Idaho Divorce Index - FamilySearch Historical Records

What is in This Collection?
The collection consists of an index to divorces created by the Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics; covering divorces filed between May 1, 1947 and December 31, 1963. Divorces before the twentieth century were uncommon in Idaho and in some places illegal. Records of divorces contain data on family members, their marital history, their property, residences, and dates of other important events such as the children's births.

Some of the earliest divorces were granted by state legislatures and may be listed in legislature records. County officials began keeping divorce records as soon as a court was established in the area. Early divorce actions are found in dockets, minutes, and case files of the county, circuit, or district court. In some areas of the United States, divorces have been under the jurisdiction of a chancery, common pleas, domestic, probate, superior, or supreme judicial court.

Divorce records are often open to the public and can be obtained by contacting the clerk of the court. You will also find clues to separations and divorces in local newspapers.

What Can These Records Tell Me?
The following information may be found in these records:

Divorce
 * Names of husband and wife
 * Date of divorce
 * Divorce place
 * Certificate number

How Do I Search This Collection?
Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:
 * The name of the individual
 * The approximate date of the divorce

How Do I Analyze the Results?
Compare each result from your search with what you know to determine if there is a match. This may require viewing multiple records or images. Keep track of your research in a research log.

I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now?

 * Add any new information to your records
 * Search for vital records, such as birth, marriage, and death
 * Order the divorce decree
 * Search for the family in census records
 * Search for land and probate records

I Can’t Find the Person I’m Looking For, What Now?

 * If your ancestor does not have a common name, collect entries for every person who has the same surname. This list can help you find possible relatives
 * If you cannot locate your ancestor in the locality in which you believe they lived, then try searching records in a nearby county
 * Try different spellings of your ancestor’s name
 * Remember that sometimes individuals went by nicknames or alternated between using first and middle names

Research Helps
The following articles will help you research your family in the state of Idaho.
 * Idaho Guided Research
 * Idaho Research Tips and Strategies
 * Step-by-Step Research: 1850-1910 | 1911-Present

Other FamilySearch Collections
These collections may have additional materials to help you with your research.

FamilySearch Digital Library

 * Idaho Historical Records Survey Projects, Division of Community Service Programs, Work Projects Administration, Guide to public vital statistics records in Idaho, state and county Boise, Idaho : Idaho Historical Records Survey Projects, 1942

Citing This Collection
Citations help you keep track of places you have searched and sources you have found. Identifying your sources helps others find the records you used.