Scottsdale Divorce Records Lookup
Scottsdale divorce records are maintained by Maricopa County Superior Court, not the city itself. Scottsdale has about 250,000 residents and sits in the northeast valley. All divorce cases filed by Scottsdale residents are heard at the county level. The Scottsdale City Court handles minor cases like traffic and misdemeanors but has no jurisdiction over family law. When you need a divorce decree or want to search divorce case files from Scottsdale, the Maricopa County Clerk of the Superior Court is where you go.
Scottsdale Divorce Records Quick Facts
Scottsdale Divorces Go Through County Court
Arizona gives Superior Court exclusive authority over divorce cases. This applies statewide. Scottsdale City Court cannot hear divorces, grant custody, or divide property. Those matters belong to Maricopa County Superior Court. If you file for divorce while living in Scottsdale, your case goes into the county system.
The Scottsdale City Court is at 3700 N. 75th Street. You can call 480-312-2442 with questions. Their records request page shows what they handle. Traffic cases, criminal misdemeanors, and protective orders are their focus. Divorce is not mentioned because they do not process those cases.
Scottsdale City Court does offer a records request service. They charge 17 dollars for record searches and 50 cents per page for copies. But this only applies to city court records like traffic tickets. Divorce records are not available there. For divorce documents, you must go through the county clerk.
Where Scottsdale Residents Get Divorce Records
The Northeast Regional Court Center serves north valley residents. It sits at 18380 N. 40th Street in Phoenix. This is close to the border with Scottsdale. You can handle divorce record requests there. The location offers full clerk services including copies, certification, and case searches.
The main courthouse in downtown Phoenix is another option. The Customer Service Center at 601 W. Jackson Street handles all record requests. Both locations are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Plan your visit during these hours.
Call the Maricopa County Clerk at (602) 372-5375. Staff answer questions about fees, procedures, and record availability. For written requests, email PublicRecords@jbazmc.maricopa.gov. They respond to questions about divorce records and can explain how to submit a request.
Note: Personal checks are not accepted for payment at the clerk office, so bring cash, a money order, or a credit card.
How to Search Scottsdale Divorce Records Online
Arizona provides statewide online tools. The Public Access system offers free case searches. Enter names to find divorce cases. Results show filing dates, case numbers, and case status. You can see if a divorce was finalized and when. The basic information is available at no charge.
Full documents require the eAccess portal. This is the Arizona Supreme Court system for viewing court records. You pay ten dollars per document. Divorce decrees, petitions, and motions are all available. The portal works around the clock. Create an account to save searches and access your documents later.
The Maricopa County Court Minutes tool shows hearing summaries. Each minute entry records what happened at a court date. You see who appeared, what was argued, and what the judge ordered. This helps piece together the history of a divorce case. Minute entries are free to search.
Some older cases are not in the electronic systems. Divorces from decades ago may exist only on paper. Contact the clerk office if your online search finds nothing. They can search paper records for a research fee.
Fees for Scottsdale Divorce Records
Maricopa County controls all divorce record fees. The city of Scottsdale sets fees only for its municipal court records. Copy fees for divorce documents are 50 cents per page. This is the state standard rate. A fifteen page divorce file would cost 7.50 in copy fees.
Certification adds 35 dollars per document. The certified copy includes a raised seal. This proves the copy is an official record from the court. Banks, government agencies, and foreign consulates often require certified copies. Most people getting divorce records for legal use will need certification.
Research fees are 35 dollars for each year the clerk must search. This applies when you do not have a case number. If you know the year of divorce but not the exact case, expect to pay this fee. Mailing adds eight dollars for postage and handling. The eAccess portal charges ten dollars per document for instant online access.
Legal Resources for Scottsdale Divorce
Free resources exist for people handling their own divorce. The Arizona Courts Self-Service Center provides all the forms. Detailed guides explain each step. The site covers filing, serving papers, and finalizing the decree. This works best for uncontested divorces where both sides agree.
Community Legal Services offers help to those with limited income. Their website at clsaz.org explains eligibility. They handle family law cases for qualified applicants. The State Bar of Arizona at azbar.org runs a referral service. You can find family law attorneys who practice in Scottsdale and the northeast valley.
Scottsdale has many private family law attorneys. Consultations let you ask questions and get advice. You can decide whether to hire a lawyer after learning more about your case. Complex divorces with property disputes or custody fights often benefit from legal representation.
Nearby Arizona Cities
These valley cities also file divorces through Maricopa County Superior Court. Select a city for information on local divorce record access.