Outagamie County Divorce Records
What Are Outagamie County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Outagamie County are official legal documents that provide documentation of the dissolution of marriage between two individuals. These records are maintained by the Outagamie County Circuit Court and constitute part of the public record system pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 767.35, which governs divorce proceedings in the state. Divorce records typically include the final judgment of divorce, which legally terminates the marriage relationship.
Divorce records serve multiple purposes for citizens and governmental agencies:
- Legal proof of marital status change
- Documentation required for remarriage
- Evidence for name change processes
- Verification for Social Security benefits claims
- Supporting documentation for loan applications
- Required evidence for immigration matters
- Historical and genealogical research
The Wisconsin court system maintains these records as part of its responsibility to document legal proceedings within the county. Divorce records are categorized as family court records and are maintained according to state retention schedules.
Are Outagamie County Divorce Records Public?
Outagamie County divorce records have a complex public access status that varies by document type and information sensitivity. Generally, court divorce case files are considered public records under the Wisconsin Public Records Law § 19.31-19.39, which establishes the presumption that government records should be accessible to the public. However, this access is subject to important limitations.
The public may access:
- Basic case information including parties' names, case numbers, and filing dates
- Court orders and judgments
- Most pleadings and motions filed with the court
- Hearing dates and outcomes
Restricted information typically includes:
- Financial disclosure statements
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Information about minor children
- Certain sensitive personal information sealed by court order
The Outagamie County Circuit Court Clerk serves as the custodian of these records and implements access protocols in accordance with state law. While the general case information is publicly accessible, certified divorce certificates with restricted access are available only to the parties involved and other authorized persons who can demonstrate a legitimate interest in the records.
Outagamie County Circuit Court Clerk
320 S. Walnut Street
Appleton, WI 54911
(920) 832-5131
Outagamie County Circuit Court
How To Find a Divorce Record In Outagamie County in 2026
Members of the public seeking divorce records in Outagamie County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The Wisconsin court system provides multiple access points for obtaining divorce record information:
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Visit the Outagamie County Circuit Court Clerk's office in person:
- Bring identification and as much information about the case as possible (names of parties, approximate date of divorce)
- Complete a records request form available at the clerk's counter
- Pay applicable search and copy fees (currently $5.00 for record searches plus $1.25 per page for copies)
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Submit a written request by mail:
- Include a detailed description of the records sought
- Provide contact information for follow-up questions
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment for applicable fees
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Access the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) website:
- Search by party name
- Filter results by county (Outagamie) and case type (family/divorce)
- Note that only basic case information is available online
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Request certified copies of divorce judgments:
- Submit a written request with case information
- Include proof of identity if you are a party to the case
- Pay the certification fee (currently $5.00 per document)
The Outagamie County Circuit Court processes record requests during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding legal holidays.
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Outagamie County Online?
Outagamie County divorce records can be accessed online through the Wisconsin court system's electronic resources. The primary online platform for accessing divorce records is the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) portal, commonly known as CCAP. This system provides public access to court case information for all 72 Wisconsin counties, including Outagamie County.
To search for divorce records online:
- Navigate to the WCCA website
- Select "Advanced Search" for more specific search options
- Enter the party name(s) involved in the divorce case
- Select "Outagamie" from the county dropdown menu
- Choose "Family" under case types
- Review the search results, which will display:
- Case number
- Filing date
- Case status (open/closed)
- Party names
- Case type (divorce, legal separation, etc.)
- Judge assigned
Users should note that the online system provides only basic case information and not complete divorce files. According to Wisconsin Statute § 801.19, certain personal identifiers and sensitive information are protected from online disclosure. To view complete case files, individuals must visit the courthouse in person.
For cases filed after 2016, some court documents may be available through the Wisconsin Court System eFiling platform, though access is typically limited to parties and their attorneys.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Outagamie County?
Outagamie County residents and interested parties can access basic divorce record information at no cost through several channels. The Wisconsin court system provides free options for preliminary divorce record searches:
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Use the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) website:
- This free online resource provides basic case information
- Search by party name and filter for Outagamie County family cases
- View case filing dates, status, and scheduled court dates
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Visit the Outagamie County Law Library:
- Located within the Outagamie County Justice Center
- Public access computers available for WCCA searches
- Reference assistance available from library staff
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Consult public access terminals at the Outagamie County Courthouse:
- Self-service terminals available in the Clerk of Courts office
- No fee for searching, though printing charges may apply
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Contact the Wisconsin State Law Library for research assistance:
- Reference librarians can guide users to appropriate resources
- Remote assistance available by phone or email
While basic case information is available at no cost, fees apply for obtaining copies of actual court documents, certified copies, or comprehensive searches requiring staff assistance. The standard search fee is $5.00 per name searched, with additional charges for copies ($1.25 per page) and certification ($5.00 per document).
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Outagamie County
Divorce records in Outagamie County contain comprehensive documentation of the marriage dissolution process. These records are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk's office and typically include several key components:
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Petition for Divorce/Legal Separation:
- Initial filing that states grounds for divorce
- Information about the marriage duration
- Residency verification for jurisdictional purposes
- Preliminary proposals regarding property division and child custody
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Summons:
- Official notice to the respondent about the divorce action
- Information about response deadlines and legal rights
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Financial Disclosure Statements:
- Detailed inventories of assets and liabilities
- Income information for both parties
- Documentation supporting property valuations
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Marital Settlement Agreement (if applicable):
- Negotiated terms for property division
- Spousal maintenance arrangements
- Child custody, placement, and support provisions
- Insurance and tax filing arrangements
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Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Judgment:
- Final court determination dissolving the marriage
- Court-ordered property division
- Child custody and support orders
- Name restoration if requested
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Parenting Plan (for cases involving minor children):
- Detailed custody and placement schedules
- Decision-making authority allocation
- Communication protocols between parents
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Child Support Worksheets:
- Calculations based on Wisconsin's percentage standard
- Documentation of any deviations from standard guidelines
The comprehensiveness of divorce records varies based on case complexity and whether the divorce was contested or uncontested. All records are maintained according to Wisconsin court record retention schedules.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Outagamie County?
Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in Outagamie County must obtain certified copies of their divorce judgment from the appropriate county office. The Wisconsin court system has established specific procedures for requesting these documents:
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Request certified copies from the Outagamie County Circuit Court Clerk:
- Submit a written request specifying the case number (if known)
- Provide the full names of both parties to the divorce
- Include the approximate date of the divorce judgment
- Enclose the certification fee of $5.00 per document plus $1.25 per page
- Present valid photo identification if requesting in person
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Mail requests to: Outagamie County Circuit Court Clerk
320 S. Walnut Street
Appleton, WI 54911
(920) 832-5131
Outagamie County Circuit Court -
For divorces granted prior to 2000, contact the Wisconsin Vital Records Office:
- Complete the state's official divorce certificate application
- Provide required identification documentation
- Submit the current fee of $20.00 for the first copy
Certified copies bear the official seal of the court and signature of the clerk, making them acceptable for most legal purposes, including:
- Name change documentation
- Remarriage license applications
- Immigration proceedings
- Social Security benefit claims
- Insurance policy changes
Requesters should note that standard processing time is 5-7 business days for mail requests, while in-person requests may be fulfilled the same day depending on staff availability and record accessibility.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Outagamie County?
While divorce proceedings in Outagamie County are generally matters of public record, Wisconsin law provides mechanisms for protecting sensitive information within these records. Under Wisconsin Statute § 801.21, parties may petition the court to seal specific documents or information contained within divorce files.
Circumstances that may warrant confidentiality include:
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Protection of sensitive personal information:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Personal identification numbers
- Medical and health information
-
Safety concerns:
- Cases involving domestic violence
- Situations where publication could result in physical harm
- Matters involving stalking or harassment
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Protection of minor children:
- Guardian ad litem reports
- Psychological evaluations
- School records
- Medical information
-
Business confidentiality:
- Trade secrets
- Proprietary business information
- Confidential financial data
To request confidentiality, parties must:
- File a motion with the court demonstrating good cause
- Specify exactly which documents or information should be sealed
- Explain why the need for privacy outweighs the public interest in access
- Propose the least restrictive means of protecting the information
The court applies a balancing test weighing the privacy interests against the presumption of public access to court records. Even when records are sealed, basic case information typically remains visible in the court's index, including party names and the nature of the proceeding.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Outagamie County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Outagamie County varies significantly based on several factors. Wisconsin law establishes a mandatory 120-day waiting period from the date of filing and service before a divorce judgment can be granted, pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 767.335. However, the actual timeline often extends beyond this minimum period.
Key factors affecting divorce timeframes include:
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Case complexity:
- Simple uncontested divorces: 4-6 months
- Contested divorces with limited issues: 6-12 months
- Complex contested divorces: 12-24+ months
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Property division complexity:
- Minimal shared assets: faster resolution
- Business valuations required: extended timeline
- Retirement accounts and pension division: additional time for QDRO preparation
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Child custody and placement disputes:
- Agreed parenting plans: minimal impact on timeline
- Guardian ad litem investigations: adds 2-4 months
- Custody evaluations: adds 3-6 months
-
Court calendar congestion:
- Current scheduling in Outagamie County averages 60-90 days for initial hearings
- Contested trials may be scheduled 4-6 months from request date
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Alternative dispute resolution participation:
- Mediation: potentially reduces timeline by 2-3 months if successful
- Collaborative divorce: typically 4-8 months total process
According to the Wisconsin Court System, approximately 70% of divorce cases statewide are resolved within 9 months of filing. Outagamie County statistics generally align with this state average, though individual case timelines vary substantially based on the specific circumstances.
How Long Does Outagamie County Keep Divorce Records?
Outagamie County maintains divorce records according to the Wisconsin Court Records Retention Schedule established by the Director of State Courts under authority granted by Wisconsin Statute § 758.18. This comprehensive schedule dictates the minimum retention periods for various court documents, including divorce records.
The retention periods for divorce-related records are as follows:
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Case files containing judgments and orders:
- Permanent retention (never destroyed)
- After 20 years, may be transferred to microfilm or electronic format
- Original paper records may be destroyed after verification of proper transfer
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Financial disclosure statements:
- Retained for 1 year after entry of final judgment
- May be destroyed earlier if parties stipulate to destruction
- Parties may retrieve original documents by court order
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Exhibits:
- Retained until 1 year after entry of final judgment
- May be reclaimed by the submitting party
- Unclaimed exhibits destroyed after retention period
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Audio recordings of proceedings:
- Retained for 10 years after entry of final judgment
- Transcripts of proceedings retained permanently
-
Case management system data:
- Basic case information maintained permanently in electronic format
- Includes party names, case numbers, and judgment dates
The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) online system typically displays divorce cases for 20 years from the date of filing, though the underlying records are maintained permanently by the court. Records older than 20 years may require a direct request to the Outagamie County Circuit Court Clerk's office for retrieval from archived storage.
How To Get a Divorce In Outagamie County
Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Outagamie County must follow specific procedures established by Wisconsin family law. The divorce process, legally termed "dissolution of marriage," requires adherence to jurisdictional requirements and procedural steps:
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Establish eligibility:
- At least one spouse must have been a Wisconsin resident for at least 6 months
- At least one spouse must have been an Outagamie County resident for at least 30 days
- Marriage must be irretrievably broken (Wisconsin is a "no-fault" divorce state)
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Prepare and file initial documents:
- Summons and Petition for Divorce/Legal Separation
- Confidential Petition Addendum
- Filing fee payment (currently $184.50 for divorce with minor children, $164.50 without)
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Serve documents on the other spouse:
- Personal service by sheriff or process server
- Alternatively, spouse may sign an Admission of Service
- Service must be completed within 90 days of filing
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Complete financial disclosure:
- Both parties must exchange Financial Disclosure Statements
- Documentation of assets, debts, income, and expenses required
- Failure to disclose may result in sanctions
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Address temporary matters if needed:
- File Order to Show Cause for temporary orders
- Attend temporary orders hearing
- Court may issue orders regarding support, residence, and child placement
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Participate in mediation if children involved:
- Mandatory mediation for custody and placement disputes
- Conducted through Outagamie County Family Court Services
- Fee based on sliding scale according to income
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Negotiate settlement or prepare for trial:
- Develop Marital Settlement Agreement if terms agreed upon
- Participate in pretrial conference
- Prepare witnesses and exhibits if proceeding to trial
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Attend final hearing:
- Present settlement agreement or evidence at contested hearing
- Judge reviews and approves or modifies proposed judgment
- Divorce granted if court finds marriage irretrievably broken
The Wisconsin Court System provides forms and guidance for self-represented litigants. The Outagamie County Family Court Commissioner's office also offers procedural information but cannot provide legal advice.
How To Get Divorce Papers In Outagamie County
Individuals initiating divorce proceedings in Outagamie County must obtain and complete the appropriate legal forms. The Wisconsin court system provides standardized divorce forms that comply with state requirements. These documents can be accessed through several channels:
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Wisconsin Court System website:
- Visit the Wisconsin Court System's divorce forms page
- Download fillable PDF forms at no cost
- Forms include detailed instructions for completion
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Outagamie County Courthouse:
- Visit the Clerk of Courts office during business hours
- Request divorce packet appropriate to your situation (with/without children)
- Pay nominal fee for printed forms (approximately $5-10)
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Outagamie County Law Library:
- Located in the Justice Center
- Reference copies of forms available for review
- Photocopies available for a per-page fee
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Wisconsin State Law Library:
- Online resources specific to Outagamie County
- Remote assistance available via phone or email
The basic divorce forms package typically includes:
- Summons and Petition for Divorce
- Confidential Petition Addendum
- Financial Disclosure Statement
- Proposed Parenting Plan (for cases with minor children)
- Marital Settlement Agreement
- Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Judgment
Individuals with complex situations may require additional forms. While court staff can provide the correct forms, they cannot offer legal advice on form completion or divorce strategy. The Outagamie County Bar Association offers a lawyer referral service for those seeking legal representation or limited-scope assistance with document preparation.
Lookup Divorce Records in Outagamie County
Wisconsin Circuit Court Access