Divorce records in Stark County, Ohio, are available through several channels. StarkCourt.us allows you to quickly find public information about divorces in the county. Additionally, records can be obtained directly from the court that issued the decision, at the county clerk of court's office, as well as from the Ohio Department of Health, which maintains the registry of vital records. Online tools, in-person visits, and mail requests—all these options work depending on the type of document you need.
Stark Divorce Records Search
Divorce cases in Stark County are handled by the Stark County Court of Common Pleas, Division of Domestic Relations. This court keeps the complete case files: divorce decrees, property settlement agreements, child custody orders, and other related documents. The Stark County Clerk of Courts is responsible for storing and issuing copies of court records after the judge has signed the final decision.
The Ohio Department of Health in Columbus maintains a separate registry of divorce certificates since 1954. A certificate is a shortened document that confirms the fact of divorce but does not contain details of property agreements or custody terms.
Main office for court case inquiries:
Stark County Clerk of Courts
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Stark
In Ohio, divorces and dissolution of marriage (mutual consent divorce) go through the Court of Common Pleas—the only trial court established by the state constitution. In Stark County, these cases are handled by the Domestic Relations Division.
Once the judge signs the final decree, the document is filed with the clerk of court's office. There it becomes part of the public record. Here's where to go depending on what you need:
- Complete case files (decree, settlement agreement, custody orders) — Stark County Clerk of Courts
- Divorce certificate (short form confirming the fact) — Ohio Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics
Stark County Clerk of Courts — Domestic Relations Division
Ohio Department of Health — Bureau of Vital Statistics
Note: The Recorder's Office of Stark County keeps real estate documents—deeds, mortgages, easements—but not divorce records. If a divorce affected property ownership, the relevant deed may be recorded there.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Stark
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (Clerk of Courts) | $1.00 per page | During visit or 5–10 business days by mail |
| Certified copy of court decree (Clerk of Courts) | $1.00 per page + $5.00 for certification | During visit or 5–10 business days by mail |
| Divorce certificate (Ohio Department of Health) | $21.50 | 2–4 weeks by mail |
| Expedited certificate processing (Ohio Department of Health) | $21.50 + additional shipping fee | 5–7 business days |