Door County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Door County in 2026
DoorRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Door County, Wisconsin. Members of the public may find case summaries, final decrees, party names, filing dates, and related court documents. Available record categories may include dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, property division orders, child custody arrangements, and post-judgment modifications. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the case and applicable confidentiality provisions.
Divorce records in Door County may be searched through official court resources, the Clerk of Court's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools provided by the Wisconsin Court System. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking these records.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Wisconsin Court System provides a publicly accessible online case search portal that allows individuals to search divorce and family law cases filed in Door County Circuit Court. This is the most common method for locating divorce records without visiting the courthouse in person.
- Access the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) portal to search by party name, case number, or attorney name
- Basic case information is available at no charge
- Copies of documents require payment of applicable fees
- Search results display case numbers, filing dates, party names, and case status
2. State Court System Portal
The Wisconsin Court System case search provides a consolidated database allowing searches across all Wisconsin circuit courts, including Door County. This portal is particularly useful when the county of filing is uncertain.
3. State Vital Records
Wisconsin registers divorce records through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Vital Records Office. The Wisconsin Vital Records Office maintains divorce certificates for dissolutions finalized in the state. These certificates contain limited information compared to full court case files and are subject to applicable fees.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Door County Family Division
Members of the public may inspect divorce case files in person at the Door County Courthouse during regular business hours.
Door County Clerk of Circuit Court
421 Nebraska Street
Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Phone: (920) 746-2205
Door County Clerk of Circuit Court
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Services available in person:
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Obtain staff assistance for locating records
By Mail
Members of the public may submit written requests for divorce records by mail to the Clerk of Circuit Court.
- Mail requests to: Door County Clerk of Circuit Court, 421 Nebraska Street, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
- Include the following in the written request:
- Full names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Purpose of the request, if required
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence
- Processing time: Requests are processed within approximately one to two weeks, depending on volume and record availability
By Phone
The Clerk of Court may provide limited case information by telephone.
- Clerk of Court: (920) 746-2205
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- The assigned case number
- Current case status
- The original filing date
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents
- Copies of filed documents
- Confidential or restricted information
Through Attorneys
An attorney of record may access divorce case files, including documents that may be restricted from general public view. The State Bar of Wisconsin Lawyer Referral Service can assist individuals in locating qualified family law counsel. Attorney access is particularly useful in complex cases involving sealed records or post-judgment enforcement matters.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses at the time of filing
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or filing year
- Case number, if previously obtained
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Prior addresses in Door County
- Names of children, if applicable
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Divorce proceedings in Wisconsin are filed in the circuit court of the county where either spouse resided at the time of filing. Members of the public should confirm the county of residence before initiating a search. A divorce cannot be located by searching the county where the marriage ceremony occurred unless one spouse also resided there.
Under Wis. Stat. § 767.301, at least one party must have been a resident of Wisconsin for a minimum of six months prior to filing, and a resident of the filing county for a minimum of thirty days.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Newly finalized cases may not appear in online systems immediately
- Allow several business days to weeks after the final hearing for records to be processed and indexed
- Court staff can confirm whether a case has been entered into the system
Older Divorces:
- Cases predating electronic filing may exist only in paper format
- Archived records may require additional retrieval time
- Not all historical records have been digitized; requestors should allow extra processing time
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- The divorce was filed in a different 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 are stored in a separate archive
- The case has been sealed by court order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Clerk of Court at (920) 746-2205 to request assistance
- Attempt alternate name spellings in the online search portal
- Search under both spouses' names
- Check the Wisconsin Vital Records Office for a divorce certificate
- Retain a licensed attorney or professional records search service for complex searches
What Are Door County Divorce Records?
Door County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Door County Circuit Court. These records are maintained by the Clerk of Circuit Court as part of the family law case file and constitute public records subject to the provisions of Wis. Stat. § 19.35, Wisconsin's public records law.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files
The complete case file for a dissolution of marriage proceeding may include:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Response or answer filed by the respondent
- Financial disclosure affidavits submitted by both parties
- Proposed and final parenting plans (if minor children are involved)
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, responses, and court orders issued during the proceeding
- Transcripts of court hearings
- Final judgment of divorce
Final Decree
The final judgment of divorce is the official court order that legally dissolves the marriage. It serves as the primary legal proof of divorce and establishes:
- The date the marriage was legally dissolved
- Division of marital property and allocation of debts
- Alimony or spousal maintenance provisions, if ordered
- Child custody and physical placement arrangements, if applicable
- Child support orders, if applicable
- Restoration of a former name, if requested
Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Clerk of Circuit Court upon payment of applicable fees.
Supporting Documents
Additional documents that may be part of the case file include:
- The original marriage certificate submitted as an exhibit
- Financial disclosure statements and supporting documentation
- Real and personal property inventories
- Post-judgment modification orders
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for division of retirement accounts
Who Maintains Divorce Records
The Clerk of Circuit Court is the primary custodian of all divorce case files in Door County. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services Vital Records Office maintains a separate registry of divorce certificates, which contain summary information about finalized dissolutions. The Wisconsin Vital Records Office processes requests for divorce certificates statewide.
Are Door County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Door County Circuit Court are public court records under Wisconsin law. Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 19.35, any person has the right to inspect public records maintained by government agencies, including court records, subject to specific statutory exceptions. The Wisconsin Court System affirms that "court records are presumed to be open to the public," consistent with the principle of judicial transparency.
What Is Public
The following information is accessible to any member of the public:
- Case number and original filing date
- Full names of both parties to the proceeding
- Names of attorneys of record
- Scheduled and completed court hearing dates
- Court orders and judgments, including the final decree
- Property division orders
- General case status and docket entries reflecting the chronological history of the case
What May Be Restricted
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers are redacted from all publicly accessible documents
- Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted pursuant to court rules
- Detailed financial statements and tax returns may be subject to limited access upon court order
Children's Information:
- Names and addresses of minor children may be redacted in certain circumstances
- Schools attended by children are not disclosed in public records
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children may be sealed
- Guardian ad litem reports are subject to restricted access
- Child custody evaluation reports may be sealed by court order
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence may be sealed to protect victim safety
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records are restricted under applicable privacy laws
- Personal addresses of parties in domestic violence cases may be withheld
Sealed Records:
- A court may seal specific documents or an entire case file upon a showing of good cause
- Cases involving allegations of abuse or involving protected parties may be sealed
- Mediation communications are confidential and are not part of the public record
Who Can Access Records
General Public: Members of the public may access most case information, view docket summaries, and obtain copies of public documents. Photo identification may be required at the courthouse.
Parties to the Case: Each party to a divorce proceeding has full access to all documents in their own case file, including information that may be restricted from general public access.
Attorneys: Attorneys of record have access to all case documents and may petition the court for access to sealed materials upon a proper showing.
Researchers and Media: Journalists and academic researchers may access the public portions of divorce records. Access to sealed records requires a court order and a demonstration of legitimate public interest.
Restrictions on Use
Access to divorce records does not authorize use of that information for stalking, harassment, identity theft, or any purpose that violates a protective order. Permitted uses include legal proceedings, background verification, genealogical research, news reporting protected under the First Amendment, and academic research.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Door County?
The Door County Clerk of Circuit Court charges fees for copies of divorce records in accordance with Wisconsin statutes and court rules. The following fee structure is currently in effect:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain paper copies (per page) | $1.25 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree or judgment | $5.00 per document |
| Certification fee (per document) | $5.00 |
| Electronic copies (where available) | Varies |
| Search fee (staff-assisted) | No separate search fee |
- Inspection: Members of the public may inspect divorce records at the courthouse at no charge during regular business hours.
- Copies: Plain paper copies are charged at $1.25 per page pursuant to Wisconsin court fee schedules.
- Certified Copies: A certification fee of $5.00 applies to each document requiring a court seal and certification.
- Payment Methods: The Clerk of Court accepts cash, check, and money order. Members of the public should confirm current accepted payment methods by contacting the office directly at (920) 746-2205.
- Fee Waivers: Individuals who qualify as indigent may petition the court for a waiver of fees pursuant to applicable Wisconsin statutes. A completed financial disclosure form is required to support a fee waiver request.
- Free Access: Basic case information, including party names, case numbers, filing dates, and case status, is available at no charge through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access portal.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Door County
A complete divorce case file maintained by the Door County Clerk of Circuit Court 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 minor children were involved.
Basic Case Information
- Case number, court name, and assigned division
- Names of the petitioner and respondent
- Name of the assigned circuit court judge
- Names and contact information of attorneys of record
- Filing date, case type designation, and jurisdictional basis
Initial Pleadings
The Petition for Dissolution of Marriage sets forth the petitioner'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, requiring only that the marriage be irretrievably broken under Wis. Stat. § 767.315), information about minor children, and the relief requested. The Response filed by the respondent states that party's position, admissions or denials, and any counterpetition for relief.
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 that become part of the court file may include:
- Tax returns and pay stubs
- Bank and investment account statements
- Retirement account statements
- Interrogatories and answers under oath
- Requests for production of documents and responses
- Business financial statements, if applicable
Property-Related Documents
- Marital asset inventory listing all real and personal property with estimated values
- Debt inventory covering mortgages, vehicle loans, credit card balances, and other obligations
- Real property appraisals and business valuations prepared by qualified experts
Children-Related Documents
When minor children are involved, the case file includes:
- Parenting Plan: Specifies legal custody (decision-making authority), physical placement, regular and holiday timesharing schedules, transportation arrangements, and provisions for relocation
- Child Support Worksheet: Calculates support based on both parties' incomes, number of overnight placements, health insurance costs, and childcare expenses
- Custody Evaluations: Reports prepared by court-appointed psychologists or evaluators, which may be sealed
- Guardian ad Litem Reports: Findings and recommendations of the attorney appointed to represent the children's best interests, subject to restricted access
Settlement Documents
The Marital Settlement Agreement is a comprehensive written agreement resolving all issues in the case, including property division, debt allocation, spousal maintenance, and child-related provisions. If the parties participated in mediation, a mediation agreement may be incorporated into the settlement agreement. Mediation communications themselves are confidential and do not become part of the public record.
Court Orders and Final Judgment
- Temporary orders addressing custody, support, and use of property during the pendency of the case
- The Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage, which is the court's definitive order ending the marriage, containing findings of fact, conclusions of law, and all provisions governing property, support, and parenting
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs), if retirement accounts are divided, directing plan administrators to distribute benefits
Post-Judgment Documents
After entry of the final judgment, the case file may be supplemented with:
- Petitions to modify custody, placement, or support
- Court orders on modification requests
- Contempt motions and enforcement actions
- Income deduction orders for support enforcement
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted as a matter of course)
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence-related evidence (may be sealed)
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluation records
- Mediation communications
- Trade secrets contained in business valuations
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Door County
Proof of divorce in Door County is obtained through either a certified copy of the final judgment of divorce from the Clerk of Circuit Court or a divorce certificate from the Wisconsin Vital Records Office, depending on the purpose for which proof is required.
Certified Copy of Final Judgment (Court Record):
A certified copy of the final judgment of divorce is the most comprehensive form of proof and is accepted for legal proceedings, property transfers, name changes, and immigration purposes.
- Submit a written request to the Door County Clerk of Circuit Court at 421 Nebraska Street, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235, or appear in person during business hours
- Provide the full names of both parties, the approximate year of divorce, and the case number if known
- Pay the applicable certification fee of $5.00 per document plus $1.25 per page for copies
- Certified copies are typically available within one to two business days for in-person requests
Divorce Certificate (Vital Records):
A divorce certificate issued by the Wisconsin Vital Records Office provides summary information about the dissolution and is sufficient for many administrative purposes, including Social Security benefit applications and remarriage.
- Submit a request through the Wisconsin Vital Records Office online, by mail, or in person
- Fees and processing times are established by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services
- Requestors must provide identifying information and, in some cases, documentation of their relationship to the parties
Wisconsin Vital Records Office
1 West Wilson Street
Madison, WI 53703
Phone: (608) 266-1373
Wisconsin Department of Health Services Vital Records
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Door County?
Divorce proceedings in Door County are presumptively public, but Wisconsin law and court rules permit certain records or entire case files to be sealed under specific circumstances.
- Court-Ordered Sealing: A party may file a motion requesting that the court seal specific documents or the entire 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.
- Domestic Violence Cases: Documents containing the address or identifying information of a domestic violence victim may be withheld from public access to protect victim safety under applicable Wisconsin statutes.
- Children's Information: Names, addresses, schools, and medical or psychological information pertaining to minor children may be redacted or sealed to protect the children's welfare.
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Records: Records pertaining to mental health treatment or substance abuse are protected under both state and federal privacy laws, including HIPAA, and are not disclosed as part of the public record.
- Mediation Records: Communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential by statute and do not become part of the public court file.
- Financial Account Information: Social Security numbers and financial account numbers are redacted from all publicly accessible documents as a matter of standard court practice.
- Sealed Settlements: Confidential settlement terms agreed to outside of court are not filed as part of the public record unless incorporated into a court order.
Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the Door County Circuit Court demonstrating a legitimate legal basis for disclosure.
How Long Does Door County Keep Divorce Records?
Door County Circuit Court retains divorce records in accordance with the Wisconsin Supreme Court's records retention schedules, which govern the preservation of court case files statewide.
- Permanent Retention: Final judgments of divorce and final decrees are retained permanently as part of the official court record. These documents are never destroyed and remain accessible indefinitely.
- Complete Case Files: Under current Wisconsin court records retention policy, complete divorce case files, including all pleadings, orders, and supporting documents, are retained for a minimum of twenty years following the close of the case.
- Cases Involving Minor Children: Case files in which child custody, placement, or support orders were entered are subject to extended retention periods to ensure availability for future modification proceedings.
- Archived Records: Older case files that have exceeded active retention periods may be transferred to archival storage. Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time and should be requested through the Clerk of Circuit Court.
- Electronic Records: Cases filed electronically through the Wisconsin eFiling system are maintained in the court's electronic records management system and are accessible through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access portal.
- Vital Records: Divorce certificates maintained by the Wisconsin Vital Records Office are retained permanently in the state's vital records registry.
Members of the public seeking records from older cases should contact the Clerk of Circuit Court at (920) 746-2205 to confirm availability and retrieval procedures.