems or in person at the clerk office. Online searches work well if you need basic case information or want to confirm a case exists. In-person visits give you access to the full case file and let you get certified copies right away. Both methods provide access to divorce records going back many years in Yuma County.
The Arizona Public Access Case Lookup system includes Yuma County court records. Visit apps.azcourts.gov/publicaccess/caselookup.aspx to search. Select Yuma County from the list. Then enter the name of one or both spouses. You can also search by case number if you have it. The system shows basic case details like filing date, case type, and status. This is a free tool. It helps you locate the case before you request copies from the clerk office.
For actual divorce decree documents, use the Arizona eAccess portal. Go to azcourtdocs.gov and create an account. Search for the Yuma County case by name or number. Once you find it, you can view a list of documents in the file. Select the final decree or any other document you need. The system charges $10 per document. Downloads come as PDF files. This works well for unofficial copies, but you still need to contact the clerk office for certified copies with the raised seal.
To search in person, visit the clerk office on the second floor of the Yuma County courthouse. Bring a photo ID. Tell the clerk staff which case you need. If you have the case number, provide it. If not, give both spouses' full names and the approximate divorce date. The clerk will search the records and locate your file. You can review the documents and request copies on the spot. Same-day service is often available for simple requests in Yuma County.
Yuma County Divorce Decree Fees
Yuma County charges standard fees for divorce decree copies. Plain copies cost $0.50 per page. A typical divorce decree runs 5 to 12 pages, so expect to pay $2.50 to $6.00 for an uncertified copy. If you need a certified copy with the clerk's signature and raised seal, add $35.00 to the cost. The certification fee applies per document, not per page. Many agencies and organizations require certified copies as official proof of divorce, so plan ahead if you need this service in Yuma County.
If the clerk office needs to research your case because you do not have a case number, they charge $35.00 per year or per source searched. This research fee covers the staff time needed to locate older files or search through multiple record sets. If you know your case number, you avoid this charge. Always try to find the case number using the free online Public Access system before you contact the clerk office. This saves you money on research fees in Yuma County.
Mailing fees apply when you request records by mail. Yuma County charges $8.00 for postage and handling. This covers the cost of envelopes, postage, and processing your mail request. Payment methods accepted by the clerk office include money orders, cashier's checks, and credit cards. Personal checks are not accepted. If you pay in person, you can use cash, debit cards, or credit cards. All payments must be made before the clerk releases copies of your divorce decree in Yuma County.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copies per page | $0.50 |
| Certified copy | $35.00 |
| Research fee (per year/source) | $35.00 |
| Postage and handling | $8.00 |
| Authentication (3 seals) | $105.00 |
| Exemplification (2 seals) | $70.00 |
Note: Fees are set by Arizona statute and are the same across most counties in the state.
Get Divorce Decree Copies in Yuma County
Start by gathering information about your divorce case. You need the full names of both spouses and the approximate date the divorce was finalized. If you have the case number, that makes the search faster. You can find the case number on any court papers you still have from the divorce. If you do not have the case number, use the Arizona Public Access system to look it up before you contact the clerk office in Yuma County.
For in-person requests, go to the clerk office at 250 West 2nd Street in Yuma during business hours. Bring a photo ID. Tell the clerk which case you need and whether you want plain or certified copies. The clerk will search the records, locate your file, and make the copies. You pay the fees at the counter. Most simple requests are processed while you wait. Complex requests or very old files may take a day or two in Yuma County.
To request copies by mail, write a letter to the Clerk of the Superior Court at 250 W. 2nd Street, Yuma, AZ 85364. Include the case number or both spouses' names and the divorce date. State whether you need plain or certified copies. Provide your mailing address and a daytime phone number. Enclose a money order or cashier's check for the estimated fees. If you are not sure of the exact fee, call (928) 817-4238 first to confirm the amount. Mail requests typically take 5 to 10 business days to process after the clerk receives your payment in Yuma County.
You can also request copies by fax. Send your request to (928) 817-4211. Include all the same information as a mail request. The clerk will call you with the total fee. You can pay by credit card over the phone. Once payment is received, they will mail or fax the copies to you. Fax requests usually process within a few business days in Yuma County.
Filing for Divorce in Yuma County
To file for divorce in Yuma County, at least one spouse must have lived in Arizona for 90 days before filing. This is the residency requirement. You file the petition for dissolution of marriage with the Clerk of the Superior Court in Yuma. The petition starts the case. It lists the grounds for divorce, which in Arizona is simply that the marriage is irretrievably broken. You do not need to prove fault. Arizona is a no-fault divorce state.
After you file the petition, the other spouse must be served with the papers. You can use a process server, the sheriff, or certified mail. Proof of service gets filed with the court. The other spouse has 20 days to file a response if they live in Arizona, or 30 days if they live out of state. If both spouses agree on all terms, you can file a consent decree. This speeds up the process. If you do not agree, the case may go to mediation or trial in Yuma County.
Arizona law requires a 60-day waiting period from the date you serve the other spouse until the judge can sign the final decree. This cooling-off period gives both parties time to work out issues. During this time, you can file motions for temporary orders on custody, support, or use of property. Once the 60 days pass and all issues are resolved, the judge signs the final decree. The clerk files it in the court records. This becomes the official divorce decree in Yuma County.
Property division in Yuma County follows Arizona community property laws. Assets and debts acquired during the marriage are divided equally unless the couple agrees otherwise. Separate property stays with the person who owns it. Child custody and support are decided based on the best interests of the child. The court uses Arizona child support guidelines to calculate payment amounts. All of these terms get written into the final divorce decree in Yuma County.
What Yuma Divorce Decrees Contain
A divorce decree in Yuma County is the final court order that ends the marriage. The judge signs it after all issues are resolved. The decree states that the marriage is dissolved. It includes the date the marriage ends. It also lists the terms for property division, custody, support, and any other issues the couple had to resolve. This is the legal proof that the divorce is final in Yuma County.
Most divorce decrees in Yuma County include these items:
- Names and addresses of both spouses
- Date of marriage and date of separation
- Statement that the marriage is irretrievably broken
- Division of real estate and personal property
- Assignment of debts and liabilities
- Legal decision-making authority for children
- Parenting time schedule and visitation rights
- Child support amount and payment terms
- Spousal maintenance if ordered
The complete case file holds more than just the final decree. It starts with the petition for dissolution. The response from the other spouse is in the file. Financial affidavits show each person's income and assets. Settlement agreements are included if the parties reached one. Temporary orders for custody or support during the case appear in the file. If the case went to trial, minute entries or transcripts describe what happened in court. You can request any part of the case file from the clerk office in Yuma County.
Divorce decrees are public records in Yuma County. Anyone can request copies. You do not need to be one of the spouses. You do not have to give a reason for your request. The clerk office will provide copies to any person who asks and pays the fee. Some information may be redacted to protect privacy, like financial account numbers or details about minor children, but most of the decree is open to the public in Yuma County.
Divorce Help in Yuma County
The Yuma County Superior Court has a Self-Service Center to help people who are handling their own divorce case. This center is located at the courthouse. Staff can answer questions about court procedures and help you fill out forms. They cannot give legal advice, but they can explain the steps in the divorce process. The center has blank forms and instructions for common family law matters. This is a free resource available to all Yuma County residents.
Arizona Court Help is a statewide website with divorce forms and guides. Visit azcourthelp.org to access these resources. The site has step-by-step instructions for filing a petition, responding to a divorce, and completing the process. You can download all the forms you need. The guides explain what to put in each blank. This is helpful if you are doing your own divorce without a lawyer in Yuma County.
If you need a lawyer but cannot afford one, contact Community Legal Services. They provide free legal help to low-income Arizona residents. Their offices serve Yuma County. Call to see if you qualify for their services. Another option is the State Bar of Arizona Lawyer Referral Service. They can connect you with local attorneys who handle divorce cases. Initial consultations are often low-cost or free in Yuma County.
Note: Self-help resources are useful for simple uncontested divorces but complex cases often require an attorney.
Yuma County Divorce Decree Online Access
Several online systems provide access to Yuma County divorce records. The Arizona Public Access Case Lookup lets you search for cases by name or number. This free system shows basic information like filing date, case type, and current status. It does not give you the full text of documents, but it helps you locate the case and confirm which county holds the record you need. This is the best starting point for any divorce record search in Yuma County.
The Arizona eAccess portal provides actual documents. You can view and download divorce decrees, petitions, responses, and other filings from Yuma County cases. The system charges $10 per document. Payment is by credit card. You can access the portal 24 hours a day from anywhere. This is convenient for getting unofficial copies quickly. However, if you need a certified copy with the clerk's seal, you still have to contact the clerk office directly in Yuma County.
Some older Yuma County divorce records may not be available online. Cases from before the court started using electronic filing may only exist as paper files at the courthouse. If you cannot find a case online, call the clerk office at (928) 817-4238. They can check the paper archives and tell you if the record exists. They can make copies of older files and mail them to you for the standard fees in Yuma County.
Note: Very old divorce records from before 1950 may be held by the Arizona State Archives instead of the county clerk.
Major Cities in Yuma County
Yuma County includes several communities along the Colorado River and surrounding agricultural areas. The city of Yuma is the largest population center and the county seat. All divorce cases filed by residents of these cities are handled by the Yuma County Superior Court in Yuma.
Nearby Arizona Counties
Yuma County borders other Arizona counties. If your divorce was filed in a different county, you need to contact that county's Superior Court clerk office for records.