Wisconsin divorce records are official documents maintained by the Wisconsin court system and the Wisconsin Vital Records Office that document the dissolution of marriages in the state. These records in Wisconsin include divorce decrees containing final judgments and settlement terms, divorce certificates evidencing divorce, and complete case files containing all documents filed during proceedings. The Wisconsin court system makes most divorce records publicly accessible under Wisconsin Public Records Law, allowing anyone to search for and obtain divorce information for various legal and personal purposes.
What Types of Wisconsin Divorce Records Exist?
Wisconsin maintains three distinct types of divorce records, each serving different purposes and available from different sources.
Divorce Certificates
Divorce certificates are vital records that establish that a divorce occurred between two parties. These standardized documents contain basic information, including:
- Names of both parties to the divorce
- Date the divorce was finalized
- County where divorce was granted
- Court file number
The Wisconsin Vital Records Office maintains divorce certificates from October 1907 to the present. These certificates serve as official proof of divorce for purposes like remarriage, name changes, or updating legal documents.
Wisconsin issues two types of divorce certificates:
- Certified copies: Official documents with raised seal, accepted for legal purposes
- Uncertified copies: Informational copies without legal standing
Divorce Decrees
Divorce decrees are the final court orders that legally dissolve marriages. These comprehensive documents contain:
- Complete terms of the divorce settlement
- Property division specifics
- Spousal support (alimony) terms and amounts
- Child custody arrangements
- Child support obligations
- Visitation schedules
- Name change authorizations
- Any other court orders related to the divorce
Divorce decrees are maintained by the Clerk of Court in the county where the divorce was granted. These documents provide detailed information about the actual terms of the divorce rather than just proof that it occurred.
Divorce Case Files
Complete divorce case files contain all documents filed throughout the divorce proceeding from the initial petition through final judgment. These files typically include:
- Original divorce petition
- Summons and service documents
- Financial disclosure statements
- Motions filed by either party
- Court orders on temporary matters
- Affidavits and supporting documents
- Settlement agreements
- Final divorce decree
Case files provide the most comprehensive record of the divorce process and are maintained by circuit court clerks in each Wisconsin county.
Are Wisconsin Divorce Records Public?
Yes, Wisconsin divorce records are generally public under Wisconsin Public Records Law § 19.31-19.39. This statute makes divorce records, including decrees, certificates, and case files, accessible to members of the public.
Public Access Principles
The Wisconsin court system follows the principle that court proceedings should be transparent and accessible. Public access to divorce records serves important purposes:
- Verifying marital status for legal transactions
- Researching family history and genealogy
- Conducting background checks
- Ensuring court accountability
- Protecting public interest in judicial proceedings
Exceptions to Public Access
While most Wisconsin divorce records are public, certain information may be sealed or restricted to protect privacy and safety:
Protected Information:
- Minor children's names are typically not listed in public records
- Domestic violence victims' names and addresses may be protected
- Proprietary business information disclosed during proceedings
- Financial account numbers and passwords
- Social Security numbers
Sealed Records
Parties may petition the court to seal entire divorce records or specific portions. Courts grant sealing requests when the requesting party demonstrates that harm from public disclosure outweighs the public's right to open records. Sealed records are not accessible through standard public record searches.
How Do You Search Wisconsin Divorce Records Online?
The Wisconsin court system provides free online access to circuit court case information through the Consolidated Court Automation Programs (CCAP) database.
Using the WCCA Database
The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) system at wicourts.gov/casesearch.htm provides searchable access to case dockets for most Wisconsin counties from 1994 to present.
Search Options
- Search by party name
- Search by case number
- Search by county and date range
- Advanced search with multiple criteria
What You Can Find
- Case summary information
- Case status and disposition
- List of hearings and events
- Summary of filed documents
- Final judgment information
Limitations
- Shows docket summaries, not actual documents
- Coverage varies by county (most from 1994 forward)
- May not include sealed or confidential cases
- Does not provide divorce certificates
The WCCA database allows you to confirm a divorce occurred, identify the county and case number, and see basic case information without fees. However, obtaining actual court documents requires additional steps.
How Do You Obtain Divorce Certificates in Wisconsin?
Divorce certificates are available from the Wisconsin Vital Records Office, which maintains records from October 1907 to the present.
Eligibility Requirements
Wisconsin law restricts who can obtain certified copies of divorce certificates under Wis. Stat. § 69.20:
Eligible for Certified Copies
- Either person named on the divorce record
- Immediate family members of the parties
- Legal guardians of the parties
- Legal representatives (attorneys with authorization)
- Anyone authorized by law (such as under court order)
Uncertified Copies
Anyone may request uncertified copies of divorce certificates. These informational copies cannot be used for legal purposes like remarriage applications.
Application Process
To request a Wisconsin divorce certificate, complete the Wisconsin Divorce Certificate Application form available on the Department of Health Services website.
Required Information
- Full name of husband at time of divorce
- Full maiden name of wife
- Date of divorce (month, day, year)
- County where divorce was granted
- Your relationship to persons on certificate
- Reason for requesting certificate
- Number of copies needed
Identification Requirements
Submit a photocopy of a valid government-issued ID with your application, such as:
- Driver's license
- State ID card
- Passport
- Military ID
Fees and Payment
Standard fees for Wisconsin divorce certificates:
- First certified copy: $20
- Each additional certified copy: $3
- Uncertified copies: $20 (longer processing time)
Payment Methods
- Check or money order payable to "State of Wisconsin Vital Records"
- Personal checks must be preprinted with account number, holder's name, and routing number
- Cash and credit/debit cards accepted for in-person requests only
Request Methods
- By Mail: Send completed application, applicable fee, and copy of valid ID to:
Wisconsin Vital Records OfficeP.O. Box 309Madison, WI 53701
Processing time: Approximately 2 weeks plus mailing time for certified copies; approximately 1 month for uncertified copies.
- In Person: Visit the Wisconsin Vital Records Office located at:
1 West Wilson Street, Room 158Madison, WI 53703
Processing time: Approximately 2 business hours
- Online or Phone (Through VitalChek)
Order through the authorized vendor VitalChek at vitalchek.com or call 877-885-2981. Additional processing fees apply for expedited service.
Local Vital Records Offices
You can also obtain divorce certificates from local vital records offices including:
- 72 county Register of Deeds offices
- Milwaukee City Health Office
- West Allis City Health Office
Not all records may be available at local offices. Contact the specific office to verify they have the record you need before visiting or mailing a request.
How Do You Obtain Divorce Decrees and Case Files?
Divorce decrees and complete case files are maintained by circuit courts, not the vital records office.
Contacting the Circuit Court
Contact the Clerk of Court in the county where the divorce was granted. Each of Wisconsin's 72 counties has a circuit court clerk who maintains court records.
If you don't know which county handled the divorce:
- Search the WCCA database by party names
- Check the divorce certificate if you have one (shows county)
- Contact the Wisconsin Vital Records Office for county information
After that you need to specify whether you need:
- Certified copy of divorce decree (final judgment)
- Complete case file copies
- Specific documents from the file
Fees and Procedures
Fees and procedures vary by county. Most counties charge:
- Document copy fees (typically $1.25 per page)
- Certification fees if you need certified copies
- Possible search fees
Most counties accept requests:
- In person at the Clerk of Court office
- By mail with completed request form and payment
- Some counties offer online document ordering
Contact the specific county circuit court clerk for their procedures, fees, and required forms.
What If Divorce Records Are Sealed?
Some Wisconsin divorce records are sealed by court order to protect privacy or sensitive information.
Why Records Are Sealed
Courts may seal divorce records when:
- Domestic violence safety concerns exist
- Proprietary business information would be disclosed
- Privacy interests outweigh public access rights
- Child welfare requires confidentiality
Accessing Sealed Records
If the records you're seeking have been sealed:
- Only parties to the divorce or their legal representatives can typically access sealed records
- You may need to petition the court to unseal records or grant you access
- The court may require you to demonstrate a legitimate need and interest
- Some sealed information remains permanently confidential
How Far Back Do Wisconsin Divorce Records Go?
The Wisconsin Vital Records Office maintains divorce certificates from October 1907 to the present.
Meanwhile, the availability of Circuit Court records varies by county. Most counties have computerized records from the mid-1990s through the WCCA system. Older records exist in paper format at individual courthouses.
Very old divorce records (typically those past their retention period) may be transferred to the Wisconsin Historical Society. Search their library catalog for archived court records from specific counties and time periods.
Can You Verify Wisconsin Divorce Information Without Obtaining Records?
Yes, the free WCCA database allows you to verify basic divorce information without paying fees or formally requesting records.
What You Can Verify
Using the WCCA case search:
- Confirm whether a divorce case was filed
- Identify the county where divorce was granted
- Determine if divorce was finalized
- Find the case number for obtaining full records
- See approximate date of final judgment
This free verification suffices for many purposes when you don't need certified documents. For legal purposes requiring proof of divorce, you must obtain official divorce certificates or certified decrees.
Moving Forward with Wisconsin Divorce Records
Wisconsin divorce records constitute essential documentation of marital dissolution and are available through both the Wisconsin court system and vital records offices. The Wisconsin Vital Records Office issues divorce certificates as official proof that a divorce occurred, maintains records from October 1907 forward, and offers certified copies to eligible requesters for legal purposes, such as remarriage. Circuit courts in each county maintain divorce decrees that contain complete settlement terms and case files containing all documents filed during proceedings, providing comprehensive information regarding property division, spousal support, child custody, and other court orders.
For divorce certificates from the Wisconsin Vital Records Office, follow the established application process with required identification and fees. For divorce decrees and case files from circuit courts, contact the Clerk of Court in the specific county where the divorce was granted to learn their procedures and fees. Most Wisconsin divorce records remain publicly accessible unless sealed by court orders that protect privacy, safety, or sensitive information, thereby ensuring transparency in judicial proceedings while balancing important confidentiality interests when appropriate.