Cochise County Family Court Records

Cochise County family court records are held by the Superior Court Clerk in southeastern Arizona. These public files cover divorce cases, child custody matters, paternity actions, and support orders filed in Cochise County. The Clerk of Superior Court maintains two office locations to serve residents across this large rural county. Amy J. Hunley serves as the elected Clerk and oversees all record keeping for family law matters. You can search for Cochise County family court records at the courthouse in Bisbee or the satellite office in Sierra Vista. Both offices have staff ready to help with record requests and filing questions.

Cochise County Clerk of Superior Court

The Cochise County Clerk of Superior Court processes all family court record requests. Amy J. Hunley leads this office as the elected Clerk. The main courthouse is in Bisbee at 100 Quality Hill Road, Bisbee, AZ 85603. Call (520) 432-8600 to reach the Bisbee office. The fax number is (520) 432-4850. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM. Staff do not work weekends or state holidays. You can email the clerk office at cochiseclerk@courts.az.gov with questions about family court records.

The clerk office screenshot below shows the official contact details and services provided by the Cochise County Superior Court Clerk. Visit the Clerk website for current information.

Cochise County does not accept personal checks for fees. You must pay with cash, cashier's check, money order, Visa, or MasterCard. This rule applies to all family court services, including filing fees, copy requests, and certification costs. Plan ahead if you need to visit the office in person. An ATM may not be nearby.

Note: Attorneys must e-file all family law case documents as of March 1, 2022, per court rules.

Cochise County Sierra Vista Court Office

Cochise County operates a second court office in Sierra Vista for residents in the western part of the county. This location is at 100 Colonia De Salud, Suite 200, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635. The Sierra Vista office offers the same family court services as the main Bisbee courthouse. You can request copies of divorce decrees, custody orders, and other family law documents here. Filing new cases is also possible at this satellite location. This saves residents a long drive to Bisbee.

Sierra Vista is the largest city in Cochise County. Many residents find it easier to use this office than to travel to the county seat in Bisbee. Both offices share the same phone system and email addresses. Call (520) 432-8600 for general questions. The same office hours apply at both sites.

Cochise County Family Law Services

The Cochise County Family Law Services page has details about handling family court matters in this county. This resource explains what forms you need, how to file, and what to expect during your case. The court offers help for people who do not have a lawyer. Self-help staff can guide you through basic steps but cannot give legal advice about your specific situation.

This screenshot shows the Family Law Services page with filing information and payment rules. Access the Family Law Services page for updates.

The Self-Help Center is a key resource for people handling their own divorce or custody case. Call (520) 432-8513 to reach the center. You can also email selfhelp@cochise.az.gov for assistance. Staff can explain court forms and point you to the right resources. They hold regular workshops on family law topics like filing for divorce and establishing parenting time. Check the court website for the current schedule of classes and events.

Types of Family Court Records in Cochise County

Cochise County family court records include many types of cases. Divorce files are the most common request. A divorce record contains the original petition, any responses, financial affidavits, settlement agreements, and the final decree. The decree is the order that ends the marriage. It spells out property division, debt allocation, and spousal maintenance terms if any.

Child custody records in Arizona use the term legal decision-making. This covers who makes major choices for the child, such as schooling, health care, and religious upbringing. Parenting time records set the schedule for when each parent has the child. These documents include parenting plans, court orders, and any modifications made over time. If parents disagree, the court may order mediation or a custody evaluation by a trained professional. Those reports also become part of the court file.

Paternity records establish the legal father of a child. The file may contain DNA test results, a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity signed by both parents, or a court order declaring paternity. Once paternity is set, the court can order child support payments and create a custody arrangement. Child support records show the amount ordered and any enforcement actions taken to collect past-due amounts.

Cochise County Family Conciliation Court

The Family Conciliation Court in Cochise County helps families resolve disputes without a trial. This service is available for divorce, custody, and parenting time cases. A trained counselor works with both parties to reach an agreement. The goal is to reduce conflict and help parents focus on the best interests of their children. Sessions are confidential and less formal than courtroom proceedings.

This screenshot displays the Conciliation Court services available to Cochise County residents. For current services and scheduling, visit the Conciliation Court page.

Mediation can save time and money. It also gives parents more control over the outcome than leaving decisions to a judge. Many families find it easier to follow a parenting plan they helped create. The court may order parties to try conciliation before setting a trial date. Ask the clerk or self-help center about this option if you want to avoid a contested court hearing.

Note: Conciliation Court records are often confidential and may not be part of the public case file.

Child Support Records in Cochise County

Child support matters in Cochise County are handled through the Superior Court and the Arizona Division of Child Support Services. You can email child support questions to CochiseCS@courts.az.gov. The clerk office works with the state child support division to process orders and track payments. The Arizona Division of Child Support Services provides statewide enforcement. Call 602-252-4045 or the toll-free line at 1-800-882-4151 to reach DCSS.

Support orders are calculated using both parents' incomes and the child's needs. Arizona uses a formula set by state law to determine the amount. The court can modify support if circumstances change, such as a job loss or a big increase in income. To request a modification, you must file a motion with the court and show a substantial change since the last order. DCSS can help with enforcement if the paying parent falls behind.

Payment records show what was ordered and what was paid. If you need proof of payments made or owed, you can request records from the court or from DCSS. The state child support portal lets you view your account online. You can also make payments through the portal or by phone at 1-888-585-7942.

Search Cochise County Family Records Online

The statewide Arizona Courts Public Access Portal includes Cochise County case information. This free tool covers 153 out of 180 courts in Arizona. You can search by party name or case number to find basic case details. The system shows the case status, filing date, and parties involved. Some documents may be viewable online while others require a formal records request.

If you cannot find a record online, contact the clerk office directly. Older records may not be in the digital system. Staff can search paper files for cases from past decades. There may be a research fee of $35 per year searched if you do not have the case number. Bring as much information as you can to speed up the search process.

For self-help resources and court forms, visit AZ Court Help. This site has guides on how to file for divorce, modify custody, and handle other family law matters. It also has a court finder tool that shows contact details for every court in Arizona. Use this resource to learn about the court process before visiting the clerk office.

How to Request Cochise County Family Court Records

You have several options to get copies of family court records in Cochise County. The most direct way is to visit the clerk office in Bisbee or Sierra Vista. Bring a valid ID and know the case number if possible. Staff will search for the record and make copies while you wait. Standard copies cost $0.50 per page. Certified copies add a $35 certification fee per document.

You can also request records by mail. Send a letter to the Clerk of Superior Court at 100 Quality Hill Road, Bisbee, AZ 85603. Include the case number, the names of the parties, and which documents you need. Enclose a cashier's check or money order for the estimated fees. The clerk will mail the copies to you once payment is processed. Allow at least one to two weeks for mail requests.

Email requests are possible for some basic information. Contact cochiseclerk@courts.az.gov with your question. Staff may be able to tell you if a case exists and what documents are in the file. However, you still need to pay for copies through one of the accepted payment methods listed earlier.

Legal Help for Cochise County Family Cases

If you cannot afford a lawyer, several resources may help. The Cochise County Self-Help Center at (520) 432-8513 provides free guidance on forms and procedures. They cannot represent you in court, but they can explain the steps involved in your case. Legal aid organizations also serve this area. Southern Arizona Legal Aid offers free or low-cost help to people who qualify based on income.

The State Bar of Arizona has a lawyer referral service. You can get a short consultation with a family law attorney for a reduced fee. This helps you understand your rights and options even if you decide to handle the case yourself. Call the state bar or visit their website for details on how to request a referral.

Arizona law allows people to represent themselves in family court. Many Cochise County residents handle their own divorce or custody case. The self-help resources mentioned earlier make this easier. Take time to learn the rules and fill out forms carefully. Mistakes can delay your case or result in orders that do not reflect what you wanted.

Arizona Family Law Statutes

Arizona family law is found in Title 25 of the Arizona Revised Statutes. This section covers marriage, divorce, child custody, support, and paternity. Chapter 3 addresses dissolution of marriage, including residency requirements and grounds for divorce. You must live in Arizona for at least 90 days before filing. Chapter 4 covers legal decision-making and parenting time, which replaced the older terms custody and visitation.

Court records access is governed by Arizona Supreme Court Rule 123, not the general public records law. Some family court documents are open to the public while others are restricted. Adoption files, juvenile records, and certain sealed orders are not available for public viewing. Contact the clerk office if you are unsure whether a specific record is accessible.

Nearby Arizona Counties

Cochise County borders several other Arizona counties. If you are searching for a family court record and cannot find it in Cochise County, it may have been filed in a neighboring county. Cases are kept in the county where the petition was originally filed. Below are counties near Cochise County where family court records are maintained.