So Your Quest for Philly Divorce Dirt Begins...
Ah, Philadelphia. City of Brotherly Love, cheesesteaks that defy digestion, and...a treasure trove of divorce records? Maybe "treasure trove" isn't quite the right term, but hey, if you need to find out if Uncle Bob ever finally bit the bullet on that messy split, Philly's got the receipts (well, the decrees, technically).
Now, before you grab your metaphorical trenchcoat and magnifying glass, finding divorce records in the City of Brotherly Disappointment (just kidding, we love Philly), isn't exactly like cracking a Da Vinci code. But it does take a little know-how, which is why you, my friend, are here.
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| How Do I Find Divorce Records In Philadelphia |
Let's Dig Up Some Divorce Details: Your Two Main Options
There are two main ways to unearth those divorce documents, depending on how much legwork you're willing to put in (and by legwork, we mostly mean clicking or driving).
1. The Comfy Couch Detective: Online Digging
If you're the kind of person who prefers to solve mysteries in your PJs, then this option's for you. The Philadelphia County Court offers an online search for marriage licenses issued after 1995. Now, this won't get you the actual divorce decree, but if you know the couple got married in Philly after '95 and you have their names or the marriage license number, it's a good starting point.
QuickTip: Read with curiosity — ask ‘why’ often.
However, for divorce decrees themselves, you'll need to look elsewhere.
2. The Determined Document Retriever: Hitting the Halls of Justice (or the Mailbox)
For the more adventurous researcher (or someone who needs a divorce decree from before 1995), a trip to the Office of Judicial Records Civil Filing Unit at City Hall might be necessary. You can also request a copy by mail, but be prepared to channel your inner snail because it might take a while.
Here's what you'll need to know:
QuickTip: Note key words you want to remember.
- The names of both spouses involved in the divorce
- The exact year of the divorce (or a close 5-year window)
They also charge a $15 research fee for mailed requests, so make sure you have some singles on hand (or a friend who still uses cash).
Pro Tip: If you're not sure of the exact year, try searching historical local newspapers. Back in the day, divorce filings were often announced in the classifieds. Just picture yourself as a real-life Nancy Drew, piecing together the clues!
Frequently Asked Divorce-Record Retrieval Riddles
1. How to Find a Divorce Decree From Before 1995?
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Head to the Office of Judicial Records Civil Filing Unit at City Hall or mail them a request with the details mentioned above.
QuickTip: Scan the start and end of paragraphs.
2. Can I Search Online for Divorce Records?
Only for marriage licenses issued after 1995 on the Philadelphia County Court website.
3. How Much Does it Cost to Get a Copy of a Divorce Decree?
There's a $15 research fee for mailed requests.
Tip: Absorb, don’t just glance.
4. I Don't Know the Exact Year of the Divorce. What Do I Do?
Try searching historical local newspapers for announcements of the filing.
5. Do I Need a Private Investigator License to Find Divorce Records?
Nope! Just some basic info and a little perseverance.
So there you have it! With a little effort (and maybe a touch of detective work), you can unearth those divorce records and finally answer that burning question: "Did Aunt Mildred ever escape Uncle Marvin's sock collection?"
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