How to Find Legal Separation Records
- 1). Contact the county clerk. You'll need to contact the court in the county of residence and petition the clerk for a copy of the original records including the filing date, terms of the separation and the signature of the judge. By law, a petition for legal separation must be filed in the district court where the couple resides.
- 2). Complete the appropriate form. Each state differs; for example, in California, you must complete a Notice of Entry of Judgment (form FL-170).
- 3). Show proof of identity and pay the associated fees once you are directed to the records room at the district court. Fees vary by state and can range from $2 (such as in Washington D.C.) to $45 (such as in New York). These fees are estimates based on the 2009 fee schedule and are subject to change.
- 4). Have the legal separation record notarized by the county clerk's office. Pay the fee for the service and maintain a second copy for your records.
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