Valencia County Public Records /Valencia County Divorce Records

Valencia County Divorce Records

What Are Valencia County Divorce Records?

Valencia County divorce records are official legal documents maintained by the New Mexico court system that document the dissolution of marriage within the county. These records are created and maintained pursuant to the New Mexico Domestic Affairs statute § 40-4-1, which establishes the legal framework for divorce proceedings in the state.

Divorce records in Valencia County typically consist of several document types:

Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
Response to the petition
Financial affidavits
Property settlement agreements
Child custody and support arrangements
Final Decree of Dissolution of Marriage

These records serve multiple important purposes for individuals and government agencies:

Legal proof of marital status change
Documentation required for remarriage
Evidence for name change processes
Verification for Social Security benefits
Supporting documentation for loan applications
Required evidence for immigration matters
Historical and genealogical research

The Thirteenth Judicial District Court maintains jurisdiction over divorce proceedings in Valencia County, and these records become part of the permanent court record once a divorce is finalized.

Are Valencia County Divorce Records Public?

Valencia County divorce records have a nuanced public access status governed by both the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act § 14-2-1 and family law statutes. The accessibility of these records follows a two-tier system:

Court divorce case files are generally public records, with certain exceptions:

Basic case information including parties' names, case numbers, and filing dates are publicly accessible
Court hearings in divorce cases are typically open to the public
Final divorce decrees, once entered by the court, become part of the public record

However, certain components of divorce records may be restricted from public access:

Financial information of the parties
Records containing sensitive personal identifiers
Documents related to domestic violence allegations
Records pertaining to minor children
Sealed records by judicial order for good cause

Certified divorce certificates, which provide official verification of a divorce, have restricted access limited to:

The divorced parties themselves
Legal representatives with proper authorization
Individuals with a tangible interest as determined by state law
Government agencies for official purposes

The New Mexico Administrative Office of the Courts maintains policies regarding public access to court records in accordance with the New Mexico Supreme Court Rule 1-079, which establishes procedures for sealing court records.

How To Find a Divorce Record In Valencia County in 2026

Members of the public seeking divorce records in Valencia County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The process varies depending on the type of record needed and the requester's relationship to the case.

For court case records related to divorce proceedings:

Contact the Valencia County District Court Clerk's office directly:

Thirteenth Judicial District Court - Valencia County
1835 Highway 314 SW
Los Lunas, NM 87031
(505) 865-2400
Thirteenth Judicial District Court

Provide the following information when requesting records:
- Full names of both parties to the divorce
- Approximate date of divorce filing or finalization
- Case number (if known)
- Your relationship to the case
Complete the required records request form available at the court clerk's office or on the court's website.
Pay applicable fees for record searches and copies:
- Record search fee: $5.00 per name
- Copy fees: $0.50 per page
- Certified copies: $1.00 per certification

For certified divorce certificates (verification of divorce):

Contact the New Mexico Bureau of Vital Records:

New Mexico Department of Health - Bureau of Vital Records
1105 S. St. Francis Drive
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505) 827-0121
NM Vital Records

Submit a completed application form with:
- Full names of both parties
- Date of divorce
- Place of divorce
- Your relationship to the persons named in the record
- Valid government-issued photo identification
Pay the required fee of $10.00 per certified copy.

Requesters should note that processing times vary based on the complexity of the search and the volume of requests being processed by the respective agencies.

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Valencia County Online?

Valencia County offers limited online access to divorce records through several digital platforms. The availability of records online is subject to privacy restrictions and system limitations.

The primary online resource for divorce case information is the New Mexico Courts Case Lookup system:

Visit the New Mexico Judiciary Secure Case Access portal
Create a user account if you don't already have one
Accept the terms and conditions for accessing court records
Select "Thirteenth Judicial District Court" from the court dropdown menu
Search by party name, case number, or attorney name
Filter results by selecting "Domestic Relations" as the case type

This online system provides basic case information including:

Case number and filing date
Party names
Attorney information
Judge assigned
Hearing dates
Register of actions (docket entries)

Important limitations of the online system:

Full document images are not available for public viewing online
Sealed or confidential cases will not appear in search results
Historical cases (typically pre-2000) may not be included in the database
The system may experience periodic maintenance downtime

For more comprehensive divorce record information, the New Mexico Courts Records Portal provides guidance on accessing different types of court records, though full document retrieval generally requires in-person visits or written requests to the court clerk.

Researchers should be aware that online access to divorce records is intended primarily for case tracking and verification purposes, rather than obtaining complete divorce documentation.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Valencia County?

Valencia County residents and researchers can access certain divorce record information without payment, though comprehensive records typically involve fees. Several no-cost options exist for basic divorce record verification.

Free in-person access options:

Visit the Valencia County District Court Clerk's office to review public divorce case files:

Thirteenth Judicial District Court - Valencia County
1835 Highway 314 SW
Los Lunas, NM 87031
(505) 865-2400
Thirteenth Judicial District Court

Public terminals are available during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
Self-service research is permitted at no charge
Note that while viewing records is free, obtaining copies incurs standard fees

Access public law libraries that maintain court records:

New Mexico Supreme Court Law Library
237 Don Gaspar Avenue
Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 827-4850
NM Supreme Court Law Library

Provides public access to legal research materials and some court records
Professional librarians can assist with navigating record systems
Limited to records available in their collection

Free online access options:

Basic case information is available through the New Mexico Courts Case Lookup system at no charge
- Registration is required but free
- Provides case status, party names, and hearing dates
- Does not include document images or complete case files
The New Mexico Courts website offers free information about court procedures and record access

Researchers should be aware that while basic information may be available without cost, comprehensive divorce records typically require payment of statutory fees for searches, copies, and certifications. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requesters pursuant to New Mexico Statute § 34-6-27, though these typically apply to active court proceedings rather than record searches.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Valencia County

Valencia County divorce records comprise a comprehensive collection of documents that chronicle the entire divorce proceeding from initiation to conclusion. These records contain legally significant information about the dissolution of marriage and related matters.

Standard components of Valencia County divorce records include:

Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Filing date and case number
- Names and addresses of both parties
- Date and location of marriage
- Grounds for divorce under New Mexico law
- Statement regarding residency requirements
Summons and Proof of Service
- Documentation showing the non-filing spouse was properly notified
- Date of service and method of delivery
Response or Answer from the non-filing spouse
- Agreement or disagreement with claims in the petition
- Any counterclaims filed
Financial Disclosures
- Income statements and tax returns
- Asset and debt inventories
- Retirement account information
- Real estate documentation
Property Settlement Agreements
- Division of marital assets and debts
- Disposition of the marital home
- Distribution of personal property
- Allocation of retirement benefits
Child-Related Documents (if applicable)
- Parenting plans
- Child support worksheets and orders
- Custody and visitation arrangements
- Child support enforcement information
Temporary Orders
- Interim support arrangements
- Temporary custody provisions
- Restraining orders if applicable
Final Decree of Dissolution of Marriage
- Official termination of the marriage
- Court's final rulings on all contested matters
- Judge's signature and date of judgment
- Terms of the divorce settlement
Post-Judgment Motions and Orders
- Modifications to the original decree
- Enforcement actions
- Appeals documentation

The level of detail in divorce records varies significantly based on whether the divorce was contested or uncontested, the complexity of marital assets, and whether children were involved. Records from contested divorces typically contain more extensive documentation, including transcripts of hearings, expert testimony, and detailed judicial findings.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Valencia County?

Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in Valencia County have several options for obtaining certified documentation that verifies the legal dissolution of marriage. These documents serve as authoritative evidence for legal name changes, remarriage, immigration proceedings, and other official purposes.

To obtain a certified copy of a divorce decree:

Contact the Valencia County District Court Clerk's office:

Thirteenth Judicial District Court - Valencia County
1835 Highway 314 SW
Los Lunas, NM 87031
(505) 865-2400
Thirteenth Judicial District Court

Provide the following information:
- Full names of both parties to the divorce
- Date of divorce (approximate if exact date unknown)
- Case number (if available)
- Valid photo identification
Submit the request in person, by mail, or through an authorized representative with proper documentation.
Pay the required fee:
- $1.00 per certification plus $0.50 per page for copies
- Payment methods include cash (in-person only), money order, or cashier's check

For a Certificate of Divorce (official verification document):

Contact the New Mexico Bureau of Vital Records:

New Mexico Department of Health - Bureau of Vital Records
1105 S. St. Francis Drive
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505) 827-0121
NM Vital Records

Complete the Application for Certified Copy of New Mexico Divorce Record.
Provide required identification and documentation of eligibility:
- Government-issued photo ID
- Proof of relationship to parties named in the record (if not a party to the divorce)
- Legal authorization (if requesting as an attorney or agent)
Submit the application with the $10.00 fee per certificate.

Expedited service options:

In-person requests at the court clerk's office can often be fulfilled the same day
Vital Records offers expedited processing for an additional fee
Third-party courier services may be authorized to retrieve certified copies with proper documentation

Requesters should note that divorce certificates from Vital Records provide verification of the divorce but do not contain the detailed terms found in the full divorce decree available from the court.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Valencia County?

Valencia County divorce proceedings and records are presumptively public under New Mexico law, but certain mechanisms exist to protect sensitive information and, in limited circumstances, to maintain confidentiality of divorce cases. The New Mexico Supreme Court Rule 1-079 governs the sealing of court records and establishes the procedures for maintaining confidentiality.

Categories of information automatically protected from public disclosure:

Social Security numbers
Dates of birth
Financial account numbers
Names of minor children
Home addresses in certain cases
Domestic violence shelter locations
Medical and psychological records
Income tax returns
Financial affidavits in family court cases

Methods to maintain confidentiality in divorce proceedings:

Motion to Seal Records
- Either party may file a motion requesting specific documents or the entire case file be sealed
- The court must find "compelling reasons" that outweigh the public's right of access
- The judge must use the "least restrictive means" to protect confidential information
Confidential Domestic Relations Information Sheet
- Contains sensitive personal information kept separate from public case files
- Includes financial data, Social Security numbers, and children's information
- Accessible only to parties, attorneys, and court personnel
Redaction of Sensitive Information
- Parties may submit redacted versions of documents for the public file
- Original unredacted versions are maintained under seal
- Court clerks may redact certain information before making records available
Pseudonym Cases
- In exceptional circumstances, cases may be filed using initials or "Jane/John Doe"
- Typically limited to cases involving domestic violence, stalking, or sexual abuse
- Requires specific judicial approval
Confidential Mediation
- Divorce mediation sessions are confidential by law
- Mediator communications and notes are not part of the public record
- Settlement discussions in mediation remain private even if the case proceeds to trial

Parties seeking confidentiality should be aware that complete sealing of divorce cases is rare and granted only when the court determines that privacy interests substantially outweigh the public interest in open court proceedings. The burden of proof rests with the party requesting confidentiality, as established in New Mexico Statute § 14-2-1, which establishes the presumption of public access to government records.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Valencia County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in Valencia County varies significantly based on several factors, including case complexity, cooperation between parties, court caseload, and the specific circumstances of the marriage dissolution. The New Mexico Domestic Affairs statute establishes the procedural framework, but practical timelines depend on case-specific elements.

Minimum statutory waiting periods:

New Mexico has no mandatory waiting period between filing and finalization
The responding spouse has 30 days to file an answer after being served
Final hearings cannot be scheduled until after the response period has elapsed

Typical timeframes by divorce type:

Uncontested divorces (both parties in agreement)
- Minimum processing time: 30-60 days
- Average completion time: 1-3 months
- Factors affecting timeline: court scheduling, document preparation, judicial review
Contested divorces (disagreement on one or more issues)
- Minimum processing time: 3-6 months
- Average completion time: 6-12 months
- Complex cases may extend to 18+ months
- Factors affecting timeline: discovery process, motion practice, settlement negotiations, trial scheduling
Default divorces (non-responding spouse)
- Minimum processing time: 40-60 days
- Average completion time: 2-3 months
- Requires proof of service and expiration of response period

According to the New Mexico Judicial Branch statistical reports, the Thirteenth Judicial District, which includes Valencia County, processes approximately 75% of uncontested divorces within 4 months of filing, while contested cases have a median time to disposition of 9 months.

Factors that commonly extend divorce timelines:

High-value or complex asset division
Business ownership requiring valuation
Retirement account division requiring Qualified Domestic Relations Orders
Child custody disputes requiring evaluations or guardian ad litem appointments
Relocation issues involving children
Domestic violence allegations requiring additional hearings
Discovery disputes and motions to compel
Court congestion and scheduling conflicts
Judicial reassignments

Expediting factors that may reduce timeframes:

Comprehensive settlement agreements submitted with initial filing
Effective use of mediation or collaborative divorce processes
Streamlined temporary orders by stipulation
Efficient financial disclosure compliance
Limited contested issues

The Valencia County District Court currently prioritizes cases involving children and those with time-sensitive issues, which may affect scheduling for different types of divorce proceedings.

How Long Does Valencia County Keep Divorce Records?

Valencia County maintains divorce records according to New Mexico's records retention schedules, which establish different preservation periods based on record type, historical significance, and legal requirements. The New Mexico Commission of Public Records oversees these retention policies through the State Records Center and Archives.

Permanent retention records (never destroyed):

Final Decrees of Dissolution of Marriage
Judgments and final orders
Case indices and docket books
Cases designated as historically significant
Cases establishing legal precedent

Long-term retention records (25+ years):

Complete case files for divorces involving minor children
Property division judgments affecting real estate
Cases involving substantial pension or retirement division
Cases with ongoing child support or alimony obligations

Standard retention records (10-25 years):

General divorce case files without minor children
Financial disclosure documentation
Temporary orders and interim agreements
Procedural motions and orders

Administrative records (5-10 years):

Scheduling notices
Routine correspondence
Certificates of service
Uncontested procedural filings

The New Mexico Judicial Records Retention and Disposition Schedules establish that even after physical records may be destroyed according to retention schedules, basic case information remains permanently available in court indices and databases.

Digital preservation practices:

Valencia County began digitizing new divorce filings in the early 2000s
Historical records are being progressively digitized based on available resources
Electronic records are maintained in redundant systems with backup protocols
Digital case management systems retain basic case information indefinitely

Researchers seeking historical divorce records should note:

Pre-1912 divorce records (before New Mexico statehood) may be located in territorial court archives
Records from 1912-1950 may exist only in paper format at the State Archives
Some older records may have been transferred to microfilm
Records damaged by fire, flood, or deterioration may have limited availability

For specific information about the availability of historical divorce records, researchers should contact:

New Mexico State Records Center and Archives
1205 Camino Carlos Rey
Santa Fe, NM 87507
(505) 476-7900
New Mexico State Archives

How To Get a Divorce In Valencia County

Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Valencia County must follow New Mexico's statutory requirements while navigating the specific procedures of the Thirteenth Judicial District Court. The process varies depending on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested.

Residency requirements:

At least one spouse must have been a New Mexico resident for at least six months immediately preceding the filing
The petition must be filed in the county where either spouse resides

For uncontested divorces (both parties in agreement):

Prepare and file the initial documents with the Valencia County District Court:

Thirteenth Judicial District Court - Valencia County
1835 Highway 314 SW
Los Lunas, NM 87031
(505) 865-2400
Thirteenth Judicial District Court

Required documents include:

Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
Domestic Relations Cover Sheet
Domestic Relations Information Sheet (confidential)
Marital Settlement Agreement (if prepared)
Parenting Plan (if children involved)

Pay the filing fee ($137 as of current schedule) or submit an application for fee waiver if eligible.
Serve the non-filing spouse with copies of all filed documents:
- By voluntary acceptance of service
- Through a sheriff's deputy or private process server
- By certified mail with return receipt requested
- By publication if the spouse cannot be located (requires court approval)
Submit proof of service to the court.
Wait the statutory response period (30 days).
Request a final hearing or submit final decree by agreement.

For contested divorces (disagreement on one or more issues):

Complete steps 1-4 as outlined above.
Respond to any counterclaims filed by the spouse.
Participate in mandatory settlement facilitation or mediation.
Complete the discovery process:
- Exchange financial disclosures
- Respond to interrogatories and requests for production
- Participate in depositions if required
Attend pretrial conferences and hearings on temporary matters.
Prepare for and participate in the final trial if settlement is not reached.
Submit proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law.

Alternative dispute resolution options:

Court-annexed mediation programs
Private mediation services
Collaborative divorce process
Settlement facilitation conferences

Self-help resources:

New Mexico Courts Self-Help Guide
New Mexico Legal Aid
Court-based family law clinics (scheduled periodically)
Law library resources at the courthouse

Individuals with complex cases involving significant assets, business interests, or contested custody matters are advised to consult with an attorney licensed to practice in New Mexico.

How To Get Divorce Papers In Valencia County

Valencia County residents seeking divorce documentation have several methods available to obtain the necessary forms and paperwork to initiate or respond to divorce proceedings. These resources ensure access to standardized legal documents that comply with New Mexico court requirements.

Official court forms can be obtained through:

The Valencia County District Court Clerk's Office:

Thirteenth Judicial District Court - Valencia County
1835 Highway 314 SW
Los Lunas, NM 87031
(505) 865-2400
Thirteenth Judicial District Court

Available during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
Staff cannot provide legal advice but can confirm required forms
Nominal fees apply for printed form packets

New Mexico Courts Self-Help website:

Visit the New Mexico Courts Self-Help Center
Navigate to the Divorce/Separation section
Download fillable PDF forms at no cost
Forms include detailed instructions for completion

Law Libraries:

New Mexico Supreme Court Law Library
237 Don Gaspar Avenue
Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 827-4850
NM Supreme Court Law Library

Provides access to form books and legal resources
Reference librarians can direct users to appropriate forms
Public computers available for accessing online resources

Basic divorce packet forms include:

Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
Summons
Domestic Relations Information Sheet
Domestic Relations Cover Sheet
Certificate of Service
Final Decree of Dissolution of Marriage template

Additional forms for specific situations:

Parenting Plan (for cases involving minor children)
Child Support Worksheet
Financial disclosure forms
Property and debt division worksheets
Fee waiver application for low-income individuals
Motion for Interim Orders
Response to Petition for Dissolution

Assistance with form completion:

Free legal clinics offered periodically at the courthouse (check court website for schedule)
New Mexico Legal Aid provides assistance to qualifying low-income individuals
Court Self-Help Center staff can review forms for completeness (not legal advice)
Private attorneys offer unbundled services for form review and completion

Important considerations when obtaining divorce papers:

Forms must be appropriate for your specific situation (with/without children, property division needs)
Local court rules may require additional documents beyond standard state forms
Some forms require notarization before filing
Multiple copies are typically needed for filing, service, and personal records
Electronic filing options may be available for some documents through the court's e-filing system

Lookup Divorce Records in Valencia County

Thirteenth Judicial District Court - Valencia County 1835 Highway 314 SW Los Lunas, NM 87031 (505) 865-2400 Thirteenth Judicial District Court

New Mexico Department of Health - Bureau of Vital Records 1105 S. St. Francis Drive Santa Fe, NM 87505 (505) 827-0121 NM Vital Records

New Mexico Courts Case Lookup New Mexico Judiciary Secure Case Access

New Mexico State Records Center and Archives 1205 Camino Carlos Rey Santa Fe, NM 87507 (505) 476-7900 New Mexico State Archives