Utah County Divorce Decree Records
A Utah County Divorce Decree is the official court order that ends a marriage in this county. Utah County is the second most populous county in Utah, with the Fourth District Court handling all dissolution cases filed here. Records are kept by the District Court Clerk at the main courthouse in Provo. Whether you need a certified copy for a name change, a legal matter, or family research, this guide walks you through every step to search and obtain Utah County divorce records.
Utah County Quick Facts
Utah County Fourth District Court
The Fourth District Court is the main court for divorce cases in Utah County. The District Court Clerk keeps all divorce records on file and can provide copies of decrees. Staff at the Provo courthouse can search by name or case number. The Fourth District serves both Utah and Juab counties.
The main courthouse sits at 137 North Freedom Boulevard in Provo. There is also a branch location in American Fork at 75 East 80 North, Suite 202, American Fork, UT 84003, phone (801) 756-9654. A Spanish Fork branch is at 775 West Center, Spanish Fork, UT 84660, phone (801) 804-4800. Having multiple locations gives residents across Utah County easier access to court services.
The Utah County official website connects you to county offices including the County Clerk. The Clerk can help with marriage licenses and point you toward the District Court for divorce records.
The Utah County official site lists contact details for all county departments, including links to the Fourth District Court for dissolution records.
| Court |
Fourth District Court 137 North Freedom Boulevard Provo, UT 84601 Phone: (801) 429-1000 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | utcourts.gov |
Note: The Utah County Clerk's Office is at 100 East Center Street, Room 3600, Provo, UT 84606, phone (801) 851-8109. This office handles county-level administrative records but divorce decrees are filed with the District Court, not the County Clerk.
How to Find a Utah County Divorce Decree
You can search for a Utah County Divorce Decree online or in person. Online tools work well for basic case details. In-person visits let you review the full file and get certified copies the same day. Both options give you access to Utah County dissolution records going back many decades.
The Utah Courts XChange system at xchange.utcourts.gov lets you search divorce cases by party name or case number. XChange covers cases filed after 1997. A subscription costs $30 per month or you can pay per search. Basic case info such as filing date, parties, and case status is available online. Full documents require a visit to the courthouse or a written request.
If you were a party to the case, you can use mycase.utcourts.gov at no charge. This portal lets you view documents and receive updates on your own case. You do not need a paid subscription to access your own Utah County divorce case through MyCase.
To search in person, go to the Fourth District Court at 137 North Freedom Boulevard in Provo. Bring the full name of one or both parties, the approximate year of divorce, and your photo ID. The clerk can search by name or case number. Older files may take extra time to locate. Copy fees are $0.25 per page, and certified copies cost $8.00 plus $0.50 per page.
Note: Staff will give you 15 minutes of search time for free. Additional search time is billed at the staff hourly rate, so come prepared with as much case information as possible.
Utah County Divorce Decree Filing Process
Filing for divorce in Utah County follows Utah state law. Each step creates records that become part of your permanent case file. Under Utah Code § 30-3-1, you must have lived in Utah and in Utah County for at least three months before you file. If you live in Provo, Orem, Lehi, or any other Utah County city, you file here at the Fourth District Court.
You begin by filing a Petition for Divorce with the District Court Clerk. You pay the filing fee of approximately $330 at this time. The clerk assigns a case number and the record begins. Next, you must serve your spouse with the divorce papers. Proof of service goes into the court file. Utah allows no-fault divorce on grounds of irreconcilable differences under § 30-3-1.
After service, both sides may file responses, motions, and agreements. If you have minor children, both parents must complete the mandatory divorce education course required by Utah Code § 30-3-11.2. This course covers children's needs during and after divorce. Skipping it can delay your case.
Utah law sets a waiting period before the court can finalize any divorce. Under Utah Code § 30-3-18, a minimum of 30 days must pass after filing if there are no minor children. Cases involving children require 90 days. The court may waive these periods only for extraordinary circumstances. Once the judge signs the decree, it becomes final and enters the public record per Utah Code § 30-3-7.
What Utah County Divorce Decree Records Contain
A full Utah County divorce case file holds many documents. The Petition for Divorce is first. It states the grounds and what relief the petitioner seeks. A Financial Declaration shows income, assets, and debts. If children are involved, a Parenting Plan covers custody, visitation, and child support. A Property Settlement Agreement divides assets and liabilities. All of these documents form part of the public court record.
The Divorce Decree itself is the key document most people need. It is the court order that dissolves the marriage. Under Utah Code § 30-3-5, the decree may include orders on property, debts, spousal support, child custody, and medical coverage for children. Certified copies of the decree are often required for legal name changes, property transfers, and financial transactions.
Under Utah Code § 63G-2-201, court records in Utah County are generally public. Anyone can request to view them. Some details may be redacted, such as Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and information about minor children. The decree itself remains open to public inspection.
Note: Historical Utah County divorce records going back to statehood in 1896 are held at the Utah State Archives, 300 S. Rio Grande Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, phone (801) 531-3800. FamilySearch has digitized some of these older records as well.
Divorce Certificates vs. Divorce Decrees in Utah County
Two separate documents prove a divorce in Utah. The divorce certificate is a short form issued by the state. The divorce decree is the full court order kept by the Fourth District Court. Most legal matters require the decree, not just the certificate.
The Utah Office of Vital Records and Statistics holds divorce certificates for the years 1978 through 2010. You can order one online at vitalrecords.utah.gov, by mail, or in person at 288 North 1460 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-1012, phone (801) 538-6105. The first certified copy costs $18, and each additional copy ordered at the same time costs $10. Under Utah Code § 63G-2-302, certificates are restricted to the parties, immediate family, and legal representatives until the record turns 75 years old.
For divorces before 1978 or after 2010, you must go directly to the Fourth District Court in Provo. The Utah County Health Department at 151 South University Avenue, Provo, UT 84601, phone (801) 851-7005, can also help point you to the right resource for local vital records.
Cities in Utah County
Utah County includes many cities and towns. All divorce cases for Utah County residents are filed at the Fourth District Court in Provo. Residents of any city below file their divorce in Utah County.
Provo is the county seat and home to the main Fourth District Courthouse. Residents of all Utah County cities file divorce cases at the Provo courthouse or at the American Fork or Spanish Fork branch locations.
Legal Help for Utah County Divorce Cases
Several resources can help you with a divorce in Utah County. The Utah Courts Self-Help Center at utcourts.gov has court forms and step-by-step instructions for people representing themselves. The Online Court Assistance Program (OCAP) generates customized divorce forms through a guided interview. OCAP charges a $20 fee, with waivers available for those who qualify.
Utah Legal Services helps people with low income across Utah County. They offer free legal assistance in family law matters including divorce. The court also provides resources in both English and Spanish for self-represented parties. If you need a fee waiver for the $330 filing fee, you can apply by filing a Petition to Proceed In Forma Pauperis at the Fourth District Court Clerk's window.
Note: The Utah State Archives at archives.utah.gov holds historical court records for Utah County going back to 1896. These records are available for free public inspection during library hours at 300 S. Rio Grande Street in Salt Lake City.
Nearby Counties
Utah County borders several other counties. File your divorce in the county where you live. You must meet the three-month residency requirement for both Utah state and the specific county where you file.