Davis County Divorce Records

What Are Davis County Divorce Records?

Divorce records in Davis County, Utah are official legal documents that provide documentation of the dissolution of marriage between two individuals. These records are maintained pursuant to Utah Code § 30-3-1, which governs divorce proceedings in the state. Divorce records typically consist of various court filings, orders, decrees, and certificates that collectively document the legal termination of a marriage.

The Davis County Clerk/Auditor's Office maintains these records in accordance with the Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA). Divorce records serve multiple important purposes:

• Legal proof of marital status change
• Documentation required for remarriage
• Evidence for name change processes
• Verification for Social Security benefits
• Supporting documentation for loan applications
• Required evidence for immigration matters
• Historical and genealogical research

Divorce records in Davis County are categorized into two main types:

1. Court case files - The complete documentation of divorce proceedings filed with the Second District Court
2. Divorce certificates - Official documents verifying the dissolution of marriage

These records contain sensitive personal information and are subject to specific access restrictions as outlined in Utah state law.

Are Davis County Divorce Records Public?

Davis County divorce records have varying degrees of public accessibility depending on the specific document type and the information contained therein. Under the Utah Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA), most government records are presumed public unless specifically classified otherwise by statute.

Court divorce case files are generally considered public records with important exceptions:

• Financial information of the parties is typically restricted
• Records containing information about minor children are protected
• Sealed records by court order are not publicly accessible
• Records containing sensitive personal information may be redacted

Certified divorce certificates have more restricted access. According to Utah Code § 26-2-22, only the following individuals may obtain certified copies:

• The parties to the divorce
• Legal representatives of the parties
• Individuals with a direct and tangible interest (as determined by statute)
• Immediate family members in certain circumstances

The Utah Office of Vital Records and Statistics maintains divorce certificates from 1978 to the present, while the Davis County Clerk's Office maintains records for divorces that occurred in the county prior to 1978.

Davis County Clerk/Auditor's Office
61 South Main Street, Room 101
Farmington, UT 84025
(801) 451-3213
Davis County Clerk/Auditor

How To Find a Divorce Record In Davis County in 2026

Members of the public seeking divorce records in Davis County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The appropriate method depends on the type of record needed and when the divorce occurred.

For divorce records from 1978 to the present:

• Submit a request for a divorce certificate through the Utah Office of Vital Records and Statistics
• Provide the full names of both parties to the divorce
• Indicate the approximate date of divorce
• Submit proper identification
• Pay the required fee ($18 for a certified copy)

For divorce records prior to 1978:

• Contact the Davis County Clerk/Auditor's Office directly
• Submit a GRAMA request form specifying the divorce record needed
• Provide as much identifying information as possible
• Pay applicable search and copy fees

For complete divorce case files:

• Search court records through the Second District Court
• Use the Utah Courts XChange system for cases after 1992
• Visit the courthouse in person for older records
• Provide names of parties and approximate date of divorce

Utah Office of Vital Records and Statistics
288 North 1460 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84116
(801) 538-6105
Utah Office of Vital Records

Second District Court - Farmington
800 West State Street
Farmington, UT 84025
(801) 447-3800
Utah Courts

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Davis County Online?

Davis County residents and other authorized individuals may access certain divorce records online through several digital platforms maintained by state and county agencies. The availability of records online varies based on the date of the divorce and the specific documents sought.

For divorce cases filed with the Second District Court:

• Access the Utah Courts XChange system
• Create a user account and pay the subscription fee
• Search by party name, case number, or filing date
• View basic case information and docket entries
• Download available documents for a fee

For historical divorce records:

• Visit the Utah State Archives' index to Davis County Probate Court Divorce Register
• Search by name within divorce register of actions
• Note that this provides index information only, not complete records
• Follow up with the Utah State Archives for copies of the actual documents

For divorce certificates from 1978 to present:

• Use the Utah Office of Vital Records online ordering system
• Provide required identification and relationship information
• Pay the fee for certificate copies
• Receive documents by mail (not available for immediate download)

It is important to note that pursuant to Utah Code of Judicial Administration Rule 4-202.02, some divorce case information may be classified as private and not available through online searches.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Davis County?

Members of the public seeking to access divorce records in Davis County without incurring fees have limited options, as most official record requests involve service charges. However, several approaches may reduce or eliminate costs in certain circumstances.

For basic case information:

• Visit the Second District Court clerk's office in person
• Use public access terminals to search basic case information
• View docket information without printing (viewing only is free)
• Take notes on case details for personal reference

For historical research:

• Utilize the Utah State Archives' free online index to locate historical divorce records
• Visit the Utah State Archives Research Center in person to view microfilmed records
• Access public library resources that may contain historical divorce notices
• Consult newspaper archives that published legal notices of divorce proceedings

For verification of divorce status only:

• Request a verification letter rather than a certified copy
• Contact the court directly for verification of case existence
• Consult with legal aid organizations that may assist with record searches

Utah State Archives and Records Service
300 S. Rio Grande Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
(801) 531-3800
Utah State Archives

While these methods may provide basic information without cost, obtaining official copies or certified documents will require payment of established fees. Fee waivers may be available in limited circumstances for individuals who demonstrate financial hardship.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Davis County

Divorce records in Davis County contain comprehensive documentation of the marital dissolution process. The specific contents vary depending on whether the record is a court case file or a divorce certificate.

A complete divorce court case file typically includes:

• Petition for Divorce - The initial filing that states grounds for divorce and requested relief
• Summons - Official notice to the respondent about the divorce action
• Financial Declarations - Detailed statements of assets, debts, income, and expenses
• Parenting Plans - If children are involved, arrangements for custody and visitation
• Property Settlement Agreements - Documentation of how marital property is divided
• Temporary Orders - Court directives during the pendency of the divorce
• Decree of Divorce - The final judgment that legally terminates the marriage
• Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law - The court's determinations that support the decree

A divorce certificate, by contrast, contains more limited information:

• Full names of both parties
• Date the divorce was finalized
• County where the divorce was granted
• Case number assigned by the court
• Date of marriage that was dissolved
• Basic identifying information about the parties

Supplemental documents that may be included in divorce records:

• Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for division of retirement accounts
• Name change orders if a party resumed a former name
• Child support worksheets and orders
• Alimony determinations
• Mediation agreements
• Transcripts of hearings or trials

These records are maintained in accordance with Utah Code § 78A-2-215, which governs court record-keeping requirements.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Davis County?

Individuals requiring legal proof of divorce in Davis County have several options for obtaining official documentation, depending on their specific needs and the intended use of the proof.

For a certified divorce certificate (1978 to present):

• Submit an application to the Utah Office of Vital Records and Statistics
• Provide proper identification and proof of relationship to the parties
• Pay the required fee ($18 for a certified copy)
• Request delivery by mail or in-person pickup

For a certified copy of the divorce decree:

• Contact the Second District Court where the divorce was granted
• Provide the case number or names of parties and approximate date
• Pay the certification fee ($8 per document plus $0.50 per page)
• Request in person, by mail, or through an authorized representative

For divorces prior to 1978:

• Submit a request to the Davis County Clerk/Auditor's Office
• Complete a GRAMA request form specifying the divorce record needed
• Provide identification and as much information about the divorce as possible
• Pay applicable search and certification fees

For international use (Apostille):

• First obtain a certified copy from the appropriate agency
• Submit the certified copy to the Utah Lieutenant Governor's Office for authentication
• Pay the apostille fee ($10 per document)
• Allow additional processing time for authentication

Utah Lieutenant Governor's Office
Utah State Capitol, Suite 220
350 North State Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84114
(801) 538-1041
Utah Lieutenant Governor

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Davis County?

Under certain circumstances, divorce proceedings and records in Davis County may be granted confidential status, though complete confidentiality is rare. Utah law provides several mechanisms for protecting sensitive information within divorce records.

Sealing divorce records:

• Parties may petition the court to seal all or portions of a divorce case
• The court must find compelling reasons that outweigh the public interest in access
• Pursuant to Utah Code of Judicial Administration Rule 4-202.04, specific findings are required to seal records
• Even when sealed, records remain accessible to the parties and their attorneys

Protected information in public divorce files:

• Social Security numbers are automatically redacted
• Financial account numbers are protected from public disclosure
• Information about minor children is typically classified as protected
• Medical and mental health information may be classified as private
• Victim information in cases involving domestic violence is protected

Alternative dispute resolution:

• Mediation proceedings are confidential by statute
• Settlement negotiations may remain private
• Collaborative divorce processes offer greater privacy than litigation
• Final agreements must still be filed with the court, though financial details may be referenced in separate, protected documents

It is important to note that while certain information may be protected from public disclosure, divorce records in Utah are presumptively public under GRAMA. Complete confidentiality is granted only in exceptional circumstances where the court determines that privacy interests substantially outweigh the public interest in access.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Davis County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in Davis County varies significantly based on several factors, including case complexity, level of agreement between parties, and court caseload. Utah law establishes certain minimum timeframes, but the actual process often extends beyond these statutory minimums.

Statutory waiting period:

• Utah requires a 30-day waiting period from filing to finalization
• This waiting period may be waived by the court for extraordinary circumstances
• The waiting period was reduced from 90 days to 30 days by legislative amendment in 2018

Uncontested divorces:

• When parties agree on all issues, divorces may be finalized in 31-60 days
• Default divorces (where the respondent does not answer) typically take 45-75 days
• Online divorce filings through the Utah Courts Online Divorce system may expedite the process

Contested divorces:

• Cases involving disputes over property, custody, or support typically take 6-12 months
• Complex asset division cases may extend to 18 months or longer
• Cases requiring trial dates often experience delays of several months due to court scheduling

Factors affecting timeframes:

• Mandatory parent education classes for cases involving minor children
• Mediation requirements in custody disputes
• Discovery processes for financial information
• Temporary orders hearings
• Guardian ad litem appointments
• Custody evaluations
• Property appraisals
• Court congestion and scheduling availability

According to statistics from the Utah Administrative Office of the Courts, the average time from filing to disposition for divorce cases in the Second District Court is approximately 223 days, though this varies significantly based on case type and complexity.

How Long Does Davis County Keep Divorce Records?

Davis County maintains divorce records according to retention schedules established by Utah state law and administrative rules. The retention period varies based on the type of record and its historical significance.

Court case files:

• Complete divorce case files are permanently retained by the Second District Court
• Pursuant to Utah Code § 78A-2-215, courts must maintain records of all proceedings
• Case files may be transferred to different storage formats (digital, microfilm) after specific time periods
• After 50 years, case files may be transferred to the Utah State Archives for permanent preservation

Divorce certificates:

• The Utah Office of Vital Records maintains divorce certificates permanently
• Records from 1978 to present are maintained by the state office
• Pre-1978 records are maintained by the Davis County Clerk's Office
• Historical divorce records are eventually transferred to the Utah State Archives

Index and register books:

• Divorce registers and indexes are maintained permanently
• Many historical indexes have been digitized for preservation
• The Utah State Archives maintains searchable indexes for historical Davis County divorce records

Administrative records:

• Records related to divorce proceedings but not part of the case file follow varying retention schedules
• Financial records typically have shorter retention periods (7-10 years)
• Statistical reports are generally retained for 3-5 years

While records may be transferred between agencies or converted to different formats over time, the substantive information contained in divorce records is preserved permanently. This ensures that individuals can access proof of divorce regardless of when the divorce occurred.

How To Get a Divorce In Davis County

Residents seeking to dissolve a marriage in Davis County must follow specific procedures established by Utah law. The divorce process involves several steps that must be completed in sequence.

Residency requirements:

• At least one party must have been a resident of Utah for at least 3 months immediately before filing
• For members of the armed forces, being stationed in Utah for 3 months satisfies this requirement
• The petition must be filed in the county where either party resides

Filing procedures:

• Complete the required divorce petition and related forms
• Forms are available through the Utah Courts Self-Help Resources
• File the petition with the Second District Court clerk
• Pay the filing fee ($325 as of current fee schedule)
• Serve the petition and summons on the other party according to legal requirements

Mandatory requirements:

• Observe the 30-day waiting period from filing to finalization
• Complete parent education classes if minor children are involved
• Participate in mediation if required by the court
• Disclose financial information through financial declaration forms
• Attend all scheduled court hearings

Finalizing the divorce:

• Submit a proposed Decree of Divorce for the judge's signature
• Provide Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law
• Ensure all required documents are properly completed
• Obtain certified copies of the final decree for personal records

Second District Court - Farmington
800 West State Street
Farmington, UT 84025
(801) 447-3800
Utah Courts

Fee waiver information:

• Individuals who cannot afford filing fees may apply for a fee waiver
• The application requires financial information to demonstrate inability to pay
• The court reviews each application and makes a determination based on financial need

How To Get Divorce Papers In Davis County

Individuals seeking to initiate divorce proceedings in Davis County have several options for obtaining the necessary legal forms and documents. These resources ensure that parties have access to the proper paperwork required by Utah courts.

Online resources:

• The Utah Courts website provides comprehensive divorce forms
• Online forms include petitions, financial declarations, and final decrees
• Forms are available in fillable PDF format for convenient completion
• Step-by-step instructions guide users through the form completion process

In-person assistance:

• Visit the Self-Help Center at the Second District Court
• Court clerks can provide form packets (but cannot offer legal advice)
• Forms are available during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
• Bring identification and be prepared to specify the type of divorce case

Legal assistance options:

• Utah Legal Services provides forms and assistance to qualifying low-income individuals
• The Utah State Bar Lawyer Referral Service can connect individuals with attorneys
• Private attorneys can prepare customized divorce documents
• Legal document preparers offer form completion services at lower costs than attorneys

Utah Legal Services
205 North 400 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84103
(801) 328-8891
Utah Legal Services

Types of divorce forms available:

• Petition for Divorce
• Summons
• Financial Declaration
• Child Support Worksheet
• Parenting Plan
• Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law
• Decree of Divorce
• Certificate of Divorce
• Fee Waiver Application
• Temporary Orders
• Motion for Default

Individuals should ensure they obtain the correct forms for their specific situation, as different forms are required for cases involving children, military service members, or other special circumstances.

Lookup Divorce Records in Davis County

Request Records from Davis County Clerk

Search Davis County Divorce Register Index

Order Vital Record Certificates

Utah Courts Divorce Information

Search Court Records with XChange