Date/Time
Date(s) - 02/08/2024
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Categories
Summary: The history of divorce in New York State is complicated. The types of marital dissolution available varied not only by decade but also by social class. In this talk, Ceil will present examples of the types of marital dissolution accessible to New Yorkers across the decades, including the ubiquitous “self-help” divorce. She will also provide information about where to obtain divorce decrees and related materials for couples in New York State, other states, and some of the provinces of Canada.
Presenter bio: Cecilia Mikalac became interested in the issue of divorce in New York State after spending several unfruitful decades searching for the 1915 divorce decree of her great-grandmother of Bethany, NY. When she began her research fifty years ago, this same great-grandmother was not a fan. Historical context explains much and, in the end, provided a satisfactory ending to a long, seemingly fruitless, search. Cecilia enjoys sharing what she has learned with others so they can avoid the stumbling blocks that have stymied her.