Yavapai County Family Court Records

Yavapai County family court records are public documents you can access through the Superior Court of Arizona. These records include divorce decrees, child custody orders, support filings, and paternity actions. The Yavapai County Clerk of Court maintains all family law files at locations in Prescott and Camp Verde. You can request copies in person, by mail, or through email. Records from 1992 forward are in the digital system, but older files need a trip to the main courthouse. The clerk staff can search for cases by name or case number and provide certified copies for legal use.

Yavapai County Clerk of Court

The Yavapai County Clerk of Superior Court handles all family court record requests in this region of Arizona. The clerk office has four locations spread across the county to serve residents. Each location can help you with record searches and copy requests for family law cases filed in Yavapai County.

The main courthouse is at 120 S. Cortez, Room 207, in Prescott, AZ 86303. Call (928) 777-7934 to reach this office. The Camp Verde Superior Court sits at 2840 N Commonwealth Drive in Camp Verde, AZ 86322, with a phone line at (928) 567-7741. Residents in the greater Prescott area can also visit the Yavapai County Justice Center at 1200 Prescott Lakes Parkway, Building A, in Prescott, AZ 86301. The Justice Center number is (928) 610-6510. For juvenile matters, head to the Juvenile Justice Center at 1100 Prescott Lakes Parkway, Room 3-100, in Prescott, where staff can be reached at (928) 771-3103.

You can view the full list of Yavapai County court locations and contact details on the Yavapai County Superior Court contact page.

Note: All court offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours and closed on state holidays.

Requesting Yavapai County Family Court Records

Getting copies of family court records in Yavapai County is a simple process. The Superior Court Records page explains how to submit requests in person, online, by mail, or by phone. You have several options based on what works best for your needs. Staff at any of the four court locations can assist you with your request.

For online requests, send an email to YavapaiRecordsManagement@courts.az.gov with details about the case you need. Include party names, approximate dates, and the type of record you want. Staff will search for your case and let you know what is available. They will also tell you the cost so you can make payment before they send copies. This is the quickest way to start a request if you cannot visit in person.

Records from before 1992 are only at the main courthouse in Prescott. The digital system does not have these older files. If you need a divorce decree or custody order from the 1980s or earlier, plan a trip to the Cortez Street location. The clerk can pull files from storage, but it may take longer than a standard request. Call ahead to make sure staff can locate what you need before you visit.

Yavapai County Family Court Record Fees

Copy fees in Yavapai County are $0.50 per page. This applies to all family court documents. Certified copies cost $35.00 plus the per-page charge. If you need a document with a raised court seal for legal purposes, expect to pay this extra amount. Marriage abstracts also cost $35.00 each. When the clerk mails copies to you, add $8.00 for postage and handling.

You can pay for records online through the Yavapai County payment portal. Cash, checks, and credit cards are also accepted at the courthouse. For mail requests, include a check or money order made out to the Clerk of Superior Court. Staff will not process your request until payment clears. If you are not sure of the exact cost, they can give you a quote before you pay.

Filing fees for new family court cases in Yavapai County follow the statewide schedule. Class A fees are $330 and Class B fees are $165 as of late 2024. Divorce petitions, custody filings, and paternity cases each have set costs. Ask the clerk for the current fee when you file your case. Fee waivers are available for those who qualify based on income.

Types of Family Court Records in Yavapai County

Divorce records are the most common type of family court document requested in Yavapai County. A divorce file contains the petition for dissolution, the response from the other spouse, financial statements, and the final decree. The decree is what the court issues to end the marriage legally. It lists terms for property, debt, support, and child-related matters when kids are involved.

Child custody records in Arizona use specific terms. Legal decision-making refers to which parent makes big choices for the child. Parenting time is the schedule showing when each parent has the child. Yavapai County family court files may include parenting plans, custody evaluations, and court orders. If parents later modify the arrangement, those filings go into the same case record. Access to some custody details may be limited if a judge sealed parts of the file for child safety.

Child support records show the amount ordered and any actions to enforce payment. The Arizona Division of Child Support Services works with courts statewide to set up and collect support. You can call them at 602-252-4045 or toll-free at 1-800-882-4151. Support orders are based on both parents' income and the child's needs. When life changes, like a job loss, either parent can ask for a modification through the Yavapai County court.

Paternity records establish who the legal father of a child is. These files may have DNA test results, signed acknowledgments, or court orders declaring parentage. Once paternity is set, the court can order support and create a custody plan.

Search Yavapai Family Court Records Online

The statewide Arizona Courts Public Access Portal covers Yavapai County. This free tool lets you look up case information from your computer or phone. You can search by party name or case number to find family court cases. Results show basic data like case status, filing date, and the parties involved. The system connects to courts across Arizona, so you can check multiple counties at once if needed.

Some documents may be viewable online through the portal. Others require a formal request to the clerk office. The online system is a good starting point for research. It tells you whether a case exists and gives you the case number to use when ordering copies. Keep in mind that sealed or confidential records will not appear in public searches.

The AZ Court Help website has resources for people handling their own family law matters. It includes forms, guides, and a court finder tool. The site explains how to read court records and what different case types mean. Use this if you are new to the court system or need help understanding what documents to request.

Note: The online portal does not charge a fee to search, but you must pay for copies of actual documents.

Arizona Family Court Laws

Family court cases in Yavapai County follow Arizona state law. ARS Title 25 covers marital and domestic relations. This includes marriage, divorce, custody, support, and paternity. The statute defines how courts handle dissolution of marriage, sets out residency requirements, and explains what happens to property when a couple splits.

Access to court records in Arizona is governed by Arizona Supreme Court Rule 123, not the general public records law. This rule sets out what is public and what may be sealed or restricted. Family court records are mostly public, but judges can limit access to protect children or domestic violence victims. If you run into a sealed record, you may need to file a motion asking the court to open it for your review.

ARS 25-403.06 gives both parents equal access to records about their child's education and health care. This applies unless a court order says otherwise. If you are a parent seeking school or medical records, you have the right to get them. The court can limit this right only when it is necessary to protect the child from harm.

Help for Yavapai County Family Court Cases

People who represent themselves in family court can use several resources. The Yavapai County courts offer self-service options at the courthouse. Staff can point you to forms and explain basic procedures. They cannot give legal advice, but they can help you understand the steps involved in filing or responding to a case.

The statewide AZ Court Help site has downloadable forms for divorce, custody, and support matters. It includes step-by-step guides that walk you through each part of the process. Video tutorials explain what to expect at hearings and how to present your case to the judge. These resources are free and available online at any time.

For legal advice, consider contacting a family law attorney in Prescott or Camp Verde. Many lawyers offer free consultations. If you cannot afford an attorney, look into legal aid services that serve Yavapai County. They may be able to help with your case at no cost or reduced fees based on your income.

Nearby Arizona Counties

Yavapai County borders several other Arizona counties. If you are not sure where a family court case was filed, check these neighboring counties. Records stay in the county where the case started, even if you move later.