Search Gila County Dissolution Of Marriage Files
Gila County maintains dissolution of marriage records at two courthouse locations. The main office is in Globe, but there is also a branch in Payson. Both sites serve the same court system. The Clerk of the Court keeps all case files for Gila County. Dissolution records include petitions, financial forms, custody papers, temporary orders, and final decrees. You can search for cases online or visit either courthouse to request copies. Most records are public under Arizona law. The clerk office can help you find what you need whether the case is new or old.
Gila County Quick Facts
Gila County Clerk Offices
The Clerk of the Court handles all dissolution filings in Gila County. The main office is in Globe at 1400 E. Ash St., 3rd Floor, Globe, AZ 85501. Call (928) 425-3231 for help. Staff at this location can assist with new filings and records requests.
Gila County also has a clerk office in Payson at 714 S. Beeline Hwy #104, Payson, AZ 85541. This branch serves the northern part of the county. Both offices have access to the same court records system. You can go to either location depending on which is closer to where you live in Gila County.
Clerk offices are open weekdays during normal business hours. Call ahead to confirm hours or ask questions about your case. Bring photo ID when you visit. The clerk can help you search for cases, file new papers, or get copies of documents from Gila County files.
Payment Options
Gila County offers online payment for court fees through NCOURT. Visit www.gilasuperiorcourtpay.com to pay online. You can also call 1-844-310-0743 to pay by phone. These systems handle filing fees, fines, and other court costs.
In person, the clerk accepts cash, money orders, and cards. Some offices do not take personal checks. Ask when you call or visit. Online and phone payments use credit or debit cards. A small convenience fee may apply for electronic payments in Gila County.
You must pay filing fees when you submit a petition. The clerk will not accept your papers without payment or a fee waiver order. Keep your receipt. It proves you paid. If you need copies of old records, you pay when you pick them up or the clerk may ask for prepayment before they start work on large requests.
Record Fees
Copies cost $0.50 per page in Gila County. Certification adds $35.00 per document plus $0.50 per page. Postage is $8.00 if you want records mailed. Research fees are $35.00 if the clerk must search for your case by name without a case number.
Filing a new dissolution case has separate fees. These are much higher than copy costs. Contact the clerk for the current filing fee schedule. Fees can change. Always check before you go to file in Gila County.
Fee waivers are available for low-income filers. You must file a form showing your financial situation. A judge reviews waiver requests. If approved, you pay reduced fees or none at all. This helps people who cannot afford court costs. Ask the clerk for the fee waiver form when you file your case in Gila County.
Filing for Dissolution
To file in Gila 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 lives. If you live in Gila County, you file at the 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. You do not prove fault. One party stating the marriage cannot continue is enough. This makes the process simpler than in some other states.
The petition starts your case. This paper 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 both sides respond or time runs out, the court can schedule hearings and issue orders in Gila County.
Gila County participates in AZTurboCourt. This online system helps people file without lawyers. It costs $15 plus regular court fees. The system walks you through each form. Not all case types work with TurboCourt. Check if your situation qualifies before using this tool in Gila County.
Online Case Search
You can search Gila County dissolution cases through the statewide Arizona Public Access portal. This free system covers all Superior Courts in Arizona. Type a name or case number to search. The system shows matching cases from Gila County.
Click on a case to see details. The docket lists all filings and court dates. You can see when papers were filed and what the court did. Some information may be hidden to protect children or sensitive details. Family cases have more privacy rules than other types.
The search is free. You do not pay to look up cases. If you need copies of documents, you may need to contact the clerk. Some papers cost money to get. Others must be picked up in person at the courthouse in Globe or Payson.
Note: Not all family court documents appear online due to privacy protections.
What Files Include
Dissolution case files in Gila County contain many papers. The petition and response are the main pleadings. These state each side's position. If there are children, the file has custody forms and parenting plans. Child support worksheets show income for both parents.
Financial disclosures appear in most files. Each spouse lists assets, debts, income, and expenses. The court uses these to divide property and set support. Temporary orders may be in the file. A judge issues these during the case to handle urgent issues. They cover who stays in the home, who pays bills, and when kids see each parent in Gila County.
The final decree ends the marriage. It covers all terms including property, debts, custody, and support. Under A.R.S. Section 25-325, the decree becomes final when entered. A spouse can ask to restore a former name in this document. You can get certified copies from the clerk for legal use.
Legal Help Resources
People in Gila County can find legal help through several sources. Legal aid programs serve low-income residents. They focus on cases involving abuse or safety. Call to see if you qualify for free help. The Arizona State Bar offers a referral service. Call 1-800-392-5660 to get connected with a family law lawyer. Your first meeting 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 find instructions and forms for dissolution cases. Official court forms are at the Arizona Courts Self-Service Center. These are the same forms used in Gila County Superior Court.
Some lawyers offer free first meetings. Others charge reduced rates based on income. Check with local bar associations or legal aid for names of attorneys who practice in Gila County. Ask about payment plans if you cannot afford to pay all at once.
Public Access to Records
Yes, dissolution records are public in Gila County. Arizona law allows anyone to view court files. You do not need to be part of the case. You do not have to state why you want the records. The clerk must provide access to public files under state law.
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 Gila County.
Request records in person at either courthouse. You can also mail your request to the clerk. Online systems show some case information for free. Other documents cost money to get copies. Check with the clerk about the best method for your needs in Gila County.
Communities in Gila County
Gila County includes several towns and communities. Globe is the county seat. Payson sits in the northern part of the county. Other towns include Miami, San Carlos, and Winkelman. Parts of tribal lands are within county borders. All residents file dissolution cases at Gila County Superior Court in either Globe or Payson.
Adjacent Counties
These counties border Gila County. Make sure you file in the correct county based on where you or your spouse lives. The court needs proper jurisdiction over your case.