Vigo Public Records /Vigo County Divorce Records

Vigo County Divorce Records

What Are Vigo County Divorce Records?

Divorce records in Vigo County are official legal documents that provide documentation of the dissolution of marriage between two individuals. These records are maintained pursuant to Indiana Code § 31-15, which governs dissolution of marriage proceedings throughout the state. Divorce records consist of various court filings, orders, and decrees that chronicle the legal process of terminating a marital relationship.

The Vigo County Circuit Court maintains these records as part of its official court documentation. Divorce records typically include:

Petition for dissolution of marriage
Summons
Financial disclosure statements
Property settlement agreements
Child custody and support arrangements
Final decree of dissolution

These records serve multiple important functions for citizens and government agencies. Divorce records are utilized as legal proof of marital status change, which may be required for:

Remarriage authorization
Legal name change documentation
Social Security benefit adjustments
Loan applications
Immigration proceedings
Estate planning and probate matters
Insurance beneficiary modifications

The Vigo County Clerk's Office serves as the official custodian of these records and processes requests for access in accordance with state law.

Are Vigo County Divorce Records Public?

Divorce records in Vigo County maintain a complex status regarding public accessibility. Generally, court divorce case files are considered public records under the Indiana Access to Public Records Act, which establishes the presumption that government records should be accessible to the public. However, this access is subject to important limitations and exceptions.

The public may access basic case information including:

Case numbers
Party names
Filing dates
General case status
Final dissolution decree

However, certain components of divorce records may be restricted from public view pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3-4, which outlines specific exceptions to public disclosure. These protected elements often include:

Financial records and statements
Child custody evaluations
Sensitive personal information (Social Security numbers, bank account details)
Records sealed by judicial order
Cases involving domestic violence where protective orders exist

Certified divorce certificates, which provide official verification of a divorce, have more restricted access than general court records. These documents are typically available only to:

Former spouses named in the decree
Legal representatives with proper authorization
Individuals with a direct interest as determined by statute

The Vigo County courts balance the public's right to information with individual privacy concerns in accordance with state law when determining access to divorce records.

How To Find a Divorce Record In Vigo County in 2026

Members of the public seeking divorce records in Vigo County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The primary repository for divorce records is the Vigo County Clerk's Office, which maintains court records for the county.

To obtain divorce records, individuals may:

Visit the Vigo County Clerk's Office in person:

Vigo County Clerk's Office
Vigo County Courthouse
33 South 3rd Street, 1st Floor
Terre Haute, IN 47807
(812) 462-3211
Vigo County Clerk

Submit a written request by mail to the above address, including:
- Full names of both parties to the divorce
- Approximate date of divorce filing or finalization
- Case number (if known)
- Requestor's contact information
- Specific documents requested
- Required fee payment
Access the Indiana Courts Public Records Portal to search for case information.
Utilize the Indiana Courts Case Search system (MyCase) to locate basic case information.

When requesting records, individuals must provide proper identification. Depending on the nature of the request and relationship to the case, additional documentation may be required to establish legal interest in accessing the records.

Current fees for divorce record searches and copies are:

Record search: $5.00
Uncertified copies: $1.00 per page
Certified copies: $5.00 per document plus $1.00 per page

Payment methods accepted include cash, money order, or credit card (in person only). All fees are subject to change pursuant to county ordinance or state law.

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Vigo County Online?

Vigo County provides digital access to certain divorce record information through several online platforms. The primary method for conducting online searches of divorce records is through the Indiana Courts Case Search system, commonly known as MyCase. This portal allows users to search for case information using various criteria.

To conduct an online search for divorce records:

Navigate to the MyCase portal
Select "Smart Search" or "Case Search" option
Enter search criteria, which may include:
- Party name (last name, first name)
- Case number (if known)
- Filing date range
- Case type (select "Dissolution of Marriage")
- County (select "Vigo")
Review search results, which typically display:
- Case number
- Filing date
- Party names
- Case type
- Current status
- Judge assigned

It is important to note that online access has limitations. The Indiana Judicial Branch advises that while basic case information is available online, complete divorce files including all pleadings and exhibits are not fully accessible through digital platforms. Additionally, cases filed before certain dates may not be included in the online database.

For comprehensive divorce records or certified copies, individuals must still contact the Vigo County Clerk's Office directly. Online searches primarily serve as a preliminary research tool to identify cases before requesting complete documentation.

Users should be aware that pursuant to Indiana Administrative Rule 9, certain sensitive information may be redacted from online records to protect privacy interests.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Vigo County?

Members of the public seeking no-cost access to divorce records in Vigo County have several options available, though these methods may provide limited information compared to paid services. The following resources allow for free divorce record searches:

Public Access Terminals: The Vigo County Courthouse provides public access computer terminals where individuals may search court records at no charge. These terminals are available during regular business hours:

Vigo County Courthouse
33 South 3rd Street
Terre Haute, IN 47807
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
(812) 462-3211

Indiana Courts Case Search (MyCase): This online portal allows free basic searches of court cases, including divorces. While the system does not provide document images, it offers case summaries, party information, and chronological case summaries at no cost.
Vigo County Public Library resources: The local library maintains public computers with internet access and may offer assistance with public records research:

Vigo County Public Library
1 Library Square
Terre Haute, IN 47807
(812) 232-1113

In-person record inspection: Pursuant to the Indiana Access to Public Records Act, individuals may inspect public records at no charge during regular business hours at the Vigo County Clerk's Office. While inspection is free, copying fees will apply if documents are needed.

It should be noted that while basic record searches may be conducted without cost, fees will apply for:

Obtaining physical or certified copies of documents
Comprehensive searches requiring staff assistance
Expedited processing requests
Records that require extensive redaction

Additionally, certain older records may not be available through electronic systems and may require manual searches by staff, which could incur fees.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Vigo County

Divorce records in Vigo County contain comprehensive documentation of the legal dissolution process. These records are maintained by the Vigo County Circuit Court in accordance with Indiana state law. A complete divorce file typically contains multiple document types that chronicle the case from initiation to conclusion.

Standard components of Vigo County divorce records include:

Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Filing date
- Grounds for divorce
- Jurisdictional information
- Basic information about both parties
- Marriage date and location
- Statement regarding children (if applicable)
Summons and Proof of Service
- Documentation showing the non-filing spouse received legal notice
Financial Documentation
- Financial declaration forms
- Asset and liability disclosures
- Income verification
- Tax returns (when submitted as evidence)
Property Settlement Agreements
- Division of marital assets and debts
- Real estate dispositions
- Retirement account allocations
- Personal property division
Child-Related Documents (when applicable)
- Custody determinations
- Parenting time schedules
- Child support calculations and orders
- Provisions for children's education, healthcare, and other needs
Court Orders and Judgments
- Temporary orders during proceedings
- Final decree of dissolution
- Post-judgment modifications
Hearing Transcripts (if requested)
- Records of testimony and court proceedings
Exhibits and Evidence
- Documents submitted during hearings or trial

The level of detail in divorce records varies significantly based on whether the case was contested or uncontested, the complexity of assets involved, and whether children were part of the proceedings. All divorce records are maintained pursuant to Indiana Code § 31-15-2, which establishes requirements for dissolution proceedings.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Vigo County?

Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in Vigo County must obtain a certified copy of the divorce decree from the appropriate county office. This document serves as legal verification that a marriage was dissolved and is commonly required for remarriage, name changes, and various legal and financial matters.

To obtain proof of divorce, the following procedures apply:

In-Person Requests:

Vigo County Clerk's Office
Vigo County Courthouse
33 South 3rd Street, 1st Floor
Terre Haute, IN 47807
(812) 462-3211
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Required items:
- Valid government-issued photo identification
- Completed request form (available at the office)
- Case number (if known) or names of both parties and approximate divorce date
- Payment of applicable fees
Mail Requests:

Send a written request to the Vigo County Clerk's Office at the address above, including:
- Names of both parties to the divorce
- Date of divorce (approximate if exact date unknown)
- Case number (if known)
- Copy of requestor's identification
- Self-addressed stamped envelope
- Check or money order for applicable fees
Online Requests:

The Indiana Judicial Branch provides guidance for requesting certified copies of divorce decrees. While full document requests cannot be completed entirely online, the initial request process can be initiated through the state court website.

Current fees for certified divorce decrees are:

$5.00 for certification
$1.00 per page for copies
Additional fees may apply for expedited service

Processing times vary based on workload and staffing. Standard processing typically takes 3-5 business days, while expedited service (when available) may be completed within 1-2 business days for an additional fee.

Only parties to the divorce, their legal representatives, or individuals with a direct interest as defined by Indiana Code § 5-14-3-4(a) may obtain certified copies of complete divorce decrees.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Vigo County?

Divorce proceedings in Vigo County are generally matters of public record; however, under certain circumstances, aspects of divorce cases may be kept confidential. Indiana law provides several mechanisms through which parties may protect sensitive information from public disclosure.

The primary methods for maintaining confidentiality in divorce proceedings include:

Sealing of Records: Pursuant to Indiana Administrative Rule 9, parties may petition the court to seal all or portions of a divorce case. To obtain a sealing order, the requesting party must demonstrate that:
- Disclosure would create significant risk of substantial harm to a party or third party
- The public interest in access is outweighed by the harm that would result from disclosure
- No less restrictive means exist to protect the information
Confidential Information Filing: Certain categories of information are automatically designated as confidential under Indiana law, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Account numbers
- Personal identification numbers
- Medical records
- Child abuse records
- Tax records
Protective Orders: The court may issue protective orders restricting disclosure of specific information upon showing good cause.
Alternative Dispute Resolution: Couples utilizing mediation or collaborative divorce processes may maintain greater privacy, as these proceedings occur outside the courtroom and generate fewer public records.
Settlement Agreements: Parties may incorporate confidentiality provisions into their settlement agreements, though the final decree itself remains a public record.

Cases involving domestic violence may receive additional confidentiality protections under Indiana Code § 5-14-3-4(b)(23), which exempts certain records relating to protective orders from public disclosure.

It is important to note that while specific sensitive information may be protected, the existence of the divorce case itself and basic information about the proceedings generally remain accessible to the public through the Vigo County public records system.

Parties seeking confidentiality should consult with legal counsel early in the divorce process to implement appropriate protective measures before sensitive information enters the court record.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Vigo County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in Vigo County varies significantly based on multiple factors related to case complexity and the level of agreement between parties. Indiana law establishes certain minimum timeframes, but the actual process may extend considerably beyond these statutory periods.

The minimum waiting period for divorce in Indiana is 60 days from the date of filing, as established by Indiana Code § 31-15-2-10. This mandatory cooling-off period applies to all dissolution cases, regardless of complexity or agreement status. However, this represents only the minimum possible timeframe, with most cases taking longer to reach final resolution.

Typical timeframes for Vigo County divorces include:

Uncontested Divorces (parties in complete agreement):
- 60-90 days from filing to finalization
- Requires complete agreement on all issues
- Simplified procedure when using joint petition
Contested Divorces with Negotiated Settlement:
- 3-6 months from filing to finalization
- Involves negotiation on disputed issues
- May require multiple court appearances
- Resolution achieved through settlement rather than trial
Fully Contested Divorces Requiring Trial:
- 6-12 months or longer
- Involves discovery process, depositions, and evidence gathering
- May require expert witnesses for complex financial or custody matters
- Court scheduling constraints may extend timeline

Factors that significantly impact divorce duration include:

Property division complexity (especially with business ownership or substantial assets)
Child custody disputes
Court docket congestion
Attorney availability and scheduling
Need for specialized evaluations (custody evaluations, business valuations)
Discovery disputes
Post-filing reconciliation attempts

According to the Vigo County Courts, cases involving children typically take longer to resolve than those without minor children, as additional considerations regarding custody, parenting time, and support must be addressed.

Parties seeking expedited processing should consider alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation, which may significantly reduce the time to finalization by facilitating agreement outside the courtroom.

How Long Does Vigo County Keep Divorce Records?

Vigo County maintains divorce records in accordance with Indiana's records retention schedules, which establish minimum retention periods for various court documents. These retention periods vary based on document type and significance, with certain records being preserved permanently.

The retention of divorce records is governed by the Indiana Supreme Court Records Management guidelines and includes the following timeframes:

Permanent Retention:
- Final Decree of Dissolution
- Property Settlement Agreements incorporated into final decrees
- Child custody determinations
- Case indexes and dockets
- Judgments affecting real property
Extended Retention (75 years):
- Cases involving minor children
- Records with significant historical or genealogical value
Medium-Term Retention (20 years after case closure):
- Financial declarations
- Discovery materials filed with the court
- Temporary orders
Shorter-Term Retention (5-10 years after case closure):
- Routine procedural filings
- Hearing notices
- Service documentation

The Vigo County Clerk's Office maintains records in various formats depending on age:

Current records (approximately last 20 years): Electronic format in case management system
Older records: Microfilm or physical storage
Historical records: May be transferred to state archives

It is important to note that while the county maintains records according to these schedules, the accessibility of older records may be limited. Records predating computerization (generally pre-1990s) may require manual searches and could take longer to retrieve. Additionally, some older records may have been damaged, lost, or transferred to state archives.

Individuals seeking divorce records from cases filed many decades ago should contact the Vigo County Clerk's Office directly to determine availability and retrieval procedures. For extremely old records (pre-1940), the Indiana State Archives may be the appropriate repository.

How To Get a Divorce In Vigo County

Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Vigo County must follow specific procedures established by Indiana law. The dissolution process involves multiple steps and varies in complexity depending on the circumstances of the marriage and level of agreement between parties.

To initiate a divorce in Vigo County, parties must:

Meet Residency Requirements:
- Either spouse must have been an Indiana resident for six months
- Either spouse must have been a Vigo County resident for three months
- These requirements are established by Indiana Code § 31-15-2-6
Prepare and File Initial Documents:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Summons
- Financial Declaration Form
- Child support worksheet (if children involved)
- Filing fee payment or fee waiver request
File Documents with the Appropriate Court:

Vigo County Clerk's Office
Vigo County Courthouse
33 South 3rd Street, 1st Floor
Terre Haute, IN 47807
(812) 462-3211
Vigo County Clerk
Serve Documents on Spouse:
- Service by sheriff
- Certified mail with return receipt
- Private process server
- Waiver of service (if spouse agrees)
Wait Mandatory 60-Day Period:
- Indiana law requires a minimum 60-day waiting period from filing to finalization
- No final hearing can be scheduled before this period expires
Complete Required Parenting Classes (if children involved):
- Vigo County requires parents to complete an approved parenting class
- Certificate of completion must be filed with the court
Negotiate Settlement or Prepare for Trial:
- Property division
- Spousal maintenance (if applicable)
- Child custody and support (if applicable)
- Debt allocation
Attend Final Hearing:
- Present settlement agreement for court approval, or
- Participate in contested trial where judge will decide unresolved issues
Receive Final Decree:
- Court issues final decree of dissolution
- Implement terms of property division, custody arrangements, etc.

Individuals may represent themselves in divorce proceedings (pro se) or retain legal counsel. The Vigo County Courts provide limited assistance to self-represented litigants, including basic forms and procedural information, but cannot provide legal advice.

How To Get Divorce Papers In Vigo County

Individuals initiating divorce proceedings in Vigo County have several options for obtaining the necessary legal forms. These documents constitute the foundation of the divorce process and must be properly completed to comply with Indiana law.

The following methods are available for obtaining divorce papers:

In-Person at the Courthouse:

Vigo County Clerk's Office
Vigo County Courthouse
33 South 3rd Street, 1st Floor
Terre Haute, IN 47807
(812) 462-3211
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

The clerk's office provides basic divorce packets for a nominal fee. These typically include:
- Petition for Dissolution
- Summons
- Financial Declaration Form
- Certificate of Service
- Final Decree template
Online Resources:
- Indiana Supreme Court Self-Service Legal Center provides standardized forms approved for use in all Indiana counties
- Vigo County Public Records section contains information about accessing court forms
Legal Aid Organizations:

Indiana Legal Services - Terre Haute Office
520 Wabash Avenue
Terre Haute, IN 47807
(812) 232-1411

Provides assistance to income-eligible individuals, including access to divorce forms and limited guidance on completion.
Law Library Resources:

Vigo County Law Library
Vigo County Courthouse
33 South 3rd Street, 3rd Floor
Terre Haute, IN 47807

Contains reference materials and form books with divorce templates.

When obtaining divorce papers, individuals should be aware of the following considerations:

Different forms are required depending on whether the divorce involves children
Additional specialized forms may be needed for complex property division, protective orders, or fee waivers
Forms must be completed in accordance with Indiana Trial Rule 8 regarding pleadings
Multiple copies of each document are typically required for filing and service

Individuals with complex situations are advised to consult with an attorney before filing. The Vigo County Bar Association offers referral services for those seeking legal representation.

For those unable to afford an attorney, limited legal advice may be available through periodic legal aid clinics held in Vigo County. Information about upcoming clinics can be obtained from the clerk's office or legal aid organizations.

Lookup Divorce Records in Vigo County

Court Records / Vigo County, Indiana

Indiana Judicial Branch: Vigo County - Local Courts

Public Records / Vigo County, Indiana

Indiana Judicial Branch: How to Request Public Records

Indiana Courts Case Search - MyCase

Other Categories in Indiana

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