Home Law Uses of Divorce Records And Reasons to Seal Them? 

Uses of Divorce Records And Reasons to Seal Them? 

by Paul Watson

A divorce record reveals that a married duo has officially and legally terminated their relationship. Also dubbed a “marriage dissolution contract,” a divorce record is commonly a document of the separation decree given during the Divorce.  

These are commonly filed for safety with the office of the county recorder, such as the Washington State divorce record. It can either be authorized (which implies it can be obtained from state records for compensation) or indexed (available through many organizations or websites).

What Can a Divorce Record be Utilized For?

Divorce can alter many aspects of an individual’s legal status in various areas of existence. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure that a divorce record can be presented and accessed when required. The Divorce records can be requested during several legal processes or proceedings, including:

  • When remarrying or marrying
  • When handling property problems (ownership or distribution of possession can sometimes be based on a separation between spouses)
  • Reconstructing a family archive or household tree 
  • Reporting for immigration petitions
  • Queries over child support or spousal support 
  • Distribution of possession in a trust situation or will 

For example, a conflict over a possession item may need evidence that the individual attained it through a separation proceeding. In this issue, evidence of the divorce record is probably needed before the possession can be wholly transferred to the current possessor.

Reasons to Seal a Divorce Record

There are several reasons why you may prefer to seal your Divorce records. Nonetheless, a judiciary will only approve your plea if they think it specifies a “good reason” to commit so. Common causes that individuals request their records of Divorce to be sealed are 

  • Sexual or Child Abuse

Your divorce record can be sealed in lawsuits involving sexual or child abuse to defend the individuality of the sufferer. In addition, the judiciary may approve a request to close records relating to physical or sexual abuse of a spouse or child to defend the victim’s identity. 

  • Spouse’s Addictions or Mental Illness

If your partner has an addiction or mental illness, the judiciaries may seal your divorce record to keep that data private.

  • False Allegations 

A public divorce record may disclose fake allegations that could harm your reputation. Claims inferred to be fake or not proven can be sealed. In addition, the judiciary may seal your divorce record to save the individual’s reputation.