Question:
During our divorce proceedings, my ex made some false allegations that were proven untrue and were thrown out but are still part of our records with the county.
Can I have the divorce records sealed? Are divorce records open to the public?
Answer:
I do not practice in Arizona. Therefore, I cannot inform you as to the specific laws of Arizona, but I will try to answer your question generally as it applies in many states. You should consult an attorney in Arizona.
In most states, divorce cases are a part of the public record and can only be sealed (made unavailable to the public) if there are very special circumstances. Such circumstances usually include information in the court record that could harm the safety or welfare of a child. For example, courts will sometimes seal the records of cases that involve physical or sexual abuse of a child.
In most other circumstances, courts generally do not seal divorce records.
Rachel A. Brucks is a Staff Attorney in the Fort Worth, Texas office of Cordell & Cordell where she practices domestic relations exclusively. Ms. Brucks is licensed in the state of Texas. Ms. Brucks received her Bachelors degrees in English and Political Science from the University of Texas at Arlington. She received her Masters in Literature and Gender Studies from Texas State University, San Marcos; and received her Juris Doctor from Southern Methodists University, Dallas.
I told my attorney that I wanted mine sealed. Same reason as yours. He got them sealed. No problem, Utah.