Navajo Public Records /Navajo County Divorce Records

Navajo County Divorce Records

What Are Navajo County Divorce Records?

Navajo County divorce records are official legal documents maintained by the county judicial system that document the dissolution of marriage between two individuals within the jurisdiction of Navajo County, Arizona. These records are governed by Arizona Revised Statutes § 25-311 through § 25-381.24, which establish the legal framework for marriage dissolution in the state. Divorce records, also referred to as dissolution of marriage records, serve as the authoritative documentation of the legal termination of a marital relationship.

The Navajo County Superior Court maintains these records as part of its official court case files. Divorce records typically include:

Petition for dissolution of marriage
Response to petition
Temporary orders
Financial affidavits
Parenting plans (if children are involved)
Property settlement agreements
Final decree of dissolution

These records serve multiple important purposes for individuals and society, including:

Providing legal proof of marital status change
Enabling individuals to legally remarry
Supporting name change processes
Documenting eligibility for Social Security benefits
Verifying marital status for loan applications
Establishing status for immigration matters
Creating a permanent legal record of property division and child custody arrangements

Are Navajo County Divorce Records Public?

Navajo County divorce records maintain a dual status regarding public accessibility. Court divorce case files are generally considered public records in accordance with the Arizona Public Records Law (A.R.S. § 39-121), which establishes the presumption that government records are open to public inspection. However, this public access is subject to important limitations and exceptions.

The public may access basic case information and non-confidential documents from divorce proceedings through the Navajo County Clerk of the Court, which serves as the official custodian of Superior Court records. However, certain components of divorce files may be restricted from public view, including:

Financial account numbers and personal identifying information
Records pertaining to minor children
Sensitive health or medical information
Records sealed by court order
Domestic violence protection information

Certified divorce certificates, which provide official verification of a divorce decree, have more restricted access. Pursuant to A.R.S. § 25-323, these certificates are available only to:

The parties to the divorce
Legal representatives with proper authorization
Individuals with a tangible legal interest (such as subsequent spouses in certain circumstances)
Government agencies performing official functions

This balanced approach to record accessibility aims to preserve both the public's right to information and individuals' privacy interests in sensitive personal matters.

How To Find a Divorce Record In Navajo County in 2026

Members of the public seeking divorce records in Navajo County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The appropriate approach depends on the requester's relationship to the case and the specific information needed.

For general case information and public documents:

Visit the Navajo County Clerk of the Court in person at one of their office locations:

Navajo County Clerk of the Court - Holbrook
100 East Carter Drive
Holbrook, AZ 86025
(928) 524-4188
Navajo County Clerk of the Court

Navajo County Clerk of the Court - Show Low
550 N. 9th Place
Show Low, AZ 85901
(928) 532-6030
Navajo County Clerk of the Court
Complete a records request form, providing:
- Full names of both parties to the divorce
- Approximate date of filing or finalization
- Case number (if known)
- Requestor's contact information
Pay the applicable search and copy fees:
- Record search fee: $30.00 per name
- Copy fees: $0.50 per page
- Certification fee: $30.00 per document

For certified divorce verification certificates:

Contact the Arizona Department of Health Services Bureau of Vital Records directly:

Arizona Department of Health Services - Bureau of Vital Records
150 North 18th Avenue, Suite 120
Phoenix, AZ 85007
(602) 364-1300
Arizona Department of Health Services
Submit a completed application with:
- Proof of identity
- Documentation of legal right to access
- Required fees

Requests may also be submitted by mail with proper identification and payment. Processing times typically range from 5-10 business days for in-person requests and 2-4 weeks for mail requests, depending on current volume.

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Navajo County Online?

Navajo County provides limited online access to divorce record information through several digital platforms. While complete divorce case files are not available online due to privacy considerations, basic case information can be accessed through the following methods:

Arizona Judicial Branch Public Access Case Lookup The Arizona Judicial Branch Public Access portal allows users to search for case information across multiple courts in Arizona, including Navajo County Superior Court. To utilize this resource:
- Navigate to the Public Access Case Lookup website
- Select "Superior Court" as the court type
- Choose "Navajo" from the county dropdown menu
- Enter search criteria (party name, case number, etc.)
- Review the resulting case summary information
This system provides basic case information including filing dates, party names, case type, and scheduled hearings. Document images are not available through this platform.
Navajo County Superior Court Records Request For more detailed case information, users may submit an online records request through the Navajo County Superior Court website:
- Complete the online records request form
- Provide specific case information
- Submit payment for applicable fees
- Receive documents via email or mail
Arizona Department of Health Services Vital Records Portal For certified divorce verifications, eligible individuals may initiate requests through the ADHS Vital Records online ordering system:
- Create an account or log in
- Select "Divorce Certificate" as the record type
- Provide required information and documentation
- Pay the applicable fees
- Choose delivery method

Online access is subject to the same privacy restrictions that apply to in-person requests. Sensitive information and sealed records remain confidential and unavailable through public online portals.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Navajo County?

While most official divorce record searches in Navajo County involve fees, several options exist for accessing basic divorce record information at no cost:

Public Access Terminals at the Courthouse The Navajo County Superior Court provides public access computer terminals at courthouse locations where visitors may search basic case information at no charge:

Navajo County Superior Court - Holbrook
100 East Carter Drive
Holbrook, AZ 86025
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Navajo County Superior Court

While basic searches are free, printing documents from these terminals incurs standard copy fees ($0.50 per page).
Arizona Judicial Branch Public Access Website The Arizona Judicial Branch's Public Access Case Lookup provides free online access to basic case information, including:
- Case numbers
- Party names
- Filing dates
- Case types
- Judge assignments
- Hearing schedules
Navajo County Law Library The Law Library located within the Navajo County Superior Court offers free access to legal research materials and assistance with locating public court records:

Navajo County Law Library
100 East Carter Drive
Holbrook, AZ 86025
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
(928) 524-4177

It is important to note that while basic case information may be accessed without charge, obtaining official copies or certified documents will always involve payment of statutory fees. Additionally, free access methods typically provide only limited information rather than complete case files.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Navajo County

Divorce records in Navajo County comprise a comprehensive collection of documents that chronicle the entire dissolution process from initiation to final judgment. These records are maintained by the Navajo County Clerk of the Court as part of the official court record. A complete divorce file typically contains the following components:

Initial Filings
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Summons
- Preliminary Injunction
- Notice of Right to Convert Health Insurance
- Notice Regarding Creditors
Service Documentation
- Proof of Service
- Acceptance of Service (if applicable)
- Publication notices (if service by publication was required)
Response Documents
- Response to Petition
- Counter-Petition (if filed)
Financial Disclosures
- Affidavit of Financial Information from both parties
- Property and Debt Inventory
- Child Support Worksheets (if applicable)
Temporary Orders
- Motions for Temporary Orders
- Responses to Motions
- Temporary Order Rulings
Settlement Documents
- Property Settlement Agreement
- Parenting Plan (if children involved)
- Child Support Order (if applicable)
Final Judgment Documents
- Decree of Dissolution of Marriage
- Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law (in contested cases)
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (for division of retirement accounts)
Post-Judgment Filings
- Motions to Modify
- Enforcement Actions
- Appeals Documentation (if applicable)

The level of detail in these records varies based on whether the divorce was contested or uncontested, whether minor children were involved, and the complexity of property division. Pursuant to Arizona Rules of Family Law Procedure, certain sensitive information may be redacted or filed under seal to protect privacy interests.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Navajo County?

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

For a certified copy of the divorce decree:

Visit the Navajo County Clerk of the Court where the divorce was finalized:

Navajo County Clerk of the Court
100 East Carter Drive
Holbrook, AZ 86025
(928) 524-4188
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Navajo County Clerk of the Court
Complete a Records Request Form providing:
- Full names of both parties as they appear on the decree
- Date of divorce (approximate if exact date unknown)
- Case number (if known)
- Requestor's identification and contact information
Pay the required fees:
- Search fee: $30.00
- Certification fee: $30.00 per document
- Copy fees: $0.50 per page

For an official Certificate of Dissolution (often required for remarriage or legal name changes):

Contact the Arizona Department of Health Services Bureau of Vital Records:

Arizona Department of Health Services - Bureau of Vital Records
150 North 18th Avenue, Suite 120
Phoenix, AZ 85007
(602) 364-1300
Arizona Department of Health Services
Submit a completed application with:
- Government-issued photo identification
- Proof of eligibility to receive the record
- Payment of $30.00 fee (additional fees apply for expedited service)

Requests may also be submitted by mail to either agency with proper documentation and payment. For urgent needs, the Clerk of the Court offers expedited service for an additional fee, and the Bureau of Vital Records provides priority processing options.

Pursuant to A.R.S. § 25-324, only parties to the divorce, their legal representatives, or individuals with a tangible legal interest may obtain certified copies of divorce decrees.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Navajo County?

While divorce proceedings in Navajo County are generally matters of public record, Arizona law provides several mechanisms through which certain aspects of divorce cases may be kept confidential. The Arizona Rules of Family Law Procedure and A.R.S. § 25-317 establish provisions for protecting sensitive information in divorce cases.

Parties seeking confidentiality in divorce proceedings have the following options:

Sealing Specific Documents Upon motion and good cause shown, the court may order particular documents sealed from public view. Documents commonly sealed include:
- Financial affidavits containing detailed account information
- Medical or psychological evaluations
- Records pertaining to minor children
- Documents containing sensitive personal identifiers
Redaction of Sensitive Information Pursuant to Arizona Rules of Family Law Procedure Rule 7, certain information must be redacted from public filings, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Names of minor children (initials may be used instead)
- Dates of birth (year only may be included)
Confidential Alternative Dispute Resolution Parties may utilize:
- Private mediation
- Collaborative divorce processes
- Settlement conferences
These methods allow resolution of issues outside the public court record, with only the final agreements being filed.
Sealing Entire Case Files In extraordinary circumstances, the court may seal an entire divorce case file. This requires demonstrating compelling privacy interests that substantially outweigh the public's right of access. Such orders are rare and typically require showing potential for:
- Significant harm to minor children
- Legitimate safety concerns
- Protection of trade secrets or highly sensitive financial information
Covenant Marriage Dissolution For couples in covenant marriages under A.R.S. § 25-901, certain counseling records and reconciliation efforts may receive additional confidentiality protections.

Parties seeking confidentiality should consult with legal counsel early in the divorce process, as confidentiality requests must typically be made proactively before information enters the public record.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Navajo County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in Navajo County varies significantly based on several key factors. Under Arizona law, specifically A.R.S. § 25-329, a mandatory 60-day waiting period exists between service of the petition and the earliest date a final decree may be entered. However, this represents only the minimum timeframe, with actual completion times typically extending beyond this statutory minimum.

Key factors influencing divorce timeframes include:

Type of Divorce Filing
- Uncontested divorces with complete agreements: 2-4 months
- Contested divorces requiring court intervention: 6-18 months
- Default divorces (when respondent fails to respond): 3-5 months
Presence of Minor Children Divorces involving minor children typically take 30-50% longer than those without children due to additional requirements:
- Parenting plan development
- Child support calculations
- Potential custody evaluations
- Parent education class completion requirements
Complexity of Assets and Debts Cases involving significant or complex property division may require:
- Business valuations: adding 2-4 months
- Pension/retirement divisions: adding 1-3 months
- Real estate appraisals: adding 1-2 months
Court Congestion and Scheduling The Navajo County Superior Court currently reports the following average timeframes:
- Time to first hearing: 30-45 days from filing
- Time between hearings: 45-60 days
- Time to trial (if needed): 6-12 months from initial filing
Alternative Dispute Resolution Participation
- Successful mediation: potentially reducing timeline by 2-4 months
- Failed mediation attempts: potentially adding 1-2 months

According to statistics from the Arizona Judicial Branch, the median time to disposition for family court cases in Navajo County is approximately 7.2 months, with approximately:

25% of cases resolving within 4 months
50% resolving within 7.2 months
25% requiring more than 12 months

Parties seeking expedited processing should consider uncontested filings with comprehensive settlement agreements prepared in advance of filing.

How Long Does Navajo County Keep Divorce Records?

Navajo County maintains divorce records according to a structured retention schedule that balances historical preservation needs with practical storage considerations. The retention periods vary based on record type and format, as established by the Arizona Supreme Court Records Retention Schedule and A.R.S. § 12-284.

The current retention schedule for divorce records in Navajo County includes:

Case Files and Final Decrees
- Paper records: Permanent retention at the Navajo County Clerk of the Court
- Electronic records: Permanent retention in the case management system
- Microfilm backup: Created for all cases and maintained permanently
Exhibits and Evidence
- Retained for 50 years after case disposition
- May be returned to submitting parties upon court order
- Certain exhibits may be destroyed earlier after proper documentation
Financial Affidavits and Supporting Documentation
- Retained for 5 years after final judgment
- May be purged from file while maintaining core case documents
Temporary Orders
- Retained as part of the permanent case file
- Historical temporary orders (pre-1980) may be archived with limited accessibility
Indexes and Dockets
- Permanent retention in both electronic and physical formats
- Serve as finding aids for the complete case files
Recordings of Proceedings
- Digital audio recordings: Retained for 7 years
- Transcripts (if created): Retained permanently as part of case file

The Navajo County Recorder's Office maintains a separate index of divorce decrees that have been recorded with their office, which provides an additional permanent record of these documents. However, not all divorce decrees are recorded with the County Recorder, as this step is optional rather than mandatory.

For divorce verifications, the Arizona Department of Health Services maintains a statewide index of all divorces granted in Arizona since 1990, with records available indefinitely.

How To Get a Divorce In Navajo County

Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Navajo County must follow specific procedures established by Arizona law and local court rules. The divorce process, legally termed "dissolution of marriage," involves several key steps:

Determine Eligibility
- At least one spouse must have been an Arizona resident for 90 days prior to filing
- For military members, being stationed in Arizona for 90 days satisfies this requirement
- Cases involving minor children have additional jurisdictional requirements under the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act
Prepare Required Documents The following forms are required for initial filing:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Summons
- Preliminary Injunction
- Notice Regarding Creditors
- Sensitive Data Sheet
- Family Court Cover Sheet
Forms are available from the Navajo County Superior Court website or in person at:

Navajo County Superior Court Law Library
100 East Carter Drive
Holbrook, AZ 86025
(928) 524-4177
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
File Documents with the Clerk of Court Submit completed forms to:

Navajo County Clerk of the Court
100 East Carter Drive
Holbrook, AZ 86025
(928) 524-4188
Navajo County Clerk of the Court

Filing fees (currently $349 for dissolution without children, $374 with children) must be paid at filing, though fee waivers are available based on financial need.
Serve the Other Party The non-filing spouse must receive legal notice through one of these methods:
- Personal service by sheriff or process server
- Acceptance of service (if cooperative)
- Service by certified mail (with restrictions)
- Publication (if location unknown)
Complete Mandatory Education Programs If minor children are involved:
- Both parents must complete the Parent Information Program
- Certificates of completion must be filed with the court
Exchange Financial Disclosures Both parties must provide:
- Affidavit of Financial Information
- Disclosure of all assets and debts
- Income verification
Negotiate Settlement or Prepare for Trial Options include:
- Direct negotiation
- Mediation through the Navajo County Conciliation Court
- Attorney-assisted negotiation
- Court trial (if agreement cannot be reached)
Finalize the Divorce
- For uncontested cases: Submit consent decree for judge's signature
- For contested cases: Attend trial and receive judge's ruling
- For default cases: Attend default hearing if respondent fails to respond

The minimum timeframe for completing a divorce is 60 days from service of process, though most cases take longer to resolve all issues.

How To Get Divorce Papers In Navajo County

Individuals initiating or responding to divorce proceedings in Navajo County have several options for obtaining the necessary legal forms. The required documents, collectively referred to as "divorce papers," are available through multiple channels:

Navajo County Superior Court Law Library The Law Library provides free access to standardized divorce forms and limited procedural assistance:

Navajo County Superior Court Law Library
100 East Carter Drive
Holbrook, AZ 86025
(928) 524-4177
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Navajo County Superior Court

Available forms include:
- Petition packets (with or without children)
- Response packets
- Default divorce packets
- Consent decree packets
- Financial disclosure forms
- Parenting plan templates
Navajo County Superior Court Website The court's official website offers downloadable PDF forms for various divorce scenarios:
- Navigate to the Navajo County Superior Court website
- Select "Forms & Documents" section
- Choose appropriate family law category
- Download and print required forms
Arizona Judicial Branch Self-Service Center The statewide court system provides comprehensive form sets with detailed instructions:
- Visit the Arizona Judicial Branch Self-Service Center
- Select "Divorce/Dissolution" category
- Choose appropriate subcategory based on circumstances
- Follow step-by-step instructions for completion
In-Person Assistance Programs Limited guidance (not legal advice) is available through:

Navajo County Legal Aid
532 E. White Mountain Blvd.
Lakeside, AZ 85929
(928) 537-8383
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Clerk of the Court Office While the clerk cannot provide legal advice, they can confirm which forms are required:

Navajo County Clerk of the Court
100 East Carter Drive
Holbrook, AZ 86025
(928) 524-4188
Navajo County Clerk of the Court

Important considerations when obtaining divorce papers:

Forms must be completed in English
Typewritten forms are preferred over handwritten
All forms must be printed on 8.5" x 11" white paper
Multiple copies are required for filing and service
Court staff cannot provide legal advice on how to complete forms
Consider consulting with an attorney for complex cases

Lookup Divorce Records in Navajo County

Clerk of the Court | Navajo County, AZ

Superior Court | Navajo County, AZ

Recorder | Navajo County, AZ

Public Access Case Lookup

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