If you're in search of divorce records, you're in luck. You can actually get them free but yes, of course there's a catch. Otherwise, why would the majority of people ultimately end up paying for them? Free Divorce Records or Paid Divorce Records, they each serve their purpose and the wisdom of choice really depends on the individual situation. It thus pays to secure at least some fundamental understanding on the subject before deciding the route to take.

Divorce records are regarded as one of the principal vital records. Together with Marriage, Birth and Death Records, Divorce records are at the core of Public Records departments across the country. Most states have had them centralized since the mid 60's. Prior to that, they were generated and maintained at the respective district offices of the county where the divorce was granted. County Divorce Records are known to date back hundred over years.

By token of the FOIA (Freedom of Information Act, 1966), divorce records became public information nationwide in 1966, albeit with variation from one state to the next as they come under state jurisdiction. Per the procedures outlined in the act, records and documents are mandated to be accessible and available to the public, with those officially under seal by the government for protection or security reasons bearing exception. They can be requested at the responsible public office in person, by telephone, mail or fax and most popularly of late, online.

With the advent of the computer age and internet, websites are now a standard feature by government agencies tasked with this function. They make up the largest source of Public Divorce Records. These records are basically scratch and firsthand and are thus accurate and up-to-date but tend to be raw and scattered. State Divorce Records are not linked between states. Hence, assembling the complete divorce history state by state can be tall order especially if the subject has resided in multiple states.

Paid Divorce Records is a no-brainer option if you can come to terms with paying even for public records. Find the right provider and it's 'mission accomplished' within minutes in professional fashion every time. Without doubt, these record providers tap from public sources but they also have access to proprietary databases and private network. It's a good idea to make use of review outfits or other info-sharing sites to point you to the more tested and trusted ones.

In summary, if it's something trivial like casual browsing or snooping on your neighbors or colleagues at the office, you shouldn't have to be spending money doing that. On the other hand, if what you have at hand is more serious and purposeful such as checking out a prospective spouse or in-law, you have better not be penny wise and pound foolish. Free Divorce Records or Paid Divorce Records, it shouldn't be too difficult to make the correct call once you have attained the knowledge.