Yuma Divorce Records Search

Yuma divorce records are filed with the Yuma County Clerk of the Superior Court. The city of Yuma directs all divorce inquiries to the county court system. Arizona cities do not have authority over divorce cases under state law. The Yuma County courthouse sits in downtown Yuma, making it convenient for city residents to access divorce records. Whether you need a copy of your own decree or want to search public records, the county clerk is your source. This page explains how to find and request Yuma divorce records.

Yuma County Court Handles Divorce Cases

Yuma is the county seat and largest city in Yuma County. Located in the far southwest corner of Arizona, the city sits along the Colorado River near the California and Mexico borders. All divorce cases for Yuma residents go through the Yuma County Superior Court. The city government has no role in divorce proceedings or record keeping.

The Yuma City Clerk's office makes this clear on their website. Their city records page states that marriage certificates and court documents require contacting the Clerk of the Superior Court. They provide the county clerk phone number for residents who call asking about divorce records. This happens often because people assume the city handles these matters.

Arizona Superior Courts have exclusive jurisdiction over dissolution of marriage cases. This is the legal term for divorce in Arizona. Municipal courts in Yuma handle traffic violations, misdemeanor crimes, and city code violations only. Family law matters always go to the Superior Court. This structure keeps divorce records centralized at the county level for easier public access.

Yuma County Clerk Contact Information

Lynn Fazz serves as the Clerk of the Superior Court for Yuma County. Her office maintains all divorce records for the county. The main courthouse address is 250 W. 2nd Street in Yuma, AZ 85364. The general office phone number is (928) 817-4210. For divorce records specifically, call (928) 817-4238. This direct line connects you with staff who handle family court records.

Office hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm on weekdays. The office closes for state holidays. Walk in during business hours to search or request records. Staff can look up cases using party names if you do not have a case number. The fax number is (928) 817-4211 for sending written requests. You can also email Lynn Fazz directly at lfazz@courts.az.gov with questions.

The Yuma County Clerk website has information about services and forms. The clerk office is the starting point for anyone who needs to initiate Superior Court action. This includes adoptions, civil cases, criminal matters, and domestic relations like divorce. Staff can explain procedures and direct you to the right resources.

Note: Bring government ID when visiting the courthouse in person to pick up records.

How to Search Yuma Divorce Records

Online search is available through the statewide Arizona court system. The eAccess portal lets you view and download Yuma County court documents from home. Each document costs ten dollars. Search by name or case number to find divorce records. The system works around the clock, so you can search whenever convenient.

The free Public Access system shows basic case information. You can find case numbers, party names, and filing dates without paying any fees. This helps you identify the right case before buying documents through eAccess. Both systems cover Yuma County Superior Court records going back several years.

In-person searches at the clerk office are free during business hours. Tell staff the names of the parties and approximate date of the divorce. They will search the system and pull the file for you to review. You can look through the entire case file before deciding what copies to order. This method works well when you are not sure exactly what you need.

Mail requests work if you cannot visit in person. Write a letter with both party names, the approximate divorce date, and your contact information. Include payment for estimated fees or call first to find out costs. Mail your request to the Clerk of Superior Court at 250 W. 2nd Street, Yuma, AZ 85364. Allow one to two weeks for processing and delivery.

Yuma County Divorce Record Fees

Copy fees are 50 cents per page. This is the same rate as other Arizona counties. A typical divorce decree runs five to fifteen pages depending on complexity. Cases with children, property division, or contested issues have larger files. Simple uncontested divorces have shorter decrees and fewer total pages.

Certification costs 30 dollars per document in Yuma County. This is on the lower end for Arizona. The certification fee covers the official seal that proves your copy matches the original court record. You need certified copies for legal proceedings, government applications, and some employment situations. Regular copies work fine for personal reference or research.

Research fees may apply if staff must search for your case and you do not have a case number. The search fee covers time spent looking through records to find your divorce. Providing specific information helps reduce or avoid research fees. Know the names of both parties and the approximate year if possible. Exact dates are even better when you have them.

The clerk office accepts various payment methods. Cash and money orders work for in-person visits. Credit and debit cards are also accepted. Personal checks may not be accepted at all locations. Call ahead to confirm payment options if you plan to use a check.

Divorce Resources for Yuma Residents

The Yuma County Self-Service Center helps people handle their own divorce cases. Staff cannot give legal advice, but they explain procedures and help with forms. The center has computers where you can access the Arizona Courts Self-Service Center for forms and instructions. Print what you need and get help filling it out.

Arizona requires a 90-day residency before filing for divorce. At least one spouse must have lived in Arizona for 90 days. You file in the county where you or your spouse lives. After filing, there is a 60-day waiting period before the divorce can be finalized. These rules come from A.R.S. Title 25, which covers marital and domestic relations law in Arizona.

Legal aid organizations serve Yuma County residents who cannot afford attorneys. Community Legal Services provides free help to those who qualify based on income. Call to ask about eligibility and available services. The State Bar of Arizona offers a lawyer referral service if you need to find a family law attorney in Yuma.

Yuma Municipal Court handles city matters only. Reach them at (928) 373-4800 for traffic tickets and misdemeanor questions. They will direct you to the Superior Court for any divorce inquiries. Do not go to the municipal court for family law matters.

Nearby Arizona Cities

Other Arizona cities also direct divorce record requests to their county Superior Court. Each county has its own clerk office.

Yuma County Divorce Records

For full details on Yuma County divorce records, including office locations and all fees, see the county page.