Cibola County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Cibola County in 2026
CibolaRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Cibola County, New Mexico. Members of the public may find case numbers, party names, filing dates, final decrees, and related court documents. Records may include dissolution of marriage filings, custody orders, property division agreements, and support determinations. Availability and completeness vary by case age, filing method, and applicable confidentiality provisions.
Divorce records in Cibola County are maintained by the Thirteenth Judicial District Court, which serves Cibola, Sandoval, and Valencia counties. Members of the public may search these records through official court resources, in-person visits to the clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and authorized online portals. The New Mexico Courts public records page provides statewide guidance on accessing judicial branch records, including family law case files.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Thirteenth Judicial District Court provides access to case information through the New Mexico Courts system. Basic case information — including party names, case numbers, filing dates, and docket entries — is available at no charge. Copies of filed documents may require a fee.
2. State Court System Portal
The re:Search℠NM public access portal allows members of the public to search court records across New Mexico jurisdictions. This consolidated database covers district courts statewide and is the primary online tool for locating divorce case information without visiting the courthouse in person.
3. State Vital Records
New Mexico does not issue divorce certificates through the state vital records office in the same manner as birth or death certificates. The New Mexico Department of Health maintains statistical records of divorces, but the official legal record of a dissolution of marriage is held by the district court where the case was filed. Individuals seeking certified proof of divorce must obtain a certified copy of the final decree directly from the Thirteenth Judicial District Court.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Thirteenth Judicial District Court (Cibola County Division)
Thirteenth Judicial District Court — Cibola County
700 East Roosevelt Avenue
Grants, NM 87020
Phone: (505) 285-2631
Thirteenth Judicial District Court
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (excluding state holidays)
- Services available in person:
- Case file searches by party name or case number
- Review of filed documents at public access terminals
- Requests for certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Staff assistance for locating case information
- Payment of copy fees
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Thirteenth Judicial District Court, 700 East Roosevelt Avenue, Grants, NM 87020
- Include the following in the written request:
- Full legal names of both parties (including maiden names if applicable)
- Approximate date of divorce or filing year
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's full name and return mailing address
- Specific documents requested (e.g., certified copy of final decree)
- Payment for applicable copy and certification fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
- Processing time: Requests are processed in the order received; allow one to two weeks for standard mail requests.
By Phone
Limited Information Available by Phone:
- Clerk of Court: (505) 285-2631
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists under a given name
- Case number and filing date
- Current case status
- Scheduled hearing dates
- Staff cannot provide:
- Copies of documents by phone
- Detailed case contents
- Confidential or restricted information
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in New Mexico may access court records on behalf of a client, including requesting documents from sealed or restricted portions of a case file upon a proper showing of need. The State Bar of New Mexico maintains a lawyer referral service for individuals who require professional legal assistance in locating or interpreting divorce records.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses at the time of filing
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate year or date range of the divorce
- Case number, if previously obtained
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Last known addresses of the parties at the time of filing
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
- Names of minor children involved in the case
Search in Correct County
Under NMSA 1978, § 40-4-5, a petition for dissolution of marriage must be filed in the district court of the county where either spouse resides. Individuals who are uncertain where a divorce was filed may need to search multiple counties. The county where the marriage ceremony occurred is not necessarily the county where the divorce was filed.
Residency Requirement:
New Mexico law requires that at least one spouse have been a resident of the state for a minimum of six months immediately preceding the filing of the petition for dissolution of marriage, pursuant to NMSA 1978, § 40-4-5.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Newly finalized cases may not appear in online systems immediately following the final hearing
- Allow several business days to several weeks for processing after the final decree is entered
- The clerk's office can confirm whether a decree has been filed even before it appears in online search results
Older Divorces:
- Cases predating electronic filing may exist only in paper format
- Archived paper records may require additional retrieval time
- Not all historical records have been digitized; in-person or mail requests are the most reliable method for older cases
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- The divorce was filed in a different county
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- The case is still pending and has not been finalized
- Very old records stored in off-site archives
- The case has been sealed by court order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Clerk of Court at (505) 285-2631 to request a manual search
- Attempt alternate name spellings or both parties' names
- Search the re:Search℠NM portal using partial name entries
- Consult an attorney for assistance locating sealed or difficult-to-find records
What Are Cibola County Divorce Records?
Cibola County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Thirteenth Judicial District Court. These records constitute part of the permanent family law case file maintained by the Clerk of Court and are subject to New Mexico's public records framework.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files
The complete case file for a dissolution of marriage proceeding may include:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Summons and proof of service
- Response or answer filed by the respondent
- Financial affidavits submitted by both parties
- Parenting plans and custody agreements
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, responses, and court orders issued during the proceeding
- Transcripts of court hearings (if ordered)
- Final judgment of dissolution of marriage
Final Decree
The final decree of dissolution of marriage is the official court order that legally ends the marriage. It is the document most frequently requested for legal and personal purposes. The final decree establishes:
- The legal date of dissolution
- Division of marital property and debts
- Spousal support or alimony terms, if any
- Child custody and timesharing arrangements, if applicable
- Child support obligations, if applicable
- Restoration of a former name, if requested
Certified copies of the final decree are available from the Clerk of Court upon payment of applicable fees.
Supporting Documents
Additional documents that may be part of the case file include:
- Original marriage certificate submitted as an exhibit
- Financial disclosure statements and supporting financial records
- Property appraisals and valuations
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for division of retirement accounts
- Post-judgment modification orders
Purpose of Divorce Records:
Legal Purposes
- Establishing proof of marital status for remarriage
- Documenting a legal name change
- Supporting immigration proceedings or visa applications
- Verifying terms of property transfers or title changes
- Estate planning and beneficiary designations
- Social Security benefit determinations
Personal Purposes
- Genealogical and family history research
- Personal record-keeping and verification of divorce terms
- Confirming the existence and date of a prior dissolution
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
The Clerk of Court for the Thirteenth Judicial District is the primary custodian of all divorce records for cases filed in Cibola County. The clerk's office indexes records by the names of both parties and maintains the complete case file. The New Mexico Department of Health maintains aggregate statistical data on divorces statewide but does not serve as the official custodian of individual case records.
Legal Framework:
Dissolution of marriage proceedings in New Mexico are governed by NMSA 1978, § 40-4-1 et seq., which establishes the grounds, procedures, and requirements for obtaining a divorce in the state. Public access to court records is governed by the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act (NMSA 1978, § 14-2-1 et seq.), which creates a presumption of public access to government records, including court filings, subject to specific statutory exemptions.
Are Cibola County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in the Thirteenth Judicial District Court are public court records under New Mexico law. Members of the public may access basic case information and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need or interest. However, certain categories of information within divorce case files are subject to restriction, redaction, or sealing pursuant to court rules and state statute.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of the petitioner and respondent
- Names of attorneys of record
- Scheduled and completed hearing dates
- Court orders and judgments, including the final decree
- Property division orders
- General case status and docket entries
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information
- Social Security numbers are redacted from all publicly accessible documents
- Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
- Detailed tax returns and financial statements may be subject to limited access
- Income and salary details may carry partial restrictions depending on how they were filed
Children's Information
- Names and addresses of minor children may be redacted or restricted
- Schools attended by children are not disclosed in public records
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children are restricted
- Child custody evaluations ordered by the court may be sealed
- Guardian ad litem reports are subject to restricted access
Sensitive Personal Information
- Domestic violence allegations, evidence, and related protective orders may be sealed
- Mental health and substance abuse records incorporated into case files are restricted
- Personal addresses of parties in domestic violence cases are protected from public disclosure
Sealed Records:
A court may seal all or part of a divorce case file upon a showing of good cause. Sealed records are not accessible to the general public. Parties to the case and their attorneys retain access to sealed materials. Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for disclosure.
Who Can Access Records:
| Requestor | Level of Access |
|---|---|
| General public | Public documents; redacted sensitive information |
| Parties to the case | Full access to their own case file |
| Attorneys of record | Full access; may petition for sealed materials |
| Law enforcement | Statutory access to restricted information |
| Researchers and media | Public portions; court permission required for sealed records |
Restrictions on Use:
Members of the public who obtain divorce records may not use that information for stalking, harassment, identity theft, or any purpose that violates a protective order issued by the court. Permitted uses include legal proceedings, background verification, genealogical research, news reporting protected by the First Amendment, and academic research.
Obtaining Confidential Records:
A party seeking access to restricted or sealed divorce records must file a motion with the Thirteenth Judicial District Court demonstrating a legitimate need. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties and any minor children involved. Certain government agencies — including child protective services and law enforcement — have statutory authority to access restricted family law records without a court order.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Cibola County?
The Thirteenth Judicial District Court charges standard fees for copies and certified copies of divorce records. Current fees reflect the schedule established by the New Mexico Supreme Court and applicable court rules.
Standard Copy and Certification Fees:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copies | $0.50 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree or order | $1.50 per page (plus $1.00 certification fee) |
| Certification stamp/seal | $1.00 per document |
| Electronic copies (where available) | Fees vary; contact clerk's office |
| Search fee (manual records search) | No separate search fee under current policy |
- Inspection of public records at the courthouse is available at no charge; fees apply only to copies.
- Certified copies suitable for legal use (remarriage, name change, immigration) require both the per-page copy fee and the certification fee.
- Payment is accepted in the form of cash, money order, or check made payable to the Thirteenth Judicial District Court. Personal checks may be accepted at the clerk's discretion.
- Fee waivers may be available for indigent parties who have an active case before the court; a written request and supporting documentation are required.
- Mail requests must include payment in the form of a money order or check; cash is not accepted by mail.
Members of the public may inspect divorce records at the courthouse public access terminals without charge. Fees are assessed only when copies or certified copies are requested. The New Mexico Courts public records page provides additional guidance on statewide fee structures and access policies.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Cibola County
A complete divorce case file maintained by the Thirteenth Judicial District Court contains all documents filed by the parties, issued by the court, and entered into the record throughout the proceeding.
Basic Case Information
Case Caption:
- Assigned case number
- Court name and judicial district
- Full legal names of petitioner and respondent
- Name of the assigned judge
- Names and bar numbers of attorneys of record
Filing Information:
- Date the petition was filed
- Filing fees paid and receipts
- Case type designation (dissolution of marriage)
- Basis for jurisdiction and venue
Initial Pleadings
Petition for Dissolution of Marriage:
- Petitioner's identifying information
- Respondent's identifying information
- Date and location of marriage
- Date of separation, if applicable
- Grounds for divorce (New Mexico is a no-fault state; the standard ground is incompatibility)
- Information regarding minor children, including names and dates of birth
- Claims regarding marital property and debts
- Requests for spousal support, child custody, and child support
- Relief requested from the court
Response/Answer:
- Respondent's admissions or denials of the petition's allegations
- Counterpetition, if filed
- Respondent's independent requests for relief
Financial Affidavits:
- Both parties' income from all sources
- Monthly living expenses
- Complete asset inventory (real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investments, retirement accounts, personal property)
- Complete liability inventory (mortgages, vehicle loans, credit card debt, personal loans)
Discovery Documents
Financial Disclosure:
- Recent federal and state tax returns
- Pay stubs and employer verification
- Bank and investment account statements
- Retirement account statements
- Credit card and loan statements
- Business financial records, if applicable
Interrogatories and Requests for Production:
- Written questions and sworn answers from both parties
- Document requests and responses
- Property inventories and supporting records
Property-Related Documents
Marital Asset and Debt Inventory:
- Descriptions and estimated values of all real property
- Vehicle identification and values
- Account balances for all financial accounts
- Retirement and pension account values
- Business interests and valuations
- Personal property, jewelry, art, and collectibles
- All outstanding debts and liabilities
Appraisals and Expert Reports:
- Real property appraisals
- Business valuations
- Personal property appraisals
- Expert witness reports on asset values
Children-Related Documents (If Applicable)
Parenting Plan:
- Legal custody designation (sole or joint decision-making authority)
- Physical custody and primary residence
- Regular timesharing schedule
- Holiday, school break, and summer schedules
- Transportation and exchange arrangements
- Communication protocols between parents and with children
- Decision-making responsibilities for education, healthcare, religion, and extracurricular activities
- Relocation restrictions
Child Support:
- Child support calculation worksheet
- Both parties' income information
- Number of overnights with each parent
- Health insurance and childcare cost allocations
- Monthly support amount ordered
- Payment method and schedule
- Income deduction order, if applicable
Custody Evaluations and Guardian ad Litem Reports (If Ordered):
- Psychologist or evaluator reports and recommendations
- Home study findings
- Guardian ad litem findings and best-interest recommendations
- Note: These documents may be sealed or subject to restricted access
Support Documents
Alimony/Spousal Support:
- Type of support ordered (temporary, rehabilitative, or other)
- Monthly amount and duration
- Payment schedule and method
- Conditions for modification or termination
Settlement Documents
Marital Settlement Agreement:
- Comprehensive written agreement resolving all contested issues
- Real and personal property distribution to each party
- Debt allocation between the parties
- Spousal support terms
- Child custody and support provisions, if applicable
- Tax filing and dependency exemption provisions
- Attorney fee allocation
- Signatures of both parties and notarization
Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO):
- Separate court order directing division of retirement plan benefits
- Instructions to the plan administrator
- Awarded percentages or dollar amounts
Court Orders and Final Judgment
Temporary Orders (If Entered):
- Temporary custody and timesharing
- Temporary support obligations
- Temporary use and possession of marital property
- Temporary restraining orders or injunctions
Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage:
- Official court order legally dissolving the marriage
- Date of dissolution
- Findings of fact and conclusions of law
- Complete property and debt division
- Spousal support orders
- Child custody, timesharing, and support orders
- Name restoration order, if requested
- Judge's signature and court seal
Post-Judgment Documents (If Applicable)
Modifications:
- Petitions to modify custody, timesharing, or support
- Evidence of changed circumstances
- Court orders on modification requests
Enforcement Actions:
- Income deduction orders
- Contempt motions and orders
- Liens filed against property
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed
- Social Security numbers (redacted from all public documents)
- Bank account and financial account numbers (redacted)
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence allegations and related evidence (may be sealed)
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluation records
- Child custody evaluation reports (may be sealed)
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
- Settlement negotiation communications (not part of the court record)
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Cibola County
Proof of divorce in Cibola County is obtained through a certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution of marriage issued by the Thirteenth Judicial District Court. A certified copy bears the court's official seal and the clerk's certification, making it acceptable for legal purposes including remarriage, name change with government agencies, immigration applications, and Social Security proceedings.
Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy:
- Identify the case. Locate the case number and filing year using the re:Search℠NM portal or by contacting the clerk's office at (505) 285-2631.
- Submit a request. Requests may be submitted in person at the courthouse, by mail, or through the clerk's office counter. Specify that a certified copy of the final decree is needed.
- Pay applicable fees. Current fees are $0.50 per page plus a $1.00 certification fee per document. Payment by cash, check, or money order is accepted.
- Receive the certified copy. In-person requests are fulfilled at the time of the visit when records are available. Mail requests are processed within one to two weeks.
Members of the public who are self-represented in a dissolution proceeding may also access divorce and family forms through the New Mexico Courts website, which provides standardized forms used in Cibola County district court proceedings. As noted on the New Mexico Courts self-representation page, individuals initiating a divorce proceeding do so by filing a petition in the district court of the county where either spouse resides.
Thirteenth Judicial District Court — Cibola County
700 East Roosevelt Avenue
Grants, NM 87020
Phone: (505) 285-2631
Thirteenth Judicial District Court — Public Records
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Cibola County?
A divorce proceeding in Cibola County is presumptively a public court record, but certain portions of a case file may be made confidential under specific legal circumstances.
Circumstances Under Which Divorce Records May Be Confidential:
- Court-ordered sealing: A judge may seal all or part of a case file upon a finding of good cause, such as the presence of sensitive financial information, trade secrets, or safety concerns for a party or child.
- Domestic violence cases: When a party has obtained a protective order or when domestic violence allegations are central to the case, the court may restrict public access to addresses, contact information, and related evidence to protect the safety of the victim.
- Children's information: Names, addresses, schools, and medical or psychological records pertaining to minor children are subject to redaction and restricted access under New Mexico court rules.
- Mental health and substance abuse records: Records of mental health treatment or substance abuse counseling incorporated into the case file are restricted from public disclosure.
- Mediation communications: Under New Mexico law, communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and are not part of the public court record.
- Sealed financial records: Tax returns and detailed financial statements may be filed under seal upon motion and court approval.
Members of the public seeking access to sealed or confidential portions of a divorce case file must file a motion with the Thirteenth Judicial District Court and demonstrate a legally sufficient basis for disclosure. The New Mexico Courts public records page provides additional information on the process for requesting access to restricted judicial records.
How Long Does Cibola County Keep Divorce Records?
The Thirteenth Judicial District Court retains divorce records in accordance with the New Mexico Records Retention and Disposition Schedule established by the New Mexico State Records Center and Archives.
Retention Periods for Divorce Records:
- Final judgments and decrees: Retained permanently. The final decree of dissolution of marriage is a permanent court record and is not subject to destruction.
- Complete case files (contested proceedings): Retained for a minimum of ten years following the close of the case, with permanent retention for cases involving significant property division, custody determinations, or other matters of ongoing legal significance.
- Complete case files (uncontested proceedings): Retained for a minimum of ten years following the close of the case.
- Post-judgment modification and enforcement records: Retained as part of the original case file for the duration of the retention period applicable to that file.
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in the court's electronic case management system indefinitely, subject to the same retention schedules as paper records.
- Archived paper records: Older paper case files that have been transferred to off-site storage or the New Mexico State Records Center and Archives remain retrievable upon request, though additional processing time may be required.
Members of the public seeking records from cases that may have been archived should contact the clerk's office directly at (505) 285-2631 to confirm availability and request retrieval.