Why We Seal Divorce Documents in Bucks County
By default, divorce court records are available to the public. Thus, theoretically, anyone can browse the record of your divorce proceedings and access the contents of your divorce petition, court orders, asset division decisions, and custody agreements.
Although courts often restrict public access to sensitive details like Social Security numbers or minor children’s identities, divorce records can still compromise your privacy. However, there’s a solution: asking the court to seal those records. Learn why we seal divorce documents and how to request this type of legal protection.
Why Seal Divorce Records?
You may wish to keep the records of your divorce proceedings private for many reasons. For instance, maybe:
- You have minor children and want to conceal any personal information that could potentially allow someone to identify or locate them
- You’ve suffered domestic violence or stalking and need to protect yourself from further threats
- Your divorce records mention issues that may cause you harm if they became public, like details about your business, medical data, addiction, or mental health
- Your divorce proceedings have included false allegations that could damage your reputation or safety if revealed
When Would a Court Agree To Seal Divorce Records?
Divorce records and other court records are public to ensure transparency in the judicial system. When you look at why we seal divorce documents, you may encounter different scenarios, but all have something in common: The potential harm from revealing the information overshadows the public’s right to know.
For example, if you or your spouse are well known in your community and your divorce would attract public scrutiny, you may request the court to seal records to avoid unwanted attention or identity theft.
If you own a business and your divorce records mention proprietary information, you could ask to remove these details from public records to protect your company. However, concerns about general privacy or embarrassment usually aren’t enough to seal records.
How To Request a Divorce Record Seal
To have your divorce records sealed, your attorney would need to file a motion and give compelling reasons for keeping this particular information private. You’d have to show that your employment, reputation, or physical safety may suffer unless the court seals the records.
This request must be as specific as possible. Courts rarely agree to seal the entire divorce record. You’ll have a better chance of approval if you ask that certain sensitive details from public records, such as family members’ names and addresses or child support amounts, be removed. It’s important to work with a seasoned divorce attorney who knows how to phrase a request for sealing court records.
Once the court accepts your request, your divorce attorney will check that any relevant records have been sealed within the next few days.
Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., Can Help Protect Your Privacy During Divorce
Are you concerned about confidentiality during divorce proceedings? Call us at Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C. We will explain why we seal divorce documents and help you keep sensitive information private. Book a consultation today.
