Divorce records in Cuyahoga County, Ohio can be accessed through several channels. CuyahogaOHCourt.us can help you find publicly available divorce record information. You can also obtain records directly from the Domestic Relations Division of the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas, the Cuyahoga County Clerk of Courts, or the Ohio Department of Health's Office of Vital Statistics. The method you choose depends on whether you need a court case file or a vital record certificate.
Cuyahoga Divorce Records Search
Divorce and dissolution cases in Cuyahoga County are handled by the Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Court, a division of the Court of Common Pleas. The Clerk of Courts serves as the official record keeper for this division and maintains all case files.
Records maintained by the Clerk's office include:
- Divorce decrees and dissolution entries
- Settlement and separation agreements
- Custody and visitation orders
- Spousal support orders
- Related motions and journal entries
The Ohio Department of Health also keeps an index of divorce records filed statewide. You can search Domestic Relations case docket information through the Clerk of Courts online case search system. Note that domestic violence case information is restricted from internet access per federal law. For official copies, visit the Clerk's office in person or contact them by phone at 216-443-7950.
Cuyahoga County Clerk of Courts — Domestic Relations Division
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Cuyahoga
In Ohio, divorce and dissolution cases are filed in the Domestic Relations Division of the Court of Common Pleas in the county where either spouse resides. In Cuyahoga County, this means all divorce cases go through the Domestic Relations Court located in Cleveland.
After a divorce decree or dissolution entry is granted by the judge, the document is filed with the Cuyahoga County Clerk of Courts. The Clerk's office retains the complete case file, including the decree, any separation agreements, and all related orders. All records held by the Clerk are generally public unless exempt from disclosure under Ohio law.
Separately, the Ohio Department of Health's Office of Vital Statistics maintains an abstract record (divorce certificate) for divorces and dissolutions that occurred in Ohio. This is not the full decree — it is a statistical record confirming that the divorce took place.
Which office to contact:
- For a copy of the divorce decree, settlement agreement, or custody order: Contact the Cuyahoga County Clerk of Courts, Domestic Relations Division.
- For a divorce certificate (vital record abstract): Contact the Ohio Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics.
Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Court
Ohio Department of Health — Office of Vital Statistics
If you are applying for a marriage license in Cuyahoga County and have been previously divorced, you will need to present a certified copy of your most recent divorce decree at the time of application.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Cuyahoga
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy of divorce decree (Clerk of Courts) | $1.00 per page for certification | Same day to several business days (in person) |
| Regular photocopy of court document (Clerk of Courts) | $0.05 per page | Same day (in person) |
| Online docket search (Clerk of Courts) | Free | Immediate |
| Divorce certificate (Ohio Dept. of Health — standard mail) | $21.50 | 2–4 weeks |
| Divorce certificate (Ohio Dept. of Health — expedited) | $21.50 + shipping fees | 5–7 business days |
| Public records request (Clerk of Courts) | Varies by request type | Varies; routine requests fulfilled promptly |