Find Tempe Divorce Records
Tempe divorce records are not kept by the city. All divorce cases in Tempe go through the Maricopa County Superior Court. The city has about 185,000 people living in the east valley near Arizona State University. If you need a divorce decree or case file from a Tempe divorce, you must contact the Maricopa County Clerk of the Superior Court. The city court only deals with traffic tickets and minor cases. This guide shows you how to get divorce records for Tempe residents.
Tempe Divorce Records Quick Facts
Maricopa County Handles Tempe Divorces
Tempe is in Maricopa County. This means the Maricopa County Superior Court handles all divorce cases for Tempe residents. The city of Tempe does not have any role in divorce filings or records. Arizona law puts all family court matters at the county level. When someone in Tempe files for divorce, the case goes to the Superior Court in Phoenix or one of the regional court centers. The county clerk keeps all the records from these cases.
The Tempe Municipal Court at 140 East Fifth Street deals with city matters only. It handles parking tickets, traffic violations, and misdemeanor crimes that happen within city limits. Staff at the city court cannot help you with divorce records. They will tell you to call the county clerk instead. This is true for all Arizona cities. Municipal courts do not have jurisdiction over divorce cases anywhere in the state.
You can reach the Tempe Municipal Court at (480) 350-8271 if you have questions about what they do handle. For divorce records, call the Maricopa County Clerk at (602) 372-5375. The county staff can search for records, make copies, and certify documents you need.
Maricopa County Clerk Contact Info
The Maricopa County Clerk of the Superior Court stores all Tempe divorce records. You can visit the main office or call to request copies. The clerk office has several locations, but the downtown Phoenix location handles the most records requests.
The main address is 601 W. Jackson Street in Phoenix, AZ 85003. This is in downtown Phoenix near the main courthouse. Office hours run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. The phone number is (602) 372-5375. You can also email them at PublicRecords@jbazmc.maricopa.gov for help with your request. Staff can answer questions about what records are available and how to get them.
For Tempe residents who want to avoid driving to Phoenix, the Southeast Court Complex in Mesa is closer. It sits at 222 E. Javelina Avenue in Mesa 85210. This location can access the same records system as the main office. You can request Tempe divorce records there during regular hours. All four county court locations connect to one database.
Note: The county clerk does not accept personal checks for payment of fees.
How to Search Tempe Divorce Records
You have three main ways to find Tempe divorce records. Online searching is the fastest for many people. The Arizona eAccess portal lets you search court records from home. You can look up cases by name or case number. When you find what you need, each document costs ten dollars to view and download. The system works around the clock so you can search any time.
The free Public Access system shows basic case information without charge. You can see filing dates, case status, and some minute entries. This helps you verify that a divorce case exists before you pay for documents. The system does not show the actual decree or other filings. For those, you need eAccess or a trip to the clerk office.
In-person searches at the clerk office cost nothing to browse. Walk in during business hours and ask to see a case file. Staff will help you find it. Looking at the records is free. When you want copies, you pay 50 cents per page. This works well if you want to review a file before deciding what to copy. Bring the names of both spouses and the approximate date of divorce to speed up the search.
Mail requests work if you cannot visit or use the online system. Send a letter with the names, dates, and what you need to the clerk office. Include a check or money order for the expected cost. Call first to find out how much to send. Response time is usually one to two weeks. Add eight dollars for postage and handling if you want documents mailed back.
Tempe Divorce Record Fees
Fees for Tempe divorce records follow Maricopa County rates. Copy costs are 50 cents per page. This applies to any document in the court file. A typical divorce decree runs 5 to 15 pages, so copies cost between $2.50 and $7.50 for most decrees.
Certification costs 35 dollars per document. A certified copy has a raised seal from the clerk that proves it is real. Many places require certified copies for legal matters. You pay the 35 dollar fee on top of the per-page copy cost. A 10-page certified decree would cost $5 for copies plus $35 for certification, totaling $40.
Research fees apply when you do not have a case number. The clerk charges 35 dollars per year of records searched. If you know the year of divorce, you pay one research fee. If you need the clerk to search multiple years, each year costs another 35 dollars. Having more details like both spouses' full names helps narrow the search. Postage and handling adds 8 dollars if you want documents mailed to you.
Legal Help for Tempe Residents
The Arizona Courts Self-Service Center has forms and guides for people who need help with divorce. You can download all the forms required to file in Maricopa County. Instructions explain each step in plain language. This is free to use and good for uncontested divorces where both parties agree on terms.
Community Legal Services at clsaz.org provides free legal help to qualifying residents in the Tempe area. They handle family law cases including divorce for people with low income. Call them to ask if you qualify. They can represent you in court or help you fill out forms on your own. Their staff knows the Maricopa County court system well.
Arizona State University in Tempe has a legal clinic that sometimes helps with family law matters. The Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law runs clinics where law students help community members under faculty supervision. This can be a low-cost option for Tempe residents. Check the ASU law school website for current programs and how to apply for assistance.
The State Bar of Arizona runs a lawyer referral service. They can connect you with family law attorneys who practice in the Tempe area. A brief consultation lets you ask questions and decide if you want to hire that lawyer. Visit azbar.org or call the referral line to find a private attorney.
Nearby Cities in Maricopa County
These cities are also in Maricopa County and use the same court system for divorce records. The county clerk handles divorce cases for all of them.
Maricopa County Divorce Records
For complete information about divorce records in Maricopa County, including all office locations, online search options, and current fees, see our main county page.