This Index now covers the years 1873-1923. There are over 20,000 entries covering a 50 year period!
Please note: A final check of this index has not yet been carried out. If you find an error in the index please fill out our Feedback Form.
Tip: Check Archives Investigator for item details of divorces from 1928-1930 and 1970.
How was the index compiled?
The index is compiled from the:
Family Law (Divorce) Index, 1873-1976, [8/3242-47], Fiche 6130-6410.
This index was created by the Supreme Court of NSW and records name of petitioner, respondent and co-respondent (if named), divorce number, year and remarks. The Index also includes judicial separations.
Accessing the records
The Divorce Case Papers, 1873-1930 and 1970 are held at the Western Sydney Records Centre.
You can also obtain copies of the records via the Divorce Case Papers Service. Copies of standard size files are $45.00 each.
What's in the Divorce Case Papers?
The NRS 13495, Divorce Case Papers, are the key record series relating to divorce. The case papers contain evidence for each particular case including judicial separations. The series was created after the passing of the first divorce legislation in New South Wales, the Matrimonial Causes Act 1873.
The information in the divorce case papers varies considerably. Examples of documents in the case papers include:
- Petitions for the dissolution of marriage
- affidavits (sworn statements)
- petitions for maintenance
- marriage certificates
- decrees nisi (not always included)
- decrees absolute (not always included), and
- correspondence.
For information about divorce records see Archives in Brief 77.
Feedback
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