Kenosha County Divorce Records
What Are Kenosha County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Kenosha County are official legal documents that provide evidence of the dissolution of a marriage within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 767.35, which governs judgment of divorce or legal separation. Divorce records typically consist of multiple documents filed throughout the divorce proceeding, culminating in a final judgment that legally terminates the marriage.
The Kenosha County Circuit Court maintains divorce records as part of its responsibility to document judicial proceedings within the county. These 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
- Supporting documentation for loan applications
- Required evidence for immigration matters
- Historical and genealogical research
Divorce records in Kenosha County are categorized as both court records and vital records, with different components maintained by different county offices. The Kenosha County Clerk of Circuit Court maintains the complete case files, while the Wisconsin Vital Records Office maintains the official divorce certificates for divorces granted after October 1, 1907.
Are Kenosha County Divorce Records Public?
Kenosha County divorce records have varying levels of public accessibility depending on the specific document type and the information contained therein. Generally, court divorce case files are considered public records under the Wisconsin Public Records Law § 19.31-19.39, which establishes the presumption that government records should be accessible to the public.
However, this public access is subject to important limitations:
- Court files may contain confidential information that is redacted or sealed
- Financial disclosure forms are typically restricted from public view
- Records involving minor children may have additional privacy protections
- Cases involving domestic violence may have protective orders restricting access
- Certain sensitive personal information is redacted from public documents
Certified divorce certificates, which are maintained by the Wisconsin Vital Records Office, have more restricted access. Under Wisconsin Statute § 69.20, only the following individuals may obtain certified copies of divorce certificates:
- The parties to the divorce
- Direct family members with a tangible interest
- Legal representatives of eligible parties
- Persons with a court order authorizing access
- Government agencies performing official duties
Uncertified informational copies of divorce certificates may be available to the general public, but these copies cannot be used for legal purposes such as name changes or remarriage.
How To Find a Divorce Record In Kenosha County in 2026
Members of the public seeking divorce records in Kenosha County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The appropriate method depends on the specific type of divorce record needed and the intended use of the document.
For complete divorce case files:
- Visit the Kenosha County Clerk of Circuit Court office in person:
Kenosha County Clerk of Circuit Court
912 56th Street, Room 204
Kenosha, WI 53140
(262) 653-2664
Kenosha County Clerk of Courts
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Provide the clerk with the following information:
- Full names of both parties to the divorce
- Approximate date of divorce filing or finalization
- Case number (if known)
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Pay the applicable search and copy fees:
- Record search fee: $5.00 per name
- Copy fees: $1.25 per page for regular copies
- Certification fee: $5.00 per document for certified copies
For certified divorce certificates (for divorces after October 1, 1907):
- Submit a request to 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 Wisconsin Divorce Certificate Application
- Provide proof of identification and eligibility to receive the record
- Pay the required fee ($20 for the first copy, $3 for each additional copy)
Requestors should note that processing times vary based on current demand and staffing levels. Expedited service may be available for an additional fee.
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Kenosha County Online?
Kenosha County residents and other interested parties may access certain divorce record information through online platforms. The Wisconsin Court System provides a comprehensive online case search system that includes divorce cases filed in Kenosha County.
To search for divorce records online:
- Visit the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access website (commonly known as CCAP)
- Select "Circuit Court" from the available search options
- Choose "Kenosha County" from the county dropdown menu
- Select "Family" under case types
- Enter search criteria such as:
- Party name (last name, first name)
- Case number (if known)
- Filing date range
The online system provides basic case information including:
- Names of parties involved
- Case filing date
- Case status (pending or closed)
- Scheduled court dates
- Court documents filed (though the actual documents are not viewable online)
- Case disposition
It is important to note that the online system has limitations:
- Not all documents are available electronically
- Confidential or sealed records are not accessible
- Historical records (generally pre-2000) may have limited information
- Certified copies cannot be obtained through the online system
For complete case files or certified documents, requestors must still contact the Kenosha County Clerk of Circuit Court office directly or visit in person.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Kenosha County?
Members of the public seeking to access divorce records in Kenosha County without incurring fees have limited options, as most official record requests involve statutory fees. However, several methods exist to view basic divorce record information at no cost:
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Use the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access website:
- This free online resource provides basic case information
- Search by party name or case number
- View case status, filing dates, and hearing schedules
- No fee is required to search or view this basic information
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Visit the Kenosha County Law Library:
Kenosha County Law Library
912 56th Street, Room 308
Kenosha, WI 53140
(262) 653-2831
- Public terminals are available for searching court records
- Library staff can provide assistance with research
- No fee for on-site research, though printing may incur charges
- Review court calendars and public notices:
- Court calendars are posted publicly at the courthouse
- Divorce proceedings are typically listed on these calendars
- Local newspapers may publish legal notices including divorce filings
It is important to note that while basic information may be accessed without cost, fees will apply for:
- Obtaining copies of actual court documents
- Requesting certified copies of any records
- Having staff conduct research on your behalf
- Obtaining certified divorce certificates from vital records
Parties to the divorce case may have additional access rights to their own records, though copy fees may still apply.
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Kenosha County
Divorce records in Kenosha County comprise multiple documents generated throughout the divorce proceeding. The complete divorce case file typically contains the following components:
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Initial Petition for Divorce:
- Names and addresses of both parties
- Date and place of marriage
- Grounds for divorce (Wisconsin is a no-fault divorce state)
- Statement regarding residency requirements
- Information about minor children (if applicable)
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Summons and Service Documentation:
- Proof that the respondent was properly notified of the divorce action
- Affidavits of service or publication notices
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Financial Disclosure Statements:
- Assets and liabilities of both parties
- Income information
- Property valuations
- These documents may have restricted public access
-
Marital Settlement Agreement (if reached):
- Division of property and debts
- Spousal maintenance arrangements (if any)
- Child custody and placement provisions
- Child support calculations and obligations
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Court Orders:
- Temporary orders during the pendency of the case
- Final judgment of divorce
- Post-judgment modifications (if any)
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Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law:
- Court's determinations regarding disputed issues
- Legal basis for the court's decisions
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Parenting Plans (for cases involving minor children):
- Detailed custody and placement schedules
- Decision-making authority
- Provisions for education, healthcare, and other child-related matters
The official divorce certificate, maintained by the Wisconsin Vital Records Office, contains more limited information:
- Names of both parties
- Date and place the divorce was granted
- Case number
- County where the divorce was finalized
Researchers should be aware that certain sensitive information may be redacted from public copies, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Minor children's birthdates
- Victim information in cases involving domestic abuse
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Kenosha County?
Individuals requiring legal proof of divorce in Kenosha County have several options depending on the level of documentation needed and the intended use of the proof. The most commonly accepted forms of divorce proof include:
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Certified Copy of Divorce Judgment:
- Available from the Kenosha County Clerk of Circuit Court
- Contains the judge's signature and court seal
- Shows complete details of the divorce settlement
- To obtain:
- Visit or contact the Family Division of the Circuit Court
- Provide case number or names and approximate divorce date
- Pay the certification fee ($5.00) plus copy costs ($1.25 per page)
-
Certified Divorce Certificate:
- Available from the Wisconsin Vital Records Office
- Official state document verifying the divorce occurred
- Contains limited information but sufficient for most legal purposes
- To obtain:
- Submit application to the Wisconsin Vital Records Office
- Provide identification and proof of eligibility
- Pay the required fee ($20 for first copy)
-
Exemplified Copy (for use in other states):
- Contains additional certifications for interstate recognition
- Includes signatures from the Clerk of Court and Chief Judge
- To obtain:
- Request specifically from the Kenosha County Clerk of Circuit Court
- Pay additional exemplification fee ($15.00)
For most purposes within Wisconsin, a certified copy of the divorce judgment is sufficient proof. For international use, documents may require additional authentication through the apostille process, which is handled by the Wisconsin Secretary of State's office.
Requestors should specify the intended use of the document when making their request to ensure they receive the appropriate level of certification.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Kenosha County?
While divorce proceedings in Kenosha County are generally matters of public record, Wisconsin law provides several mechanisms through which certain aspects of divorce cases may be kept confidential. These confidentiality provisions balance the public's right to access court records with individuals' privacy interests.
Under Wisconsin Statute § 801.21, parties may request that certain documents or information be sealed or redacted. 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 involves minor children's details
- Trade secrets or confidential business information is involved
- Domestic abuse or harassment concerns are present
Specific divorce documents that commonly receive confidential treatment include:
-
Financial Disclosure Statements:
- Detailed financial information is typically restricted from public view
- Only parties, their attorneys, and court personnel have full access
-
Sealed Settlement Agreements:
- Parties may request court approval to seal their settlement terms
- Court must find compelling reasons that outweigh public access interests
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Guardian ad Litem Reports:
- Reports concerning minor children's best interests
- Often contain sensitive family information
-
Abuse or Harassment Documentation:
- Evidence of domestic violence
- Restraining order information
-
Medical and Psychological Records:
- Mental health evaluations
- Treatment information
Parties seeking confidentiality must file a motion with the court specifically identifying the documents or information to be protected and providing justification for the request. The court then weighs the privacy interests against the presumption of public access.
It is important to note that complete confidentiality of an entire divorce case is extremely rare and granted only in exceptional circumstances, such as when public figures or safety concerns are involved.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Kenosha County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Kenosha County varies significantly based on multiple factors. Under Wisconsin Statute § 767.335, a mandatory 120-day waiting period exists between the service of the divorce petition and the final hearing date. However, the total timeline typically extends beyond this minimum period.
Factors influencing the timeline include:
-
Case Complexity:
- Simple divorces with few assets and no children may be resolved in 4-6 months
- Complex cases involving substantial assets or businesses may take 12-18 months
- High-conflict cases with multiple contested issues can extend beyond 24 months
-
Agreement Level Between Parties:
- Uncontested divorces with full agreement on all issues move most quickly
- Partially contested divorces require negotiation on specific issues
- Fully contested divorces requiring trial on multiple issues take longest
-
Court Calendar Congestion:
- Current caseload of the Kenosha County Family Court
- Availability of judicial resources
- Scheduling conflicts with attorneys
-
Required Evaluations:
- Custody evaluations typically add 3-6 months
- Property appraisals may add 1-3 months
- Business valuations can add 2-4 months
-
Alternative Dispute Resolution:
- Mediation may expedite resolution or add time if unsuccessful
- Collaborative divorce processes typically take 6-12 months
According to the Wisconsin Court System's statistical reports, the average time from filing to disposition for divorce cases in Kenosha County is approximately 7-9 months for uncontested cases and 12-18 months for contested matters. However, individual cases may vary significantly from these averages.
Parties seeking the most efficient resolution should consider:
- Preparing complete financial documentation early in the process
- Utilizing mediation or collaborative approaches
- Being realistic about settlement positions
- Responding promptly to discovery requests
- Considering limited-scope legal representation if full representation is unaffordable
How Long Does Kenosha County Keep Divorce Records?
Kenosha County maintains divorce records according to Wisconsin's records retention schedules, which establish different retention periods based on the type of record and its historical significance. These retention policies are governed by Wisconsin Statute § 59.52(4) and the Wisconsin Supreme Court Rule 72.
The retention periods for various divorce-related records are as follows:
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Divorce Case Files (Circuit Court):
- Complete case files: Minimum of 20 years after case closure
- Cases with historical significance: Permanent retention
- Cases involving real property interests: 60 years
-
Divorce Judgments and Final Orders:
- Permanent retention by the Clerk of Circuit Court
- Microfilmed or digitally preserved for long-term access
-
Divorce Certificates (Vital Records):
- Permanent retention by the Wisconsin Vital Records Office
- Records from October 1, 1907, to present are maintained centrally
- Pre-1907 records may be maintained at the county level
-
Divorce Index Books:
- Permanent retention as historical records
- May be transferred to the Wisconsin Historical Society after active use
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Financial Disclosure Statements:
- Retained for 1 year after case closure
- May be destroyed earlier if parties consent and court approves
-
Temporary Orders:
- Retained as part of the case file (20 years minimum)
- Not preserved separately from the main file
Researchers seeking historical divorce records should note that older records may be:
- Stored in off-site archives requiring advance retrieval requests
- Available only on microfilm or in bound volumes
- Subject to special handling procedures due to fragility
- Incomplete due to courthouse fires or other historical record losses
For records that have exceeded their retention period, researchers may need to explore alternative sources such as newspaper archives, genealogical collections, or the Wisconsin Historical Society.
How To Get a Divorce In Kenosha County
Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Kenosha County must follow Wisconsin's established legal process for divorce. The procedure involves several key steps and requirements as outlined below:
-
Residency Requirements:
- 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 Kenosha County for at least 30 days
- These requirements are established by Wisconsin Statute § 767.301
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Initiating the Divorce:
- File a Petition for Divorce with the Kenosha County Circuit Court
- Complete the required Summons form
- File at:
Kenosha County Circuit Court - Family Division
912 56th Street, Room 109
Kenosha, WI 53140
(262) 653-2664
Kenosha County Circuit Court
-
Service of Process:
- Have the non-filing spouse served with the Summons and Petition
- Service may be accomplished by:
- Sheriff's department (fee applies)
- Private process server
- Certified mail with return receipt (if the spouse will cooperate)
- Publication (in limited circumstances)
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Financial Disclosure:
- Both parties must complete and exchange Financial Disclosure Statements
- Disclose all assets, debts, income, and expenses
- File proof of service of these documents with the court
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Temporary Orders (if needed):
- Request orders for temporary child custody, support, or use of property
- Attend temporary orders hearing if contested
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Mandatory Parenting Classes:
- Required for cases involving minor children
- Certificate of completion must be filed with the court
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Negotiation and Settlement:
- Attempt to reach agreement on all issues
- Mediation is required for child custody disputes
- Draft a Marital Settlement Agreement if terms are reached
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Final Hearing:
- Scheduled after the 120-day waiting period has elapsed
- Present the settlement agreement or argue contested issues
- Judge issues final divorce judgment
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Post-Judgment Compliance:
- Implement property division as ordered
- Establish child support payment mechanisms
- Execute necessary deeds or title transfers
Individuals may represent themselves in divorce proceedings, but legal representation is advisable, particularly for complex cases involving significant assets or child custody disputes. The Kenosha County Clerk of Courts office provides basic forms but cannot offer legal advice.
How To Get Divorce Papers In Kenosha County
Individuals seeking to initiate divorce proceedings in Kenosha County have several options for obtaining the necessary legal forms. These documents constitute the foundation of the divorce process and must be completed accurately to avoid delays or procedural issues.
The required divorce papers typically 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)
- Proposed Parenting Plan (if children involved) (Form FA-4147)
These forms may be obtained through the following methods:
- In-Person at the Courthouse:
Kenosha County Circuit Court - Family Division
912 56th Street, Room 109
Kenosha, WI 53140
(262) 653-2664
Kenosha County Circuit Court
- Visit during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
- Request the divorce packet from the clerk
- Pay the applicable printing fees (approximately $5-10)
- Online Resources:
- Wisconsin Court System Forms - Official court forms available for download at no cost
- Forms are available in fillable PDF format
- Instructions are provided for each form
- Kenosha County Law Library:
Kenosha County Law Library
912 56th Street, Room 308
Kenosha, WI 53140
(262) 653-2831
- Access to form books and reference materials
- Computer terminals for accessing and printing online forms
- Staff available to direct users to appropriate resources (but cannot provide legal advice)
- Legal Aid Organizations:
Legal Action of Wisconsin - Racine Office
(Serves Kenosha County)
4900 Spring Street, Suite 100
Racine, WI 53406
(262) 635-8836
Legal Action of Wisconsin
- May provide forms and assistance to income-eligible individuals
- Limited representation may be available
When filing divorce papers, individuals must also pay the filing fee, which is currently $184.50 for a family action with minor children or $164.50 without minor children. Fee waivers may be available for those who demonstrate financial hardship by filing a Fee Waiver Request (Form CV-410).
Individuals should note that while forms are readily available, completing them correctly requires careful attention to detail. Court staff cannot provide legal advice regarding how to complete the forms or strategic decisions in the divorce process.
Lookup Divorce Records in Kenosha County
Kenosha County Clerk of Courts
Divorce decree copies from Family Division