Divorce Records In Wisconsin are legal documents issued by circuit courts when a marriage ends. These records include the original petition, final judgment, and any updates like child support or custody changes. Anyone can request them, but certified copies require ID, a signed form, and a small fee. Most records are public, but some older files or sealed cases may need extra steps. This page explains where to find divorce records in Wisconsin, how to get certified copies, fees, timeframes, and what to do if the record is old or hard to locate. All information comes from official state sources and follows current Wisconsin laws.
Where to Find Divorce Records In Wisconsin
Divorce records are kept at two main places: the county circuit court where the divorce happened and the Wisconsin Vital Records Office in Madison. The county clerk holds the full case file, including motions, orders, and financial forms. The state office keeps certified copies of the final decree. For most people, starting at the county level is best because it’s faster and cheaper. Each of Wisconsin’s 72 counties manages its own records, so you must contact the right one. If you don’t know the county, the state office can help narrow it down using names and approximate year.
County Clerk Offices: Your First Stop for Local Records
Every Wisconsin county has a circuit court clerk who maintains divorce files. These offices store records dating back to 1915 in an online index. You can search by spouse name, year, or case number. The index shows filing date, docket number, and parties involved. It also links to a PDF docket sheet, which lists key events in the case. To get a full certified copy of the divorce decree, submit a written request with the case number. Processing takes 7–10 business days. Fees range from $10–$15 per copy. Some counties offer self-service kiosks for unofficial prints after ID check.
Wisconsin Vital Records Office: Statewide Certified Copies
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services runs the Vital Records Office in Madison. It issues certified divorce decrees for the entire state. Call (608) 266-1373 between 8 AM and 5 PM ET to request by phone. Provide both spouses’ full names, estimated divorce year, and county. You can also email a scanned driver’s license and completed form. In-person visits are accepted at 1 West Wilson Street, Room 158, Madison, WI 53701. Fees are $12 for the first copy and $5 for each additional. Credit cards, checks, and cash are accepted.
Online Search Tools and Free Indexes
Wisconsin offers free online tools to locate divorce records. The state’s Vital Records portal provides a 14-day free trial with access to digitized decrees after 1907. Create an account, enter a surname, pick a county, and view results. If the record is before 1907, it’s not digitized and must be requested from the county clerk on paper. Many counties also host their own searchable indexes on public records portals. These let you filter by name, year, or case type. While the index is free, certified copies still cost money and require ID verification.
Fees, Processing Times, and Payment Options
Getting a certified divorce decree in Wisconsin costs between $10 and $18, depending on the source. County clerks usually charge $10–$15. The state office charges $12 for the first copy and $5 for extras. Online orders through the state portal cost $12–$18 and take about five business days. Mailed requests take 7–10 days. Payments can be made by cash, check, money order, or credit card. Make checks payable to “Wisconsin Department of Health Services” for state requests. Always include a return envelope if mailing.
What You Need to Request a Record
To get a certified copy, you must prove your identity and state a valid reason. Bring a government-issued photo ID like a driver’s license or passport. Fill out a request form with both spouses’ names, divorce year, and county. Sign an affidavit confirming your purpose—common reasons include name change, inheritance, or legal proof. Minors cannot request records unless represented by a guardian. If you’re acting on behalf of someone else, include legal documentation like a power of attorney.
Sealed, Restricted, or Historical Records
Not all divorce records are public. Courts can seal files for privacy, especially in cases involving domestic violence or minors. Sealed records require a court order to access. Records older than 1907 are not kept at the state level and may be on microfilm at county archives. Some rural counties have incomplete digital records. If your search fails, contact the county clerk directly. They can check physical files or guide you to archived materials. Always ask about retrieval fees for non-digitized records.
Using the Wisconsin Court System Case Search
The Wisconsin Court System offers a free online case search tool. Go to wicourts.gov and enter a party name, attorney, or docket number. The system shows active and closed cases, including divorces. Results display case status, court dates, and public orders. It updates nightly and keeps records for at least ten years after closure. To view documents, you may need to register for a free account. This tool is useful for verifying case details before requesting a certified copy.
Divorce Statistics and Public Data Trends
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services publishes annual divorce data. In 2019, the rate was 2.2 divorces per 1,000 people. By 2020, it dropped to 2.1 per 1,000. Reports break down numbers by county, age group, and cause. These stats help researchers track trends but don’t replace individual records. The data is available in Excel format on the DHS website. It includes marriage rates too, showing how marital patterns affect divorce numbers over time.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many people fail to get records because they don’t know the exact county or year. Always start with the state index to confirm details. Others forget to bring ID or sign the affidavit. Always check the clerk’s website for specific requirements. Mailed requests without prepaid return envelopes get delayed. Use tracking and insure valuable documents. Never send original IDs—only copies. If a record isn’t found, ask if it was transferred or sealed. Persistence and accurate info lead to success.
Legal Uses for Certified Divorce Decrees
Certified divorce records are needed for many official tasks. You may need one to change your name on a driver’s license, update Social Security records, or prove marital status for remarriage. Lawyers use them in custody or support cases. Banks and insurers may require them for account updates. Genealogists use them to trace family history. Always request a certified copy—unofficial prints aren’t accepted by government agencies or courts.
Contact Information for Key Offices
Wisconsin Vital Records Office
1 West Wilson Street, Room 158
P.O. Box 309
Madison, WI 53701-0309
Phone: (608) 266-1373
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM CT
Website: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/vitalrecords/index.htm
Wisconsin Court System Case Search
Website: http://wicourts.gov/casesearch.htm
Free public access; registration optional for document viewing.
For county-specific contacts, visit the Wisconsin Circuit Court website or call the clerk directly. Most offices are open 8:30 AM–4:30 PM, Monday through Friday.
Related Public Record Resources
While searching for divorce records, you might also need other legal documents. Inmate databases, property records, and background checks can provide context. These services are separate from divorce records but may be useful for legal or personal research. Always verify information through official sources.
Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce Records In Wisconsin
People often ask how to find divorce records without knowing the county, whether records are free, and what to do if a record is missing. Below are detailed answers based on current Wisconsin law and official procedures.
Can I get a divorce record if I don’t know the county?
Yes. Start with the Wisconsin Vital Records Office. They can search statewide using names and approximate year. If that fails, use the court case search tool to locate the docket number. Once you have the county, contact that clerk’s office. The state office charges $12, but it’s often faster than guessing counties.
Are divorce records free in Wisconsin?
Online indexes are free, but certified copies cost $10–$18. You must pay for official documents used in legal or government matters. Unofficial prints from kiosks are cheaper but not valid for name changes or remarriage. Always request a certified copy for official use.
What if my divorce was before 1915?
Records before 1915 are not in the state index. Contact the county clerk where the divorce happened. Many older files are on microfilm or in storage. There may be a retrieval fee. Some counties have partial digital archives, so ask what’s available.
Can anyone access my divorce record?
Yes, unless it’s sealed by court order. Wisconsin treats divorce decrees as public records. However, sensitive details like Social Security numbers are redacted. If you’re concerned about privacy, ask the court about sealing options during your case.
How long does it take to get a record by mail?
Mailed requests take 7–10 business days after the office receives your form, ID copy, and payment. Include a prepaid return envelope with tracking. Rush services aren’t available, so plan ahead if you need the document urgently.
Do I need a lawyer to request a divorce record?
No. Anyone can request a copy with proper ID and a completed form. Lawyers often request them for clients, but it’s not required. The process is designed for public access without legal representation.
What if the record is wrong or incomplete?
Contact the issuing office immediately. Provide proof of the error, such as a corrected court order. The clerk can amend the file or issue a new certified copy. There’s no fee for corrections due to office mistakes.