Access Greenlee County Dissolution Records

Greenlee County keeps dissolution of marriage records at the Clerk of the Courts office in Clifton. This is the smallest county in Arizona by population. All court cases go through the Superior Court in Clifton. The clerk maintains files for every dissolution case. Records include petitions, responses, financial forms, custody papers, and final decrees. Most records are public under Arizona law. You can search for cases online or visit the courthouse to get copies. The clerk office staff can help you find what you need whether your case is old or new in Greenlee County.

Greenlee County Clerk Office

The Clerk of the Courts handles all dissolution filings in Greenlee County. The office is at 223 5th Street, Clifton, AZ 85533. The mailing address is PO Box 1027, Clifton, AZ 85533. Call (928) 865-4242 for help. You can also email greenleeSC@courts.az.gov with questions.

Office hours are Monday through Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Superior Court hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Call ahead to make sure someone is available to help with your request in Greenlee County.

When you visit, bring photo ID. The clerk can help you search for cases by name or number. Staff can make copies of documents for a fee. If you need many pages, they may ask you to come back later to pick them up. Payment is due when you get your copies in Greenlee County.

Greenlee County is small and rural. The courthouse sits in Clifton near the Arizona-New Mexico border. Most people in the county live in or near Clifton. The clerk office serves the whole county from this one location.

Filing for Dissolution

To file in Greenlee 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 Greenlee County, you file at Superior Court in Clifton.

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 for both sides in Greenlee County.

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.

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

Search Cases Online

You can search Greenlee 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 Greenlee 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 online 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 Clifton. Due to the small size of Greenlee County, the clerk may be able to help you quickly.

Costs and Fees

Contact the Greenlee County Clerk for current fee information. Fees may include charges for copies, certification, and postage. Most Arizona counties charge $0.50 per page for copies. Certification typically adds $30 to $40. Postage runs around $7 to $8 if you want records mailed to you.

Filing a new dissolution case has separate fees. These are higher than copy costs. The clerk can give you the current filing fee schedule when you call or visit. Fees change over time. Always check before you file in Greenlee County.

Fee waivers exist for people with low income. You 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 Greenlee County.

Note: Call ahead for current fee information as fees can change.

What Files Contain

Dissolution case files in Greenlee County hold 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 and expenses for both parents.

Financial disclosures list assets, debts, income, and expenses. The court uses these to divide property and set support. Temporary orders may appear 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 Greenlee County.

The final decree is the most important document. It ends the marriage and covers all terms. This includes property division, debt allocation, child custody, visitation, and support amounts. Once a judge signs it, the decree is binding. You can get certified copies from the clerk for use in other legal matters.

Getting Legal Help

People in Greenlee County can find legal help through several sources. Legal aid programs serve low-income residents across Arizona. 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 at 1-800-392-5660. Your first meeting with a referred lawyer costs up to $50 for 30 minutes.

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 Greenlee County Superior Court.

Due to the small size of Greenlee County, you may need to work with a lawyer from a nearby county. Many attorneys in Graham County or Cochise County also handle cases in Greenlee County. Ask about travel fees if the lawyer must come from another area.

Public Access to Records

Yes, dissolution records are public in Greenlee 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 Greenlee County.

Request records in person at the courthouse in Clifton. You can also mail your request or email the clerk. Online systems show some case information for free. Other documents must be obtained through the clerk office. Check with staff about the best method for your needs in Greenlee County.

Communities in Greenlee County

Greenlee County is the smallest county in Arizona. Clifton is the county seat and largest town. Duncan and Morenci are other small communities. The county sits in the mountains of eastern Arizona near the New Mexico border. All residents file dissolution cases at Greenlee County Superior Court in Clifton.

Adjacent Counties

These counties border Greenlee 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.