Waukesha Public Records /Waukesha County Divorce Records

Waukesha County Divorce Records

What Are Waukesha County Divorce Records?

Divorce records in Waukesha County are official legal documents that provide evidence of the dissolution of a marriage within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 767.35, which governs judgment of divorce or legal separation. Divorce records typically consist of two main components: court case files containing the complete legal proceedings and divorce certificates that serve as official proof of the divorce decree.

The Waukesha County Circuit Court maintains the comprehensive court files related to divorce proceedings, while the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Vital Records Office and Waukesha County Register of Deeds maintain divorce certificates for divorces granted from January 1, 2016 to the present.

Divorce records serve multiple essential purposes:

Legal proof of marital status change
Documentation required for remarriage
Evidence for legal name changes following divorce
Supporting documentation for Social Security benefit adjustments
Required documentation for loan applications
Verification for immigration and citizenship matters
Historical and genealogical research

These records contain sensitive personal information and are subject to specific access regulations under Wisconsin law.

Are Waukesha County Divorce Records Public?

Waukesha County divorce records have varying degrees of public accessibility depending on the specific document type and the information contained therein. Under the Wisconsin Public Records Law § 19.31-19.39, court records, including divorce case files, are generally considered public records. However, this public access is subject to important limitations and exceptions.

Court divorce case files maintained by the Waukesha County Circuit Court are generally accessible to the public with certain restrictions:

Financial disclosure forms filed by the parties are sealed and not available for public inspection
Records containing information about domestic abuse or harassment may be sealed
Documents containing sensitive personal identifiers such as Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and certain medical information are redacted or restricted
Records involving minor children may have additional privacy protections

Certified divorce certificates, which provide official verification of a divorce decree, have more restricted access. According to Wisconsin Statute § 69.21, only the following individuals may obtain certified copies of divorce certificates:

The divorced parties themselves
Direct family members with a tangible interest
Legal representatives of eligible parties
Persons with a court order authorizing access
Government agencies performing official duties

Uncertified informational copies of divorce certificates with limited information may be available to the general public through the Wisconsin Vital Records Office.

How To Find a Divorce Record In Waukesha County in 2026

Members of the public seeking divorce records in Waukesha County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The appropriate method depends on the type of record needed and the requester's relationship to the parties involved.

For divorce case files:

Visit the Waukesha County Clerk of Circuit Court office in person:

Waukesha County Clerk of Circuit Court
515 W. Moreland Boulevard
Waukesha, WI 53188
262-548-7484
Waukesha County Circuit Court

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)
Search online through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access portal (CCAP), which provides basic case information and status updates for divorce proceedings.
Submit a written request to the Clerk of Circuit Court with the following information:
- Full names of both parties to the divorce
- Approximate date of divorce filing or finalization
- Case number (if known)
- Requester's contact information
- Specific documents requested

For certified divorce certificates (for divorces granted January 1, 2016 to present):

Visit the Waukesha County Register of Deeds office:

Waukesha County Register of Deeds
515 W. Moreland Boulevard, Room 160
Waukesha, WI 53188
262-548-7583
Waukesha County Register of Deeds

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:15 PM (excluding holidays)
Submit a request to the Wisconsin Vital Records Office:

Wisconsin Vital Records Office
1 West Wilson Street, Room 160
Madison, WI 53703
608-266-1373
Wisconsin Vital Records
Order online through VitalChek, the authorized service provider for Wisconsin vital records.

Requesters must provide proper identification and may need to demonstrate eligibility to access certified divorce certificates under Wisconsin law.

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Waukesha County Online?

Waukesha County residents and other interested parties may access certain divorce record information online through several official channels. The Wisconsin court system provides a comprehensive online case search system that allows users to locate basic divorce case information.

To search for divorce records online:

Visit the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access website (CCAP).
Select the appropriate search method:
- Case search by name (requires first and last name)
- Case search by case number (if known)
- Advanced search options for narrowing results
For name searches:
- Enter the party's name (last name, first name)
- Select Waukesha County from the county dropdown menu
- Select "Family" as the case type
- Optionally narrow the date range if known
Review the search results, which will display:
- Case number
- Filing date
- Case type (divorce, legal separation, etc.)
- Current status
- Party names
- Limited case history information

It is important to note that the online system provides only basic case information and not complete divorce records. The following limitations apply:

Complete court documents are not available for viewing or download
Financial information is not accessible online
Sealed or confidential records are not displayed
Records that have been expunged or restricted will not appear

For certified divorce certificates, online ordering is available through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services authorized service provider, VitalChek. This service requires:

Creation of a secure user account
Verification of identity
Payment of applicable fees
Demonstration of eligibility to receive the record

Online access to divorce records is subject to the same legal restrictions that apply to in-person requests.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Waukesha County?

Members of the public seeking no-cost access to divorce records in Waukesha County have several options available, though these methods may have certain limitations compared to paid services.

Free access options include:

Using public access terminals at the Waukesha County Courthouse:

Waukesha County Courthouse
515 W. Moreland Boulevard
Waukesha, WI 53188

The courthouse provides public terminals that allow free searching of the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (CCAP) database with more detailed information than the public website version.
Visiting the Waukesha County Law Library:

Waukesha County Law Library
515 W. Moreland Boulevard, Room C-170
Waukesha, WI 53188
262-548-7546

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)

The law library provides free access to court records and legal research materials.
Using the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access website from any internet-connected device. This free resource provides basic case information including:
- Party names
- Case type and number
- Filing date
- Case status
- Scheduled court dates
- Basic judgment information
Requesting to view records in person at the Clerk of Circuit Court office:

Waukesha County Clerk of Circuit Court
515 W. Moreland Boulevard
Waukesha, WI 53188
262-548-7484

While viewing records is free, copying fees may apply if printed copies are requested.

Important limitations to be aware of when seeking free access:

Certified copies always require payment of statutory fees
Some documents may only be available with paid copy fees
Free access is generally limited to viewing records, not obtaining copies
Staff assistance may be limited due to workload constraints
Certain confidential or sealed records will not be accessible regardless of method

Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 814.61(5), fees for copies of divorce records are established by law and cannot be waived except in specific circumstances involving indigent status or certain government agencies.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Waukesha County

Divorce records in Waukesha County consist of multiple documents that collectively document the legal dissolution of a marriage. The content and format of these records vary depending on whether they are court case files or vital records certificates.

Court divorce case files typically include:

Petition for Divorce or Legal Separation - The initial filing that states the grounds for divorce and basic information about the marriage, parties, and any minor children
Summons - The formal notice to the respondent about the divorce action
Financial Disclosure Statements - Detailed information about each party's assets, debts, income, and expenses
Marital Settlement Agreement - The negotiated agreement between parties covering:
- Division of property and debts
- Spousal maintenance (alimony) arrangements
- Child custody and placement schedules
- Child support calculations and obligations
- Insurance coverage provisions
Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Judgment - The final court order that legally terminates the marriage and incorporates all agreements and court decisions
Parenting Plan - Detailed arrangements for co-parenting minor children (when applicable)
Child Support Worksheets - Calculations used to determine support obligations
Certificates of Completion for required parenting classes or mediation
Transcripts of court hearings or trials (if applicable)
Post-judgment motions and orders (if modifications were made after the divorce)

Certified divorce certificates, maintained by the Wisconsin Vital Records Office and the Waukesha County Register of Deeds, contain more limited information:

Full legal names of both parties
Date the divorce was granted
County where the divorce was finalized
Case number
Date the certificate was filed
Official certification and seal

Certain sensitive information is protected from public disclosure in accordance with Wisconsin privacy laws, including:

Social Security numbers
Financial account numbers
Certain medical information
Information about minor children
Victim information in cases involving domestic abuse

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Waukesha County?

Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in Waukesha County have several options for obtaining certified documentation that will be recognized by government agencies, courts, and other institutions requiring verification of marital status.

For divorces granted from January 1, 2016 to the present:

Request a certified divorce certificate from the Waukesha County Register of Deeds:

Waukesha County Register of Deeds
515 W. Moreland Boulevard, Room 160
Waukesha, WI 53188
262-548-7583
Waukesha County Vital Records

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:15 PM (excluding holidays)

Required information:
- Full names of both parties to the divorce
- Date of divorce
- Purpose for requesting the certificate
- Valid government-issued photo ID
- Payment of the $20 fee for the first copy and $3 for each additional copy
Request a certified divorce certificate from the Wisconsin Vital Records Office:

Wisconsin Vital Records Office
1 West Wilson Street, Room 160
Madison, WI 53703
608-266-1373
Wisconsin Vital Records

This can be done in person, by mail, or through their authorized online service provider.

For divorces granted prior to January 1, 2016:

Contact the Waukesha County Clerk of Courts office:

Waukesha County Clerk of Circuit Court
515 W. Moreland Boulevard
Waukesha, WI 53188
262-548-7544
Waukesha County Circuit Courts

Request a certified copy of the divorce judgment, which serves as legal proof of divorce.

For urgent needs, expedited service is available:

In-person requests at either the Register of Deeds or Clerk of Courts office can often be processed the same day.
Online orders through VitalChek offer expedited processing and shipping options for an additional fee.

Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 69.21, only certain individuals are eligible to obtain certified copies of divorce certificates, including:

The divorced parties
Direct family members with a tangible interest
Legal representatives of eligible parties
Persons with a court order authorizing access

All requesters must provide valid identification and may need to provide documentation proving their relationship to the parties or legal interest in the record.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Waukesha County?

While divorce proceedings in Waukesha County are generally matters of public record, Wisconsin law provides several mechanisms through which certain aspects of divorce cases may be kept confidential or have restricted access.

Under Wisconsin Statute § 801.21, parties may petition the court to seal or redact specific documents or information within the divorce file. The court may grant such requests when:

The information contains sensitive personal identifiers such as Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, or driver's license numbers
The information relates to trade secrets or proprietary business information
The information involves minor children and public access would not be in their best interest
The information could create risk of identity theft, personal harm, or harassment

Additionally, certain documents in divorce proceedings are automatically confidential under Wisconsin law:

Financial disclosure statements filed by the parties
Medical and psychological records submitted as evidence
Records related to domestic abuse or harassment
Guardian ad litem reports concerning minor children
Certain information about minor children, including custody evaluations

For cases involving domestic violence, parties may request that the court:

Seal the entire case file
Use only initials or pseudonyms in public documents
Issue a protective order restricting information disclosure
Hold hearings in closed courtrooms

To request confidentiality for divorce proceedings in Waukesha County:

File a motion with the Waukesha County Circuit Court requesting sealing or redaction of specific documents or information
Provide a legal basis for the confidentiality request
Specify exactly what information should be protected
Demonstrate how public disclosure would cause harm

The court will balance the public's right to access court records against the privacy interests of the parties and any safety concerns. Complete confidentiality of an entire divorce case is rare and granted only in exceptional circumstances, typically involving significant safety risks or extraordinary privacy concerns.

Even when certain aspects of a divorce are confidential, basic case information (such as the existence of the case and the parties' names) generally remains accessible through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access system unless specifically ordered otherwise by a judge.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Waukesha County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in Waukesha County varies significantly based on multiple factors related to case complexity, cooperation between parties, and court scheduling. Under Wisconsin law, specifically Wisconsin Statute § 767.335, a mandatory 120-day waiting period exists between the service of the divorce petition and the final hearing date.

Typical timeframes for Waukesha County divorces include:

Uncontested divorces with complete agreement on all issues: 4-6 months
Contested divorces with moderate disagreements: 6-12 months
Highly contested divorces involving complex assets or custody disputes: 12-24+ months

Factors that influence the timeline include:

Case complexity:
- Presence of minor children requiring custody and placement determinations
- Extensive marital property requiring valuation and division
- Business ownership interests requiring professional valuation
- Retirement accounts and pension plans requiring specialized division
- Real estate in multiple jurisdictions
Level of cooperation between parties:
- Willingness to negotiate in good faith
- Participation in mediation or collaborative divorce processes
- Promptness in providing required financial disclosures
- Agreement on temporary arrangements during the pendency of the divorce
Court-related factors:
- Current caseload of the assigned judge
- Availability of court dates for hearings and trials
- Completion of required parenting education classes
- Time needed for guardian ad litem investigations in cases involving children
External factors:
- Availability of necessary experts (business valuators, property appraisers, etc.)
- Complexity of financial discovery
- Need for depositions or other formal discovery procedures
- Involvement of other legal proceedings (bankruptcy, foreclosure, etc.)

According to the Waukesha County Circuit Court, the average processing time for uncontested divorces is approximately 4-6 months from filing to final judgment, while contested matters requiring trial typically take 12-18 months to complete.

Parties seeking to expedite their divorce should consider:

Utilizing mediation services
Participating in the county's early neutral evaluation program
Preparing complete financial disclosures promptly
Considering collaborative divorce processes when appropriate
Reaching agreements on temporary arrangements during the pendency of the case

The court cannot waive the statutory 120-day waiting period except in cases involving domestic abuse or other extraordinary circumstances.

How Long Does Waukesha County Keep Divorce Records?

Waukesha County maintains divorce records according to Wisconsin's records retention schedules, which establish different retention periods based on the type of record and its historical or legal significance. These retention schedules are governed by Wisconsin Statute § 59.52(4) and administrative rules established by the Wisconsin Public Records Board.

For divorce records maintained by the Waukesha County Circuit Court:

Complete case files for divorces granted after 1970: Permanent retention
Divorce judgments and final orders: Permanent retention
Financial disclosure statements: Retained for 1 year after the final judgment, then destroyed
Exhibits submitted during hearings: Retained for 20 years after final disposition
Audio recordings of court proceedings: Retained for 10 years after final disposition
Temporary orders: Retained for 7 years after final judgment

For divorce certificates maintained by the Waukesha County Register of Deeds:

Certified divorce certificates (from January 1, 2016 to present): Permanent retention

The Wisconsin Vital Records Office maintains permanent records of all divorce certificates statewide. According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, these records are maintained indefinitely and are never destroyed.

Historical divorce records (pre-1970) may have been transferred to the Wisconsin Historical Society for permanent archival preservation. Researchers seeking very old divorce records may need to contact:

Wisconsin Historical Society
816 State Street
Madison, WI 53706
608-264-6535
Wisconsin Historical Society

Digital preservation of divorce records is an ongoing process in Waukesha County. While newer records (generally post-2000) are created and maintained in digital format, older records may exist only in paper form or on microfilm. The county continues to digitize historical records to improve accessibility and ensure long-term preservation.

Individuals seeking copies of older divorce records should be aware that retrieval may take longer due to storage in off-site facilities or the need to access microfilm or paper archives.

How To Get a Divorce In Waukesha County

Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Waukesha County must follow Wisconsin's legal process for divorce, which is formally referred to as "dissolution of marriage" under state law. The process involves several required steps and adherence to specific legal requirements.

To initiate a divorce in Waukesha County:

Establish eligibility:
- At least one spouse must have been a Wisconsin resident for at least 6 months
- At least one spouse must have been a resident of Waukesha County for at least 30 days
- These requirements are established under Wisconsin Statute § 767.301
Obtain and complete the required forms:
- Petition for Divorce/Legal Separation (with or without minor children)
- Summons
- Confidential Petition Addendum
- Financial Disclosure Statement
Forms are available from:

Waukesha County Clerk of Circuit Court
515 W. Moreland Boulevard
Waukesha, WI 53188
262-548-7484
Waukesha County Circuit Courts

Or online through the Wisconsin Court System website.
File the completed forms with the Waukesha County Clerk of Circuit Court and pay the filing fee (approximately $184.50 as of current fee schedule).
Serve the divorce papers on the other spouse according to Wisconsin legal requirements:
- Personal service by a process server or sheriff
- Voluntary acceptance of service by the respondent spouse
- Alternative service methods if approved by the court
Attend any required classes or mediation:
- Parents of minor children must attend a parenting class
- Mediation is required for contested custody or placement issues
Complete the mandatory 120-day waiting period required under Wisconsin law.
Negotiate settlement of all issues or prepare for trial:
- Property and debt division
- Spousal maintenance (if applicable)
- Child custody, placement, and support (if applicable)
- Insurance and tax matters
Attend the final hearing before a Waukesha County Circuit Court judge or court commissioner.
Submit the final divorce judgment for court approval.

Wisconsin is a "no-fault" divorce state, meaning that the only legal ground for divorce is that the marriage is "irretrievably broken" with no reasonable prospect of reconciliation. Neither spouse needs to prove wrongdoing by the other.

For assistance with the divorce process, Waukesha County residents may contact:

Waukesha County Family Court Services
515 W. Moreland Boulevard, Room C-206
Waukesha, WI 53188
262-548-7900
Waukesha County Family Court Services

Low-income individuals may qualify for assistance through:

Legal Action of Wisconsin - Waukesha Office
521 N. Grand Avenue
Waukesha, WI 53186
262-542-4831
Legal Action of Wisconsin

How To Get Divorce Papers In Waukesha County

Individuals initiating or responding to divorce proceedings in Waukesha County have several options for obtaining the necessary legal forms and documents. These forms must comply with Wisconsin statutory requirements and local court rules.

To obtain divorce papers in Waukesha County:

Visit the Waukesha County Courthouse in person:

Waukesha County Clerk of Circuit Court
515 W. Moreland Boulevard
Waukesha, WI 53188
262-548-7484
Waukesha County Circuit Courts

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)

The clerk's office provides basic divorce forms and can answer procedural questions, though staff cannot provide legal advice.
Access forms online through the Wisconsin Court System website:

The Wisconsin Court System provides standardized forms for family law matters, including:
- Petition for Divorce/Legal Separation (with or without minor children)
- Summons
- Financial Disclosure Statement
- Marital Settlement Agreement templates
- Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Judgment forms
- Child support worksheets
- Parenting plan templates
Use Wisconsin's Court Form Assistant:

The Wisconsin Court Form Assistant is an interactive online tool that helps users complete divorce forms by asking a series of questions and generating completed documents based on the responses.
Visit the Waukesha County Law Library:

Waukesha County Law Library
515 W. Moreland Boulevard, Room C-170
Waukesha, WI 53188
262-548-7546

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)

The law library provides access to legal resources, form books, and computers for completing court forms.
Attend a free legal clinic:

Waukesha County Free Legal Clinic
Held at the Waukesha County Courthouse
515 W. Moreland Boulevard
Waukesha, WI 53188

Volunteer attorneys provide brief legal advice and assistance with forms during scheduled clinic hours.

Important considerations when obtaining divorce papers:

Different forms are required for cases with and without minor children
Additional specialized forms may be needed for complex situations involving:
- Business ownership
- Retirement accounts requiring Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs)
- Real estate transfers
- Domestic violence or restraining orders
Forms must be completed accurately and completely to avoid processing delays
Filing fees (approximately $184.50) are required unless a fee waiver is granted based on financial hardship

Individuals with complex situations or those uncomfortable with the legal process should consider consulting with an attorney. The Waukesha County Bar Association offers a lawyer referral service to connect individuals with attorneys specializing in family law.

Lookup Divorce Records in Waukesha County

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