Pima County Divorce Records

Pima County divorce records are kept by the Clerk of the Superior Court in downtown Tucson. This is the second largest county in Arizona with over one million residents in the metropolitan area. The clerk office processes thousands of divorce cases each year. You can search records online through state portals or visit the courthouse on West Congress Street. The Legal Records Unit handles copy requests and can certify documents for official use.

Pima County Clerk of Superior Court

The Pima County Clerk of the Superior Court is the official record keeper for all court cases including divorce. Gary Harrison serves as the current clerk. The office maintains divorce decrees, petitions, responses, property settlements, and parenting plans for cases filed in Pima County. Staff at the Legal Records Unit can help you find and copy the documents you need.

The main courthouse is at 110 West Congress Street, Suite 241 in Tucson, AZ 85701-1317. This is downtown near other county buildings. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The office closes on state holidays and weekends. Plan to arrive early if you have a complex request since the office can get busy.

Contact the Legal Records Unit at (520) 724-3240 for help with divorce records. The main clerk phone is (520) 724-3200. Fax is (520) 724-2134. You can also email CoSCLegalRecords@cosc.pima.gov with questions about your records request. Staff usually respond within one to two business days.

The screenshot below shows the Pima County clerk website where you can find office information and services.

The website has links to forms, fee information, and online services for court records.

How to Search Pima County Divorce Records

Online access starts with the statewide eAccess portal. This system covers Pima County cases going back many years. Each document costs ten dollars to view and download. You can search by party name or case number. The portal includes divorce decrees, petitions, agreements, and court orders. It runs 24 hours a day so you can search whenever you have time.

In-person searches at the courthouse are free. Visit during business hours and staff will help you look up cases. You can review files before deciding what copies to order. This works well when you are not sure what documents a case contains or when you want to see the whole file before choosing specific pages.

Public records requests are governed by Arizona Supreme Court Rule 123. This rule covers what records are open to the public and what restrictions apply. Most divorce records are public unless the judge sealed them. Some documents involving children or financial information may have limited access. The clerk will tell you if any part of a case file is restricted.

The image below shows the Pima County Recorder page which lists other county offices that handle public records.

Different offices handle different types of records. Divorce records come from the Superior Court Clerk, not the Recorder.

Pima County Divorce Record Fees

Copy fees are 50 cents per page for all court documents including divorce records. This is the standard rate set by state law. A divorce decree might be 5 to 20 pages. Property settlements and parenting plans add to the total page count.

Certification costs 30 dollars per document in Pima County. This is slightly lower than the 35 dollar fee some other Arizona counties charge. A certified copy has a raised seal from the clerk proving it is genuine. You need certified copies for most official purposes like getting a name change on your Social Security card or proving divorce status for a new marriage license.

Handling and postage costs 7 dollars if you want documents mailed to you. This covers shipping and processing. If you pick up in person or download through eAccess, you do not pay this fee. The postage charge applies whether you order one document or several at the same time.

You pay certification plus copy costs. A 10-page certified document costs 5 dollars for copies plus 30 dollars for certification. Add 7 dollars for postage if you want it mailed. The total comes to 42 dollars for a 10-page certified divorce decree sent by mail.

Note: Fees may change, so confirm current rates with the clerk before sending payment.

Divorce Assistance in Pima County

The Arizona Courts Self-Service Center has free forms for people filing without a lawyer. Download complete dissolution packets for cases with or without children. The site includes instructions that walk you through each step. Forms cover petitions, summons, responses, and final decrees.

Southern Arizona Legal Aid provides help to low-income Pima County residents. They offer advice and sometimes representation in family law cases including divorce. Income limits apply. Contact them to find out if you qualify for their services. The Pima County Bar Association also has a lawyer referral service if you need to hire an attorney.

Arizona law requires a 60-day waiting period from service of the divorce petition before the court can finalize the case. Under A.R.S. Title 25, at least one spouse must live in Arizona for 90 days before filing. The waiting period gives couples time to reconcile if possible and ensures proper notice to the other spouse.

Fee deferrals may be available if you cannot afford court costs. Fill out the deferral application and provide proof of your income. The judge decides whether to grant full or partial waiver. This covers filing fees but not copy costs for records you request later. Ask the clerk office about the deferral process if you have financial hardship.

Cities in Pima County

Pima County includes Tucson, Oro Valley, Marana, Sahuarita, and South Tucson. All divorce cases for these cities go through the Pima County Superior Court. Municipal courts only handle traffic violations and misdemeanors. Regardless of which city you live in, divorce filings and records come from the county court in Tucson.

Nearby Arizona Counties

Pima County borders Pinal County to the north and Santa Cruz County to the south. If the divorce happened in a different county, contact that county clerk for records.