Divorce can bring out the worst in otherwise reasonable people, and it is perfectly reasonable for one or both spouses to wish to seal divorce records to keep the process as respectful and private as possible. While it is relatively common for courts to agree to seal divorce records, it is never an automatic component of divorce and requires a good deal of specific attention and planning to offer proper protection.
If you hope to seal your own divorce records, now is the time to develop your legal strategy and ensure that you have the tools you need available when you need them. Courts generally agree to seal portions of divorce records that deal with very specific issues, and do not prefer to seal documents without specific justification.
Practically speaking, this means that you may not succeed in sealing absolutely all of the documents from your divorce, but by setting your priorities and drawing strong justifications for each sealing, your chances increase. Courts may consider sealing documents if doing so
- protects a child
- protects victims who suffered domestic abuse
- protects certain business secrets of a spouse
- protects certain personal information like Social Security numbers
If you hope to seal some certain documents during your divorce, be sure to plan for this as soon as you can. Poorly planned divorces often only serve to frustrate everyone involved and prolong the process, often resulting in both spouses unsatisfied by the outcome. Take great care to prepare properly in order to protect the interests of the one you love and secure your own rights throughout your divorce and beyond.