Divorce records in Bernalillo County, New Mexico, can be accessed through several channels. BernalilloCourt.us can help find publicly available divorce record information for Bernalillo County. You can also obtain records directly from the district court that issued the decree, the Bernalillo County Clerk's office, or the New Mexico Vital Records and Health Statistics office. The type of document you need — a full court file versus a divorce certificate — determines which office to contact.
Bernalillo Divorce Records Search
Divorce records in Bernalillo County are maintained by two primary offices. The Second Judicial District Court Clerk's Office keeps the complete court case files, including divorce decrees, settlement agreements, custody orders, property division orders, and all related filings. The New Mexico Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics, maintains divorce certificates — shorter documents that confirm a divorce took place without the full case detail.
You can search for Bernalillo County divorce case information online through the New Mexico Courts Case Lookup tool, which provides access to electronic court records statewide. For domestic relations cases specifically, the Second Judicial District also offers a Domestic Relations Case Records Request form online.
Second Judicial District Court — Clerk's Office
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Bernalillo
In New Mexico, divorce cases are handled by the district courts. Bernalillo County falls within the Second Judicial District, which serves exclusively Bernalillo County. All divorce petitions filed in this county go through the Second Judicial District Court in Albuquerque. Once a judge signs the final decree of dissolution of marriage, the decree and all related documents remain on file with the district court clerk.
The state vital records office also receives a record of each divorce finalized in New Mexico. However, this office issues only divorce certificates — not copies of the decree or the full case file.
Which office to contact depends on what you need:
- Full divorce decree, settlement agreements, custody orders, or other case filings — contact the Second Judicial District Court Clerk's Office or submit a request through the Second Judicial District public records page.
- Divorce certificate (verification that a divorce occurred) — contact the New Mexico Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics.
Second Judicial District Court — Clerk's Office
New Mexico Vital Records and Health Statistics
Note that domestic relations records — including divorce cases — may have restricted access depending on the contents of the file. Sealed records or documents involving minor children are generally not available to the public. Ask the clerk whether any restrictions apply before submitting a request.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Bernalillo
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Court record copies (per page, non-certified) | $0.50 | Same day to several business days |
| Certified copy of court document | $1.50 per page (plus certification fee) | Several business days |
| Divorce certificate from NM Vital Records | $10.00 | 4–6 weeks by mail |
| Domestic relations case records request (online form) | Varies by number of pages | 5–10 business days |