Comanche County Public Records /Comanche County Divorce Records

Comanche County Divorce Records

What Are Comanche County Divorce Records?

Divorce records in Comanche County are official legal documents maintained by the county court system that document the dissolution of marriage between two individuals. These records are created and maintained pursuant to Oklahoma Statutes Title 43 § 101, which governs divorce proceedings in the state. Divorce records typically consist of multiple documents filed throughout the divorce process, from the initial petition to the final decree.

The Comanche County Court Clerk serves as the official custodian of all divorce records within the county. These records serve several important purposes:

Legal proof of marital status change
Documentation required for remarriage
Evidence for name change processes
Verification for Social Security benefits
Supporting documentation for loan applications
Required evidence for immigration matters
Historical and genealogical research

Divorce records are categorized as vital records, which document significant life events that have legal implications. In Oklahoma, divorce records are maintained at both the county and state levels, with the county court system maintaining the complete case files and the Oklahoma State Department of Health maintaining a registry of divorce certificates.

Are Comanche County Divorce Records Public?

Comanche County divorce records have a dual status regarding public accessibility. The general court case files related to divorce proceedings are considered public records under the Oklahoma Open Records Act § 24A.1, which establishes the public's right to access government records. However, this public access is subject to certain limitations and exceptions.

While the basic divorce decree information is publicly accessible, certain components of divorce records may be restricted or sealed, including:

Financial affidavits and statements
Records containing Social Security numbers
Information about minor children
Allegations of domestic violence
Medical or psychological evaluations
Records sealed by judicial order

Certified copies of divorce decrees have restricted access and are typically only available to:

The parties named in the divorce
Legal representatives of the parties
Individuals with a court order authorizing access
Individuals with a legitimate legal interest as determined by the court

The Comanche County Court Clerk's office manages public access to divorce records in accordance with state law, balancing the public's right to information with privacy protections for sensitive personal information.

How To Find a Divorce Record In Comanche County in 2026

Members of the public seeking divorce records in Comanche County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The primary repository for divorce records is the Comanche County Court Clerk's office, which maintains all court records including divorce proceedings.

To obtain divorce records, individuals may:

Visit the Comanche County Court Clerk's office in person:

Comanche County Court Clerk
315 SW 5th Street, Room 305
Lawton, OK 73501
(580) 355-5214
Comanche County Court Clerk

Submit a records request by mail, including:
- Full names of both parties
- Date of divorce (approximate if unknown)
- Case number (if known)
- Requestor's contact information
- Required fee payment
Access the Oklahoma State Courts Network (OSCN) online database to search for case information at www.oscn.net
Submit a request to the Oklahoma State Department of Health for a divorce certificate (not the full divorce decree):

Oklahoma State Department of Health - Vital Records
123 Robert S. Kerr Ave
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
(405) 271-4040
Oklahoma Vital Records

Requestors should be prepared to pay applicable fees, which currently include:

Certified copy of divorce decree: $10.00 for the first page, $1.00 for each additional page
Record search fee: $5.00 (applied even if no record is found)
Additional copies: $1.00 per page

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Comanche County Online?

Comanche County provides digital access to certain divorce record information through online platforms. The Oklahoma State Courts Network (OSCN) serves as the primary online resource for accessing basic divorce case information. To conduct an online search for divorce records:

Visit the OSCN website at www.oscn.net
Select "Comanche County" from the county dropdown menu
Choose "Court Records" from the available search options
Enter search criteria such as:
- Party names (last name, first name)
- Case number (if known)
- Filing date range (if known)
Review the search results, which typically include:
- Case number
- Filing date
- Parties involved
- Case type
- Current status
- Judge assigned

It is important to note that online access has limitations:

Complete divorce decrees are not available for download
Certain documents may be restricted from online viewing
Documents filed before the digital system implementation may not be available online
Sealed or confidential records are excluded from online access

For comprehensive divorce records or certified copies of divorce decrees, individuals must submit a formal records request to the Comanche County Court Clerk's office either in person or by mail.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Comanche County?

Members of the public seeking to access divorce records without incurring fees have limited options in Comanche County. While certain basic information is available at no cost, comprehensive records typically require payment of statutory fees. Free access methods include:

Using public access terminals at the Comanche County Courthouse:

Comanche County Courthouse
315 SW 5th Street
Lawton, OK 73501
(580) 355-5214
Comanche County Court Clerk

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)

Accessing the Oklahoma State Courts Network (OSCN) website at www.oscn.net, which provides:
- Basic case information
- Docket sheets listing filed documents
- Case status updates
- Hearing schedules
Visiting the Lawton Public Library, which may provide:
- Free internet access to search OSCN
- Access to historical newspaper archives that may contain divorce announcements
- Genealogical resources for historical divorce records

It should be noted that while basic case information may be accessed without charge, obtaining certified copies or complete divorce decrees will require payment of statutory fees as established by Oklahoma law. Additionally, record searches that require staff assistance may incur search fees even if the search yields no results.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Comanche County

Divorce records in Comanche County comprise a comprehensive collection of documents that chronicle the entire dissolution process. Pursuant to Oklahoma Statutes Title 43 § 134, these records must contain specific elements to be legally valid. A complete divorce file typically includes:

Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, containing:
- Names and addresses of both parties
- Date and location of marriage
- Grounds for divorce
- Information regarding children of the marriage
- Property and debt disclosure
Summons and proof of service
Response or answer from the respondent
Temporary orders regarding:
- Child custody and visitation
- Child support
- Spousal support
- Occupancy of marital residence
- Restraining orders (if applicable)
Financial affidavits from both parties
Property and debt division agreements
Child custody and support arrangements, including:
- Parenting plan
- Visitation schedule
- Support calculations
Final Decree of Dissolution, which includes:
- Court's findings
- Final judgment
- Property division orders
- Custody determinations
- Support obligations
- Name restoration (if applicable)
Post-decree motions or modifications (if applicable)

The divorce decree serves as the official legal document that terminates the marriage and establishes the rights and responsibilities of both parties going forward. This document is particularly important as it provides legal proof of the marriage's dissolution.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Comanche County?

Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in Comanche County have several options for obtaining this documentation. The most commonly accepted proof of divorce is a certified copy of the divorce decree, which bears the official seal of the court and signature of the clerk.

To obtain certified proof of divorce:

Visit the Comanche County Court Clerk's office in person:

Comanche County Court Clerk
315 SW 5th Street, Room 305
Lawton, OK 73501
(580) 355-5214
Comanche County Court Clerk

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)

Submit a written request by mail to the Court Clerk's office, including:
- Full names of both parties as they appear on the divorce decree
- Date of divorce (approximate if unknown)
- Case number (if known)
- Requestor's relationship to the case
- Return address
- Check or money order for applicable fees
Request a divorce verification certificate from the Oklahoma State Department of Health:

Oklahoma State Department of Health - Vital Records
123 Robert S. Kerr Ave
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
(405) 271-4040
Oklahoma Vital Records

Current fees for obtaining proof of divorce include:

Certified copy of divorce decree: $10.00 for first page, $1.00 for each additional page
Divorce verification certificate (state level): $15.00
Record search fee: $5.00 (applied even if no record is found)

Requestors should be prepared to provide identification and may need to demonstrate their legal right to access the records, particularly if they are not a party to the divorce.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Comanche County?

Under certain circumstances, divorce proceedings and records in Comanche County may be granted confidential status. While Oklahoma generally maintains divorce records as public documents, the court has discretion to seal or restrict access to these records when warranted. According to Oklahoma Statutes Title 43 § 107.2, confidentiality may be granted in the following situations:

When the court determines that public access would pose a risk to a party's safety or well-being, particularly in cases involving:
- Domestic violence
- Stalking
- Harassment
- Protective orders
When the case involves sensitive information such as:
- Details about minor children
- Medical or psychological evaluations
- Financial information that could lead to identity theft
- Allegations of abuse or neglect
When both parties mutually agree and petition the court to seal the records, subject to judicial approval

The process for requesting confidentiality includes:

Filing a motion to seal records with the court
Demonstrating compelling reasons for confidentiality
Obtaining a court order specifically outlining which documents are to be sealed

Even when records are sealed, certain information remains accessible to:

The parties involved in the divorce
Their legal representatives
Court personnel
Law enforcement officials
Other individuals specifically authorized by court order

It should be noted that confidentiality orders are not automatically granted and require judicial review. The court must balance the individual's privacy interests against the public's right to access court records as established in the Oklahoma Open Records Act.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Comanche County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in Comanche County varies significantly based on multiple factors. Under Oklahoma Statutes Title 43 § 107, a mandatory waiting period of 90 days applies to divorces involving minor children, unless waived by the court for good cause. For divorces without minor children, the minimum waiting period is 10 days from filing.

Beyond these statutory minimums, actual timeframes depend on:

Type of divorce:
- Uncontested divorces (mutual agreement): 1-3 months
- Contested divorces (disputes requiring litigation): 6-18 months
- Default divorces (respondent fails to answer): 1-2 months after waiting period
Complexity factors:
- High-value or complex assets: adds 3-6 months
- Business ownership: adds 3-8 months
- Child custody disputes: adds 2-12 months
- Retirement accounts requiring QDROs: adds 1-3 months
Court scheduling and administrative factors:
- Current court caseload
- Judge availability
- Attorney scheduling conflicts
- Required mediation sessions

According to statistics from the Oklahoma Administrative Office of the Courts, the average time from filing to final decree in Comanche County is approximately:

120 days for uncontested divorces without children
180 days for uncontested divorces with children
365 days for contested divorces

Factors that may expedite the process include:

Complete agreement between parties on all issues
Proper preparation of all required documentation
Prompt response to court requests for information
Utilization of collaborative divorce processes

How Long Does Comanche County Keep Divorce Records?

Comanche County maintains divorce records in accordance with the Oklahoma Records Management Act § 590 and the retention schedules established by the Oklahoma Department of Libraries. Divorce records are classified as permanent records due to their ongoing legal significance and historical value.

The retention periods for various components of divorce records are as follows:

Final Divorce Decrees:
- Maintained permanently by the Comanche County Court Clerk
- Never expunged or destroyed
- Eventually transferred to archival storage but remain accessible
Case Files and Supporting Documents:
- Active files: Maintained in the courthouse for 5 years after case closure
- Semi-active files: Transferred to county records storage for 20 years
- Historical files: Transferred to the Oklahoma State Archives for permanent preservation
Digital Records:
- Electronic case management records: Maintained permanently
- Scanned documents: Preserved according to state digital preservation standards
- Online accessible records: Vary based on system capabilities and privacy restrictions

The Comanche County Clerk's office coordinates with the Court Clerk to ensure proper records management practices are followed. While the physical location of older records may change over time, the legal obligation to maintain these records permanently ensures their continued availability for authorized access.

For research purposes, divorce records dating back to the establishment of Comanche County in 1901 are theoretically available, though older records may require specialized archival research assistance and may exist only in paper format.

How To Get a Divorce In Comanche County

Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Comanche County must follow specific procedures established by Oklahoma state law. The divorce process, legally termed "dissolution of marriage," requires adherence to statutory requirements and court rules.

To initiate a divorce in Comanche County:

Establish eligibility:
- At least one spouse must have been a resident of Oklahoma for six months
- At least one spouse must have been a resident of Comanche County for 30 days
Prepare and file initial documents with the Comanche County Court Clerk:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Summons
- Verification
- Domestic Relations Cover Sheet
- If children are involved: Child Custody Jurisdiction Affidavit and Child Support Computation
Pay required filing fees:
- Divorce without children: Approximately $252.14
- Divorce with children: Approximately $262.14
- Fee waiver available for qualifying low-income individuals
Serve the other party through one of these methods:
- Sheriff's service
- Private process server
- Certified mail with return receipt
- Acceptance of service
- Publication (if location unknown)
Wait for the response period:
- Respondent has 20 days to file an answer
- If no response, may proceed with default judgment
Complete required parenting classes if minor children are involved
Attend temporary order hearings if necessary
Engage in discovery and/or mediation if contested
Prepare final documents:
- Decree of Dissolution of Marriage
- Property and Debt Division
- Child Support Computation (if applicable)
- Parenting Plan (if applicable)
Attend final hearing before the judge

Self-represented litigants may obtain forms and guidance from the Oklahoma Supreme Court's website or from the Comanche County Court Clerk's office. Legal aid services may be available to qualifying individuals through Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma.

How To Get Divorce Papers In Comanche County

Individuals seeking to initiate divorce proceedings in Comanche County have several options for obtaining the necessary legal documents. These documents, collectively referred to as "divorce papers," include the petition, summons, and various supporting forms required by Oklahoma law.

To obtain divorce papers in Comanche County:

Visit the Comanche County Court Clerk's office in person:

Comanche County Court Clerk
315 SW 5th Street, Room 305
Lawton, OK 73501
(580) 355-5214
Comanche County Court Clerk

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)

Access standardized forms online through:
- Oklahoma Supreme Court Network: www.oscn.net/static/forms/start.asp
- Oklahoma Legal Aid: www.oklaw.org/resource/divorce-forms
Consult with a family law attorney who can prepare customized documents
Utilize self-help legal services at the Comanche County Law Library, located in the courthouse

Required documents typically include:

For divorces without children:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Summons
- Entry of Appearance and Waiver (if uncontested)
- Financial Affidavit
- Decree of Dissolution
Additional documents for divorces with children:
- Child Custody Jurisdiction Enforcement Act Affidavit
- Child Support Computation Form
- Parenting Plan
- Visitation Schedule

Individuals should be prepared to provide specific information when completing these forms, including:

Full legal names of both spouses
Date and place of marriage
Date of separation
Residency information
Information about minor children (if applicable)
Property and debt information
Grounds for divorce

The Comanche County Court Clerk's office can provide guidance on filing procedures but cannot offer legal advice. Individuals with complex situations are advised to consult with an attorney.