Ozaukee County Public Records /Ozaukee County Divorce Records

Ozaukee County Divorce Records

What Are Ozaukee County Divorce Records?

Divorce records in Ozaukee County are official legal documents that provide documentation of the dissolution of marriage between two individuals. These records are maintained pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 767.35, which governs divorce proceedings in the state. Divorce records typically consist of two primary components: court case files containing the complete legal proceedings and divorce certificates that serve as official proof of the marriage dissolution.

The Ozaukee County Clerk of Circuit Court maintains divorce case files as part of the county's judicial records. These files contain petitions, judgments, and other legal documents filed during divorce proceedings. Divorce certificates, which provide official verification of the divorce, are maintained by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Vital Records Office and are available through both state and county offices.

Divorce records serve multiple important purposes:

Legal proof of marital status change
Documentation required for remarriage
Evidence for name change processes
Verification for Social Security benefits
Documentation for loan applications
Supporting evidence for immigration matters
Historical and genealogical research

Under Wisconsin law, divorce records are categorized as vital records, similar to birth, death, and marriage certificates, and are subject to specific regulations regarding access and distribution.

Are Ozaukee County Divorce Records Public?

Divorce records in Ozaukee County have varying degrees of public accessibility depending on the specific document type and the information contained therein. Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 19.31, the Wisconsin Public Records Law establishes a presumption of accessibility to government records, including court records. However, this access is balanced against privacy considerations outlined in family law statutes.

Court divorce case files maintained by the Ozaukee County Clerk of Circuit Court are generally available for public inspection. These files typically include:

Divorce petitions and responses
Financial disclosure statements
Property settlement agreements
Child custody and support arrangements
Final judgment and decree of divorce

However, certain components of divorce records may be restricted from public access, including:

Financial account numbers and Social Security numbers
Certain child custody evaluations
Sealed records pursuant to court order
Records containing information about domestic violence victims
Psychological evaluations and certain medical information

Certified divorce certificates, which provide official verification of a divorce, have more restricted access. According to Wisconsin Statute § 69.20, these certificates are available only to:

The parties to the divorce
Direct family members with legitimate interest
Legal representatives of eligible parties
Individuals with court orders authorizing access
Government agencies performing official functions

Members of the public seeking divorce records should be aware of these distinctions when determining which records they need and whether they qualify for access.

How To Find a Divorce Record In Ozaukee County in 2026

Individuals seeking divorce records in Ozaukee County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The appropriate approach depends on whether the requestor needs court case files or certified divorce certificates.

For divorce court case files:

Contact the Ozaukee County Clerk of Circuit Court office directly to request records:

Ozaukee County Clerk of Circuit Court
1201 S. Spring Street
Port Washington, WI 53074
262-284-8409
Clerk of Circuit Court

Submit a record request form with the following information:
- Full names of both parties to the divorce
- Approximate date of divorce filing or finalization
- Case number (if known)
- Requestor's contact information
Pay applicable fees for record searches and copies:
- Record search: $5.00 per name
- Copies: $1.25 per page
- Certified copies: $5.00 per document

For certified divorce certificates:

Contact the Ozaukee County Register of Deeds:

Ozaukee County Register of Deeds
121 W. Main Street, Room 110
Port Washington, WI 53074
262-284-8282
Register of Deeds

Complete the vital records request form with:
- Full names of both parties
- Date of divorce
- County where divorce was granted
- Reason for requesting the record
- Proof of identification
Pay the required fee:
- $20.00 for the first copy
- $3.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time

Requestors must present valid photo identification when requesting records in person. Mail requests must include a photocopy of acceptable identification and a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Ozaukee County Online?

Ozaukee County provides digital access to certain divorce record information through online platforms. These electronic resources offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests, though they may have limitations regarding the scope of available information.

The primary online resource for accessing divorce court records is the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) portal, commonly known as CCAP. This system allows users to:

Search for divorce cases using:
- Names of parties involved
- Case number (if known)
- Case classification (select "Family" and then "Divorce")
- Filing date ranges
View basic case information including:
- Case filing date
- Judgment date
- Names of parties and attorneys
- Court events and hearing dates
- Case status (pending or closed)
- Basic judgment information

For certified divorce certificates, online options include:

The Wisconsin Vital Records Office online ordering system through VitalChek, which allows eligible individuals to:
- Order certified copies of divorce certificates
- Pay with credit card
- Choose standard or expedited delivery
- Track order status
The Ozaukee County Register of Deeds website, which provides information about ordering vital records online.

Important limitations of online access include:

WCCA does not display complete case documents, only summary information
Certain sensitive information is redacted from online records
Certified copies cannot be directly downloaded and must be ordered
Online access to divorce certificates is restricted to eligible individuals
Older records (generally pre-1990s) may not be available in electronic format

Users requiring complete case files or certified documents may need to follow up with in-person or mail requests after identifying records through online systems.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Ozaukee County?

Members of the public seeking to access divorce records in Ozaukee County without incurring fees have several options, though these methods typically provide limited information compared to official copies.

Free access options include:

Using the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) website to view basic case information:
- This publicly accessible database provides summary information about divorce cases
- No fees are charged for searching or viewing basic case details
- Information includes party names, case numbers, filing dates, and judgment dates
- The system does not provide access to actual document images
Visiting the Ozaukee County Justice Center to conduct in-person research:

Ozaukee County Justice Center
1201 S. Spring Street
Port Washington, WI 53074
262-284-8409

Public access terminals are available during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
Self-service research is free of charge
Staff assistance for locating records is available without fee
Only copying and certification services incur charges

Utilizing the Ozaukee County Law Library for legal research:

Ozaukee County Law Library
1201 S. Spring Street
Port Washington, WI 53074
262-284-8409

Reference materials and legal resources are available for public use
Access to legal databases may be available on-site
Research assistance from law library staff

Important limitations of free access methods:

While record searches may be free, obtaining copies typically involves fees
Certified copies always require payment of statutory fees
Staff assistance for extensive research may be limited
Older records may require more time-intensive manual searches
Complete case files cannot be viewed online without fees
Free access methods do not provide certified documents needed for legal purposes

Individuals requiring certified copies for legal purposes will need to pay the statutory fees regardless of the initial search method used.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Ozaukee County

Divorce records in Ozaukee County consist of multiple document types that collectively provide a comprehensive record of the marriage dissolution process. The content and format of these records are governed by Wisconsin Statute § 767.35, which establishes requirements for divorce judgments and related documentation.

A complete divorce case file typically contains:

Initial Filings:
- Petition for Divorce or Legal Separation
- Summons
- Confidential Petition Addendum (containing Social Security numbers)
- Financial Disclosure Statements
- Affidavit of Service
Temporary Orders:
- Temporary Orders for Child Custody and Placement
- Temporary Child Support and Maintenance Orders
- Temporary Property Division Arrangements
- Restraining Orders (if applicable)
Settlement Documents:
- Marital Settlement Agreement
- Property Division Statements
- Debt Allocation Agreements
- Pension and Retirement Account Division Orders
Child-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting Plans
- Child Support Worksheets
- Custody and Placement Schedules
- Guardian ad Litem Reports
Final Judgment Documents:
- Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law
- Judgment of Divorce
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs)
- Name Change Orders (if applicable)
Post-Judgment Filings:
- Motions to Modify Judgment
- Contempt Proceedings
- Child Support Enforcement Actions
- Custody Modification Requests

The certified divorce certificate, in contrast, contains only summary information:

Names of both parties
Date and place of divorce
Case number
Date of marriage
County where divorce was granted
Official certification

The level of detail available in divorce records makes them valuable for legal, financial, and personal purposes, though access to certain sensitive information may be restricted to protect privacy interests.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Ozaukee County?

Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in Ozaukee County have several options for obtaining certified documentation. The type of proof needed often depends on the specific purpose for which verification is required.

For most official purposes, a certified copy of the divorce certificate serves as the standard proof of divorce. To obtain this document:

Request from the Ozaukee County Register of Deeds:

Ozaukee County Register of Deeds
121 W. Main Street, Room 110
Port Washington, WI 53074
262-284-8282
Register of Deeds

Complete the vital records request form
Provide acceptable identification
Pay the $20.00 fee for the first copy ($3.00 for additional copies)
Submit in person or by mail with a self-addressed stamped envelope

Request from the Wisconsin Vital Records Office:

Wisconsin Vital Records Office
1 West Wilson Street, Room 158
Madison, WI 53703
608-266-1373
Wisconsin Vital Records

Complete the state vital records request form
Provide required identification
Pay the $20.00 fee per copy
Submit in person, by mail, or through the online ordering system

For situations requiring more detailed divorce information, certified copies of the divorce judgment may be obtained from:

Ozaukee County Clerk of Circuit Court
1201 S. Spring Street
Port Washington, WI 53074
262-284-8409
Clerk of Circuit Court

Submit a record request form
Provide case information (names, approximate date, case number if known)
Pay $5.00 for certification plus $1.25 per page for copies
Allow 3-5 business days for processing

Eligibility requirements for obtaining proof of divorce include:

Parties to the divorce may always obtain copies
Legal representatives must provide proof of representation
Third parties must demonstrate legitimate need or legal authorization
Government agencies may access for official purposes

Certified copies contain security features to prevent alteration and are accepted as legal proof of divorce for remarriage, name changes, and other official purposes.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Ozaukee County?

While divorce proceedings in Ozaukee County are generally matters of public record, Wisconsin law provides several mechanisms through which certain aspects of divorce cases may be kept confidential. These provisions balance the public's right to access court records with legitimate privacy concerns of the parties involved.

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

The information contains sensitive personal, financial, or medical data
Disclosure would create risk of identity theft or personal harm
The information pertains to minor children
Domestic abuse or harassment concerns are present
Trade secrets or confidential business information is involved

Common elements that may be protected from public disclosure include:

Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Detailed financial statements
- Tax returns
Personal Information:
- Medical and psychological evaluations
- Substance abuse treatment records
- Victim information in cases involving domestic violence
- Home addresses in cases involving safety concerns
Child-Related Information:
- Guardian ad Litem reports
- Child custody evaluations
- School records
- Medical information of minor children

To request confidentiality for divorce records:

File a motion with the Ozaukee County Circuit Court requesting sealing or redaction
Clearly identify the specific documents or information to be protected
Provide legal justification for the confidentiality request
Attend a hearing where the judge will weigh public access rights against privacy concerns

It is important to note that complete sealing of an entire divorce case is extremely rare and granted only in exceptional circumstances. More commonly, specific sensitive documents or information within the case file may be redacted or sealed while the remainder of the case remains accessible to the public.

Parties concerned about privacy should consult with legal counsel early in the divorce process to develop appropriate strategies for protecting sensitive information.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Ozaukee County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in Ozaukee County varies considerably based on multiple factors, including case complexity, cooperation between parties, and court scheduling. Wisconsin law establishes certain minimum timeframes, but the actual process often extends beyond these statutory minimums.

Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 767.335, a mandatory 120-day waiting period exists between the service of the divorce petition and the final hearing. This waiting period cannot be waived except in extraordinary circumstances. Beyond this minimum requirement, several factors influence the timeline:

Type of Divorce:
- Uncontested divorces with complete agreements: 4-6 months
- Contested divorces requiring negotiation: 6-12 months
- Highly contested divorces with multiple issues: 12-24+ months
Factors Affecting Duration:
- Court calendar congestion in Ozaukee County
- Complexity of asset division (businesses, retirement accounts, real estate)
- Child custody and placement disputes
- Need for expert witnesses (business valuators, custody evaluators)
- Discovery disputes and motion practice
- Willingness of parties to negotiate and compromise

According to statistics from the Wisconsin Court System, the average time from filing to disposition for divorce cases in Ozaukee County is approximately 7-9 months, though this varies significantly based on case specifics.

The typical divorce process timeline includes:

Initial filing and service: 1-30 days
Mandatory waiting period: 120 days
Temporary orders hearing: 30-60 days after filing
Discovery and negotiation: 2-6 months
Mediation (if required): 1-3 months
Pre-trial conferences: Throughout the process
Final hearing: After waiting period and when issues are resolved

Parties seeking to minimize the duration of divorce proceedings should consider:

Engaging in good-faith settlement negotiations
Utilizing mediation or collaborative divorce processes
Promptly responding to discovery requests
Being prepared for scheduled court appearances
Considering limited-scope legal representation if full representation is unaffordable

The court may expedite proceedings in certain circumstances, such as when domestic violence is present or when military deployment creates urgency.

How Long Does Ozaukee County Keep Divorce Records?

Divorce records in Ozaukee County are subject to retention schedules established by Wisconsin Supreme Court Rule 72 and the Wisconsin Public Records Law. These regulations ensure that important legal documents are preserved while allowing for the eventual disposition of less critical records.

The retention periods for various divorce-related records are as follows:

Court Case Files:
- Complete divorce case files: 75 years from date of filing
- Exhibits and evidence: 20 years after final judgment
- Audio recordings of proceedings: 10 years after final judgment
- Temporary orders: Retained with case file for 75 years
- Financial disclosure statements: 1 year after final judgment unless incorporated into the judgment
Vital Records:
- Divorce certificates: Permanently maintained by the Wisconsin Vital Records Office
- County Register of Deeds divorce certificate records: Permanently maintained
- Index of divorces: Permanently maintained for public reference
Administrative Records:
- Court docket entries: Permanently maintained in electronic format
- Statistical reports: 7 years
- Correspondence related to cases: 1 year after case closure

After the designated retention period expires, records may be:

Transferred to the Wisconsin State Historical Society for permanent archiving
Converted to electronic format for long-term preservation
Destroyed according to secure document destruction protocols

Individuals seeking older divorce records should note:

Records from 1907 to present are typically available through the Ozaukee County Clerk of Circuit Court
Records prior to 1907 may be available through the Wisconsin Historical Society
Some older records may exist only on microfilm or in paper format
Retrieval of older records may require additional time and may incur higher search fees

The permanent retention of divorce certificates through the vital records system ensures that proof of divorce remains available regardless of the disposition of court case files. This dual system provides redundancy for these important legal records.

How To Get a Divorce In Ozaukee County

Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Ozaukee County must follow specific procedures established by Wisconsin family law statutes. The divorce process, legally termed "dissolution of marriage," involves several key steps.

To initiate a divorce in Ozaukee County:

Determine 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 Ozaukee County for at least 30 days
- Wisconsin is a "no-fault" divorce state, requiring only that the marriage is "irretrievably broken"
Prepare and file initial documents with the Ozaukee County Clerk of Circuit Court:

Ozaukee County Clerk of Circuit Court
1201 S. Spring Street
Port Washington, WI 53074
262-284-8409
Clerk of Circuit Court

Required documents include:

Summons and Petition for Divorce
Confidential Petition Addendum
Financial Disclosure Statement
Filing fee of approximately $200 (fee waivers available for eligible individuals)

Serve divorce papers on the other spouse:
- Personal service by sheriff or process server
- Voluntary acceptance of service
- Alternative service methods with court approval if standard service is impossible
Attend required proceedings:
- Temporary orders hearing (if requested)
- Status conferences
- Mediation (mandatory if minor children are involved)
- Pre-trial conference
- Final hearing
Resolve key issues either through agreement or court decision:
- Division of property and debts
- Spousal maintenance (alimony)
- Child custody, placement, and support (if applicable)
- Health insurance and tax considerations
Finalize the divorce:
- Submit proposed findings and judgment
- Attend final hearing
- Judge signs Judgment of Divorce
- Observe 120-day waiting period from service to final judgment

Individuals may represent themselves in divorce proceedings (pro se) or retain legal counsel. The Ozaukee County Family Court Commissioner's Office provides limited assistance to pro se litigants but cannot offer legal advice.

Ozaukee County Family Court Commissioner
1201 S. Spring Street
Port Washington, WI 53074
262-284-8409

Self-help resources are available through the Wisconsin Court System website, including forms and procedural guides.

How To Get Divorce Papers In Ozaukee County

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

To obtain divorce papers in Ozaukee County:

Access forms through the Wisconsin Court System website:
- Visit the Wisconsin Court System Forms page
- Navigate to the Family Law section
- Select appropriate forms based on circumstances (with/without children)
- Download fillable PDF forms at no cost
Obtain forms directly from the Ozaukee County Clerk of Circuit Court:

Ozaukee County Clerk of Circuit Court
1201 S. Spring Street
Port Washington, WI 53074
262-284-8409
Clerk of Circuit Court

Visit during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
Request specific divorce packet based on circumstances
Pay nominal fee for printed forms (approximately $5-10)

Utilize the Ozaukee County Law Library resources:

Ozaukee County Law Library
1201 S. Spring Street
Port Washington, WI 53074
262-284-8409

Access legal reference materials and form books
Use public computers to download and print forms
Obtain general procedural information (not legal advice)

Consult with legal aid organizations:
- Legal Action of Wisconsin
- Wisconsin Judicare
- Volunteer lawyers' projects

Essential divorce forms typically include:

Summons and Petition for Divorce (with or without minor children)
Confidential Petition Addendum
Financial Disclosure Statement
Proposed Parenting Plan (if children involved)
Marital Settlement Agreement
Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Judgment

Important considerations when completing divorce papers:

Forms must be completed accurately and completely
Notarization is required for certain documents
Sufficient copies must be made for court filing, personal records, and service
Filing fees must be paid unless a fee waiver is granted
Local court rules may require additional forms or attachments

While court staff can provide forms and procedural information, they cannot provide legal advice regarding how to complete forms or strategic decisions. Individuals with complex situations should consider consulting with an attorney, even if only for limited-scope representation.