Decatur County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Decatur County in 2026
DecaturRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Decatur County, Indiana. Members of the public may locate dissolution of marriage filings, final decrees, case docket entries, and related court documents through official county and state resources. Available record categories include divorce petitions, final judgments, property settlement agreements, child custody orders, and support determinations. 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, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools maintained by the Indiana court system.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Decatur County Clerk of Courts maintains an online portal through which members of the public may search non-confidential Circuit and Superior Court filings. This is the most common method for locating divorce case information. Basic case information, including party names, case numbers, filing dates, and docket entries, is available at no charge. Obtaining copies of specific documents may require payment of applicable fees.
2. State Court System Portal
The Indiana Judicial Branch provides access to local court information through its statewide portal. Members of the public may use this resource to identify the correct court, confirm case status, and locate contact information for the Decatur County courts. The portal consolidates court information across Indiana jurisdictions.
3. State Vital Records
Indiana does not issue divorce certificates through the state vital records office in the same manner as birth or death certificates. As clarified by the Indiana courts public records guidance, divorce records are maintained by the Clerk of Courts in the county where the dissolution was filed, not by the Indiana State Department of Health. Members of the public seeking proof of divorce should direct requests to the county clerk rather than the state vital records office.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Decatur County:
Decatur County Clerk of Courts
150 Courthouse Square, Suite 113
Greensburg, IN 47240
Phone: (812) 663-8223
Clerk | Decatur County, Indiana
Members of the public may visit the Clerk's office during regular business hours to:
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Receive staff assistance with locating records
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., consistent with standard Decatur County courthouse operations.
Records Department:
Historical and archived divorce cases may be stored separately from active files. Cases predating electronic filing systems may exist only in paper format. Members of the public seeking records from older proceedings should notify Clerk's staff at the time of the request so that appropriate retrieval steps may be initiated.
By Mail
Written Request:
Mail requests to:
Decatur County Clerk of Courts
150 Courthouse Square, Suite 113
Greensburg, IN 47240
Phone: (812) 663-8223
Clerk | Decatur County, Indiana
Written requests should include:
- Full legal names of both parties
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or date range
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Purpose of the request, if required
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- A self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence
Processing time for mail requests is subject to current workload but is typically completed within one to two weeks for standard requests.
By Phone
Limited Information:
- Clerk of Court: (812) 663-8223
- Staff may confirm whether a case exists in the system, provide a case number, confirm case status, and verify the filing date.
- Staff cannot provide detailed document contents, copies of filed documents, or any information subject to confidentiality restrictions over the telephone.
Through Attorneys
Members of the public involved in complex dissolution matters, or those seeking access to sealed or restricted portions of a case file, may engage licensed Indiana counsel. An attorney may access court records on behalf of a client, file motions to unseal restricted documents upon a showing of good cause, and obtain certified copies through professional channels. The Indiana State Bar Association maintains a lawyer referral service for members of the public seeking legal representation.
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 year of filing
- Case number, if previously obtained
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Prior addresses in Decatur County
- Names of minor children, if applicable
- 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. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple counties. A divorce may not be located by searching the county where the marriage ceremony occurred unless one of the parties also resided there at the time of filing.
Residency Requirement:
Pursuant to Indiana Code § 31-15-2-6, at least one party to a dissolution of marriage must have been a resident of Indiana or stationed at a military installation within Indiana for a minimum of six months immediately preceding the filing of the petition, and a resident of the county in which the petition is filed for at least three months.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Newly finalized cases may not appear in online systems immediately following the final hearing.
- Members of the public should allow several business days to several weeks for processing after the final order is entered.
Older Divorces:
- Cases predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format.
- Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time.
- Some older records may not be digitized and must be retrieved from physical storage.
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- The divorce was filed in a different Indiana county
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- The case remains 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's office directly at (812) 663-8223
- Attempt alternate name spellings in the search system
- Search under both spouses' names
- Review the Indiana courts public records request guidance for additional direction
- Engage a licensed attorney for complex retrieval situations
What Are Decatur County Divorce Records?
Decatur County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Decatur County Circuit or Superior Court. These records are maintained by the Decatur County Clerk of Courts as part of the permanent family law case file and constitute public records subject to applicable access provisions under Indiana law.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Response or answer to the petition
- Financial affidavits submitted by both parties
- Proposed and approved parenting plans
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, responses, and court orders
- Transcripts of court hearings
- Final judgment of dissolution of marriage
Final Decree:
The final decree 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 debts
- Alimony or spousal maintenance provisions, if any
- Child custody and parenting time 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 Decatur County Clerk of Courts.
Supporting Documents:
- Original marriage certificate submitted as an exhibit
- Financial disclosure statements
- Real and personal property inventories
- Post-judgment modification orders
Purpose of Divorce Records:
Legal Purposes:
- Establishing proof of marital status for remarriage
- Documenting name changes with government agencies
- Supporting immigration proceedings
- Facilitating property transfers and title changes
- Estate planning and beneficiary designations
- Social Security benefit determinations
Personal Purposes:
- Genealogical and family history research
- Personal record-keeping
- Verification of divorce terms for compliance purposes
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
The Decatur County Clerk of Courts serves as the primary custodian of all dissolution of marriage case files. The Clerk indexes records by the names of both parties, assigns case numbers, and provides certified copies upon request. As noted in the Indiana FAQ on obtaining marriage and divorce certificates, members of the public should contact the Clerk of Courts in the county where the divorce was filed to obtain copies of these records.
Legal Framework:
Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Indiana are governed by Indiana Code § 31-15, which establishes the grounds, procedures, and requirements for obtaining a divorce in the state. Public access to court records is governed by the Indiana Access to Court Records Rules, which establish a presumption of public access while providing specific protections for sensitive personal and family information.
Are Decatur County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Decatur County are public court records subject to the Indiana Access to Court Records Rules. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need or interest. Certain categories of information within divorce files are restricted or redacted to protect sensitive personal data and the privacy of minor children.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of the parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Scheduled court hearing dates
- Court orders and judgments, including the final decree
- Property division orders
- General case status and disposition
- 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
- Detailed tax returns may be subject to limited access
- Certain financial statements may be filed under restricted access
Children's Information:
- Addresses where minor children reside
- Schools attended by minor children
- Medical and psychological evaluation records pertaining to children
- Child custody evaluation reports may be sealed by court order
- Guardian ad litem reports are subject to restricted access
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
- Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders
- Medical records submitted as exhibits
Sealed Records:
A court may seal all or part of a divorce case file upon a showing of good cause. Circumstances that may support sealing include documented domestic violence, abuse allegations, high-profile parties, or confidential settlement terms. Mediation communications are confidential under Indiana law and are not part of the public court record.
Who Can Access Records:
- General public: May access public portions of the case file, view docket summaries, and obtain copies of non-restricted documents upon payment of applicable fees. Photo identification may be required.
- Parties to the case: Have full access to their own case file, including documents subject to restricted access for the general public.
- Attorneys of record: Have professional access to case files and may petition the court for access to sealed materials upon a showing of legitimate need.
- Researchers and media: May access public portions of case files; access to sealed records requires a court order and a demonstration of compelling need consistent with First Amendment principles.
Prohibited Uses:
Members of the public who obtain divorce records may not use that information for stalking, harassment, identity theft, fraudulent purposes, or any conduct that violates an existing protective order. Permitted uses include legal proceedings, background research, genealogical inquiry, news reporting, and academic research.
Obtaining Confidential Records:
A party seeking access to sealed or restricted portions of a divorce file must file a motion with the court demonstrating good cause. The court evaluates such requests on a case-by-case basis, applying a balancing test that weighs the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties and any minor children involved.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Decatur County?
The Decatur County Clerk of Courts charges standard fees for copies and certified copies of court records. Under current Indiana court rules, fees are set at the county level and are subject to change. Members of the public should confirm current fees directly with the Clerk's office prior to submitting a request.
Standard Fee Structure:
| Service | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy (per page) | $1.00 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree | $1.00 per page + certification fee |
| Certification fee | Approximately $5.00 per document |
| Electronic copy (if available) | Varies |
| Search fee | No separate search fee at present |
- Fees for plain copies are set pursuant to Indiana Code § 33-37-5-2, which governs clerk fees in civil proceedings.
- Certification of documents requires an additional fee reflecting the Clerk's official seal and attestation.
- Members of the public who inspect records in person at the courthouse do not incur a fee for viewing documents at a public access terminal; fees apply only when copies are requested.
- Accepted payment methods at the Decatur County Clerk's office include cash, check, and money order. Members of the public should confirm whether credit or debit card payments are accepted prior to visiting.
- Fee waiver provisions may apply in limited circumstances for indigent parties who are themselves parties to the case; members of the public seeking third-party access are not eligible for fee waivers.
- Online case searches through the Clerk's portal provide basic docket information at no charge.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Decatur County
A complete Decatur County dissolution of marriage case file contains all documents filed with the court from the initiation of proceedings through final judgment and any post-judgment actions. The scope of the file varies depending on whether the dissolution was uncontested or contested and whether children or significant marital assets were involved.
Basic Case Information:
- Case number, court name, and division
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Judge assigned to the case
- Attorneys of record for each party
- Date of filing and case type designation
Initial Pleadings:
The petition for dissolution of marriage sets forth the petitioner's identifying information, the respondent's identifying information, the date and location of the marriage, the date of separation if applicable, the grounds for dissolution (Indiana is a no-fault state, requiring only a showing of irretrievable breakdown of the marriage), information regarding minor children, claims regarding marital property, and the relief requested. The respondent's answer or counterpetition sets forth the respondent's position on each issue raised.
Financial Affidavits:
Both parties are required to submit financial affidavits disclosing income from all sources, monthly expenses, marital and non-marital assets, and outstanding liabilities. These documents form the evidentiary basis for property division and support determinations.
Discovery Documents:
In contested cases, the file may contain interrogatories and responses, requests for production of documents, deposition notices, and responses to requests for admission. Financial records including tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, investment account statements, and retirement account statements may be filed as exhibits.
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory listing real property, vehicles, financial accounts, retirement accounts, business interests, and personal property with estimated values
- Debt inventory listing mortgages, vehicle loans, credit card obligations, and other liabilities
- Appraisal reports and expert valuations for real property, businesses, and significant personal property
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
Where minor children are involved, the case file contains a parenting plan addressing legal custody (decision-making authority), physical custody, regular and holiday parenting time schedules, transportation arrangements, and provisions for relocation. Child support documentation includes the Indiana Child Support Obligation Worksheet, income information for both parties, health insurance and childcare cost allocations, and the support order. Custody evaluation reports and guardian ad litem reports, where ordered, are part of the file but may be subject to restricted access.
Support Documents:
Spousal maintenance orders, where applicable, specify the type, amount, duration, and termination conditions of support. Indiana courts may award spousal maintenance in limited circumstances, including cases involving a spouse's incapacity or a spouse who is the custodian of a child whose condition requires that parent to forgo employment.
Settlement Documents:
A marital settlement agreement, where the parties resolve issues by agreement, constitutes a comprehensive contract addressing all property, support, and parenting issues. Upon court approval, the agreement is incorporated into the final judgment. Mediation agreements, where mediation was utilized, may be incorporated into the settlement agreement; the underlying mediation communications remain confidential.
Court Orders and Judgments:
Temporary orders entered during the pendency of the case address interim custody, support, and use of marital property. The final judgment of dissolution constitutes the court's definitive order dissolving the marriage, dividing property, and establishing support and parenting arrangements. Where retirement accounts are divided, a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) is prepared as a separate order directing the plan administrator to divide the benefit.
Post-Judgment Documents (if applicable):
- Petitions to modify custody, parenting time, or support
- Court orders on modification requests
- Contempt motions and orders addressing non-compliance
- Income deduction orders for support enforcement
- Liens filed in connection with support arrearages
What's Typically Confidential or Sealed:
- Social Security numbers (redacted from all public documents)
- Financial account numbers (redacted)
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluation records
- Domestic violence evidence in cases with protective orders
- Mediation communications
- Trade secret information in business valuations
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Decatur County?
Proof of divorce in Decatur County is obtained through a certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution of marriage issued by the Decatur County Clerk of Courts. A certified copy bears the Clerk's official seal and signature, confirming it as a true and accurate reproduction of the court's original order.
Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy:
- Identify the case by searching the Decatur County Clerk's online case search to confirm the case number and filing county.
- Submit a request to the Clerk of Courts in person, by mail, or by telephone to confirm availability and current fees.
- Provide the full names of both parties, the approximate date of dissolution, and the case number if known.
- Pay the applicable certification and per-page copy fees.
- Receive the certified copy in person or by mail, depending on the method of request.
Members of the public who are uncertain whether their divorce was finalized may also consult the Indiana courts public records request page for guidance on locating and obtaining court records statewide.
Decatur County Clerk of Courts
150 Courthouse Square, Suite 113
Greensburg, IN 47240
Phone: (812) 663-8223
Clerk | Decatur County, Indiana
For members of the public who require proof of divorce for immigration, Social Security, or federal agency purposes, a certified copy of the final decree issued by the Clerk of Courts is the accepted form of documentation. The Indiana FAQ on obtaining a copy of a marriage or divorce certificate confirms that the Clerk of Courts in the county of filing is the appropriate source for this documentation.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Decatur County?
A divorce proceeding in Decatur County may be partially or fully confidential under specific legal circumstances. While Indiana law establishes a presumption of public access to court records, the Indiana Access to Court Records Rules permit courts to restrict access to particular documents or entire case files upon a showing of good cause.
Circumstances under which divorce records or portions thereof may be confidential include:
- Domestic violence cases: Addresses, contact information, and identifying details of protected parties may be withheld from public access to prevent harm.
- Sealed financial records: Tax returns, detailed financial statements, and account information may be filed under restricted access by court order.
- Children's information: Pursuant to Indiana court rules, information that could identify the residence, school, or medical status of minor children is subject to protection.
- Mental health and substance abuse records: Clinical evaluations and treatment records submitted as exhibits are restricted from general public access.
- Mediation communications: Under Indiana law, all communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and are not part of the public record.
- Court-ordered sealing: A party may petition the court to seal all or part of the case file; the court applies a balancing test weighing privacy interests against the public interest in transparency.
- Custody evaluation reports: Reports prepared by court-appointed evaluators or guardian ad litem attorneys may be restricted to the parties and the court.
Members of the public seeking access to restricted portions of a divorce file must file a motion with the Decatur County Circuit or Superior Court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for access.
How Long Does Decatur County Keep Divorce Records?
Decatur County divorce records are retained for extended periods consistent with Indiana court record retention schedules. The Indiana Supreme Court establishes minimum retention periods for court records, and dissolution of marriage case files are among the categories subject to permanent or long-term retention requirements.
Retention periods by record type include:
- Final judgments of dissolution: Retained permanently as part of the official court record. These documents are not subject to destruction under standard retention schedules.
- Complete case files (contested dissolutions): Retained for a minimum period established by Indiana court rules, with permanent retention for cases involving significant property, support orders, or child custody determinations.
- Temporary orders and interlocutory documents: Retained as part of the case file for the duration of the retention period applicable to the case type.
- Post-judgment modification records: Retained as part of the original case file or as a related case file for the applicable retention period.
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in the court's case management system and are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records.
- Archived paper records: Cases predating electronic filing are maintained in physical storage and may require additional retrieval time.
Indiana court record retention requirements are established under the Indiana Supreme Court's administrative rules governing court records management. Members of the public seeking records from older cases should contact the Decatur County Clerk of Courts directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures for archived materials.