Divorce Case Papers, 1873-1930

How was the index compiled? | Accessing the records | Feedback

Please note: A final check of this index has not yet been carried out.

Tip: Check Archives Investigator for recently received divorce case papers from 1928-1940s 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, 1873-1940's and 1970 are held at the Western Sydney Records Centre.

You can also obtain copies of the records via the Divorce Case Papers Service.

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.

Feedback

We would appreciate any feedback and suggestions you may have on using the Index.