Jackson County Public Records /Jackson County Divorce Records

Jackson County Divorce Records

How To Find a Divorce Record In Jackson County in 2026

JacksonWIRecords.us provides access to publicly available data and information related to divorce records in Jackson County, Wisconsin. Members of the public may find case summaries, party names, filing dates, and related court documents through official channels. Available record categories include final divorce decrees, dissolution petitions, parenting plans, financial affidavits, and post-judgment modification orders. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the case and applicable confidentiality provisions.

Records may be searched through official resources including the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) portal, the Jackson County Clerk of Courts office, public access terminals located at the courthouse, and written mail requests. Each method provides varying levels of detail, and requesters should be prepared to supply identifying information about both parties to the divorce.

Online Searches

1. Clerk of Court Case Search

The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access portal is the most common method for locating divorce records online. This free public tool allows users to search by party name, case number, or attorney name. Basic case information is available at no charge; copies of documents may require a fee.

2. State Court System Portal

The Wisconsin Court System's public portal provides statewide access to circuit court records, including family law cases filed in Jackson County. Users may search across multiple jurisdictions from a single interface, drawing from a consolidated statewide database.

3. State Vital Records

Wisconsin does not issue divorce certificates through the state vital records office in the same manner as birth or death certificates. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services maintains limited divorce verification records for dissolutions finalized after 1907. These records confirm that a divorce occurred but do not contain the full case file detail available through the circuit court.

In-Person Searches

Clerk of Courts — Family Division

Jackson County Clerk of Courts
307 Main Street
Black River Falls, WI 54615
Phone: (715) 284-0208
Jackson County Clerk of Courts

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Services available in person include:

Searching case files by party name or case number
Viewing documents at public access terminals
Requesting certified copies of final decrees and orders
Staff assistance for locating archived or older records

By Mail

Written requests for divorce records may be submitted by mail to the Jackson County Clerk of Courts at the address listed above. Requests should include:

Full legal names of both parties
Approximate date of divorce
Case number, if known
Requester's contact information
Purpose of request, if required
Payment for applicable copy fees
A self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence

Processing time for mail requests is typically one to two weeks, depending on case volume and whether records require retrieval from archive storage.

By Phone

The Clerk of Courts may be reached at (715) 284-0208 during regular business hours. Staff can confirm whether a case exists, provide the case number, verify case status, and confirm the filing date. Detailed document contents, copies of filings, and confidential information cannot be provided by telephone.

Through Attorneys

An attorney licensed in Wisconsin may access divorce case files on behalf of a client, including requesting documents that may be restricted to parties of record. Attorneys may also petition the court for access to sealed materials upon a showing of good cause. The State Bar of Wisconsin's lawyer referral service can assist members of the public in locating qualified family law counsel.

Information Needed for Search

Essential Information:

Full legal names of both spouses
Maiden names, if applicable
Approximate date of divorce
Case number, if known

Helpful Information:

Date and location of marriage
Previous addresses in Jackson County
Names of minor children
Names of attorneys of record, if known

Search in Correct County

Under Wisconsin law, a divorce action is filed in the circuit court of the county where either spouse resides at the time of filing. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple counties. The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access portal allows statewide searches, which can help identify the correct county of filing.

Wisconsin's residency requirement, codified under Wis. Stat. § 767.301, requires that at least one spouse be a resident of the state for a minimum of six months and a resident of the filing county for a minimum of thirty days prior to commencing a divorce action.

Time Considerations

Recent Divorces: Cases finalized within the past several weeks may not yet appear in online systems. Members of the public should allow processing time following the final hearing before expecting records to be available electronically.

Older Divorces: Cases predating electronic filing systems may be stored in paper archives and may not be fully digitized. Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time and a specific written request to the Clerk of Courts.

What If You Cannot Find a Record

Common reasons a divorce record may not appear in a search include:

Searching the wrong county
Name variations between married and maiden names
Spelling differences in party names
The case is still pending and has not been finalized
Very old records stored in off-site archives
The case has been sealed by court order

To resolve search difficulties, requesters may contact the Clerk of Courts at (715) 284-0208, attempt alternate name spellings, search under both spouses' names, or consult the Wisconsin Department of Health Services for divorce verification records.

What Are Jackson County Divorce Records?

Jackson County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Jackson 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 Wisconsin's open records law, with certain statutory exceptions.

Types of Divorce Records:

Court Case Files include the petition for dissolution of marriage, the respondent's answer or counterpetition, financial affidavits, parenting plans, settlement agreements, motions, court orders, hearing transcripts, and the final judgment of dissolution.

Final Decree: The final judgment of dissolution is the official court order terminating the marriage. It establishes the date of dissolution, division of marital property, spousal support provisions, 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.

Supporting Documents may include the original marriage certificate submitted as an exhibit, financial disclosure statements, property inventories, parenting plan attachments, and any post-judgment modification orders entered after the original decree.

Purpose of Divorce Records:

Divorce records serve numerous legal and personal purposes, including:

Providing proof of marital status for remarriage
Supporting name change documentation
Facilitating property transfers and estate planning
Assisting with immigration proceedings and Social Security benefit determinations
Supporting genealogical and family history research

Who Maintains Divorce Records:

The Jackson County Clerk of Courts is the primary custodian of all divorce case files. The office indexes records by party names and provides certified copies upon request. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services maintains a separate statewide index of divorce records for verification purposes, though this index contains limited information compared to the full court file.

The legal framework governing divorce proceedings in Wisconsin is established under Wis. Stat. § 767.001 et seq., which governs actions affecting the family, including dissolution of marriage, legal separation, and related proceedings.

Are Jackson County Divorce Records Public?

Divorce records filed in Jackson County Circuit Court are public court records under Wisconsin's open records law, Wis. Stat. § 19.35, which establishes a presumption of public access to government records. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, court orders, and the final judgment of dissolution without demonstrating a specific need or purpose.

What Is Public:

Case number and filing date
Names of parties and attorneys of record
Court hearing dates and docket entries
Court orders and judgments
Final divorce decree
Property division orders
General case status

What May Be Restricted:

Financial Information: Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and credit card numbers are redacted from publicly accessible documents pursuant to Wisconsin Supreme Court rules. Detailed financial statements and tax returns submitted as exhibits may be subject to limited access.

Children's Information: Information identifying the residence, school, or medical providers of minor children may be restricted. Custody evaluations, guardian ad litem reports, and psychological assessments of children are frequently sealed or subject to restricted access.

Sensitive Personal Information: Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence, mental health records, substance abuse treatment information, and personal addresses in cases involving protective orders may be withheld from public access to protect the safety of the parties involved.

Sealed Records: A court may seal all or part of a case file upon a showing of good cause. Cases involving abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlement terms may be subject to sealing orders.

Who Can Access Records:

General Public: May access most case information, view docket summaries, and obtain copies of public documents upon payment of applicable fees.
Parties to the Case: Have full access to their own case file, including documents that may be restricted from general public view.
Attorneys: May access case files on behalf of clients and may petition the court for access to sealed materials.
Researchers and Media: May access public portions of case files; sealed records require a court order or demonstrated First Amendment basis.

Prohibited Uses: Members of the public may not use divorce records for stalking, harassment, identity theft, fraudulent purposes, or in violation of any protective order issued by the court.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Jackson County?

The Jackson County Clerk of Courts charges fees for copies and certified copies of divorce records in accordance with Wisconsin statutes. Current fees are as follows:

Service	Fee
Plain paper copies	$1.25 per page
Certified copy of final decree	$5.00 per document
Electronic copies (where available)	Varies
Search fee	No separate search fee

Inspection of records at the courthouse is available at no charge during regular business hours.
Certified copies of the final judgment of dissolution carry a certification fee in addition to the per-page copy charge.
Payment is accepted in the form of cash, check, or money order made payable to the Jackson County Clerk of Courts. Credit card acceptance may vary; members of the public should confirm accepted payment methods by contacting the office directly at (715) 284-0208.
Fee waivers are not routinely available for record copy requests, though parties who qualify for indigent status in an active case may petition the court for fee relief under applicable Wisconsin court rules.
Fees are governed by Wis. Stat. § 814.61, which establishes the schedule of civil court fees applicable to circuit court proceedings, including family law matters.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services charges a separate fee for divorce verification records maintained at the state level; current fee information is available through the DHS Vital Records office.

What's Included in Divorce Records in Jackson County

A complete Jackson County divorce case file contains documents generated at every stage of the dissolution proceeding. The scope of the file depends on whether the case was contested or uncontested and whether children or significant assets were involved.

Basic Case Information: Every file includes the case caption identifying the court, division, case number, parties' names, assigned judge, and attorneys of record, along with the filing date, case type, and jurisdictional basis.

Initial Pleadings: The petition for dissolution of marriage sets forth the petitioner's and respondent's identifying information, the date and location of the marriage, the date of separation if applicable, grounds for divorce (Wisconsin is a no-fault state recognizing irretrievable breakdown of the marriage), information about minor children, property claims, and relief requested. The respondent's answer or counterpetition reflects the respondent's position and any independent requests for relief.

Financial Affidavits: Both parties are required to submit financial affidavits disclosing income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets including real property, vehicles, bank and investment accounts, and retirement accounts, as well as all liabilities. These affidavits form the evidentiary basis for property division and support determinations.

Discovery Documents: In contested cases, the file may include interrogatories and responses, requests for production of documents, tax returns, pay stubs, bank and investment account statements, retirement account statements, and business financial records where applicable.

Property-Related Documents: The file includes a marital asset inventory, debt inventory, and any appraisals or expert valuations of real property, business interests, or personal property submitted during the proceedings.

Children-Related Documents: Where minor children are involved, the file contains the parenting plan establishing legal custody, physical placement, the timesharing schedule including holidays and vacations, transportation arrangements, and decision-making responsibilities. Child support calculation worksheets, income information, and the support order are also part of the file. Custody evaluations and guardian ad litem reports, where ordered, may be sealed or subject to restricted access.

Support Documents: Alimony or spousal support provisions, including the type, amount, duration, and termination conditions, are documented in the settlement agreement and incorporated into the final judgment.

Settlement Documents: The marital settlement agreement, if the parties resolved issues by agreement, comprehensively addresses property division, debt allocation, spousal support, child-related provisions, tax treatment, and attorney fee allocation. Mediation agreements, where applicable, may be incorporated into the settlement agreement.

Court Orders and Judgments: Temporary orders entered during the pendency of the case, the final judgment of dissolution, and any qualified domestic relations orders (QDROs) dividing retirement accounts are all part of the permanent case file.

Post-Judgment Documents: Petitions to modify custody or support, court orders on modifications, contempt motions, income deduction orders, and enforcement actions filed after entry of the final judgment are maintained as part of the ongoing case file.

What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:

Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted)
Children's residential addresses and school information
Domestic violence details and supporting evidence
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 Jackson County?

Proof of divorce in Jackson County is obtained through a certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution issued by the Jackson County Clerk of Courts. A certified copy bears the court's official seal and the clerk's certification, making it legally acceptable for remarriage, name change, immigration, Social Security, and other official purposes.

Members of the public may obtain a certified copy through the following methods:

In Person: Visit the Jackson County Clerk of Courts at 307 Main Street, Black River Falls, WI 54615, during regular business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.). Present identifying information including the names of both parties and the approximate date of divorce. Staff will locate the case and prepare a certified copy upon payment of applicable fees.
By Mail: Submit a written request to the Clerk of Courts at the address above, including party names, approximate divorce date, case number if known, contact information, and a check or money order for the applicable fee. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return of the certified copy.
Online: The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access portal allows users to locate case information and, in some instances, access electronic documents. Certified copies, however, must be obtained directly from the Clerk of Courts rather than through the online portal.
State Vital Records: For a basic verification of divorce (not a certified copy of the full decree), members of the public may contact the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Vital Records office, which maintains a statewide index of divorces finalized in Wisconsin.

Jackson County Clerk of Courts
307 Main Street
Black River Falls, WI 54615
Phone: (715) 284-0208
Jackson County Clerk of Courts

Wisconsin Department of Health Services — Vital Records
1 West Wilson Street
Madison, WI 53703
Phone: (608) 266-1373
Wisconsin Vital Records

Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Jackson County?

Divorce proceedings in Jackson County are presumptively public under Wisconsin's open records law; however, specific records or entire case files may be made confidential under certain circumstances.

Court-Ordered Sealing: A party may file a motion requesting that the court seal all or part of the 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 substantiated, the court may restrict public access to addresses, contact information, and related evidence to protect the safety of the victim.
Children's Information: Information identifying the residence, school, or medical providers of minor children is subject to restriction under Wisconsin court rules and applicable child protection statutes.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Records: Records pertaining to mental health treatment or substance abuse evaluation submitted in the course of proceedings may be sealed or subject to limited access.
Mediation Records: Communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential by statute and are not part of the public case file.
Financial Account Information: Social Security numbers and financial account numbers are redacted from all publicly accessible documents pursuant to Wisconsin Supreme Court rules.

The legal basis for confidentiality in family law proceedings is found in the Wisconsin court rules and applicable provisions of Wis. Stat. § 767.001 et seq., which govern actions affecting the family and authorize the court to enter protective orders as justice requires.

How Long Does Jackson County Keep Divorce Records?

Jackson County Circuit Court divorce records are retained for extended periods in accordance with Wisconsin court records retention schedules established by the Wisconsin Supreme Court and the Wisconsin Public Records Board.

Final Judgments and Decrees: The final judgment of dissolution and other permanent orders are retained indefinitely as part of the permanent court record. These documents do not expire and remain accessible through the Clerk of Courts.
Complete Case Files: Full divorce case files, including all pleadings, financial affidavits, and supporting documents, are retained for a minimum of seventy-five years from the date of the final judgment under Wisconsin court records retention guidelines.
Electronic Records: Cases filed electronically through the Wisconsin eFiling system are maintained in the statewide electronic records system and are accessible through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access portal for the foreseeable future.
Paper Records: Older paper case files may be transferred to archive storage after a period of active retention. Retrieval of archived paper records may require additional processing time and a specific written request to the Clerk of Courts.
Post-Judgment Modifications: Orders entered after the original final judgment, including custody and support modifications, are retained as part of the ongoing case file for the same retention period applicable to the original case.
Destruction: Records scheduled for destruction under the applicable retention schedule are handled in accordance with Wisconsin statutes governing the disposition of public records, ensuring that permanent records are preserved and that destruction occurs only after the authorized retention period has elapsed.