Clark County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Clark County in 2026
ClarkWIRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Clark County, Wisconsin. Members of the public may find case filings, final decrees, party names, hearing dates, and related court documents. Available record categories include dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, parenting plans, property settlement agreements, and post-judgment modification orders. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the case and applicable confidentiality provisions.
Divorce records in Clark County may be searched through official resources including the Wisconsin Court System's online case search portal, the Clark County Clerk of Courts office, public access terminals located at the courthouse, and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Vital Records office. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking divorce-related court records.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Wisconsin Court System case search portal is the most common method for locating divorce records online. Members of the public may search by party name, case number, or attorney name at no charge for basic case information. Obtaining copies of filed documents may require payment of applicable fees.
2. State Court System Portal
The Wisconsin Court System maintains a consolidated statewide database that allows searches across all circuit courts, including Clark County. This portal provides access to case summaries, docket entries, and case status information for dissolution of marriage proceedings filed throughout the state.
3. State Vital Records
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services Vital Records office maintains divorce certificates for proceedings finalized in Wisconsin. As noted by the Wisconsin DHS, "Birth, marriage, death, and divorce records are also available through Wisconsin county Register of Deeds offices." Fees apply to certified copies obtained through this office.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Clark County:
Clark County Clerk of Courts
517 Court Street, Room 303
Neillsville, WI 54456
Phone: (715) 743-2208
Clerk of Courts | Clark County WI
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Members of the public may search case files, view documents, request certified copies, and use public access terminals with staff assistance available during business hours.
Records Department:
The Clark County Records & Services office handles requests for copies of court-related documents. Historical and archived cases may be retrieved through this office. Written requests submitted via email, fax, or mail are accepted and must include the requester's name, current address, and sufficient identifying information about the case.
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Clark County Clerk of Courts, 517 Court Street, Room 303, Neillsville, WI 54456
- Include the following:
- Full names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number (if known)
- Requester's name and current 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 one to two weeks, depending on volume and record availability.
By Phone
Limited Information:
- Clerk of Courts: (715) 743-2208
- Staff may confirm the following by phone:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number
- Case status
- Filing date
- Staff cannot provide detailed document contents, copies of filed documents, or confidential case information by phone.
Through Attorneys
Members of the public involved in complex dissolution proceedings may engage licensed legal counsel to access court records on their behalf. Attorneys admitted to practice in Wisconsin may request sealed documents upon a proper showing to the court. 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
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or filing
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses of either party
- Names of minor children, if applicable
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Divorce proceedings in Wisconsin 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. 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.
Under Wis. Stat. § 767.301, one spouse must have been a resident of Wisconsin for at least six months immediately preceding the filing of a divorce action, and a resident of the county in which the action is filed for at least thirty days.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Newly finalized cases may not appear in the online system immediately following the final hearing.
- Members of the public should allow several days to a few weeks for processing after the final judgment is entered.
Older Divorces:
- Cases predating electronic filing systems may be archived in paper format.
- Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time.
- Not all historical records have been digitized.
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- The divorce was filed in a different county.
- Name variations exist between married and maiden names.
- Spelling differences in party names affect search results.
- The case has not yet been finalized and remains pending.
- Very old records are stored in physical archives.
- The case has been sealed by court order.
Next Steps:
- Contact the Clerk of Courts at (715) 743-2208.
- Attempt alternate name spellings or maiden names.
- Search under both spouses' names.
- Check the Wisconsin DHS Vital Records office for divorce certificates.
- Engage a professional records search service.
- Consult a licensed Wisconsin family law attorney.
What Are Clark County Divorce Records?
Clark County divorce records are official court documents generated during dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Clark County Circuit Court. These records are maintained by the Clerk of Courts as part of the family law case file and constitute public records subject to applicable access provisions under Wisconsin law.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files
The complete case file for a dissolution of marriage proceeding in Clark County may include the following documents:
- Petition for divorce or legal separation
- Response or answer to the petition
- Financial affidavits submitted by both parties
- Parenting plans and custody agreements
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, orders, and court hearing transcripts
- 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, spousal support provisions (if any), child custody and placement arrangements, child support orders, and any court-ordered name changes. Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Clerk of Courts upon payment of applicable fees.
Supporting Documents
Supporting documents filed in a dissolution case may include the original marriage certificate, financial disclosure statements, property inventories, parenting plan details, and any post-judgment modification orders entered after the final decree.
Purpose of Divorce Records:
Legal Purposes
- Proof of marital status for remarriage
- Documentation for legal name change
- Property transfer and title documentation
- Estate planning and beneficiary designations
- Immigration proceedings
- Social Security benefit determinations
Personal Purposes
- Genealogical and family history research
- Personal record-keeping
- Verification of divorce terms and obligations
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
The Clark County Clerk of Courts serves as the primary custodian of all dissolution of marriage records filed in the county. As stated on the office's official page, the Clerk maintains "a record of all proceedings that come before the Circuit Court System of the county" with a goal of providing "prompt and efficient service to the public." The Wisconsin DHS Vital Records office maintains divorce certificates at the state level, though these contain more limited information than the complete court case file.
Legal Framework:
Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Wisconsin are governed by Wis. Stat. § 767.001 et seq., which establishes the grounds, procedures, and requirements for divorce and legal separation in the state. Wisconsin is a no-fault divorce state, meaning that irretrievable breakdown of the marriage is the sole ground for dissolution. Public access to court records is governed by Wis. Stat. § 19.35, which establishes the right of any person to inspect public records maintained by government agencies, including court files.
Are Clark County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Clark County Circuit Court are public court records under Wisconsin's open records law. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need or purpose. Certain categories of information within divorce files are subject to restriction or redaction under state and federal law.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and times
- Court orders and judgments
- Final divorce decree
- Property division orders
- General case status
- Docket entries reflecting the chronological history of the case
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information
- Social Security numbers (redacted from public filings)
- Bank account and credit card numbers (redacted)
- Detailed tax returns (may be filed under seal)
- Salary and income details (subject to some restrictions)
Children's Information
- Addresses where minor children reside
- Schools children attend
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children
- Child custody evaluations (may be sealed by court order)
- Guardian ad litem reports (restricted access)
Sensitive Personal Information
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
- Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
Legal Basis for Public Access:
Wisconsin's open records law, Wis. Stat. § 19.35, establishes a presumption of public access to government records, including court files. Restrictions on access require a specific legal basis and are applied on a case-by-case basis through a balancing test weighing public transparency against individual privacy interests.
Who Can Access Records:
| Requester Category | Level of Access |
|---|---|
| General Public | Most case information, public documents, docket entries |
| Parties to the Case | Full access to own case file, including confidential documents |
| Licensed Attorneys | Access to case files; may petition for sealed documents |
| Researchers and Media | Public portions; court permission required for sealed records |
| Law Enforcement | Statutory access to certain restricted information |
Prohibited Uses of Divorce Records:
- Stalking or harassment of any party
- Identity theft or fraudulent purposes
- Violation of existing protective orders
- Commercial exploitation where prohibited by applicable law
Obtaining Confidential Records:
A party seeking access to sealed or restricted portions of a divorce file must file a motion with the Clark County Circuit Court demonstrating good cause. The court evaluates each request individually, provides notice to the parties, and applies a balancing test before granting or denying access. Certain entities, including child protective services investigators and court-appointed evaluators, are entitled by statute to access otherwise restricted information.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Clark County?
The Clark County Clerk of Courts charges standard fees for copies and certified copies of court records. Current fees applicable to divorce record requests are as follows:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy (per page) | $1.25 per page |
| Certified copy | $5.00 per document plus $1.25 per page |
| Electronic copy (where available) | Varies; contact Clerk's office |
| Record search fee | No separate search fee currently assessed |
- Inspection of records: Members of the public may inspect public court records at the Clerk of Courts office at no charge during regular business hours.
- Copies: Plain copies are assessed at the per-page rate established by the Wisconsin court system.
- Certified copies: A certification fee applies in addition to the per-page copy fee. Certified copies of the final divorce decree are the standard form of proof of divorce accepted for legal purposes.
- Electronic format: Availability of electronic copies varies by case. Members of the public should contact the Clerk's office directly to confirm availability and applicable fees.
- Payment methods: The Clerk of Courts accepts cash, check, and money order. Members of the public should confirm current accepted payment methods when submitting requests.
- Fee waivers: Wisconsin law does not provide a general fee waiver for court record copies. Parties who are indigent and represented by legal aid organizations may inquire about applicable provisions through the court.
Divorce certificates obtained through the Wisconsin DHS Vital Records office are subject to separate state fee schedules. Members of the public seeking certified divorce certificates from the state vital records office should consult that office's current fee schedule directly.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Clark County
A complete dissolution of marriage case file maintained by the Clark County Clerk of Courts contains the following categories of documents, organized chronologically in the order filed.
Basic Case Information
- Case number, court name, and division
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Judge assigned to the case
- Attorneys of record for each party
- Date filed, filing fees paid, and case type designation
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 (irretrievable breakdown of the marriage under Wisconsin's no-fault standard), information regarding minor children, property claims, and the relief requested. The Response or Answer reflects the respondent's position, admissions or denials of the petition's allegations, and any counterpetition filed by the respondent. Financial affidavits submitted by both parties disclose income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets (real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investments, and personal property), and liabilities (debts, loans, and credit obligations).
Discovery Documents
Discovery materials filed in contested dissolution cases may include interrogatories and answers under oath, requests for production of financial documents, tax returns, bank and investment account statements, retirement account statements, pay stubs, and business financial records where applicable.
Property-Related Documents
- Marital asset inventory listing real property, vehicles, financial accounts, retirement accounts, business interests, and personal property with estimated values
- Debt inventory covering mortgages, vehicle loans, credit card balances, and other liabilities
- Appraisals and expert valuations for real property, business interests, and personal property
Children-Related Documents (If Applicable)
Where minor children are involved, the case file includes a parenting plan establishing legal custody (decision-making authority), physical placement, a detailed timesharing schedule covering regular periods, holidays, and vacations, transportation arrangements, and provisions governing relocation. Child support calculation worksheets reflect both parties' income, the number of placement overnights, health insurance costs, and childcare expenses, with the resulting support amount ordered by the court. Custody evaluations and guardian ad litem reports, where ordered, may be subject to restricted access.
Support Documents
Spousal support provisions, where applicable, specify the type of maintenance ordered (temporary, rehabilitative, or other), the amount and duration, the payment schedule, modification provisions, and termination conditions. Calculation worksheets reflect the parties' respective incomes, the marital standard of living, and the factors considered by the court under Wisconsin family law.
Settlement Documents
The Marital Settlement Agreement is a comprehensive document resolving all contested issues, including property division, debt allocation, spousal support terms, child-related provisions, tax treatment of transfers, and attorney fee allocation. Mediation agreements, where the parties participated in mediation, may be incorporated into the settlement agreement.
Court Orders and Judgments
Temporary orders entered during the pendency of the case may address temporary custody, temporary support, temporary use of marital property, and temporary restraining orders. The Final Judgment of Divorce is the court's definitive order dissolving the marriage, containing findings of fact, conclusions of law, property division awards, spousal support orders, child custody and placement provisions, child support orders, and any court-ordered name restoration. Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) are entered separately where retirement accounts are divided as part of the property settlement.
Post-Judgment Documents (If Applicable)
Post-judgment filings may include petitions to modify custody or support, court orders on modification requests, contempt motions alleging non-compliance with the final judgment, income deduction orders for support enforcement, and lien filings.
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted from public filings)
- Addresses and schools of minor children
- Domestic violence details (may be sealed by court order)
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluations
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
- Settlement negotiations not incorporated into filed documents
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Clark County?
Proof of divorce in Clark County is obtained through a certified copy of the final judgment of divorce issued by the Clark County Clerk of Courts. A certified copy bears the court's official seal and the Clerk's certification, and is accepted as legal proof of dissolution of marriage for remarriage, name change, immigration, and other legal purposes.
Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy of the Final Divorce Decree:
- Identify the case. Locate the case number using the Wisconsin Court System case search portal or by contacting the Clerk of Courts at (715) 743-2208.
- Submit a request. Requests may be submitted in person at the Clerk of Courts office, by mail, or as directed by the Clark County Records & Services office. Written requests submitted by mail must include the names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, the case number if known, the requester's name and mailing address, and payment for applicable fees.
- Pay applicable fees. The current fee for a certified copy is $5.00 per document plus $1.25 per page. Payment by cash, check, or money order is accepted.
- Receive the certified copy. In-person requests are processed at the time of the visit, subject to staff availability. Mail requests are processed within approximately one to two weeks.
Divorce Certificates Through State Vital Records:
Members of the public may also obtain a divorce certificate through the Wisconsin DHS Vital Records office. Divorce certificates issued by the state contain summary information about the dissolution and are accepted for certain purposes, though they contain less detail than a certified copy of the court's final judgment. The Wisconsin DHS notes that divorce records "are also available through Wisconsin county Register of Deeds offices."
Clark County Clerk of Courts
517 Court Street, Room 303
Neillsville, WI 54456
Phone: (715) 743-2208
Clerk of Courts | Clark County WI
Wisconsin Department of Health Services — Vital Records
1 West Wilson Street
Madison, WI 53703
Phone: (608) 266-1373
Vital Records: Requesting a Vital Record
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Clark County?
Divorce proceedings in Clark County are presumptively public under Wisconsin's open records law; however, specific portions of a case file may be sealed or restricted by court order upon a proper showing.
- Sealed cases: A party may petition the Clark County Circuit Court to seal all or part of a divorce case file. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties and any minor children involved.
- Domestic violence cases: Where a party has obtained a protective order or where domestic violence allegations are present, the court may restrict access to addresses, contact information, and related evidence to protect the safety of the affected party.
- Children's information: Information identifying the residence, school, or medical condition of minor children is subject to restriction under Wisconsin court rules and may be redacted from publicly accessible filings.
- Mediation communications: Under Wisconsin law, communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and are not part of the public court record.
- Mental health and substance abuse records: Evaluations and treatment records incorporated into a divorce file may be filed under seal and are not accessible to the general public without a court order.
- Financial account numbers and Social Security numbers: These identifiers are redacted from all public filings pursuant to Wisconsin Supreme Court rules governing personal identifiers in court documents.
Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for access. The Clark County family and divorce information page provides additional guidance on court procedures applicable to dissolution proceedings.
How Long Does Clark County Keep Divorce Records?
Clark County Circuit Court divorce records are retained for extended periods consistent with Wisconsin court records retention schedules established by the Wisconsin Supreme Court and the Wisconsin Public Records Board.
- Final judgments and decrees: Permanent retention. Final judgments of divorce are maintained indefinitely as part of the permanent court record.
- Complete case files: Dissolution of marriage case files are retained for a minimum of 75 years from the date of the final judgment under Wisconsin court records retention schedules, reflecting the long-term legal significance of these documents.
- Financial affidavits and discovery documents: Retained as part of the case file for the duration of the applicable retention period.
- Post-judgment modification orders: Retained as part of the original case file and subject to the same retention schedule as the underlying dissolution proceeding.
- Archived records: Cases predating electronic filing systems are maintained in physical archives. Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time and should be requested directly through the Clerk of Courts.
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in the Wisconsin court electronic filing system and are accessible through the Wisconsin Court System case search portal.
Wisconsin court records retention requirements are established pursuant to authority granted under Wisconsin Supreme Court rules and applicable state statutes governing public records management. Members of the public seeking records from older cases should contact the Clerk of Courts directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures.