Milwaukee County Divorce Records
What Are Milwaukee County Divorce Records?
Milwaukee County divorce records are official legal documents maintained by the Milwaukee County Circuit Court that document the dissolution of marriage within the county. These records are governed by Wisconsin Statute § 767.35, which establishes the legal framework for divorce proceedings, referred to as "actions of divorce or legal separation" under state law. Divorce records serve as the authoritative documentation of marital status changes and typically include multiple document types created throughout the divorce process.
Divorce records in Milwaukee County consist of:
- Petition for divorce or legal separation
- Summons
- Financial disclosure statements
- Marital settlement agreements
- Findings of fact, conclusions of law
- Judgment of divorce
- Child custody and support arrangements (when applicable)
- Property division determinations
These records serve numerous important purposes for Milwaukee County residents, including:
- Providing legal proof of marital status change
- Enabling remarriage
- Documenting legal name changes
- Supporting applications for Social Security benefits
- Verifying status for loan applications
- Establishing eligibility for immigration matters
- Facilitating property transfers and title changes
The Milwaukee County Clerk of Circuit Court maintains these records as part of its official duties under Wisconsin law.
Are Milwaukee County Divorce Records Public?
Milwaukee County divorce records have a nuanced public access status governed by Wisconsin Statute § 19.31, the state's public records law, which presumes public access to government records while balancing privacy concerns. The accessibility of divorce records varies by document type and contains important exceptions.
Court divorce case files in Milwaukee County are generally public records with the following characteristics:
- Basic case information is publicly accessible through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) online portal
- Complete case files can be viewed in person at the Milwaukee County Courthouse
- Certain sensitive information is redacted or restricted from public view
However, significant exceptions to public access exist:
- Financial disclosure statements may be sealed upon request by either party
- Records containing information about domestic violence or abuse may be restricted
- Documents with children's personally identifiable information are protected under Wisconsin Statute § 801.19
- Cases involving minors have additional privacy protections
- Records sealed by judicial order remain confidential
Certified divorce certificates, which provide official verification of a divorce, have more restricted access:
- Available only to the divorced parties themselves
- Accessible to those with "direct and tangible interest" as defined by state law
- Required for certain legal purposes like remarriage or name changes
The Milwaukee County Circuit Court balances the public's right to information with individual privacy concerns in accordance with Wisconsin law.
How To Find a Divorce Record In Milwaukee County in 2026
Members of the public seeking divorce records in Milwaukee County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The appropriate approach depends on the requester's relationship to the case and the specific documents needed.
For basic case information and status:
- Access the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) portal
- Enter the name of at least one party to the divorce
- Review case summary information, including filing date, case number, and judgment date
- Note that financial details and certain sensitive information are not available through this system
For complete divorce case files:
- Visit the Milwaukee County Courthouse in person
- Bring the case number if available (obtained through WCCA search)
- Request assistance from the Clerk of Circuit Court staff
- Pay applicable copy fees ($1.25 per page for regular copies, $5.00 for certified copies)
Milwaukee County Courthouse
901 N. 9th Street
Milwaukee, WI 53233
414-278-4120
Milwaukee County Circuit Court
For certified divorce certificates:
- Submit a request to the Wisconsin Vital Records Office
- Provide proper identification and documentation of eligibility
- Pay the required fee ($20 for the first copy, $3 for each additional copy)
- Allow 2-3 weeks for processing by mail or request in person for faster service
Wisconsin Vital Records Office
1 West Wilson Street, Room 160
Madison, WI 53703
608-266-1373
Wisconsin Department of Health Services
Authorized attorneys may access additional case details through the Wisconsin Court System's attorney access portal with proper credentials.
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Milwaukee County Online?
Milwaukee County residents and other authorized individuals may access divorce records online through several official channels. The Wisconsin court system provides digital access to case information with varying levels of detail based on user authorization.
For general public online searches:
- Visit the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) website
- Select "Milwaukee County" from the jurisdiction dropdown menu
- Enter search criteria (at minimum, one party's name)
- Select "Family" or "Divorce" as the case type
- Review results showing case numbers, filing dates, and case status
- Access publicly available court documents and judgment information
For attorneys and authorized parties:
- Log in to the restricted attorney access portal through the Wisconsin Court System
- Utilize enhanced search capabilities with access to additional documents
- View confidential filings when representing parties to the case
- Download documents directly from the system when available
For certified copies and official verification:
- Online requests can be initiated through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services vital records portal
- Complete the online application form
- Provide required identification and proof of eligibility
- Submit payment electronically
- Receive documents by mail (electronic delivery not available for certified documents)
Online access limitations include:
- Restricted viewing of sealed or confidential documents
- Redaction of sensitive personal information pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 801.19
- Inability to view financial disclosure statements without court authorization
- Limited historical records (pre-2000 cases may have minimal online information)
The Milwaukee County Circuit Court continues to expand digital access while maintaining compliance with privacy laws and court rules.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Milwaukee County?
Milwaukee County provides several no-cost options for accessing basic divorce record information, though fees apply for official copies and certified documents. Members of the public may utilize these free resources to verify divorce status and obtain general case information.
Free access methods include:
-
The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) website provides free public access to basic case information including:
- Case numbers and filing dates
- Party names and attorney information
- Scheduled court dates
- Case status and disposition
- Judgment date when applicable
-
In-person viewing at the Milwaukee County Courthouse:
- Visit the Clerk of Circuit Court office during business hours (8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday-Friday)
- Request to view specific case files using case numbers
- Examine documents on-site at no charge
- Take notes from records without incurring fees
Milwaukee County Courthouse
901 N. 9th Street, Room 104
Milwaukee, WI 53233
414-278-4120
Milwaukee County Circuit Court
- Public access terminals at the Milwaukee County Law Library:
- Use dedicated computer terminals for enhanced court record searches
- Access additional case details not available on the public website
- Receive assistance from law library staff if needed
Milwaukee County Law Library
901 N. 9th Street, Room G8
Milwaukee, WI 53233
414-278-4900
Milwaukee County Law Library
While viewing basic information is free, the following services incur fees:
- Printed copies of court documents ($1.25 per page)
- Certified copies of divorce judgments ($5.00 per document)
- Certified divorce certificates from vital records ($20.00 for first copy)
- Document authentication for international use (additional fees apply)
Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 814.61, the Clerk of Circuit Court must collect these statutory fees for copies and certification services.
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Milwaukee County
Divorce records in Milwaukee County comprise comprehensive documentation of the entire legal process of marriage dissolution. These records contain multiple document types that collectively provide a complete legal account of the proceedings and final determination.
The typical Milwaukee County divorce file includes:
-
Initial filings:
- Petition for divorce (with grounds stated)
- Summons and related service documentation
- Temporary orders for support, custody, or property
- Financial disclosure statements from both parties
- Affidavit of jurisdictional testimony
-
Court proceedings documentation:
- Hearing notices and minutes
- Transcripts of testimony (when created)
- Guardian ad litem reports (in cases involving children)
- Mediation records and agreements
- Court commissioner recommendations
-
Final judgment documents:
- Marital settlement agreement
- Findings of fact and conclusions of law
- Final judgment of divorce
- Property division determinations
- Child custody and placement orders
- Child support calculations and orders
- Maintenance (alimony) determinations
-
Post-judgment filings (when applicable):
- Motions to modify support or custody
- Enforcement actions
- Appeals documentation
- Stipulated amendments to original orders
The certified divorce certificate, issued by the Wisconsin Vital Records Office, contains more limited information:
- Names of both parties
- Date and location of divorce
- Case number
- Official certification
Certain sensitive information is protected from public disclosure pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 801.19, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Personal identifying information of minors
- Sensitive health information
- Victim information in cases involving abuse
These comprehensive records serve as the official legal documentation of the divorce and establish the rights and responsibilities of the formerly married parties.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Milwaukee County?
Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in Milwaukee County have several options for obtaining legally recognized documentation. The appropriate method depends on the intended use of the proof and the level of detail required.
For certified copies of divorce judgments:
- Contact the Milwaukee County Clerk of Circuit Court
- Provide the case number (if known) or names and approximate date of divorce
- Submit a written request in person or by mail
- Pay the $5.00 certification fee per document
- Present identification if requesting in person
Milwaukee County Clerk of Circuit Court
901 N. 9th Street, Room 104
Milwaukee, WI 53233
414-278-4120
Milwaukee County Circuit Court
For certified divorce certificates:
- Submit an application to the Wisconsin Vital Records Office
- Provide proof of identification and eligibility to receive the record
- Include the $20.00 fee for the first copy ($3.00 for each additional copy)
- Allow approximately 2-3 weeks for processing by mail
- Request in person at the vital records office for same-day service
Wisconsin Vital Records Office
1 West Wilson Street, Room 160
Madison, WI 53703
608-266-1373
Wisconsin Department of Health Services
For apostille certification (international use):
- First obtain a certified copy of the divorce judgment
- Submit the certified copy to the Wisconsin Secretary of State
- Include the required apostille application and fee
- Allow additional processing time for authentication
Wisconsin Secretary of State
P.O. Box 7848
Madison, WI 53707
608-266-8888
Wisconsin Secretary of State
For divorce verification letters:
- Request a verification letter from the Clerk of Circuit Court
- Provide case information and reason for request
- Pay applicable administrative fees
- Receive a letter confirming divorce status without full judgment details
Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 69.21, only certain individuals qualify to receive certified divorce certificates, including:
- Either party to the divorce
- Legal representatives of either party
- Persons with "direct and tangible interest" as defined by law
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Milwaukee County?
While most divorce proceedings in Milwaukee County are matters of public record, Wisconsin law provides several mechanisms for maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information or, in limited circumstances, entire divorce cases. The extent of confidentiality depends on specific circumstances and judicial determination.
Standard confidentiality protections include:
-
Automatic redaction of certain personal identifiers pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 801.19, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- Passport numbers
- Minor children's names and birthdates
- Personal medical information
-
Sealed financial disclosure statements:
- Either party may request financial statements be sealed
- Court typically grants these requests as a matter of course
- Prevents public access to detailed financial information
- Remains available to parties, attorneys, and court officials
For enhanced confidentiality, parties may petition for:
- Protective orders covering specific sensitive documents
- Sealing of portions of the court record
- Closed hearings for matters involving sensitive testimony
- Use of pseudonyms or initials in public documents
- Confidential filing of documents containing abuse allegations
Complete sealing of divorce cases is rare and requires:
- Motion demonstrating compelling privacy interests
- Judicial finding that privacy interests outweigh public access rights
- Specific articulation of harm that would result from disclosure
- Narrowly tailored order limiting only necessary information
Cases involving the following factors may qualify for heightened confidentiality:
- Domestic violence or abuse allegations
- Child abuse or neglect concerns
- Sensitive medical or mental health information
- High-profile individuals where publicity could cause harm
- Legitimate safety concerns for parties or children
The Milwaukee County Circuit Court balances confidentiality requests against the presumption of openness in judicial proceedings established by the Wisconsin Supreme Court in C.L. v. Edson, 140 Wis. 2d 168, which affirmed the public's right to court records while recognizing exceptions for compelling privacy interests.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Milwaukee County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Milwaukee County varies significantly based on multiple factors, including case complexity, cooperation between parties, and court scheduling. Wisconsin law establishes certain minimum timeframes, but the total process length depends on case-specific circumstances.
Statutory minimum timeframes:
- 120-day waiting period from service of the petition to final hearing, as required by Wisconsin Statute § 767.335
- 30-day residency requirement in the county before filing
- 6-month state residency requirement before filing
Typical timeframes by divorce type:
-
Uncontested divorces with complete agreement:
- 4-6 months from filing to finalization
- Minimal court appearances required
- Streamlined process when using marital settlement agreements
- May qualify for Milwaukee County's simplified divorce procedure
-
Contested divorces with partial agreements:
- 6-12 months from filing to finalization
- Multiple temporary hearings may be scheduled
- Mediation often required for custody and placement disputes
- Discovery process adds several months to timeline
-
Highly contested divorces:
- 12-24 months or longer from filing to finalization
- Extensive discovery and motion practice
- Multiple expert witnesses may be involved
- Trial preparation and scheduling extends timeframe
- Post-trial motions may further delay final judgment
According to the Milwaukee County Circuit Court Family Division, factors that commonly extend divorce timelines include:
- Complex property division issues
- Business valuation requirements
- Child custody evaluations
- Guardian ad litem investigations
- Mental health or substance abuse assessments
- Domestic violence allegations requiring investigation
- High conflict between parties necessitating additional hearings
Court congestion and judicial availability also impact scheduling, with the average time to trial assignment in Milwaukee County Family Court currently ranging from 9-12 months after the case is deemed ready for trial. Parties seeking expedited proceedings must demonstrate extraordinary circumstances warranting priority scheduling.
How Long Does Milwaukee County Keep Divorce Records?
Milwaukee County maintains divorce records according to a structured retention schedule established by the Wisconsin Court System Records Retention Schedule and governed by Wisconsin Statute § 59.52(4) regarding county records management. Different components of divorce records are subject to varying retention periods based on their legal and historical significance.
Permanent retention applies to:
- Final judgments of divorce
- Findings of fact and conclusions of law
- Marital settlement agreements
- Property division determinations
- Child custody and placement orders
- Court orders modifying the original judgment
- Case index information in the court management system
Extended retention periods apply to:
- Guardian ad litem reports and recommendations (75 years)
- Child support orders (until the youngest child reaches age 33)
- Financial disclosure statements (30 years)
- Transcripts of proceedings (20 years)
Standard retention periods apply to:
- Temporary orders (7 years after final judgment)
- Routine motions and procedural filings (7 years after final judgment)
- Exhibits not returned to parties (7 years after final judgment)
- Discovery materials filed with the court (7 years after final judgment)
After the applicable retention period expires, records may be:
- Transferred to the Wisconsin Historical Society for permanent archival preservation
- Converted to electronic format for continued accessibility
- Destroyed according to authorized procedures if deemed of no further value
The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access system maintains electronic case information indefinitely, even after physical records may have been destroyed or transferred. This electronic index provides basic case information including:
- Party names
- Case numbers
- Filing and judgment dates
- Case type and status
- Judge assignment
For divorce certificates (as opposed to court records), the Wisconsin Vital Records Office maintains these records permanently as required by Wisconsin Statute § 69.21. These certificates remain available to eligible requesters regardless of the age of the record.
How To Get a Divorce In Milwaukee County
Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Milwaukee County must follow specific procedures established by Wisconsin law. The divorce process, legally termed "dissolution of marriage," involves multiple steps from initial filing through final judgment.
Eligibility requirements:
- At least one spouse must have been a Wisconsin resident for at least 6 months
- At least one spouse must have been a Milwaukee County resident for at least 30 days
- Marriage must be legally recognized in Wisconsin
Initial filing process:
- Complete the Petition for Divorce/Legal Separation (Form FA-4104)
- File the Summons (Form FA-4104) with the petition
- Submit Confidential Petition Addendum (Form GF-179)
- Pay the filing fee ($184.50 as of current schedule)
- File at the Milwaukee County Courthouse Family Court Division
Milwaukee County Courthouse Family Court Division
901 N. 9th Street, Room 104
Milwaukee, WI 53233
414-278-5362
Milwaukee County Family Court
Service of process requirements:
- Serve the non-filing spouse with copies of all filed documents
- Use a process server, sheriff's deputy, or other adult not involved in the case
- File proof of service with the court
- Alternative service methods available if spouse cannot be located
Mandatory waiting period:
- 120 days must elapse between service of process and final hearing
- This period cannot be waived except in extraordinary circumstances
- Temporary orders can address immediate needs during this period
Financial disclosure requirements:
- Both parties must complete Financial Disclosure Statements (Form FA-4139)
- Exchange all relevant financial documents
- Update disclosures if financial circumstances change before final judgment
For cases involving minor children:
- Complete Parenting Plan documents (Form FA-4147)
- Attend mandatory parent education program
- Mediation may be required for custody/placement disputes
- Child support calculations must follow Wisconsin guidelines
Final judgment process:
- Submit Marital Settlement Agreement if reached (Form FA-4150)
- Attend final hearing before Family Court Commissioner or Judge
- Present testimony establishing grounds for divorce
- Receive court approval of property division and child-related provisions
- Obtain written Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Judgment
Wisconsin is a "no-fault" divorce state under Wisconsin Statute § 767.315, requiring only that the court find the marriage is "irretrievably broken" with no reasonable prospect of reconciliation.
How To Get Divorce Papers In Milwaukee County
Milwaukee County residents initiating or responding to divorce proceedings have multiple options for obtaining the necessary legal forms. The court system provides standardized documents that comply with Wisconsin legal requirements.
For obtaining divorce forms in person:
- Visit the Milwaukee County Law Library
- Request assistance from the Family Law Self-Help Desk
- Forms are available for a nominal printing fee
- Staff can provide guidance on which forms are needed
Milwaukee County Law Library
901 N. 9th Street, Room G8
Milwaukee, WI 53233
414-278-4900
Milwaukee County Law Library
For obtaining forms online:
- Access the Wisconsin Court System Forms website
- Navigate to the Family Law section
- Download fillable PDF versions of required documents
- Forms include detailed instructions for completion
Essential forms for divorce proceedings include:
- Petition for Divorce/Legal Separation (Form FA-4104)
- Summons (Form FA-4104)
- Confidential Petition Addendum (Form GF-179)
- Financial Disclosure Statement (Form FA-4139)
- Marital Settlement Agreement (Form FA-4150)
- Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Judgment (Form FA-4161)
Additional forms for cases involving children:
- Parenting Plan (Form FA-4147)
- Child Support Worksheet (Form FA-4130)
- Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act Affidavit (Form GF-150)
For assistance with form completion:
- Attend the Milwaukee Justice Center's free walk-in clinic
- Receive guidance from volunteer attorneys
- Get help with basic procedural questions
- No appointment necessary during operating hours
Milwaukee Justice Center
901 N. 9th Street, Room G9
Milwaukee, WI 53233
414-278-2910
Milwaukee Justice Center
For comprehensive legal assistance:
- Contact the Milwaukee Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
- Request a reduced-fee consultation with a family law attorney
- Determine eligibility for Legal Action of Wisconsin services
- Consider mediation services through Family Mediation Services
Milwaukee Bar Association
747 N. Broadway, Suite 700
Milwaukee, WI 53202
414-274-6768
Milwaukee Bar Association
Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 767.215, all divorce filings must include specific statutory language and meet formatting requirements to be accepted by the court.