Graham County Dissolution Of Marriage Records

Dissolution of marriage records in Graham County are kept by the Clerk of Superior Court in Safford. This office maintains all case files from the time you file until the judge signs the final decree. Graham County is a small rural county in southeastern Arizona. The clerk office has records going back many years. These files include petitions, responses, financial disclosures, custody forms, and final decrees. You can search for cases online through the statewide portal. You can also visit the courthouse in Safford to request copies of specific documents from Graham County.

Clerk of Superior Court

The Clerk of Superior Court handles all dissolution filings in Graham County. The office is at 800 Main St., Safford, Arizona 85546. Call (928) 428-3310 for help. Staff can answer questions about filing new cases or getting copies of old records from Graham County.

Office hours are Monday through Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. These hours are longer than most counties in Arizona. The extended hours make it easier for working people to visit the clerk in Graham County.

When you visit, bring photo ID. The clerk can help you search for cases, file papers, or get copies. If you need a large number of copies, call ahead. The clerk may need time to prepare your order. Payment is due when you pick up records in Graham County.

Fees and Costs

Graham County charges $30 for a search if you do not have a case number. Copies cost $0.50 per page. Digital copies cost $7. Payment methods include cash, cashier checks, credit cards, and money orders. The clerk does not accept personal checks.

Filing a new dissolution case costs more. The clerk can give you the current filing fee schedule. Fees change over time. Always check before you file in Graham County.

Fee waivers exist for low-income filers. You file a form showing your financial situation. A judge reviews waiver requests. If approved, you pay less or nothing. This helps people who cannot afford court costs. Ask the clerk for the fee waiver form when you file your case in Graham County.

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

How to File for Dissolution

To file in Graham 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. If you live in Graham County, you file at the Superior Court in Safford.

The petition starts your case. This paper names both spouses and states what you want from the court. You pay the filing fee when you submit the petition. The clerk stamps your papers and assigns a case number. You then serve your spouse with copies. Proof of service goes in the file. This shows the other party got notice in Graham County.

Arizona uses no-fault dissolution under A.R.S. Section 25-312. The court only needs to find the marriage is broken. You do not prove fault. One spouse stating the marriage cannot continue is enough. After both sides respond or time runs out, the court can hold hearings and issue orders.

The final decree ends the marriage. Under A.R.S. Section 25-325, it covers property, debts, custody, and support. The decree becomes final when the judge signs it. A spouse can ask to restore a former name in this document. You get certified copies from the clerk for legal use in Graham County.

Search Cases Online

Use the statewide Arizona Public Access portal to search Graham County cases. This free system covers all Superior Courts in Arizona. Type a name or case number. The system shows matching cases from Graham County.

Click on a case to see more details. The docket shows 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 in Graham County.

The search is free. You do not pay to look up cases or view dockets. If you need copies of documents, you must contact the clerk. Some papers must be picked up in person at the courthouse in Safford. Others may be available by mail for a fee.

Information in Case Files

Dissolution case files in Graham County hold many types of papers. The petition and response start the case. These name the parties and state what each side wants. If there are kids, the file has custody forms and parenting plans. Child support worksheets show income and expenses.

Financial disclosures list assets, debts, income, and expenses for both spouses. The court uses these to divide property and set support amounts. Temporary orders may appear in the file. A judge issues these during the case. They cover who stays in the home, who pays bills, and when kids see each parent in Graham County.

The final decree is the key document. It ends the marriage and settles all terms. This includes property division, debt allocation, child custody, visitation, and support. Once signed, the decree is binding. You can get certified copies from the clerk for use in other legal matters.

Getting Legal Help

Several resources exist for people who need help with dissolution cases in Graham County. Legal aid programs serve low-income residents. They focus on cases involving abuse or safety issues. Call to see if you qualify for free help. The Arizona State Bar runs a lawyer referral line. Call 1-800-392-5660. Your 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. Official court forms are at the Arizona Courts Self-Service Center. These are the same forms used in Graham County Superior Court.

Some lawyers offer free first meetings or reduced rates based on income. Check with local bar associations or legal aid for names of attorneys who practice in Graham County. Ask about payment plans if you cannot afford to pay all fees at once.

Are Records Public

Yes, dissolution records are public in Graham County. Arizona law gives people the right to see court files. You do not need to be part of the case. You do not have to give a reason for your request. The clerk must provide access to public files under state law.

Some limits exist to protect privacy. Details about minor children may be hidden. 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 Graham 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 from Graham County.

Communities in Graham County

Graham County includes several small towns. Safford is the county seat and largest town. Thatcher, Pima, and Fort Thomas are nearby. Parts of the San Carlos Apache Reservation fall within county borders. All residents file dissolution cases at Graham County Superior Court in Safford.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Graham 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.