Clark County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Clark County in 2026
ClarkCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Clark County, Indiana. Members of the public may find case summaries, final decrees, docket entries, and related court documents through official channels. Available record categories may include dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, property division orders, custody arrangements, and support orders. Access and completeness of records vary depending on the age of the case and applicable privacy protections.
Records may be searched through official resources including the Clark County Clerk of Courts, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by the Indiana judicial system.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Clark County Clerk of Courts maintains official court records for all trial court cases with jurisdiction in Clark County. Members of the public may search case information online at no charge for basic docket entries. Obtaining copies of specific documents may require payment of applicable fees.
2. State Court System Portal
The Indiana Courts operate MyCase: Indiana Courts Case Search, a statewide public access portal that allows users to search court records across Indiana jurisdictions. As noted by the Indiana Supreme Court, "Official records of court proceedings may only be obtained directly from the court maintaining a particular record." The portal provides consolidated case information, including filing dates, party names, and case status, but does not substitute for certified copies obtained from the Clerk.
3. Divorce Decree Records Request (Online)
Clark County currently offers an online option for requesting divorce decree records. Members of the public may submit a divorce decree records request through the county's official portal, enter marriage or divorce information, order certified copies, and pay by credit card.
In-Person Searches
Clark County Clerk of Courts — Family Division
Clark County Clerk of Courts
501 E. Court Ave., Room 129
Jeffersonville, IN 47130
Phone: (812) 285-6244
Clark County Clerk of Courts
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 records
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., excluding state and county holidays.
By Mail
Members of the public may submit written requests for divorce records by mail to the Clark County Clerk of Courts at the address listed above. A written request should include:
- Full names of both parties (including maiden names, if applicable)
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's contact information
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- A self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
Processing time for mail requests is at present estimated at one to two weeks, depending on volume and record availability.
By Phone
The Clerk's office may be reached at (812) 285-6244. Staff can confirm whether a case exists, provide a case number, and advise on case status or filing date. Detailed document information and copies of records are not available by phone.
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Indiana may access court records on behalf of a client, including requesting documents in cases involving sealed or restricted materials. The Indiana State Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for individuals who require professional legal assistance in locating or interpreting divorce records.
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 Clark County
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Under Indiana law, a petition for dissolution of marriage is filed in the county where either spouse resides at the time of filing, pursuant to Indiana Code § 31-15-2-6. Members of the public who cannot locate a record in Clark County should consider whether the divorce may have been filed in an adjacent county. Indiana requires that at least one spouse have resided in the state for six months and in the county for three months prior to filing.
Time Considerations
Records for recent divorces may not appear in online systems immediately following a final hearing. At present, newly finalized cases are typically available within days to a few weeks of the court's entry of judgment. Older records, particularly those predating electronic filing, may be archived in paper format and require additional retrieval time. Cases filed prior to the implementation of electronic records systems may not be fully digitized.
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common reasons a divorce record may not be located include:
- The divorce was filed in a different county
- Name variations or spelling differences between search terms and the filed record
- The case remains pending and has not been finalized
- The record is archived and requires a special retrieval request
- The case has been sealed by court order
Members of the public experiencing difficulty locating a record may contact the Clerk's office at (812) 285-6244, attempt alternate name spellings, or search under both spouses' names.
What Are Clark County Divorce Records?
Clark County divorce records are official court documents generated during dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Clark County Circuit or Superior Courts. The Clark County Clerk of Courts serves as the primary custodian of these records, administering official court records for all trial court cases and preparing permanent historical records for the county.
Types of Divorce Records
Court Case Files include the complete set of documents filed during the proceeding:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Response or answer to the petition
- Financial affidavits from both parties
- Parenting plans and custody agreements
- Settlement agreements
- Motions, orders, and hearing transcripts
- Final judgment of dissolution
Final Decree of Dissolution is the official court order ending the marriage. It constitutes legal proof of divorce and establishes the date of dissolution, division of marital property, any spousal support obligations, child custody and parenting time arrangements, child support orders, and any court-ordered name changes. Certified copies of the final decree are available from the Clerk of Courts.
Supporting Documents may include financial disclosure statements, property inventories, appraisals, parenting plan details, and post-judgment modification orders.
Purpose of Divorce Records
Divorce records serve a range of legal and personal purposes, including:
- Establishing proof of marital status for remarriage
- Documenting name changes
- Supporting immigration proceedings
- Facilitating estate planning and property transfers
- Verifying Social Security benefit eligibility
- Genealogical and family history research
Legal Framework
Indiana dissolution of marriage proceedings are governed by Indiana Code § 31-15, which establishes the grounds, procedures, and requirements for divorce in the state. Indiana is a no-fault divorce state, meaning that irretrievable breakdown of the marriage is the sole required ground for dissolution. Public access to court records is governed by the Indiana Access to Public Records Act and the Indiana Rules on Access to Court Records, which establish a presumption of public access subject to specific enumerated exceptions.
Are Clark County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Clark County are public court records subject to Indiana's access to court records framework. As stated by the Indiana Judicial Branch, members of the public may contact the local court directly for copies of documents in a case. Basic case information, including party names, filing dates, case numbers, docket entries, and final orders, is accessible to any member of the public.
What Is Public
The following information is accessible to the general public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of the parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and outcomes
- Final divorce decree and property division orders
- General case status and docket entries
What May Be Restricted
Financial Information: Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and credit card numbers are redacted from publicly accessible documents pursuant to Indiana Administrative Rule 9. Detailed tax returns and financial statements may be subject to limited access.
Children's Information: Names and addresses of minor children, schools attended, medical information, psychological evaluations, and guardian ad litem reports may be restricted or sealed to protect the welfare of minors.
Sensitive Personal Information: Records involving domestic violence allegations, mental health evaluations, substance abuse treatment information, and personal addresses of protected parties may be sealed or redacted by court order.
Sealed Records: A court may seal all or part of a case file upon a showing of good cause, including cases involving abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlement terms. Mediation communications are confidential under Indiana law and are not part of the public record.
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 and, with appropriate court authorization, may seek access to sealed materials.
- Researchers and media: May access public portions of case files; access to sealed records requires a court order.
Restrictions on Use
Use of divorce records for stalking, harassment, identity theft, or violation of protective orders is prohibited. Permitted uses include legal proceedings, background research, genealogical research, news reporting, and personal verification of divorce status.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Clark County?
The Clark County Clerk of Courts charges standard fees for copies and certified copies of court records. Current fees are established pursuant to Indiana Code § 33-37-5-2, which governs court record copy fees statewide.
| Service | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard copy (per page) | $1.00 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree | $1.00 per page + $5.00 certification fee |
| Online divorce decree records request | Fee assessed at time of order (credit card accepted) |
| Public access terminal viewing | No charge for viewing |
| Search fee | No separate search fee |
Accepted payment methods at the Clerk's office include cash, check, money order, and credit card. Online requests submitted through the divorce decree records request portal may be paid by credit card at the time of submission.
Members of the public may view case docket information and case summaries at no charge through the MyCase Indiana Courts Case Search portal. Fee waiver provisions may apply in limited circumstances; individuals seeking a waiver should inquire directly with the Clerk's office.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Clark County
A complete divorce case file maintained by the Clark County Clerk of Courts contains the following categories of documents:
Basic Case Information
- Case number, court name, and division
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Judge assigned to the case
- Attorneys of record
- Filing date and case type
Initial Pleadings
The Petition for Dissolution of Marriage sets forth the petitioner's identifying information, the date and location of the marriage, the basis for dissolution (irretrievable breakdown under Indiana law), information regarding minor children, property claims, and relief requested. The Response or Answer reflects the respondent's position, admissions or denials, and any counterpetition. Financial Affidavits submitted by both parties disclose income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets including real property, vehicles, bank and investment accounts, and retirement accounts, as well as all liabilities.
Discovery Documents
Discovery materials may include interrogatories and answers under oath, requests for production of financial documents, tax returns, pay stubs, bank and investment account statements, retirement account statements, and business financial records where applicable.
Property-Related Documents
The case file may contain a marital asset inventory, debt inventory, real property appraisals, business valuations, and expert reports on the value of marital assets.
Children-Related Documents
Where minor children are involved, the file includes a Parenting Plan establishing legal and physical custody, a timesharing schedule covering regular, holiday, and summer periods, transportation arrangements, and decision-making responsibilities. Child Support documentation includes calculation worksheets, income information, health insurance and childcare costs, and the support amount ordered. Custody evaluations and guardian ad litem reports, where ordered, may be restricted from public access.
Settlement Documents
A Marital Settlement Agreement comprehensively resolves all issues between the parties, including property division, debt allocation, spousal support terms, 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 addressing custody, support, and use of property may be entered during the pendency of the case. The Final Judgment of Dissolution constitutes the court's definitive order ending the marriage, containing findings of fact, conclusions of law, property division awards, support orders, custody and parenting time provisions, and any name restoration. Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) are entered separately where retirement accounts are divided.
Post-Judgment Documents
The case file may also contain 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.
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted)
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence details (may be sealed by court order)
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluations
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
- Settlement negotiations not incorporated into filed documents
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Clark County?
Proof of divorce in Clark County is obtained through a certified copy of the Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage, issued by the Clark County Clerk of Courts. A certified copy bears the court's official seal and the Clerk's certification, making it legally recognized for purposes of remarriage, name changes, immigration proceedings, and other official uses.
Members of the public may obtain proof of divorce through the following methods:
- Online: Submit a request through the official divorce decree records request portal, enter the relevant marriage or divorce information, and pay by credit card. Certified copies are mailed to the requestor.
- In Person: Visit the Clark County Clerk of Courts at 501 E. Court Ave., Room 129, Jeffersonville, IN 47130, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Present identifying information and the case number if known. Pay applicable fees at the time of request.
- By Mail: Submit a written request to the Clerk's office including both parties' names, the approximate date of divorce, case number if known, contact information, and payment. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- Through MyCase: The Indiana Courts Case Search portal allows users to locate case numbers and docket information, which may assist in preparing a certified copy request.
The Clark County Indiana Judicial Branch page provides additional contact information for the local court and guidance on obtaining case documents.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Clark County?
Divorce proceedings in Clark County are presumptively public under Indiana's access to court records framework; however, specific portions of a case or an entire case file may be made confidential under defined 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 or minor children.
- Domestic violence cases: Where a party has obtained a protective order or where domestic violence allegations are present, the court may restrict access to addresses and other identifying information to protect the safety of the protected party.
- Children's information: Information identifying minor children, including residential addresses, schools, and medical or psychological records, may be restricted or sealed pursuant to Indiana's child protection statutes.
- Financial account information: Social Security numbers and financial account numbers are redacted from all publicly accessible documents under Indiana Administrative Rule 9.
- Mediation records: Communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential by statute and do not become part of the public court record.
- Sealed settlements: Confidential settlement terms not incorporated into a public court order are not accessible to the general public.
Individuals seeking to seal divorce records must file a motion with the Clark County Circuit or Superior Court and demonstrate good cause for restricting public access.
How Long Does Clark County Keep Divorce Records?
Clark County divorce records are retained for extended periods consistent with Indiana's court records retention schedules, which are established by the Indiana Commission on Public Records and the Indiana Supreme Court.
- Final judgments and decrees: Permanent retention. Final judgments of dissolution of marriage are maintained as permanent historical records by the Clark County Clerk of Courts and are not subject to destruction.
- Complete case files: Retained for a minimum of ten years following the close of the case for most civil family law matters, with permanent retention applicable to final orders.
- Post-judgment modification records: Retained as part of the original case file and subject to the same retention schedule as the underlying case.
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in the Indiana court electronic filing system and are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records.
- Archived paper records: Older cases predating electronic filing are maintained in paper or microfilm format and may require additional retrieval time. The Clerk's office can advise on the availability of specific archived records.
- Vital records cross-reference: Indiana does not separately register divorce certificates through the state vital records office in the same manner as births and deaths; the court record maintained by the Clerk constitutes the official record of dissolution.
The Indiana Commission on Public Records establishes retention schedules applicable to county court records under Indiana Code, and the Clark County Clerk of Courts adheres to those schedules in managing divorce case files.