Find Divorce Records in Box Elder County
Box Elder County divorce records are maintained by the First District Court in Brigham City, the county seat. The court handles divorce filings, family law matters, and custody cases for all residents of Box Elder County. You can search for divorce records online through the Utah Courts system, visit the courthouse in person, or submit a written records request. Marriage records go back to 1887, and court records from that same period are part of the county's historical collection.
Box Elder County Quick Facts
Box Elder County District Court Information
The First District Court in Brigham City is the primary courthouse for Box Elder County divorce records. The court clerk maintains all case files and can assist with searches, certified copies, and document requests. Box Elder County was created on January 31, 1850, and is named for the box elder trees found along local streams. It is one of Utah's oldest counties and holds records from a long stretch of local history.
The image below links to the Box Elder County District Court page, which provides contact details, hours, and filing information for the court that holds all Box Elder County divorce records.
The Box Elder County District Court page lists current contact information, court hours, and guidance for filing or requesting records in Brigham City.
| Court |
First District Court Box Elder County Courthouse Brigham City, UT |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | utcourts.gov |
How to Search Box Elder Divorce Records
Searching Box Elder County divorce records begins with choosing between an online search or an in-person visit. The Utah Courts XChange system at utcourts.gov is available for cases filed in more recent years. You can search by party name or case number at no cost for basic results. More detailed documents, such as the full divorce decree, require a direct request to the court clerk.
For older divorce filings, the in-person route works best. The Box Elder County collection includes records from 1887 onward, including marriages from 1887 to 1960 and naturalization records from 1869 to 1945. Divorce records fall within this span. The clerk's office can search the name index and retrieve case files from storage. When visiting, bring a photo ID and the names of both parties, along with an approximate year if you know it.
Genealogists researching Box Elder County divorce records can also consult the FamilySearch Box Elder County genealogy page. FamilySearch has indexed many older Utah records and may have references to historical divorce cases from the county's early decades.
Note: Basic case information is free through the state court system, but certified copies and physical document requests may carry per-page copy fees set by the court.
Box Elder County Clerk and Divorce Records
The County Clerk's office in Brigham City is separate from the District Court clerk but handles related records. The County Clerk maintains marriage records and other county documents that may be relevant if you are searching for evidence of a marriage prior to a Box Elder County divorce. Marriage records in the county go back to 1887, offering a long historical record for family researchers.
The image below links to the Box Elder County Clerk page, which provides contact information and guidance on the records held by that office in Brigham City.
The Box Elder County Clerk page gives contact details for the clerk's office where marriage records and related county documents are stored.
When you need both a marriage record and a divorce record for the same individuals, starting at the County Clerk for the marriage document and then moving to the District Court for the divorce decree is the most efficient path. Both offices are accessible in Brigham City.
Divorce Certificates for Box Elder County
A divorce certificate is a short official document that confirms a divorce took place. It differs from the full court record in that it does not include property settlements, custody terms, or other case details. For Box Elder County divorces finalized between 1978 and 2010, the Utah Office of Vital Records can issue a certified divorce certificate. The first copy costs $18, and additional copies cost $10 each when ordered at the same time.
To order a Box Elder County divorce certificate, you can submit a request online through the Vital Records certificate ordering page or mail a completed form with payment to the state office. For divorces outside the 1978-2010 window, contact the First District Court clerk or the Utah State Archives. The Archives holds transferred court records from across Utah, including older Box Elder County filings.
Accessing Box Elder County Divorce Records Under GRAMA
Box Elder County divorce records are public documents under the Government Records Access and Management Act. Utah Code § 63G-2 establishes that court records are generally open to inspection by any person. You do not need to be a party to the divorce to request copies of a case file. The court clerk handles all public records requests and will guide you through the process.
Some documents within a divorce case may be restricted. Records involving minor children, sealed financial disclosures, or other sensitive materials may be redacted before release. If the record you need is restricted, the clerk will explain your options, which may include filing a motion with the court to unseal a specific document. Most Box Elder County divorce records, however, are straightforward public documents available upon request.
Under Utah Code § 30-3-1, residency in the county for at least three months before filing is required, which means Box Elder County divorce records represent cases where at least one party lived in the county at the time of filing.
Legal Help for Box Elder County Divorce Cases
If you are navigating a divorce in Box Elder County and need assistance, several resources are available. The Utah Courts divorce self-help page provides plain-language guides, court forms, and step-by-step instructions for filing a divorce petition without an attorney. This resource is especially useful for straightforward cases in smaller counties like Box Elder.
Utah Legal Services offers free legal help to people with low income across the state, including Box Elder County residents. Their staff can help with family law matters, including divorce filings and modifications. The Utah Court directory lists contact information for every district court in the state, which is helpful if you need to confirm court locations or contact numbers before your visit to Brigham City.
Nearby Counties
Box Elder County is bordered by several other Utah counties. Divorce cases must be filed in the county where the petitioner lives, so confirm your residence county before visiting any courthouse. Each neighboring county has its own court and record office.