Adams County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Adams County in 2026
AdamsWIRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Adams County, Wisconsin. Members of the public may find case summaries, filing dates, party names, and related court documents through official channels. Available record categories may include final divorce decrees, dissolution petitions, property settlement agreements, child custody orders, and support determinations. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the case and applicable confidentiality provisions.
Divorce records in Adams County may be searched through the Adams County Clerk of Court, the statewide Wisconsin Court System portal, public access terminals located at the courthouse, and online search tools. The following sections outline all available search methods, required information, and applicable fees.
Multiple Search Methods:
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Wisconsin Court System case search portal is the most common method for locating Adams County divorce records online. Members of the public may search by party name or case number at no charge for basic case information. Obtaining copies of filed documents may require payment of applicable fees.
2. State Court System Portal
The statewide Wisconsin Court System portal allows users to search across all Wisconsin circuit court jurisdictions from a single interface. This consolidated database is particularly useful when the county of filing is uncertain or when a party may have resided in multiple counties.
3. State Vital Records
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services Vital Records office maintains divorce certificates for dissolutions finalized in Wisconsin. These certificates provide summary-level information and are available by U.S. mail, online through VitalChek, or in person. Fees apply, and the certificate contains less detail than the full court case file.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Adams County Family Division:
Adams County Clerk of Court
402 Main Street
Friendship, WI 53934
Phone: (608) 339-4208
Adams County Clerk of Court
- 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 filed documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Obtain staff assistance for locating older or archived records
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Adams County Clerk of Court, 402 Main Street, Friendship, WI 53934
- Include the following with each request:
- Full legal names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's full name and mailing address
- Purpose of request, if required
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
- Processing time: Requests are processed within approximately 1–2 weeks, depending on volume and whether records require retrieval from archives.
By Phone
Limited Information Available:
- Clerk of Court: (608) 339-4208
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- The assigned case number
- Current case status
- Original filing date
- Staff are not able to provide detailed document contents, copies of filed documents, or any confidential case information by telephone.
Through Attorneys
Members of the public involved in complex dissolution matters may retain legal counsel to access court records on their behalf. An attorney may request sealed or restricted documents by filing the appropriate motion with the court and demonstrating a legitimate legal basis. The State Bar of Wisconsin maintains a lawyer referral service for individuals seeking legal representation in family law matters.
Information Needed for Search:
Essential Information
- Full legal names of both spouses, including any name changes
- Maiden names, where applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or filing
- Case number, if previously obtained
Helpful Information
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous residential addresses in Wisconsin
- Names of minor children, if applicable
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County:
Under Wisconsin law, a divorce action is filed in the circuit court of the county where either spouse resides at the time of filing. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple counties. A divorce may not be searched in the county where the marriage occurred unless one of the parties also resided there at the time of filing.
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 immediately preceding the filing of the divorce action, and a resident of the county in which the action is filed for a minimum of 30 days.
Time Considerations:
- Recent divorces: Newly finalized cases may not appear in the online system immediately. Members of the public should allow several business days to weeks following the final hearing for the record to be indexed and available.
- Older divorces: Cases predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format. Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time and a written request to the Clerk of Court.
What If You Cannot Find a Record:
- Verify the correct county of filing
- Attempt alternate spellings of party names
- Search under both the petitioner's and respondent's names
- Confirm whether the case has been finalized or remains pending
- Check the Wisconsin Vital Records office for a divorce certificate
- Contact the Adams County Clerk of Court at (608) 339-4208 for assistance
What Are Adams County Divorce Records?
Adams County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Adams County Circuit Court. These records are maintained by the Clerk of Court as part of the family law case file and constitute public records subject to the provisions of Wis. Stat. § 19.35, Wisconsin's public records law.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files
- Petition for divorce or legal separation
- Response or answer filed by the respondent
- Financial disclosure statements and affidavits
- Parenting plans and custody agreements
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, orders, and hearing notices
- Transcripts of court proceedings
- Final judgment of divorce
Final Decree
The final judgment of divorce is the official court order that legally dissolves the marriage. It establishes the date of dissolution, division of marital property and debts, any spousal support obligations, child custody and placement arrangements, child support orders, and any court-ordered name restoration. Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Clerk of Court upon payment of applicable fees.
Supporting Documents
- Original marriage certificate (submitted as exhibit)
- Financial disclosure documents and tax returns
- Real and personal property inventories
- Post-judgment modification orders
- Income withholding orders for support enforcement
Purpose of Divorce Records:
Legal Purposes
- Proof of marital status for remarriage
- Documentation for legal name change
- Property transfer and title recording
- Estate planning and beneficiary designations
- Immigration and naturalization proceedings
- Social Security and retirement benefit claims
Personal Purposes
- Genealogical and family history research
- Personal record-keeping
- Verification of divorce terms and obligations
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
The Adams County Clerk of Court serves as the primary custodian of all divorce case files, indexes records by party name, and provides certified copies upon request. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services Vital Records office maintains a statewide registry of divorce certificates, which contain summary information but do not include the full case file.
Are Adams County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Adams County Circuit Court are public court records under Wisconsin law. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents. Certain categories of information are restricted or redacted pursuant to court rules and applicable statutes.
What Is Public:
- Case number and original filing date
- Names of both parties to the action
- Names of attorneys of record
- Scheduled and completed hearing dates
- Court orders and judgments, including the final divorce decree
- Property division orders
- General case status and docket entries
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information
- Social Security numbers (redacted from all public filings)
- Bank account and financial institution account numbers (redacted)
- Credit card and loan account numbers (redacted)
- Detailed tax returns (may be filed under seal or with restricted access)
Children's Information
- Residential addresses of minor children
- Names of schools attended by minor children
- Medical and psychological records pertaining to children
- Child custody evaluation reports (may be sealed by court order)
- Guardian ad litem reports (access restricted to parties and counsel)
Sensitive Personal Information
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
- Personal addresses and contact information in cases involving protective orders
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
Sealed Records:
A court may seal specific documents or an entire case file upon a showing of good cause. Cases involving allegations of abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlement terms may be subject to sealing orders. Access to sealed records requires a court order.
Who Can Access Records:
| Requestor | Level of Access |
|---|---|
| General public | Public documents; redacted financial and children's information |
| Parties to the case | Full access to own case file, including restricted documents |
| Attorneys of record | Full access; may petition for sealed documents |
| Law enforcement | Statutory access to restricted information |
| Researchers and media | Public portions; court permission required for sealed records |
Restrictions on Use:
Members of the public who obtain divorce records may not use such information for stalking, harassment, identity theft, or any purpose that violates a court-issued protective order. Permitted uses include legal proceedings, background verification, genealogical research, news reporting protected under the First Amendment, and academic research.
Obtaining Confidential Records:
A party seeking access to sealed or restricted records must file a motion with the Adams County Circuit Court demonstrating a legitimate legal need. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties and any minor children involved.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Adams County?
The Adams County Clerk of Court 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 document | $5.00 certification fee + $1.25 per page |
| Electronic copy (where available) | Varies; contact Clerk of Court |
| Search fee | No separate search fee for in-person requests |
- Accepted payment methods: Cash, check, or money order made payable to Adams County Clerk of Court. Credit card acceptance may vary; members of the public should confirm with the office prior to submitting payment.
- Fee waiver provisions: Indigent parties to an active case may petition the court for a fee waiver pursuant to Wisconsin court rules. Fee waivers are not available to third-party requestors.
- Free access: Members of the public may view case docket entries and basic case information through the Wisconsin Court System case search portal at no charge. Viewing documents at public access terminals in the courthouse is also available at no cost; fees apply only when copies are requested.
- Vital Records fees: The Wisconsin Department of Health Services charges a separate fee for divorce certificates obtained through the Vital Records office. Current fee schedules are posted on the DHS website.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Adams County
A complete Adams County divorce case file contains all documents filed with the circuit court from the date of initial petition through final judgment and any post-judgment proceedings. The following categories reflect the standard contents of a dissolution case file.
Basic Case Information:
- Case number, court name, and assigned judge
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Names and contact information of attorneys of record
- Filing date, case type, and jurisdictional basis
Initial Pleadings:
- Petition for divorce, including marriage date and location, grounds for dissolution, identification of minor children, property claims, and relief requested
- Summons served upon the respondent
- Response or answer filed by the respondent, including any counterpetition
- Financial disclosure affidavits from both parties detailing income, expenses, assets, and liabilities
Discovery Documents:
- Tax returns and pay stubs
- Bank, investment, and retirement account statements
- Interrogatories and answers under oath
- Requests for production of documents and responses
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory listing real property, vehicles, financial accounts, retirement accounts, business interests, and personal property with estimated values
- Debt inventory listing mortgages, vehicle loans, credit card balances, and other liabilities
- Real property appraisals and business valuations
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting plan specifying legal custody, physical placement, holiday and vacation schedules, transportation arrangements, and decision-making responsibilities
- Child support calculation worksheet reflecting income of both parties, number of placement overnights, health insurance costs, and childcare expenses
- Child support order specifying amount, payment schedule, and income withholding provisions
- Custody evaluation reports (access may be restricted)
- Guardian ad litem reports (access restricted to parties and counsel)
Support Documents:
- Spousal maintenance order specifying type, amount, duration, and termination conditions
- Income and expense analysis supporting maintenance determination
Settlement Documents:
- Marital settlement agreement resolving all contested issues, including property division, debt allocation, spousal support, and child-related provisions
- Mediation agreement, if applicable (communications remain confidential; terms incorporated into the settlement agreement are public)
Court Orders and Judgments:
- Temporary orders for custody, support, and use of property pending final hearing
- Temporary restraining orders or injunctions, if issued
- Final judgment of divorce incorporating all findings of fact, conclusions of law, property division, support orders, custody and placement determinations, and any name restoration
- Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO), if retirement accounts are divided
Post-Judgment Documents (if applicable):
- Petitions to modify custody, placement, or support
- Court orders on modification requests
- Contempt motions and enforcement orders
- Income deduction orders and liens
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted from all public copies)
- Residential addresses and school information for minor children
- Mental health evaluations and substance abuse records
- Domestic violence evidence in cases with active protective orders
- Mediation communications
- Trade secrets contained in business valuations
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Adams County
Proof of divorce in Adams County is obtained either through a certified copy of the final judgment of divorce from the Adams County Clerk of Court or through a divorce certificate issued by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Vital Records office. The appropriate document depends on the purpose for which proof is required.
Certified Copy of Final Judgment (Court Record):
A certified copy of the final judgment of divorce is the most comprehensive form of proof and is accepted for legal proceedings, property transfers, name changes, and immigration purposes.
- Submit a written request to the Adams County Clerk of Court in person, by mail, or by telephone to confirm availability
- Provide the full names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, and the case number if known
- Pay the applicable certification fee ($5.00) plus per-page copy fee ($1.25 per page)
- Requests submitted in person are processed the same day when records are available; mail requests require approximately 1–2 weeks
Adams County Clerk of Court
402 Main Street
Friendship, WI 53934
Phone: (608) 339-4208
Adams County Clerk of Court
Divorce Certificate (Vital Records):
A divorce certificate issued by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services provides summary-level proof of dissolution and is accepted for many administrative purposes, including remarriage applications and Social Security proceedings.
- Requests may be submitted online through VitalChek, by U.S. mail, or in person at the DHS Vital Records office
- Fees apply; current fee schedules are available through the Wisconsin Vital Records office
Wisconsin Department of Health Services — Vital Records
1 West Wilson Street
Madison, WI 53703
Phone: (608) 266-1373
Wisconsin Vital Records
Members of the public who require self-help resources for divorce and family law matters may access guides and forms through the Wisconsin Court System website.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Adams County?
Divorce proceedings in Adams County are presumptively public under Wisconsin's open records law; however, specific documents or entire case files may be made confidential under certain circumstances.
- Court-ordered sealing: A party may petition the Adams County Circuit Court to seal specific documents or the entire case file. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties, particularly when minor children or domestic violence are involved.
- Domestic violence cases: Residential addresses, contact information, and evidence related to domestic violence allegations may be withheld from public access to protect the safety of victims.
- Children's information: Names, addresses, school information, and psychological evaluations pertaining to minor children are subject to restricted access under Wisconsin court rules.
- Financial account numbers and Social Security numbers: These are redacted from all publicly accessible copies of filed documents pursuant to Wisconsin Supreme Court rules.
- Mediation communications: Under Wis. Stat. § 767.405, mediation communications in family law cases are confidential and may not be disclosed in court proceedings.
- Sealed settlements: Confidential settlement terms incorporated into a court order may be filed under seal upon a showing of good cause.
Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for disclosure.
How Long Does Adams County Keep Divorce Records?
Adams County divorce records are retained for extended periods in accordance with Wisconsin court records retention schedules established by the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
- Final judgments of divorce: Retained permanently. The final decree and judgment are never destroyed and remain accessible through the Clerk of Court indefinitely.
- Complete case files: Active and recently closed case files are retained for a minimum of 20 years following the date of final judgment under Wisconsin court records retention requirements.
- Archived paper records: Cases predating electronic filing are maintained in paper format and may be stored off-site. Retrieval of archived records requires a written request to the Clerk of Court and may involve additional processing time.
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in the Wisconsin Court System's electronic case management system and are accessible through the Wisconsin Court System case search portal.
- Post-judgment modification records: Orders modifying custody, placement, or support are filed in the original case and retained as part of the permanent case file.
- Vital Records divorce certificates: The Wisconsin Department of Health Services retains divorce certificate records permanently in the statewide vital records registry.
Members of the public seeking records from cases older than those available in the electronic system should contact the Adams County Clerk of Court directly to confirm availability and arrange retrieval.