Are Stark County Divorce Records Public?

Yes, Stark County, Ohio, divorce records are generally public documents. The public may access these records through the Stark County Clerk of Courts, who maintains Stark County court records. Divorce records are part of court records as divorces are handled by the county courts. Requesters may access and obtain Stark County divorce records using records requests.

Request forms may be picked up, filled out, and submitted to the County Clerk of Court’s office by mail or in person. The request must also include some details about the divorce records, such as the parties’ names or case numbers. These records may also be accessed and obtained online through the county’s Public Records Request website. These records are available to the public in line with the provisions of Chapter 149 of the Ohio Revised Code, Ohio Public Records Act.

This Act provides access to public records of government agencies, including divorce records. It also provides specific exemptions and conditions for certain records to be redacted or sealed. Such exemptions or conditions include information redacted or sealed by a court order, juvenile records, or protective orders.

Who Can Access Stark County Public Records?

Generally, members of the public have broad access to most divorce records. However, there may be redactions subject to court orders for sealing certain records or parts of records. The general public may not be able to access personal or sensitive information such as addresses and bank account information. The general public may also access public information such as the final divorce decree, pleadings, and docket information. There will be no need for eligibility verification to access unsealed and unredacted records.

Public institutions may access Stark County divorce records where there is an official purpose for it. The agency’s access is generally limited to the relevant details of the specific official purpose of the request. Accessible information in this context will vary based on the official purpose of the request. For example, for fraud investigations, law enforcement agencies may have access to more financial details than a social services body will when checking on a child’s welfare. Government agencies usually provide documentation showing the official purpose of the request or official ID.

Do I Need to State My Purpose and Use When Requesting Divorce Records in Stark County?

Requesters are generally not required to disclose the purpose or intended use of public records, including divorce records. The principle is that anyone may access these records regardless of the reason or purpose, but there are some factors to consider. The County Clerk of Courts’ office may have policies that require requesters to state the purpose of the request. Obtaining sensitive records will also require you to state the reason for the request while also providing a form of identification. Some legitimate reasons for requesting divorce records may be genealogical research, personal interests, news reporting or journalism, commercial purposes, and legal reasons.

How do you Request Divorce Records in Stark County?

Stark County divorce records may be requested from the County Clerk of Courts by following these steps:

• Choose a method of request. The request mode is important as it may determine how long the records request process will take and the cost. Requesters may submit requests via mail, in person, or use online resources like the County Clerk of Courts’ website to submit requests to search records.
• Obtain the request form and prepare the records request. Fill out the form with all required details, including some information about the divorce records, such as the names of parties or case numbers.
• Pay the required fees using any of the provided payment options.
• Submit the request using the chosen request mode with all the accompanying documents and proof of payment.
• Wait for the processing time to lapse before receiving copies of the divorce records.

What Information is Included in a Stark County Divorce Record?

Stark County divorce records generally contain publicly accessible information about the divorce case and parties. Requesters may expect to find basic case information such as:

• Case number
• Filing date
• Names of parties
• Attorneys on record
• Divorce decree date
• Grounds for the divorce
• Child support or custody agreement

These records may include documents like financial affidavits, separation agreements, Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, and other motions or court orders. Any redacted or sealed sections of divorce records will not be included in the copies made available to the public. Such restrictions include child-related details, financial information such as bank account numbers or asset valuations, and domestic abuse or violence details.

Fees for Accessing Stark County Divorce Records

Stark County divorce records may be obtained using records requests, which are submitted with proof of payment of the processing fees. These fees vary depending on the request mode, the volume of records requested, or the complexity of the request. Requests that require staff assistance are charged at $2 per page, while $.10 is charged for self-service copies. Requesters may certify copies of records at $1 per document.

Records received via email attract. Requesters may qualify for a fee waiver or reduced fee where they are public benefits beneficiaries, come from a household that cannot meet basic needs or cannot afford filing fees. Individuals who qualify for a waiver may complete the Civil Fee Waiver Affidavit and Order form to be submitted to the County Clerk of Court.

How Long Does It Take to Obtain Divorce Records in Stark County?

Obtaining Stark County public records, including divorce records, will require about 5 days from the office’s receipt of the request. However, where a request is considered to be out of routine and requires an extensive search, the requester will receive an SCJFS’ Public Records Initial Response Letter, which will give an estimate of the period required to process and conclude the request. Factors that may affect the time for processing and obtaining Stark County divorce records include the volume of requests, complexity of requests, staffing, and the availability of the records.

Can I Request Divorce Records Online in Stark County?

Yes, you may request Stark County divorce records online through the County Clerk of Courts Public Records Request website. This website provides information about records requests, fee schedules, and contact information for making inquiries and submission of records requests. Requesters may also use third-party platforms such as Ohiocourtrecords.us. While third-party websites provide faster access to records, the accuracy of such records may need to be assessed using official sources.

Are There Any Exceptions to Accessing Stark County Divorce Records?

Yes, there are some exceptions provided in the Ohio Public Records Act to protect the privacy and security of the records registrants. The Act provides for some key limitations and exceptions in Section 43(A)(1) of the Ohio Revised Code. These exceptions include the following:

• Records sealed or redacted by court orders
• Personal information
• Juvenile records
• Records subject to protective orders
• Details from ongoing court cases