Fond du Lac County Divorce Records
What Are Fond du Lac County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Fond du Lac County are official legal documents maintained by the county circuit court that document the dissolution of marriage between two individuals. These records are created and maintained pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 767.35, which governs judgment of divorce or legal separation. Divorce records consist of various court filings, orders, and certificates that collectively document the legal process and outcome of marriage dissolution proceedings within the county.
Divorce records typically serve multiple purposes:
- Legal proof of marital status change
- Documentation required for remarriage
- Evidence for name change processes
- Verification for Social Security benefits
- Supporting documentation for loan applications
- Required evidence for immigration matters
- Historical and genealogical research
The Fond du Lac County Circuit Court, as part of Wisconsin's unified court system, maintains these records in accordance with state statutes and court rules. The records document all aspects of divorce proceedings that occur within the county's jurisdiction.
Fond du Lac County Circuit Court
160 S Macy St
Fond du Lac, WI 54935
920-929-3038
Fond du Lac County Circuit Court
Are Fond du Lac County Divorce Records Public?
Fond du Lac County divorce records have a complex public access status that varies by document type and information content. Generally, court case files related to divorce proceedings are considered public records under the Wisconsin Public Records Law § 19.31-19.39, which establishes the presumption that government records are accessible to the public. However, this access is subject to important limitations and exceptions.
Court divorce case files are typically accessible to the public with these notable exceptions:
- Financial disclosure forms filed by parties are sealed by default
- Records containing sensitive personal identifiers (Social Security numbers, financial account numbers)
- Documents sealed by judicial order to protect privacy or safety
- Records involving minor children may have restricted access
- Cases involving domestic violence may have protective orders limiting disclosure
Certified divorce certificates, which provide official verification of a divorce decree, have more restricted access. Under Wisconsin law, only the following individuals may obtain certified copies:
- Parties to the divorce
- Legal representatives of the parties
- Individuals with a "direct and tangible interest" as defined by statute
- Government agencies performing official functions
The Wisconsin Court System provides public access to basic case information through its online Wisconsin Circuit Court Access portal, though detailed documents typically require in-person requests at the courthouse.
How To Find a Divorce Record In Fond du Lac County in 2026
Members of the public seeking divorce records in Fond du Lac County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The county maintains current and historical divorce records through the Clerk of Circuit Court's office. Requesters should follow these steps:
- Determine the specific information needed (case number, names of parties, date of divorce)
- Select the appropriate search method based on information availability and urgency
- Prepare required identification and any applicable fees
- Submit the request through the chosen method
For in-person requests:
- Visit the Fond du Lac County Clerk of Circuit Court office during regular business hours
- Complete a records request form providing as much identifying information as possible
- Present valid photo identification
- Pay applicable search and copy fees (currently $5.00 for record location and $1.25 per page for copies)
For mail requests:
- Download and complete the Records Request Form
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Enclose a check or money order for applicable fees
- Mail to the Clerk of Circuit Court office
Fond du Lac County Clerk of Circuit Court
160 S Macy St
Fond du Lac, WI 54935
920-929-3038
Fond du Lac County Clerk of Circuit Court
For certified copies of divorce certificates (not full case files), requests must be directed to the Wisconsin Vital Records Office, as these documents are maintained at the state level after court proceedings conclude.
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Fond du Lac County Online?
Fond du Lac County residents and interested parties may access certain divorce record information through online platforms maintained by Wisconsin state agencies. The primary online resource is the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) portal, commonly known as CCAP. This system provides public access to court case information across Wisconsin counties, including Fond du Lac.
To search for divorce records online:
- Visit the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access website
- Accept the terms and conditions for public access
- Select "Advanced Search" for more specific search options
- Choose "Fond du Lac County" from the county dropdown menu
- Under case types, select "Family" and the subcategory "Divorce"
- Enter known information such as party names, case number, or filing date range
- Review the search results, which will display basic case information
The online system provides:
- Case numbers and filing dates
- Party names and attorney information
- Scheduled court dates and hearing information
- Case status and disposition
- Document filing history
- Court orders and judgments (summaries only)
It is important to note that the online system has limitations:
- Complete case documents are not available for download
- Cases filed before approximately 2000 may have limited information
- Certain sensitive cases may be restricted from public view
- Financial disclosure documents are not accessible online
For comprehensive divorce records or certified copies, requesters must still contact the Fond du Lac County Clerk of Circuit Court directly or visit in person.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Fond du Lac County?
Members of the public seeking no-cost access to divorce records in Fond du Lac County have several options available, though these methods may have limitations in terms of comprehensiveness and convenience. The Wisconsin court system provides certain free access points for basic divorce record information.
Free access methods include:
-
Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) - This online portal provides free public access to basic case information:
- Available at https://wcca.wicourts.gov/
- Provides case numbers, party names, filing dates, and case status
- No registration or fees required
- Limited to basic information; full documents not available
-
Public Access Terminals - Computer terminals at the courthouse provide more extensive access:
- Located at the Fond du Lac County Courthouse
- Available during regular business hours
- May provide access to additional documents not available on the public website
- No fee for viewing, though printing may incur charges
-
In-Person Record Inspection - Wisconsin law allows for public inspection of non-confidential court records:
- Visit the Clerk of Circuit Court office
- Request to inspect specific divorce case files
- Present identification and complete any required forms
- No fee for inspection, though staff assistance may be limited
Fond du Lac County Law Library
160 S Macy St, Room 205
Fond du Lac, WI 54935
920-929-3038
Fond du Lac County Law Library
While these methods provide free access to basic information, requesters should be aware that:
- Staff assistance for extensive searches may be limited
- Older records may require additional time to retrieve from archives
- Copying and certification services will still incur fees
- Certain documents within divorce files may be confidential or sealed
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Fond du Lac County
Divorce records in Fond du Lac County comprise a comprehensive collection of legal documents that chronicle the entire dissolution process from filing through final judgment. These records are maintained pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 767.01, which establishes jurisdiction over actions affecting the family. The content of these records varies based on the complexity of the case and whether the divorce was contested or uncontested.
A typical Fond du Lac County divorce file contains:
- Petition for Divorce or Legal Separation - The initial filing that states grounds and basic information
- Summons - Official notice to the respondent about the divorce action
- Financial Disclosure Statements - Detailed inventories of assets, liabilities, income, and expenses (confidential)
- Marital Settlement Agreement - Document outlining the agreed division of property, debts, and other matters
- Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Judgment - The final court order dissolving the marriage
- Child Support Worksheets - Calculations for child support obligations (if applicable)
- Parenting Plans - Detailed arrangements for child custody and placement (if applicable)
- Certificates of Divorce - Official document confirming the dissolution of marriage
Additional documents that may be included:
- Temporary Orders - Court directives governing conduct during the pendency of the case
- Guardian ad Litem Reports - Recommendations from court-appointed advocates for children
- Transcripts of Hearings - Official records of court proceedings
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) - Special orders for dividing retirement accounts
- Name Change Orders - Court authorization for resumption of pre-marriage name
The divorce certificate, which is a condensed official record of the divorce, contains:
- Names of both parties
- Date and location of the divorce
- Case number
- Date of marriage
- Basic grounds for divorce
These records are maintained by the Clerk of Circuit Court and eventually transferred to the Wisconsin State Historical Society archives according to state records retention schedules.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Fond du Lac County?
Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in Fond du Lac County have multiple options for obtaining this documentation, depending on their specific needs and the intended use of the proof. The two primary forms of divorce verification are certified copies of the divorce judgment and state-issued divorce certificates.
For certified copies of the divorce judgment:
- Contact the Fond du Lac County Clerk of Circuit Court office where the divorce was granted
- Provide the case number, names of parties, and approximate date of divorce
- Complete a records request form
- Present valid photo identification
- Pay the certification fee (currently $5.00 plus $1.25 per page)
- Request can be made in person, by mail, or in some cases by fax
Fond du Lac County Clerk of Circuit Court
160 S Macy St
Fond du Lac, WI 54935
920-929-3038
Fond du Lac County Clerk of Circuit Court
For state-issued divorce certificates (available from 1907):
- Contact the Wisconsin Vital Records Office
- Complete the Divorce Certificate Application
- Provide required identification and proof of eligibility
- Submit the current fee ($20 for the first copy, $3 for each additional copy)
- Request can be made by mail, in person, or through an authorized provider
Wisconsin Vital Records Office
1 West Wilson Street, Room 160
Madison, WI 53703
608-266-1373
Wisconsin Vital Records
Acceptable forms of proof of divorce for various purposes include:
- Certified copy of divorce judgment - Accepted for most legal purposes within the United States
- State-issued divorce certificate - Required for name changes, remarriage, and certain benefits
- Exemplified copy (triple-sealed) - Required for international use or recognition in some states
Requesters should note that under Wisconsin Statute § 767.35(6), the clerk must send divorce judgment information to the state registrar, which creates the state-maintained divorce certificate.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Fond du Lac County?
While Wisconsin law generally establishes court records as public documents, certain aspects of divorce proceedings in Fond du Lac County may be kept confidential under specific circumstances. The Wisconsin court system balances the public's right to access with individual privacy concerns, particularly in family law matters.
Elements of divorce cases that may be confidential include:
- Financial disclosure statements - Under Wisconsin Statute § 767.127(3), these documents are automatically sealed and not available for public inspection
- Records containing sensitive personal identifiers - Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and similar information are protected
- Guardian ad Litem reports - Evaluations regarding children's best interests may be restricted
- Psychological evaluations and medical records - Health information is typically protected from disclosure
- Cases involving domestic abuse - Where protective orders exist or safety concerns are present
Parties seeking additional confidentiality may:
- File a motion requesting specific documents be sealed
- Demonstrate to the court compelling reasons why public access would cause harm
- Obtain a court order specifically addressing confidentiality concerns
- Use only initials or "Jane/John Doe" designations in certain sensitive cases
Complete confidentiality of an entire divorce case is extremely rare and generally not available except in extraordinary circumstances. Even when certain documents are sealed, basic case information (parties' names, case number, filing date) typically remains public.
The court may also redact sensitive information from otherwise public documents before allowing access. This process removes specific confidential details while maintaining the public nature of the overall record.
Individuals with concerns about privacy should consult with an attorney regarding available protections under Wisconsin law, as judges have some discretion in determining what information warrants confidential treatment.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Fond du Lac County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Fond du Lac County varies significantly based on multiple factors, including case complexity, level of agreement between parties, court scheduling, and statutory waiting periods. Wisconsin law establishes certain minimum timeframes that affect all divorce cases in the county.
Key timeframe factors include:
- Statutory waiting period - Under Wisconsin Statute § 767.335, courts cannot grant a final divorce until at least 120 days (4 months) after serving the respondent or filing a joint petition
- Residency requirements - At least one spouse must have been a Wisconsin resident for at least 6 months and a Fond du Lac County resident for at least 30 days before filing
Approximate timeframes by divorce type:
-
Uncontested divorces with complete agreement:
- Typically 4-6 months from filing to finalization
- Minimal court appearances required
- Streamlined process when using a marital settlement agreement
-
Contested divorces with partial agreements:
- Generally 6-12 months
- May require temporary orders hearings
- Negotiation and mediation often extend the timeline
-
Highly contested divorces:
- Can take 12-24 months or longer
- Multiple court appearances and hearings
- May involve extensive discovery, expert witnesses, and trial
Additional factors affecting timeline:
- Court congestion and judicial calendar availability
- Attorney scheduling conflicts
- Complexity of asset division, especially with businesses or significant property
- Child custody disputes requiring guardian ad litem investigations
- Domestic violence issues requiring protective measures
According to the Wisconsin Court System, the average time to disposition for divorce cases in Wisconsin circuit courts is approximately 7 months, though Fond du Lac County's specific averages may vary from this statewide figure.
Parties seeking expedited proceedings should note that the 120-day waiting period is rarely waived except in extraordinary circumstances, as it serves as a "cooling off" period intended to allow for reconciliation consideration.
How Long Does Fond du Lac County Keep Divorce Records?
Fond du Lac County maintains divorce records according to Wisconsin's comprehensive records retention schedule established under Wisconsin Statute § 59.52(4), which governs county records management. Divorce records are considered permanent records due to their ongoing legal significance and historical value.
The retention periods for various divorce-related records are as follows:
- Final Judgments of Divorce - Permanently maintained in the county's records system
- Case Files (including pleadings, orders, and exhibits) - Retained for 20 years after case closure, then transferred to the Wisconsin Historical Society for permanent archival preservation
- Financial Disclosure Statements - Sealed and retained for 3 years after case closure, then destroyed
- Audio/Video Recordings of Proceedings - Maintained for 10 years, then eligible for destruction
- Indexes to Divorce Cases - Permanently maintained for reference purposes
The Wisconsin Circuit Court Automation Program (CCAP) electronic case management system currently maintains digital records dating back to approximately 2000, though coverage may vary by county and case type. Records prior to digital implementation are maintained in paper format and may require more time to retrieve.
For historical divorce records (generally those over 75 years old), researchers may need to contact:
Wisconsin Historical Society
816 State Street
Madison, WI 53706
608-264-6535
Wisconsin Historical Society
The Wisconsin Vital Records Office maintains divorce certificates (not full case files) from 1907 to the present. These certificates contain basic information about the divorce but not the complete court records.
Individuals seeking older divorce records should note that record availability and completeness may vary for cases predating modern recordkeeping systems, particularly those from the early 20th century or earlier.
How To Get a Divorce In Fond du Lac County
Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Fond du Lac County must follow Wisconsin's established legal process for divorce. The state recognizes only no-fault divorce under the grounds of "irretrievable breakdown" of the marriage relationship. The process involves several key steps and requirements.
Eligibility requirements:
- At least one spouse must have been a Wisconsin resident for at least 6 months
- At least one spouse must have been a Fond du Lac County resident for at least 30 days
- The marriage must be legally recognized in Wisconsin
The divorce process typically follows these steps:
-
Initial Filing
- Complete the Petition for Divorce/Legal Separation form and other required documents
- File paperwork with the Fond du Lac County Clerk of Circuit Court
- Pay the filing fee (currently $184.50, with fee waivers available for those who qualify)
-
Service of Process
- Have divorce papers legally served to the other spouse
- Service must be completed by someone other than the petitioner
- Proof of service must be filed with the court
-
Temporary Orders (if needed)
- Request court orders for temporary child custody, support, or property use
- Attend temporary orders hearing if contested
-
Financial Disclosure
- Both parties must complete and exchange financial disclosure forms
- Disclose all assets, debts, income, and expenses under oath
-
Negotiation and Settlement
- Work toward agreement on property division, support, and child custody
- Mediation is required in cases involving disputed child custody or placement
-
Final Hearing
- Attend the final divorce hearing after the 120-day waiting period
- Present the marital settlement agreement or argue contested issues
- Receive the final judgment of divorce
Fond du Lac County Family Court Services
160 S Macy St
Fond du Lac, WI 54935
920-929-3152
Fond du Lac County Family Court Services
Self-represented litigants can access forms and guidance through:
Wisconsin Court System Self-Help Center
Wisconsin Court System Forms
Individuals with complex cases involving significant assets, business interests, or contested custody are strongly advised to consult with qualified legal counsel.
How To Get Divorce Papers In Fond du Lac County
Individuals initiating divorce proceedings in Fond du Lac County must obtain and complete the appropriate legal forms as required by Wisconsin law. These documents establish the foundation for the divorce action and must be properly prepared to avoid procedural delays.
Divorce papers can be obtained through several methods:
-
Wisconsin Court System Website
- Access standardized state forms at Wisconsin Court System Forms
- Navigate to the "Family" section for divorce-related documents
- Forms are available in fillable PDF format
- Basic divorce packet includes petition, summons, and financial disclosure forms
-
Fond du Lac County Clerk of Circuit Court Office
- Visit the office in person during regular business hours
- Request the divorce packet appropriate to your situation (with/without children)
- Staff cannot provide legal advice but can confirm required forms
- Nominal fees may apply for printed forms
-
Fond du Lac County Law Library
- Access legal reference materials and form books
- Self-service computers available for accessing and printing forms
- Limited assistance available from library staff
Fond du Lac County Clerk of Circuit Court
160 S Macy St
Fond du Lac, WI 54935
920-929-3038
Fond du Lac County Clerk of Circuit Court
Essential divorce forms typically include:
- Summons and Petition for Divorce/Legal Separation
- Confidential Petition Addendum
- Financial Disclosure Statement
- Marital Settlement Agreement (if reaching agreement)
- Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Judgment
- Additional forms for cases involving children:
- Parenting Plan
- Child Support Worksheets
- Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act Affidavit
For assistance with form completion:
- Wisconsin Free Legal Answers provides limited online guidance
- Legal Action of Wisconsin offers services to qualifying low-income individuals
- The State Bar of Wisconsin Modest Means Program provides referrals to attorneys offering reduced-fee services
Individuals should note that while standardized forms are available, proper completion requires attention to detail and understanding of legal requirements. Incorrect or incomplete paperwork may result in processing delays or court rejection.