Scioto County Divorce Records
What Are Scioto County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Scioto County are official legal documents maintained by the Scioto County Court of Common Pleas that document the dissolution of marriage between two individuals. These records are created and maintained pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 3105, which governs divorce proceedings throughout the state. Divorce records serve as the authoritative documentation that a marriage has been legally terminated through court proceedings.
Divorce records typically consist of several components:
- The initial divorce petition or complaint
- Summons and proof of service
- Financial affidavits and disclosures
- Child custody and support agreements (if applicable)
- Property division settlements
- The final divorce decree or judgment
These records are maintained by the Clerk of Courts within the Domestic Relations Division of the Scioto County Court of Common Pleas. The records serve multiple important purposes for individuals and society, including:
- Providing legal proof of marital status change
- Enabling remarriage by documenting legal termination of previous marriage
- Supporting name change processes following divorce
- Establishing eligibility for certain Social Security benefits
- Documenting status for loan applications and financial matters
- Verifying marital status for immigration proceedings
Scioto County Clerk of Courts
Scioto County Courthouse
602 7th Street, Room 102
Portsmouth, OH 45662
740-355-8218
Scioto County Clerk of Courts
Are Scioto County Divorce Records Public?
Scioto County divorce records have a nuanced public access status governed by Ohio Public Records Act § 149.43. While many components of divorce records are considered public documents, certain elements may be restricted or redacted to protect privacy and sensitive information.
Generally accessible components of divorce records include:
- Case numbers and filing dates
- Names of parties involved
- Names of attorneys
- Final judgment and decree information
- Court hearing dates and general procedural information
However, several categories of information within divorce records may be restricted from public access:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account information
- Minor children's personal information
- Victim information in cases involving domestic violence
- Medical and health information
- Certain financial disclosures
The Scioto County Clerk of Courts maintains these records in accordance with both state public records laws and privacy protections. Members of the public seeking divorce records should be aware that while basic case information is publicly accessible, obtaining complete, unredacted records may require demonstrating a legal interest in the case or obtaining a court order.
Certified copies of divorce decrees are typically available only to the parties involved in the divorce or their legal representatives, though basic verification of divorce status may be available more broadly. The Ohio Department of Health Vital Statistics unit also maintains an index of divorce records that can verify the occurrence of a divorce without providing the detailed court documents.
How To Find a Divorce Record In Scioto County in 2026
Individuals seeking divorce records in Scioto County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The process varies depending on the type of record needed and the requester's relationship to the case.
For court case files containing divorce proceedings:
- Contact the Scioto County Clerk of Courts, Domestic Relations Division
- Provide the names of both parties and approximate date of divorce
- Submit a records request form (available at the clerk's office or online)
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable search and copy fees
For verification of divorce or certified copies of divorce decrees:
- Visit the Scioto County Clerk of Courts in person
- Complete the Record Request Form
- Provide case number if known (otherwise provide names and date)
- Pay the required certification fee ($1.00 per page plus $1.00 for certification)
- Present identification proving eligibility to receive certified copies
For historical divorce records (over 25 years old):
- Contact the Scioto County Probate Court for divorces prior to 1968
- For divorces after 1968, contact the Clerk of Courts
- Provide as much information as possible about the case
- Allow additional processing time for archived records
Scioto County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division
602 7th Street
Portsmouth, OH 45662
740-355-8219
Scioto County Domestic Relations Court
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Scioto County Online?
Scioto County provides limited online access to divorce record information through the Clerk of Courts' online case search system. This system allows for basic verification of case existence and status but does not provide full document access.
To search for divorce records online:
- Visit the Scioto County Clerk of Courts Case Search portal
- Select "Domestic Relations" from the case type dropdown menu
- Enter search criteria (at least one field is required):
- Case number (if known)
- Party name (last name, first name)
- Filing date range
- Review the search results showing basic case information
- Note that complete documents are not available for download online
The online system provides:
- Case numbers and filing dates
- Names of parties and attorneys
- General case status information
- Docket entries showing filings and court actions
- Hearing dates and times
For complete divorce records or certified copies, individuals must still contact the Clerk's office directly as described in the previous section. The online system serves primarily as a verification tool and initial research method rather than a comprehensive records access portal.
Pursuant to Ohio Supreme Court Superintendence Rule 44, certain personal identifiers and sensitive information are redacted from all online court records to protect privacy while maintaining public access to the judicial process.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Scioto County?
Members of the public may access basic divorce record information in Scioto County without charge through several methods, though fees typically apply for copies and certified documents.
Free access options include:
- In-person inspection at the Scioto County Clerk of Courts office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:00 PM)
- Basic case verification through the online case search portal
- Public access terminals located at the courthouse for searching case information
- Assistance from law librarians at the Scioto County Law Library for locating case information
When visiting the Clerk's office in person:
- Bring identification
- Complete a records request form
- Specify you wish to view records rather than obtain copies
- Be prepared to provide case numbers or names of parties
While inspection of records is generally free, the following fees apply for copies:
- Regular copies: $0.25 per page
- Certified copies: $1.00 per page plus $1.00 certification fee
- Search fees may apply if extensive staff assistance is required
Scioto County Law Library
Scioto County Courthouse
602 7th Street, 2nd Floor
Portsmouth, OH 45662
740-355-8218
Scioto County Law Library
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Scioto County
Divorce records in Scioto County contain comprehensive documentation of the entire divorce proceeding from initiation through final judgment. These records are maintained pursuant to Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 75, which governs divorce proceedings.
A complete divorce case file typically includes:
-
Initial pleadings:
- Complaint for Divorce or Petition for Dissolution
- Summons and proof of service
- Answer and/or counterclaim from responding spouse
-
Financial documentation:
- Affidavit of Income and Expenses
- Property and Debt Disclosure statements
- Tax returns (may be sealed or redacted in public files)
- Pension and retirement account information
-
Child-related documents (if applicable):
- Parenting plans and custody agreements
- Child support worksheets and orders
- Guardian ad litem reports (often confidential)
- Parenting class completion certificates
-
Procedural documents:
- Motions and responses filed during the case
- Hearing notices and continuances
- Temporary orders during pendency of case
- Magistrate's decisions and objections
-
Final documents:
- Separation Agreement (in uncontested cases)
- Final Judgment and Decree of Divorce
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for dividing retirement assets
- Name change orders (if applicable)
The final divorce decree is the most commonly requested document as it contains the court's final determination on all matters including property division, spousal support, child custody, and child support. This document serves as legal proof that the marriage has been dissolved and outlines the rights and responsibilities of both parties going forward.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Scioto County?
Individuals requiring legal proof of divorce in Scioto County have several options for obtaining official documentation, depending on their specific needs and the intended use of the proof.
For most official purposes, a certified copy of the divorce decree serves as the standard proof of divorce. To obtain this document:
- Visit or contact the Scioto County Clerk of Courts office
- Complete the Records Request Form
- Provide the following information:
- Full names of both parties as they appear on the divorce record
- Date of divorce (approximate if exact date unknown)
- Case number (if known)
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay the certification fee ($1.00 per page plus $1.00 for certification)
For verification purposes only (without needing the full decree):
- Request a Certificate of Divorce from the Ohio Department of Health's Vital Statistics unit
- Complete their application form
- Pay the required fee ($21.50 per certificate)
- Provide identification proving eligibility to receive the certificate
For international use, additional authentication may be required:
- Obtain a certified copy from the Scioto County Clerk of Courts
- Submit for authentication to the Ohio Secretary of State
- If needed for use in countries participating in the Hague Convention, request an Apostille
Ohio Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics
246 North High Street
Columbus, OH 43215
614-466-2531
Ohio Department of Health Vital Records
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Scioto County?
While divorce proceedings in Scioto County are generally matters of public record, certain mechanisms exist under Ohio law to protect sensitive information and, in limited circumstances, to seal portions of divorce records from public view.
Under Ohio Revised Code § 3105.171(I), parties may request that financial information submitted during divorce proceedings be kept confidential. Additionally, the court may seal or redact certain information pursuant to:
- Ohio Rules of Superintendence 44-47 (governing court records)
- Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure 26(C) (protective orders)
- Ohio Revised Code § 149.43 (public records exceptions)
Circumstances that may warrant confidentiality include:
- Cases involving domestic violence where disclosure could endanger a party
- Protection of minor children's information
- Sensitive financial or business information that could cause competitive harm
- Medical and mental health records
- Social Security numbers and financial account information
To request confidentiality for divorce records:
- File a motion with the Domestic Relations Court requesting sealing of specific documents
- Demonstrate compelling reasons that outweigh the public's right to access
- Attend a hearing where the court will consider the request
- If granted, obtain a court order specifying which documents are sealed
It is important to note that complete sealing of an entire divorce case is extremely rare and generally not permitted under Ohio law. Instead, specific sensitive documents may be sealed while the general case remains public. Parties concerned about privacy should consult with an attorney regarding available protections under current law.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Scioto County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Scioto County varies significantly based on several factors, including case complexity, level of agreement between parties, court caseload, and the specific divorce process chosen.
For uncontested divorces (dissolution of marriage):
- Minimum waiting period: 30 days from filing to final hearing
- Typical timeframe: 1-3 months
- Requirements: Complete agreement on all issues, joint filing, both parties attend final hearing
For contested divorces:
- Minimum timeframe: 3-6 months for simpler cases
- Average timeframe: 9-12 months for moderately complex cases
- Complex cases (significant assets, business valuation, custody disputes): 12-24 months
Factors that influence divorce timeline:
- Case complexity (property division, business ownership, retirement accounts)
- Child custody and support determinations
- Need for expert witnesses (business valuators, custody evaluators)
- Discovery process length and cooperation
- Court scheduling and availability
- Attorney and party cooperation
- Settlement negotiations and mediation attempts
According to the Ohio Supreme Court's Statistical Reports, the average time to disposition for domestic relations cases in Ohio is approximately 5-7 months, though Scioto County's specific averages may vary based on local caseload and resources.
The court encourages alternative dispute resolution methods, including mediation, which can significantly reduce the time and expense of divorce proceedings when successful. Parties who reach agreement through mediation or collaborative processes typically experience shorter timeframes than those requiring full litigation and trial.
How Long Does Scioto County Keep Divorce Records?
Scioto County maintains divorce records in accordance with the Ohio Supreme Court Rules of Superintendence and the Ohio Records Retention Schedule for domestic relations courts. These regulations establish minimum retention periods for various court documents.
Retention periods for divorce records in Scioto County:
- Final Divorce Decrees: Permanent retention
- Case files (including pleadings, orders, and exhibits): Minimum of 25 years from date of final order
- Docket and journal entries: Permanent retention
- Evidence and exhibits: Retained until case conclusion plus appeal period, unless returned to parties
- Audio recordings of proceedings: 5 years from date of recording
- Temporary orders: Retained as part of case file for 25 years
After the initial retention period, older case files may be:
- Transferred to microfilm or digital format for permanent preservation
- Transferred to the Ohio History Connection (State Archives)
- Maintained in secure storage facilities
It is important to note that even after physical records may be transferred or converted to other formats, the basic record of the divorce (final decree) is maintained permanently. This ensures that proof of divorce remains available regardless of when the divorce occurred.
For historical research purposes, very old divorce records (pre-1950) may be accessed through the Ohio History Connection's archives rather than directly through the Scioto County Clerk of Courts.
How To Get a Divorce In Scioto County
Individuals seeking to terminate a marriage in Scioto County have two primary legal mechanisms available: dissolution of marriage (uncontested) or divorce (contested or uncontested). The process varies depending on the chosen method and level of agreement between parties.
For Dissolution of Marriage (fully agreed):
- Both parties must agree on all issues (property division, support, custody)
- Prepare and sign a Separation Agreement and Parenting Plan (if children involved)
- File a Joint Petition for Dissolution with the Clerk of Courts
- Pay filing fee (approximately $300)
- Attend mandatory parenting seminar if minor children are involved
- Wait minimum 30-day statutory period
- Attend final hearing where both parties must appear
- Receive final decree of dissolution
For Divorce (contested or partially agreed):
- One party files Complaint for Divorce with the Clerk of Courts
- Pay filing fee (approximately $300)
- Serve complaint on other spouse following Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure
- Responding spouse files Answer within 28 days
- Court issues temporary orders if requested
- Discovery process (exchange of financial information)
- Mandatory mediation for custody issues if children involved
- Pre-trial conferences and settlement negotiations
- Final hearing or trial if issues remain unresolved
- Court issues final divorce decree
Scioto County Domestic Relations Court
602 7th Street
Portsmouth, OH 45662
740-355-8219
Scioto County Domestic Relations Court
Required documents for filing include:
- Petition or Complaint
- Affidavit of Income and Expenses
- Property and Debt Disclosure
- Parenting Proceeding Affidavit (if children involved)
- Health Insurance Affidavit
- Application for Child Support Services
The court provides forms for self-represented litigants, though legal representation is strongly recommended, particularly for complex cases involving significant assets or contested custody matters.
How To Get Divorce Papers In Scioto County
Individuals seeking to initiate divorce proceedings in Scioto County can obtain the necessary paperwork through several methods. The specific forms required depend on whether the case involves minor children and whether it is a dissolution (uncontested) or divorce (contested).
To obtain divorce papers:
-
In-person at the courthouse:
- Visit the Scioto County Domestic Relations Court
- Request the appropriate packet of forms from the Clerk's office
- Forms are provided at minimal cost (copying fees may apply)
-
Online resources:
- Download forms from the Ohio Supreme Court's Standardized Forms website
- Some county-specific forms may be available on the Scioto County Court website
- Print and complete all required forms before filing
-
Legal aid services:
- Southeastern Ohio Legal Services may provide assistance with forms
- Income eligibility requirements apply for free services
Basic forms required for all divorce/dissolution cases:
- Petition/Complaint
- Case Designation Form
- Affidavit of Income and Expenses
- Affidavit of Property
- Health Insurance Affidavit
Additional forms for cases with children:
- Parenting Proceeding Affidavit
- Child Support Worksheet
- Parenting Plan or Shared Parenting Plan
- Application for Child Support Services
Southeastern Ohio Legal Services
646 7th Street
Portsmouth, OH 45662
740-354-7563
Southeastern Ohio Legal Services
When completing divorce papers:
- Use black ink or type all information
- Complete all sections of each form
- Sign forms in the presence of a notary public when required
- Make copies of all documents before filing
- Be prepared to pay filing fees or file a fee waiver request if eligible
The Clerk of Courts cannot provide legal advice but can answer basic procedural questions about which forms are required and how to file them properly.