Racine Public Records /Racine County Divorce Records

Racine County Divorce Records

What Are Racine County Divorce Records?

Divorce records in Racine County are official legal documents that provide documentation of the dissolution of marriage between two individuals. These records are maintained pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 767.35, which governs divorce and legal separation proceedings within the state. Divorce records typically consist of various court documents filed throughout the divorce process, from the initial petition to the final judgment.

The Wisconsin court system maintains these records as part of its responsibility to document legal proceedings. Divorce records serve multiple important functions:

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 purposes

In Racine County, divorce records are categorized as both court records (the case files containing pleadings and orders) and vital records (the certificate of divorce or annulment). The Racine County Clerk of Circuit Court maintains the court records, while the Wisconsin Department of Health Services maintains the vital records component through its Vital Records Office.

Are Racine County Divorce Records Public?

Racine County divorce records have a complex public access status that varies by record type. Generally, court case files related to divorce proceedings 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 case files are generally public, but certain sensitive documents within those files may be sealed or redacted
Financial disclosure statements may have restricted access
Records containing information about minor children often have heightened privacy protections
Cases involving domestic violence may have confidentiality provisions
Certified divorce certificates have restricted access limited to:
- The parties named in the divorce
- Immediate family members
- Legal representatives with proper authorization
- Individuals with a "direct and tangible interest" as defined by Wisconsin Statute § 69.20

The Wisconsin Supreme Court has established that while divorce records are presumptively public, this presumption can be overcome when the court determines that the potential harm from disclosure outweighs the public interest in access, particularly in cases involving sensitive personal or financial information.

Individuals seeking divorce records should be aware that while basic case information may be readily available through public access systems, obtaining complete case files or certified divorce certificates requires proper identification and may be subject to verification of eligibility.

How To Find a Divorce Record In Racine County in 2026

Members of the public seeking divorce records in Racine County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The appropriate approach depends on the specific type of divorce record needed and the requester's relationship to the case.

For court records related to divorce proceedings:

Visit the Racine County Courthouse in person:

Racine County Clerk of Circuit Court
730 Wisconsin Avenue
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 636-3333
Racine County Clerk of Circuit Court

Provide the clerk with:
- Full names of both parties to the divorce
- Approximate date of the divorce filing or finalization
- Case number (if known)
- Valid photo identification
Pay the applicable search and copy fees:
- Record search fee: $5.00 per name
- Copy fees: $1.25 per page
- Certification fee (if needed): $5.00 per document

For certified divorce certificates (vital records):

Submit a request to the Wisconsin Vital Records Office:

Wisconsin Vital Records Office
1 West Wilson Street, Room 118
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 266-1373
Wisconsin Department of Health Services Vital Records

Complete the Wisconsin Vital Records Application
Provide proof of identification and establish eligibility to receive the record
Pay the required fee ($20 for the first copy, $3 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time)

Requesters should note that currently, processing times may vary depending on request volume and staffing levels at both agencies.

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Racine County Online?

Racine County residents and other authorized individuals may access certain divorce record information through online systems maintained by Wisconsin state agencies. The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) system, commonly known as CCAP, provides the most comprehensive online access to divorce case information.

To search for divorce records online:

Visit the Wisconsin Court System Case Search portal
Select "Circuit Court" from the available options
Enter search criteria in at least one of the following fields:
- Party name (last name, first name)
- Business name
- Case number (if known)
Narrow results by selecting:
- County: "Racine"
- Case type: "Family" or "FA - Family"
- Case classification: "40101 - Divorce"
Review the search results, which typically include:
- Case number
- Filing date
- Case status (open/closed)
- Party names
- Attorney information
- Scheduled court dates
- Basic case activity information

Important limitations of online searches include:

Detailed documents within the case file are not available online
Cases filed before approximately 2000 may have limited information
Sealed or confidential cases will not appear in search results
Financial information is generally not accessible online
Certified copies cannot be obtained through the online system

For comprehensive case file access or certified copies, requesters must contact the Racine County Clerk of Circuit Court directly or visit in person. Online access is intended primarily for basic case information and verification of divorce status.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Racine County?

Members of the public seeking no-cost access to divorce records in Racine County have limited but viable options. The Wisconsin court system provides certain free resources for basic divorce record information, though comprehensive access typically involves fees.

Free access options include:

Using public access terminals at the courthouse:

Racine County Courthouse
730 Wisconsin Avenue
Racine, WI 53403
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

These terminals provide free access to the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) system with more detailed information than the public website version.

Visiting the Racine Public Library:

Racine Public Library
75 Seventh Street
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 636-9217

The library offers free internet access where patrons can search the basic WCCA public website.

Using the Wisconsin Court System Case Search from any internet connection

Important limitations of free access methods:

Only basic case information is available (filing date, case status, party names)
Document images are not available through free online access
Older cases (generally pre-2000) may have limited information
Certified copies cannot be obtained through free methods
Confidential or sealed cases will not appear in public search results

While basic case verification can be accomplished at no cost, individuals requiring complete case files, document copies, or certified records will need to pay the applicable fees established by the Clerk of Circuit Court or the Wisconsin Vital Records Office.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Racine County

Divorce records in Racine County contain comprehensive documentation of the legal dissolution of marriage. The content of these records is governed by Wisconsin Statute § 767.35, which specifies the required components of divorce judgments and supporting documentation.

A complete divorce record typically includes:

Initial Pleadings:
- Petition for divorce or legal separation
- Summons
- Financial disclosure statements
- Affidavit of service
Temporary Orders:
- Child custody and placement arrangements
- Child support determinations
- Maintenance (alimony) provisions
- Temporary property division
- Restraining orders (if applicable)
Settlement Documents:
- Marital settlement agreements
- Stipulations between parties
- Property division proposals
Court Proceedings:
- Hearing transcripts
- Court minutes
- Mediation reports
- Guardian ad litem reports (in cases involving children)
Final Judgment:
- Findings of fact and conclusions of law
- Final determination on:
  - Legal termination of the marriage
  - Division of marital property and debts
  - Child custody and placement arrangements
  - Child support obligations
  - Maintenance awards
  - Name change authorizations
- Waiting period requirements
- Date of legal effectiveness
Post-Judgment Modifications:
- Any subsequent changes to custody, support, or maintenance
- Enforcement actions
- Appeals documentation

The divorce certificate, maintained by the Wisconsin Vital Records Office, contains a more limited subset of this information, primarily documenting the names of the parties, the date and location of the divorce, and the case number.

Certain sensitive information may be redacted or sealed in the public version of divorce records, including:

Social Security numbers
Financial account numbers
Certain information regarding minor children
Victims' information in cases involving domestic abuse

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Racine County?

Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in Racine County have two primary options, depending on the level of documentation needed and the intended use of the proof.

For a certified copy of the divorce certificate (most commonly accepted proof):

Submit a request to the Wisconsin Vital Records Office:

Wisconsin Vital Records Office
1 West Wilson Street, Room 118
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 266-1373
Wisconsin Department of Health Services Vital Records

Complete the Wisconsin Vital Records Application
Provide required identification (government-issued photo ID)
Establish eligibility to receive the record:
- Named party on the record
- Immediate family member
- Legal representative with authorization
- Person with "direct and tangible interest"
Pay the required fee ($20 for the first copy, $3 for each additional copy)
Submit request by mail, online, or in person

For a certified copy of the divorce judgment:

Contact the Racine County Clerk of Circuit Court:

Racine County Clerk of Circuit Court
730 Wisconsin Avenue
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 636-3333
Racine County Clerk of Circuit Court

Provide:
- Names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number (if known)
- Valid photo identification
Pay the applicable fees:
- Search fee: $5.00 per name
- Copy fee: $1.25 per page
- Certification fee: $5.00 per document

Processing times currently range from same-day service for in-person requests at the courthouse to 2-3 weeks for mail requests to the Vital Records Office. Expedited service is available from the Vital Records Office for an additional fee.

Requesters should specify the intended use of the proof of divorce, as different agencies and purposes may require different documentation formats.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Racine County?

While divorce proceedings in Racine County are generally matters of public record, Wisconsin law provides mechanisms for maintaining confidentiality in certain circumstances. The Wisconsin Supreme Court has recognized that the presumption of public access to court records can be overcome when privacy interests substantially outweigh the public interest in disclosure.

Under Wisconsin Statute § 801.21, parties may petition the court to seal or redact specific documents or entire case files. The court may grant such requests when it finds compelling reasons that outweigh the general presumption of public access.

Circumstances that may warrant confidentiality include:

Cases involving domestic violence where disclosure could endanger a party
- Protected by Wisconsin's Address Confidentiality Program under Wis. Stat. § 165.68
- May include sealing of residential address information
Protection of sensitive financial information
- Account numbers and financial statements may be redacted
- Trade secrets or proprietary business information may be protected
Cases involving minor children
- Guardian ad litem reports often have restricted access
- Information that could harm the best interests of children may be sealed
Health and medical information
- Protected under both state law and HIPAA
- Mental health evaluations typically have restricted access
Cases involving high-profile individuals
- Courts may consider heightened privacy concerns in cases attracting unusual public attention

The process for requesting confidentiality includes:

Filing a motion with the Racine County Circuit Court
Demonstrating specific, substantial reasons why confidentiality is necessary
Proposing the least restrictive means of protecting sensitive information
Obtaining a court order specifically authorizing the sealing or redaction

Even when certain documents are sealed, basic case information (parties' names, case type, and status) typically remains accessible through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access system unless the court specifically orders complete confidentiality.

Parties seeking confidentiality should consult with legal counsel to determine the appropriate level of protection for their specific circumstances.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Racine County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in Racine County varies significantly based on multiple factors, including case complexity, level of agreement between parties, and court scheduling. Wisconsin law establishes certain minimum timeframes, but the actual process often extends beyond these statutory minimums.

Key timeframe factors include:

Mandatory waiting period:
- Wisconsin Statute § 767.335 requires a 120-day waiting period from service of the initial petition before the court may grant a final divorce
- This period cannot be waived except in extraordinary circumstances
Case type and complexity:
- Uncontested divorces with complete agreements: 4-6 months from filing to finalization
- Contested divorces with property disputes: 8-12 months
- High-conflict cases involving custody disputes: 12-18 months or longer
- Cases requiring business valuations or complex asset division: 18-24 months
Court scheduling factors:
- Current Racine County Family Court caseload
- Availability of judges and court commissioners
- Time required for mandatory mediation in cases involving children
Additional factors affecting timeline:
- Completion of required parenting classes in cases involving minor children
- Time needed for custody evaluations or guardian ad litem investigations
- Discovery process duration in contested cases
- Settlement negotiation periods
- Temporary order hearings

According to the Wisconsin Court System Statistical Reports, the median time from filing to disposition for divorce cases in Racine County is approximately 7 months, though this varies significantly based on case complexity.

Parties seeking to minimize the divorce timeline should consider:

Reaching agreements on major issues before filing
Utilizing alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation
Promptly responding to discovery requests
Being prepared for scheduled court appearances
Considering collaborative divorce processes when appropriate

How Long Does Racine County Keep Divorce Records?

Racine County maintains divorce records in accordance with Wisconsin Supreme Court Rule 72, which establishes retention schedules for court records throughout the state. The retention period varies based on the type of record and its historical or legal significance.

For divorce case records:

Case files (including pleadings, orders, and judgments):
- Retained for 30 years after entry of final judgment
- After 30 years, records may be transferred to the Wisconsin Historical Society for permanent preservation or destroyed pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 72.03
- Cases of historical significance may be retained permanently
Electronic case records:
- Basic case information maintained indefinitely in the Consolidated Court Automation Programs (CCAP) database
- Document images in electronic format retained according to the same schedule as paper records
Divorce certificates (vital records):
- Maintained permanently by the Wisconsin Vital Records Office
- These records do not expire and remain available for certified copies indefinitely
Exhibits and evidence:
- Retained until the conclusion of any appeal period
- May be returned to the submitting parties after case conclusion
- If not claimed, destroyed according to court policy
Financial disclosure statements:
- Sealed after case conclusion
- Retained for 3 years, then destroyed

Individuals seeking older divorce records should note:

Records from the past 30 years are typically available from the Racine County Clerk of Circuit Court
Records older than 30 years may require contacting the Wisconsin Historical Society
Divorce certificates (regardless of age) remain available through the Wisconsin Vital Records Office
Some very old records may exist only on microfilm or in archived format, requiring additional processing time

The Wisconsin Historical Society maintains an archive of historically significant court records, including selected divorce cases dating back to the territorial period. These records may be accessed through the Historical Society's research facilities.

How To Get a Divorce In Racine County

Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Racine County must follow Wisconsin's established legal process for divorce. The procedure involves several required steps and adherence to statutory requirements under Wisconsin Statute Chapter 767.

The divorce process in Racine County typically proceeds as follows:

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 Racine County for at least 30 days
Initial filing:
- Complete the Petition for Divorce/Legal Separation (Form FA-4104)
- File the petition with the Racine County Clerk of Circuit Court:

Racine County Clerk of Circuit Court
730 Wisconsin Avenue
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 636-3333
Racine County Clerk of Circuit Court

Pay the filing fee (currently $184.50, though fee waivers are available for those who qualify)

Service of process:
- Serve the non-filing spouse with copies of the petition and summons
- Service must be completed by someone other than the petitioner who is at least 18 years old
- File proof of service with the court
Financial disclosure:
- Both parties must complete and exchange financial disclosure statements
- Disclose all assets, debts, income, and expenses
Temporary orders (if needed):
- Request temporary orders for child custody, support, use of property, etc.
- Attend temporary order hearings as scheduled
Mandatory mediation (for cases involving children):
- Participate in mediation through the Racine County Family Court Services:

Racine County Family Court Services
717 Wisconsin Avenue
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 636-3172

Settlement negotiations:
- Work toward agreement on property division, support, and custody issues
- Consider using collaborative divorce processes or mediation
Final hearing:
- After the 120-day waiting period has elapsed
- Present the marital settlement agreement or litigate contested issues
- Receive the final judgment of divorce
Post-judgment compliance:
- Implement property transfers as ordered
- Establish child support payment mechanisms
- Follow custody and placement schedules

Individuals may represent themselves in divorce proceedings (pro se) or retain legal counsel. The Racine County courthouse provides limited assistance to pro se litigants through the Wisconsin Court System Self-Help Center.

How To Get Divorce Papers In Racine County

Individuals initiating or responding to divorce proceedings in Racine County can obtain the necessary legal forms through several official channels. Wisconsin provides standardized forms for family law matters that are accepted in all county courts throughout the state.

To obtain divorce papers in Racine County:

Wisconsin Court System website:
- Visit the Wisconsin Circuit Court Forms page
- Select the appropriate forms based on your circumstances:
  - Basic Divorce Forms (FA-4100 series)
  - With Minor Children (FA-4150 series)
  - Without Minor Children (FA-4100 series)
- Forms are available in fillable PDF format
- Instructions are provided for each form
In-person at the Racine County Courthouse:

Racine County Law Library
730 Wisconsin Avenue, 7th Floor
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 636-3172
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Racine County Public Library:

Racine Public Library
75 Seventh Street
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 636-9217

Wisconsin Legal Self-Help Center:
- Online assistance available through Wisconsin Court System Self-Help
- Provides guidance on form completion and filing procedures

Essential forms for divorce proceedings include:

Petition for Divorce/Legal Separation (FA-4104)
Summons (FA-4101)
Confidential Petition Addendum (GF-179)
Financial Disclosure Statement (FA-4139)
Marital Settlement Agreement (FA-4150 or FA-4151)
Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Judgment (FA-4160 or FA-4161)

Additional forms may be required depending on specific circumstances:

Temporary Order forms (FA-4126)
Child Support forms (FA-4130 series)
Custody and Placement forms (FA-4147 series)

While forms are available at no cost, filing fees apply when submitting documents to the court. The current filing fee for a divorce petition in Racine County is $184.50. Fee waivers are available for those who qualify based on financial need by completing the Fee Waiver Request form (CV-410).

Lookup Divorce Records in Racine County

Case search - Wisconsin Court System

Wisconsin Circuit Court Forms

Vital Records | Wisconsin Department of Health Services

Vital Records: Requesting a Vital Record | Wisconsin Department of Health Services

Other Categories in Wisconsin

Criminal Records Court Records Inmate Records Arrest records Warrant Search Property Records Divorce Records