Find Cochise County Dissolution Records

Cochise County keeps dissolution of marriage records at two Superior Court locations. The county seat is in Bisbee, but many people use the Sierra Vista office. Both sites have full access to case files for the entire county. The Clerk of Superior Court maintains all papers from filing to final decree. Cochise County sits in southeastern Arizona along the Mexico border. Records here date back to 1881, making this one of the oldest court systems in the state. You can search for dissolution cases online or visit either courthouse to get copies of documents and decrees.

Superior Court Clerk Offices

Cochise County has clerk offices in both Bisbee and Sierra Vista. Either location can help you with dissolution records. The Clerk of the Superior Court keeps files for all cases in the county. Staff at both sites have access to the same records system.

The Bisbee office is at 100 Quality Hill Road, Bisbee, AZ 85603. Mail goes to PO Box CK, Bisbee, AZ 85603. Call (520) 432-8600 for help. This is the main courthouse for Cochise County. Most older records are stored here. The building sits on Quality Hill in historic downtown Bisbee.

The Sierra Vista office serves the northern part of the county. It is at 100 Colonia De Salud, Suite 200, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635. This location is newer and serves the larger population center. Many people find it more convenient than going to Bisbee. Both offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Cochise County.

How to Request Court Records

Cochise County has a formal process for requesting copies of court documents. The records request page explains what you need. You can ask for records in person, by mail, or by email. Each method has its own steps and timelines.

Send mail requests to the address listed above. Include the case number or names of both parties. State what documents you need. Provide your contact details and payment. The clerk warns that they do not accept personal checks. Use cash, money order, or card for payment in Cochise County.

Email requests go to cochisecountyresearch@courts.az.gov. Include the same information as a mail request. Staff will respond about costs and timing. Processing can take several business days depending on how busy they are. Call ahead if you need records quickly in Cochise County.

Note: Personal checks are not accepted by Cochise County courts.

Search Cases Online

You can search Cochise County dissolution cases through the statewide Arizona Public Access portal. This free system lets you find cases by name or number. It shows basic case info and docket entries. Records go back many years for Cochise County.

Type the name of either spouse to search. The system lists matching cases. Click on a case to see details. You can view the docket, which shows all filings and court dates. Some information may be hidden due to privacy rules for family cases in Cochise County.

Cochise County also uses eAccess for document sales. This system charges $10 per document. Not all family court papers are available online. You may need to request sensitive records directly from the clerk. They can tell you what is available through the online system versus what must be obtained in person.

Cochise County is one of the counties that offers AZTurboCourt for filing. This tool costs $15 plus court fees. It helps people file dissolution cases without a lawyer. The system walks you through each form step by step in Cochise County.

Fees for Records and Filings

Cochise County charges for copies and services. Copies cost $0.50 per page for most documents. Certification varies by document type. Contact the clerk for current certification fees. If you use eAccess online, documents cost $10 each regardless of length.

Filing a new dissolution case has its own set of fees. These are separate from record copy costs. You pay filing fees when you submit your petition. The clerk can give you the current fee schedule. Fees can change, so always check before you file in Cochise County.

People with low income can ask for fee waivers. File a request with the court showing your financial situation. The judge reviews these requests. If approved, you pay reduced fees or none at all. This helps people who cannot afford court costs in Cochise County.

Filing for Dissolution

To file in Cochise County, you must meet Arizona residency rules under A.R.S. Section 25-311. One spouse needs to live in Arizona for 90 days before filing. You file in the county where either spouse currently lives. If you live in Cochise County, you file at Superior Court here.

Arizona is a no-fault state under A.R.S. Section 25-312. The court only needs to find the marriage is broken beyond repair. You do not have to prove wrongdoing by either spouse. This makes the process simpler. One party stating the marriage cannot continue is usually enough in Cochise County.

The petition starts your case. This document names both spouses and states what you want. You pay the filing fee when you submit it. The clerk gives you a case number. You then serve your spouse with copies. Proof of service goes in the file. After responses are filed or time runs out, the court can schedule hearings and issue orders.

The final decree ends the marriage. Under A.R.S. Section 25-325, the decree becomes final when entered. It covers all terms including property, debts, kids, and support. A spouse can ask to restore a former name in the decree. This document is part of the permanent public record in Cochise County.

What Case Files Include

Dissolution files in Cochise County contain many papers. The petition and response are the main pleadings. These state each side's position. If there are children, you will find custody forms, parenting plans, and support worksheets. Financial disclosures show what each spouse owns and owes.

Temporary orders may appear in the file. These cover issues during the case. A judge can order who stays in the home, who pays bills, and when kids see each parent. All motions and responses from both parties get filed. Court minutes show what happened at each hearing in Cochise County.

The decree is the final and most important document. It ends the marriage legally. The decree states how property gets divided. It sets custody and visitation terms. It may order child support or spousal maintenance. Once a judge signs it, the decree is binding. You can get certified copies from the clerk for legal use in Cochise County.

Legal Help Resources

People in Cochise County can find legal help through several sources. Legal aid programs serve low-income residents. They focus on cases involving safety or abuse. Call to see if you qualify for free help. The Arizona State Bar offers a referral service at 1-800-392-5660. Your first meeting with a referred lawyer costs up to $50 for 30 minutes.

Self-help resources are online at Arizona Court Help. This site has guides for people without lawyers. You can learn about dissolution law and procedures. The site lists steps to take and common issues to expect. All court forms are at the Arizona Courts Self-Service Center. These are the official forms used in Cochise County.

Local legal aid may have offices or clinics in Sierra Vista or other areas. Check online or call the main legal aid line for Arizona. They can tell you about services in Cochise County. Some lawyers offer free first meetings or sliding scale fees based on income.

Public Access to Records

Dissolution records are public in Cochise County. Arizona law allows anyone to view court records. You do not need to be part of the case. You do not have to state why you want them. The clerk must provide access to public files.

Some details may be protected. Information about minor children might be redacted. Financial account numbers are often hidden. A party can ask to seal records, but this is rare. The judge must approve sealing requests after a hearing. Most files remain open in Cochise County.

Request records in person at either courthouse. You can also mail or email your request. Online systems show some case information for free. Other documents cost money to download. Check with the clerk about the best method for your needs in Cochise County.

Cities in Cochise County

Cochise County has several cities and towns. Sierra Vista is the largest. Others include Bisbee, Douglas, and Willcox. Fort Huachuca is a major military base. All residents file dissolution cases at Cochise County Superior Court. Choose the Bisbee or Sierra Vista location based on convenience.

Adjacent Counties

These counties border Cochise County. Make sure you file in the right county based on where you live. The court needs proper jurisdiction over your case.