Apache County Dissolution Of Marriage Cases

Dissolution of marriage records in Apache County get filed at the Superior Court in St Johns. The Clerk of the Court keeps all case papers from the time you file until the judge signs the final decree. Apache County sits in northeastern Arizona and covers a large rural area. Most people who need dissolution records must contact the clerk office or use online search tools. This county has records dating back many decades. You can search these files to find case details, court orders, and final decrees for dissolution cases in Apache County.

Clerk of Superior Court

The Apache County Clerk of the Court office handles all dissolution filings in this county. Staff can help you find old records or file new cases. The clerk keeps files for every dissolution case heard in Apache County Superior Court.

This office sits in the county seat of St Johns. You can visit to search records in person. Bring ID when you go. The clerk can look up cases by name or number. Staff will make copies for a fee. Most people call first to ask what they need before making the trip out to St Johns in Apache County.

Apache County Clerk of the Court is at 70 W. 3rd South St., St Johns, AZ 85936. The mailing address is PO Box 365, St Johns, AZ 85936. Call them at (928) 337-7550. Office hours run from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays. The office closes on state holidays and weekends.

Search Records Online

Apache County has online records going back to 1995. You can use the free Arizona Public Access portal to search by name or case number. This system covers all Superior Court cases in Apache County. The site lets you see case info and docket entries at no cost.

Type in the name of either spouse to find dissolution cases. You can also search by case number if you have it. The system shows basic facts about each case. This includes the file date, parties involved, and case status. Some case documents may be available to view online through other systems in Apache County.

For copies of actual court papers, you may need to contact the clerk directly. Not all documents appear online due to privacy rules for family cases. The clerk can tell you what papers are available and how to get them. Some records must be requested in writing or picked up in person in Apache County.

Note: Family court records may have limited online access to protect sensitive information.

Costs and Fees

Apache County charges set fees for records and court services. Copies cost $0.50 per page. Certification adds $30.00 per document. If you need the clerk to search by name without a case number, that costs $30.00. Mailing fees run about $7.00 to send copies to you.

Filing a new dissolution case costs more than getting copies of old records. Each Arizona county sets its own filing fees. Apache County fees are similar to other rural counties in the state. You must pay when you file your petition. The clerk accepts cash, money orders, and cards. Some offices do not take personal checks in Apache County.

Fee waivers exist for people with low income. You can file a form to ask the court to waive fees if you cannot afford them. The judge will review your income and decide. This applies to filing fees and other court costs. Ask the clerk for the waiver form when you file your case in Apache County.

How to File in Apache County

To file for dissolution in Apache County, you must meet Arizona residency rules. Under A.R.S. Section 25-311, one spouse must live in Arizona for 90 days before filing. You file in the county where either spouse lives now. If you live in Apache County, you file at the Superior Court in St Johns.

The petition starts your case. This paper names both spouses and states what you want the court to do. You pay the filing fee when you submit the petition. The clerk assigns a case number. You must then serve your spouse with copies of the papers. Proof of service goes into the case file in Apache County.

Arizona uses no-fault dissolution rules under A.R.S. Section 25-312. The court only needs to find the marriage is broken. You do not have to prove fault. After both parties respond or if one defaults, the court can issue a decree. This final order ends the marriage and settles all terms. The decree becomes part of the public record in Apache County.

Apache County also offers AZTurboCourt for some family law filings. This online tool costs $15 plus regular fees. It guides you through forms if you do not have a lawyer. Not all case types work with TurboCourt. Check if your situation qualifies before using this system in Apache County.

Information in Case Files

Dissolution case files in Apache County hold many types of papers. The petition and response start the case. These name the parties and state each side's position. If there are kids, you will find custody and support forms. Financial disclosures show income, assets, and debts for both spouses.

The file may have temporary orders. A judge can issue these early in the case. They set rules until the final decree. Orders might cover who stays in the home, who pays bills, and when kids see each parent. All of these papers are part of the case record in Apache County.

The final decree is the key document most people need. It ends the marriage and covers all terms. This includes property division, debt allocation, child custody, support amounts, and spousal maintenance if any. The decree is signed by a judge. You can get certified copies from the Apache County clerk for use in other legal matters.

Getting Legal Help

Several resources exist for people who need help with dissolution cases in Apache County. Some groups offer free services if you qualify based on income. Others charge reduced rates for the first meeting. These can help you understand the law, fill out forms, or find a lawyer.

Legal aid programs serve low-income residents across Arizona. They focus on cases involving abuse or safety issues. Call to see if you qualify for free help with your dissolution case. The Arizona State Bar runs a lawyer referral line at 1-800-392-5660. The first meeting costs up to $50 for 30 minutes. They connect you with a family law attorney in your area.

Self-help resources are available online through Arizona Court Help. This site has guides for people filing without lawyers. You can find forms and instructions for dissolution cases. The site also lists legal resources across Arizona. All official court forms are at Arizona Courts Self-Service Center. These are the same forms used in Apache County Superior Court.

Are Records Public

Yes, dissolution records are public in Apache County. Arizona law gives people the right to see court records. You do not need to be part of the case. You do not have to give a reason for your request. The records are open to anyone who asks.

Some limits exist to protect privacy. Certain details about kids may be hidden from public view. Financial account numbers might be redacted. A party can ask the court to seal records in rare cases. The judge must approve this after a hearing. Most dissolution files remain open to the public in Apache County.

You can request records in person, by mail, or through online systems. Each method has different rules and costs. Check with the clerk office to find out the best way to get what you need. They can tell you if the records you want are available and how long it will take in Apache County.

Communities in Apache County

Apache County has several small towns and communities. All residents file dissolution cases at the Superior Court in St Johns. Major towns include Eagar, Springerville, and St Johns. Tribal lands cover much of the county. The Fort Apache and Navajo Nation reservations are here. Tribal members may file in tribal courts or state court depending on their situation.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Apache County. If you are not sure where to file, check your home address. You must file in the right county for the court to have power over your case.