Monroe County Public Records /Monroe County Divorce Records

Monroe County Divorce Records

How To Find a Divorce Record In Monroe County in 2026

MonroeCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Monroe County, Wisconsin. Members of the public may find case summaries, filing dates, party names, and related court documents through official channels. Available record categories include final divorce decrees, dissolution petitions, property settlement agreements, child custody orders, and support determinations.

Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking Monroe County divorce records.

Online Searches

1. Clerk of Court Case Search

The Wisconsin Court System case search portal provides public access to circuit court records statewide, including Monroe County family law cases. This is the most common method for locating divorce case information. Basic case information is available at no charge; fees apply for document copies.

Navigate to the Wisconsin Court System case search portal
Select "Circuit Court" and choose Monroe County
Enter one or both parties' names or the case number
Review case summary, docket entries, and document listings

2. State Court System Portal

The Wisconsin Court System's statewide portal consolidates records across all 72 county circuit courts, allowing searches across jurisdictions when the county of filing is uncertain.

3. State Vital Records

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services Vital Records office maintains divorce certificates for dissolutions finalized in Wisconsin. Divorce certificates contain limited identifying information and are distinct from full court case files. Fees apply for certified copies.

In-Person Searches

Clerk of Court – Monroe County (Family Division)

Monroe County Clerk of Courts
112 S. Court Street
Sparta, WI 54656
Phone: (608) 269-8745
Monroe County Clerk of Courts

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Services available in person:
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Staff assistance for locating archived records

Records Department:

Older or archived divorce cases may be stored separately from active files. Members of the public seeking records from prior decades should notify staff at the time of the request, as retrieval of archived materials may require additional processing time.

By Mail

Written Request:

Mail to: Monroe County Clerk of Courts, 112 S. Court Street, Sparta, WI 54656
Include the following in the written request:
- Full legal names of both parties
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or date range
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Specific documents requested
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
Processing time: Requests are processed within approximately 1–2 weeks, subject to staff availability and record location

By Phone

Limited Information Available by Phone:

Monroe County Clerk of Courts: (608) 269-8745

Staff may confirm the following by telephone:

Whether a case exists in the system
Case number
Case status (pending or finalized)
Filing date

Staff are not able to provide detailed document contents, copies of filed documents, or any confidential case information by telephone.

Through Attorneys

An attorney licensed in Wisconsin may access divorce case files on behalf of a client, request sealed or restricted documents through appropriate court motions, and obtain certified copies. The Wisconsin State Bar Lawyer Referral Service connects members of the public with licensed attorneys. Attorney access is particularly useful in complex cases involving sealed records or post-judgment modifications.

Information Needed for Search

To conduct an effective search, the following information is recommended:

Full legal names of both spouses at the time of the divorce
Maiden names, if applicable
Approximate date of divorce or year range
Case number, if previously obtained

Helpful supplemental information includes:

Date and location of marriage
Prior addresses in Monroe County
Names of attorneys of record, if known

Search in Correct County

Under Wisconsin law, divorce proceedings are filed in the circuit court of the county where either spouse resided at the time of filing. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple counties. The county where the marriage ceremony occurred is not necessarily the county where the divorce was filed.

Residency Requirement

Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 767.301, at least one spouse must have been a resident of Wisconsin for a minimum of six months, and a resident of the county in which the action is filed for a minimum of 30 days, immediately preceding the commencement of the action.

Time Considerations

Recent divorces may not appear in the online system immediately following the final hearing; records are entered within days to weeks of finalization
Older divorce records, particularly those predating electronic filing, may be archived in paper format and require additional retrieval time
Cases finalized prior to the implementation of electronic court records may not be fully digitized

What If You Cannot Find a Record

Common reasons a record may not be located include:

Incorrect county of search
Name variations between married and maiden names
Spelling differences in party names
The case remains pending and has not been finalized
Very old records stored in off-site archives
The case has been sealed by court order

If a record cannot be located through online search, members of the public may contact the Monroe County Clerk of Courts at (608) 269-8745, attempt alternate name spellings, search under both spouses' names, or consult the Wisconsin Department of Health Services vital records request page for divorce certificate verification.

What Are Monroe County Divorce Records?

Monroe County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings filed in the Monroe County Circuit Court. These records constitute part of the family law court file and are maintained by the Clerk of Courts as the primary custodian. Under Wisconsin law, divorce is referred to as "divorce" or "legal separation," and proceedings are governed by Wis. Stat. § 767.001 et seq., which establishes the framework for family law actions in the state.

Types of Divorce Records

Court Case Files include the full set of documents filed with the circuit court throughout the proceeding:

Petition for divorce
Summons
Response or answer to the petition
Financial disclosure statements
Proposed and final parenting plans
Marital settlement agreements
Motions, responses, and court orders
Hearing transcripts (if ordered)
Final judgment of divorce

Final Decree (Judgment of Divorce): The final judgment is the official court order dissolving the marriage. It establishes the date of dissolution, division of marital property and debts, spousal maintenance terms (if any), child custody and placement arrangements, child support orders, and any approved name restoration. Certified copies of the final judgment are available through the Clerk of Courts.

Supporting Documents filed during the proceeding may include:

Original marriage certificate
Financial affidavits and supporting exhibits
Property appraisals and valuations
Parenting plan details and modifications
Post-judgment modification orders

Purpose of Divorce Records

Divorce records serve a range of legal and personal purposes:

Proof of marital status for remarriage
Name change documentation with government agencies
Property transfer and title documentation
Estate planning and beneficiary designations
Immigration proceedings requiring marital history
Social Security benefit determinations
Genealogical and family history research

Who Maintains Divorce Records

The Monroe County Clerk of Courts is the primary custodian of all divorce case files. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services Vital Records office maintains statewide divorce certificate records, which contain summary-level information. The Monroe County Register of Deeds may also hold certain vital records related to divorce, as birth, marriage, death, and divorce records are available through Wisconsin county Register of Deeds offices.

Are Monroe County Divorce Records Public?

Divorce records filed in Monroe County Circuit Court are public court records subject to Wisconsin's open records law, codified at Wis. Stat. § 19.35, which establishes a presumption of public access to government records. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need or purpose.

What Is Public

The following information is accessible to any member of the public:

Case number and filing date
Names of parties (petitioner and respondent)
Names of attorneys of record
Court hearing dates and outcomes
Court orders and judgments
Final judgment of divorce
Property division orders
General case status and docket entries

What May Be Restricted

Certain categories of information within divorce case files are subject to restriction or redaction under Wisconsin court rules and state law:

Financial Information:

Social Security numbers are redacted from public-facing documents
Bank account and financial account numbers are redacted
Detailed tax returns may be filed under seal or with restricted access

Children's Information:

Names and addresses of minor children may be restricted
Schools children attend are not disclosed in public records
Child custody evaluations and guardian ad litem reports may be sealed by court order
Psychological evaluations involving children are restricted

Sensitive Personal Information:

Domestic violence allegations and related evidence may be sealed
Mental health and substance abuse treatment records are restricted
Personal addresses of domestic violence victims are protected
Mediation communications are confidential and not part of the public record

Sealed Records

A court may seal all or part of a divorce case file upon a showing of good cause. Sealed records are not accessible to the general public. Parties to the case, their attorneys, and certain government agencies retain access to sealed materials pursuant to applicable court orders.

Who Can Access Records

Requester	Access Level
General public	Public documents, docket entries, final orders
Parties to the case	Full access to own case file, including restricted documents
Attorneys of record	Full case file access; sealed documents by motion
Law enforcement	Access pursuant to statutory authority
Researchers and media	Public portions; sealed records require court order

Restrictions on Use

Wisconsin law prohibits the use of public records for stalking, harassment, identity theft, or any purpose that violates a protective order. Permitted uses include legal proceedings, background verification, genealogical research, news reporting, and academic research.

Obtaining Confidential Records

A party seeking access to sealed or restricted records must file a motion with the Monroe County Circuit Court demonstrating a legitimate legal basis. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties. Certain entities, including child protective services and law enforcement agencies, are entitled by statute to access restricted family law records.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Monroe County?

The Monroe County Clerk of Courts charges standard fees for copies and certified documents in accordance with Wisconsin statutes. Current fees are as follows:

Service	Fee
Plain paper copy (per page)	$1.25 per page
Certified copy of judgment or order	$5.00 per document plus $1.25 per page
Electronic copy (where available)	Varies; contact Clerk for current schedule
Search fee	No separate search fee for in-person requests

Inspection of public records at the courthouse is available at no charge during regular business hours
Fees for certified copies are governed by Wis. Stat. § 814.61, which establishes the schedule of court fees applicable to civil proceedings, including family law cases
Payment is accepted by cash, check payable to Monroe County Clerk of Courts, and money order; credit card acceptance should be confirmed directly with the office
Fee waivers may be available for indigent parties upon application to the court; members of the public seeking a waiver should inquire with the Clerk of Courts or consult the Wisconsin Court System self-help resources on divorce and family law
Vital records divorce certificates obtained through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services carry a separate fee schedule; current fees are listed on the vital records request page
There is no charge to view case information through the Wisconsin Court System online case search portal; fees apply only when requesting physical or certified copies

What's Included in Divorce Records in Monroe County

A complete Monroe County divorce case file contains documents generated from the initial filing through final judgment and any post-judgment proceedings. The scope of documents varies depending on whether the case was contested or uncontested and whether children or significant assets were involved.

Basic Case Information

Every divorce case file includes a case caption identifying the case number, court name and division, names of the petitioner and respondent, the assigned judge, and attorneys of record. Filing information includes the date the petition was filed, the case type designation, and the jurisdictional basis for the action.

Initial Pleadings

The Petition for Divorce sets forth the petitioner's identifying information, the respondent's identifying information, the date and location of the marriage, the date of separation if applicable, the grounds for divorce (Wisconsin is a no-fault state, requiring only that the marriage be irretrievably broken), information regarding minor children, claims regarding marital property, and the relief requested. The Response or Answer filed by the respondent states the respondent's position, admissions or denials of the petition's allegations, and any counterclaims for relief.

Financial Affidavits and Disclosure

Both parties are required to submit financial disclosure statements detailing income from all sources, monthly expenses, marital assets (real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investment and retirement accounts, and personal property), and marital liabilities (mortgages, loans, and credit obligations). Supporting exhibits may include tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and retirement account statements.

Property-Related Documents

The case file may contain a marital asset inventory, debt inventory, real property appraisals, business valuations, and expert reports on the value of specific assets. These documents support the court's equitable distribution analysis under Wisconsin's marital property framework.

Children-Related Documents

When minor children are involved, the case file includes a parenting plan addressing legal custody (decision-making authority), physical placement (primary residence), a detailed placement schedule including regular, holiday, and vacation provisions, and transportation arrangements. Child support calculation worksheets, income information for both parties, and the court-ordered support amount are also part of the file. If the court ordered a custody evaluation or appointed a guardian ad litem, those reports are included, though they may be subject to restricted access.

Settlement Documents

A Marital Settlement Agreement, when reached by the parties, comprehensively resolves all issues including property division, debt allocation, spousal maintenance, and child-related provisions. Mediation agreements, if the parties participated in mediation, may be incorporated into the settlement agreement; however, mediation communications themselves are confidential and are not part of the public record.

Court Orders and Final Judgment

Temporary orders entered during the pendency of the case address interim custody, support, and use of marital property. The Final Judgment of Divorce is the court's definitive order dissolving the marriage, containing findings of fact, conclusions of law, and all final determinations regarding property, support, custody, and placement. If retirement accounts are divided, a separate Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) is issued to instruct the plan administrator.

Post-Judgment Documents

Following entry of the final judgment, the case file may be supplemented with petitions to modify custody or support, court orders on modification requests, contempt motions, income deduction orders, and enforcement actions.

What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed

Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted from public documents)
Children's residential addresses and school information
Domestic violence-related evidence (may be sealed)
Mental health and substance abuse evaluation records
Guardian ad litem reports (restricted access)
Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
Settlement negotiation communications (not filed with the court)

How to Get Proof of Divorce in Monroe County?

Proof of divorce in Monroe County is obtained through a certified copy of the Final Judgment of Divorce issued by the Monroe County Clerk of Courts. A certified copy bears the court's official seal and the clerk's certification, making it legally acceptable for remarriage, name change applications, government benefit claims, and immigration proceedings.

Step 1 – Identify the Case

Locate the case number and filing information using the Wisconsin Court System case search portal or by contacting the Monroe County Clerk of Courts directly.

Step 2 – Submit a Request

Requests for certified copies may be submitted in person, by mail, or by telephone inquiry to confirm availability:

Monroe County Clerk of Courts
112 S. Court Street
Sparta, WI 54656
Phone: (608) 269-8745
Monroe County Clerk of Courts

Step 3 – Provide Required Information

The request must include the full names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, the case number if known, and the requestor's contact information. Payment of applicable copy and certification fees is required at the time of the request.

Step 4 – Obtain a Divorce Certificate Through Vital Records

As an alternative or supplement to the court-issued certified copy, members of the public may request a divorce certificate from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Vital Records office. Divorce certificates are also available through the Monroe County Register of Deeds office. A divorce certificate contains summary information (parties' names, date, and county of divorce) and may be sufficient for certain administrative purposes.

Monroe County Register of Deeds
112 S. Court Street
Sparta, WI 54656
Phone: (608) 269-8716
Monroe County Register of Deeds

Wisconsin Department of Health Services – Vital Records
1 W. Wilson Street
Madison, WI 53703
Phone: (608) 266-1373
Wisconsin Vital Records

Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Monroe County?

Divorce proceedings in Monroe County are presumptively public under Wisconsin's open records law; however, specific records or entire case files may be made confidential under defined legal circumstances. The Monroe County Circuit Court retains authority to seal records upon a demonstrated showing of good cause, balancing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties and any minor children involved.

Records or portions of records that may be treated as confidential include:

Domestic violence cases: Addresses and identifying information of domestic violence victims may be withheld from public records to protect personal safety
Children's information: Names, addresses, schools, and medical information of minor children may be restricted or redacted
Mental health and substance abuse records: Evaluation reports and treatment records incorporated into the case file are subject to restricted access
Guardian ad litem reports: Reports prepared by attorneys appointed to represent children's interests may be sealed by court order
Mediation records: Under Wisconsin law, mediation communications are confidential and are not filed with the court or accessible to the public
Sealed case files: A party may petition the court to seal all or part of the case file; the court grants such requests only upon a specific legal showing
Financial account identifiers: Social Security numbers and account numbers are redacted from all publicly accessible documents pursuant to Wisconsin Supreme Court rules

Members of the public seeking access to sealed or restricted records must file a motion with the circuit court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for access. The Monroe County Legal Resources page maintained by the Wisconsin State Law Library provides additional guidance on family court procedures and access to restricted records.

How Long Does Monroe County Keep Divorce Records?

Monroe County Circuit Court divorce records are retained for extended periods in accordance with Wisconsin court records retention schedules established by the Wisconsin Supreme Court and the Director of State Courts. Retention periods vary by record type:

Final judgments and decrees: Retained permanently; these documents constitute the official legal record of the dissolution of marriage and are not subject to destruction
Complete case files (contested divorces): Retained for a minimum of 75 years from the date of the final judgment under Wisconsin court records retention guidelines
Complete case files (uncontested divorces): Retained for a minimum of 20 years from the date of the final judgment
Temporary orders and interlocutory documents: Retained as part of the case file for the applicable case file retention period
Post-judgment modification records: Retained as part of the original case file or as a separate action, subject to the applicable retention schedule
Electronic records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in the Wisconsin court electronic filing system and are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records
Archived paper records: Older case files may be transferred to off-site storage; retrieval requires advance notice to the Clerk of Courts

Members of the public seeking records from older cases should contact the Monroe County Clerk of Courts to confirm availability and retrieval procedures. The Wisconsin State Law Library's Monroe County Legal Resources page provides additional reference materials on court records access and retention in Wisconsin.