Yuma County Dissolution Of Marriage Records

Dissolution of marriage records in Yuma County are kept at the Superior Court in downtown Yuma. The Clerk of Superior Court manages all case files from initial petition through final decree. Yuma County sits in the southwestern corner of Arizona along the Colorado River and the California border. The county includes the city of Yuma and smaller communities. People can search for dissolution records online, visit the courthouse in person, or contact the clerk by phone or email to find decrees, check case status, or obtain certified copies for legal purposes in southwestern Arizona.

Clerk of Superior Court

The Yuma County Clerk of Superior Court handles all dissolution filings. This office processes new cases, maintains files, and responds to public records requests. Lynn Fazz serves as the clerk. Staff can help you locate cases, understand fees, and get copies of court documents.

The clerk office is at 250 W. 2nd Street, Yuma, AZ 85364. Call (928) 817-4210 for help. The fax line is (928) 817-4211. For email requests, use lfazz@courts.az.gov. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays. The office closes for state holidays and weekends in Yuma County.

Bring ID if you visit in person. Staff can look up cases by name or number. They will explain what records exist and how to get copies. Most people find it helpful to call ahead and ask what they need before making the trip. The clerk can tell you about costs and processing times for your specific request in Yuma County.

Search Records Online

You can search Yuma County dissolution cases through the statewide Arizona Public Access portal. This free system covers all Superior Court cases in Arizona. Type a name or case number to search. The system shows basic case details and docket entries for Yuma County.

Enter either spouse's name to find dissolution cases. The system lists matching cases. Click on a case to see more details. Docket entries show filings, hearings, and orders. Some family court information may be restricted to protect privacy. For actual court documents, contact the clerk directly in Yuma County.

The online portal is good for basic case lookups. It shows if a case exists and gives you the case number. You can see when the case was filed and its current status. This helps you know what to request when you contact the clerk office for copies of documents.

Self-Service Resources

Yuma County courts provide self-service resources for people filing without lawyers. These tools help you understand the process and fill out forms correctly. The resources are free and available to all county residents.

You can find forms, instructions, and guides through the court system. Staff at the self-service center can answer questions about procedures. They cannot give legal advice, but they can help you understand what forms you need and how to file them. This service helps people who cannot afford a lawyer or who have simple cases in Yuma County.

Yuma County participates in AZTurboCourt for online filing. This system costs $15 plus regular court fees. It helps people file dissolution cases without a lawyer. TurboCourt walks you through each form. Not all case types work with this system. Check if your situation qualifies before using TurboCourt in Yuma County.

Fees and Payment

Yuma County charges fees for copies and court services. Contact the clerk office at (928) 817-4210 to get current fee information. Fees can change from time to time. Always verify costs before submitting a request.

Most Arizona counties charge $0.50 per page for copies. Certification adds extra cost per document. If you need records mailed, postage adds to the total. The clerk can give you an estimate based on what you need. Payment methods typically include cash, money orders, and credit or debit cards in Yuma County.

Filing a new dissolution case has different fees than getting copies of old records. You pay filing fees when you submit your petition. Fee waivers exist for people with low income. File a form showing your financial situation. The judge reviews waiver requests and decides if you qualify for reduced or waived fees in Yuma County.

How to File for Dissolution

To file in Yuma County, meet Arizona residency requirements. 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 currently lives. If you live in Yuma County, file at Superior Court in Yuma.

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 have to prove wrongdoing by either spouse. One party stating the marriage cannot continue is usually enough. This makes the process simpler than in fault-based states.

The petition starts your case. This document names both spouses and states what you want the court to do. Pay filing fees when you submit the petition. The clerk assigns a case number. You must serve your spouse with copies of all papers. Proof of service goes into the case file. After service and any responses, the court can schedule hearings and issue orders.

The final decree ends the marriage under A.R.S. Section 25-325. It becomes final when the judge signs it. The decree covers property, debts, custody, support, and other issues. A spouse can ask to restore a former name. This document is part of the permanent public record in Yuma County.

Information in Case Files

Dissolution files in Yuma County include many types of documents. The petition and response are the main pleadings. These state what each party wants. Financial disclosures show income, assets, and debts for both spouses. If there are children, you will find custody forms, parenting plans, and support worksheets.

Temporary orders may be in the file. A judge can issue these during the case. They set rules until the final decree. Orders might cover who stays in the home, who pays bills, and when children see each parent. All motions and responses from both parties get filed. Court minutes show what happened at each hearing in Yuma County.

The final decree is the key document most people need. It legally ends the marriage. The decree divides property and assigns debts. It sets custody and visitation terms. It may order child support or spousal maintenance. Once signed by a judge, the decree is binding on both parties. You can get certified copies from the Yuma County clerk for legal use.

Getting Legal Assistance

Yuma County residents can find legal help through several sources. Legal aid programs serve low-income people across Arizona. They focus on cases involving abuse or safety issues. Call to see if you qualify based on income. 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 at Arizona Court Help. This site has guides for people filing without lawyers. You can learn about dissolution procedures and what to expect. All official court forms are at the Arizona Courts Self-Service Center. These are the same forms used in Yuma County Superior Court.

Some lawyers offer free consultations or reduced fees for initial meetings. Local bar associations may have referral programs. Community organizations sometimes host legal clinics. Check with groups in Yuma or nearby areas. They can point you to resources available in Yuma County.

Public Access to Records

Dissolution records are public in Yuma County. Arizona law gives people the right to view most court records. You do not need to be part of the case to request records. You do not have to explain why you want them. The clerk must provide access to public files when you ask.

Some limits exist to protect privacy. Information about minor children may be hidden from public view. Financial account numbers are often redacted. A party can ask the court to seal records in rare cases. The judge must approve sealing requests after a hearing. Most dissolution files remain open to the public in Yuma County.

Request records in person at the courthouse in Yuma. You can also call, mail, or email your request. Online search tools show basic case information for free. For actual documents, contact the clerk about costs and processing times. They can tell you the best way to get what you need from Yuma County.

Cities in Yuma County

Yuma County includes several cities and towns. Yuma is the largest city and serves as county seat. Other communities include Somerton, San Luis, Wellton, and Parker Strip. All residents file dissolution cases at the Superior Court in Yuma. The clerk office there handles filings for the entire county.

Adjacent Counties

These counties border Yuma County. Make sure you file in the right county based on where you or your spouse lives. The court needs jurisdiction over your case.