All states regulate the divorces that are finalized in their jurisdiction. Therefore, each specific state is responsible for maintaining all of the divorce records that are generated by divorce proceedings in their state. In particular, each local county courthouse where the petition for divorce was filed and where the divorce was actually finalized is responsible for the maintenance and storage of the divorce records.
Smaller offices that are located in small counties might not have an office that has been set aside specifically for this purpose. Each local county courthouse office responsible for holding the divorce records might be different from one county to another. Finding divorce records in Alaska, means going to see the Clerk of Superior Court in the county where the divorce was filed and finalized. This clerk takes the requests for records from petitioners.
Many states keep a state repository or central holding site for all of the records. Nonetheless, all searches for certified copies of divorce records should begin at the local county level since the state will not issue certified copies. Finding divorce records in Alaska is only possible for those divorces that occurred since 1950.
The request for a certified copy of a divorce record should be in writing and accompanied by a small fee. The fee usually ranges between five and fifteen dollars to recover the cost of the search and copy of an official divorce record in Alaska. Specific information about the requestor is required including the name, address, relationship to the individual whose name is on the records, and some form of identification. Basic information including the name of the divorced couple, the county in which the divorce took place, and the date of the divorce should be provided with the request.
Although the information varies among states, specific information is included on each copy. This information often includes the husband’s full name, the wife’s full name (with maiden name), the county name in which the divorce was filed, filing date of the divorce, date of the finalized divorce, and a divorce certificate number.
The husband’s name is the one that should be used to file the records as well as request the records. If the county name isn’t known, a search for records one county at a time can be conducted. This usually costs much more than a single search.
Another method to employ when you do not have adequate information is to begin your search at the state level. Once you have the information, request a certified copy of the record from the county. Also, a search for the past and current spouses can be most productive in locating the name of the county of divorce. A search for spouses will also include a list of the addresses with counties.
The search for official divorce records usually takes between two to ten days in Alaska. Genealogical searches can take longer. Many things including courthouse size, the number of staff, time of year can delay the processing of the request, and amount of provided information that is correct.
Follow these guidelines for an efficient search. Print or type each name and address clearly including both full names. Include the maiden name for the wife.
Keep the request brief and limit each request to a single document. Include full names of the husband and wife, including nicknames or alternate spellings. Include full addresses of the individuals at the time of the divorce, including street, city, town, county, and state.
Include the finalized divorce date. If you do not have exact information, include a time frame. Specify a short span of years. You should expect to pay an additional fee for this type of search.
Include contact information where you can be reached including daytime telephone number, fax number, or an e-mail address. Also, include your relationship to the individuals who are listed in your search.
Include the reason for your request, print your name clearly, and sign your request. Plus. You should include a self addressed stamped envelope with your request. Date your request and all correspondence. A list of local county courthouses for Alaska is provided below.
Department of Health and Social Services
Bureau of Vital Statistics
P.O. Box 110675
Juneau, AK 99811-0675
Juneau – 1st Judicial District
Patrick J. Gullufsen, District Attorney
PO Box 110300
Juneau AK 99811-0300
Room 364 Dimond Courthouse, Juneau
465-3620, Fax 465-3919
Ketchikan – 1st Judicial District
Stephen West, District Attorney
415 Main Street Room 304
Ketchikan AK 99901-6396
225-6128, Fax 225-3917
Nome – 2nd Judicial District
John A. Earthman, District Attorney
PO Box 160
Nome AK 99762-0160
State Office Building, Nome
443-2296, Fax 443-5923
Anchorage – 3rd Judicial District
Leonard Marbury “Bob” Linton, District Attorney
310 K. Street Suite 520
Anchorage, AK 99501-1975
269-6300, Fax 269-6321
Fairbanks – 4th Judicial District
Jeffrey O’Bryant, District Attorney
455 – 3rd Avenue, Ste 150
Fairbanks AK 99701 451-5970, Fax 451-5996
