Polk County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Polk County in 2026
PolkCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Polk County, Wisconsin. Members of the public may find case summaries, final decrees, party names, filing dates, and related court documents. Available record categories may include dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, parenting plans, property settlement agreements, and post-judgment modification orders. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the case and applicable confidentiality provisions.
Divorce records in Polk County may be searched through official court resources, the Clerk of Courts office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by the Wisconsin Court System. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking divorce-related records.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Wisconsin Court System maintains a statewide case search portal that provides public access to circuit court records, including divorce and family law cases filed in Polk County. This is the most common method for locating a divorce case. Basic case information — including party names, case number, filing date, and case status — is available at no charge. Obtaining copies of actual documents may require payment of applicable fees.
2. State Court System Portal
The Wisconsin Court System's consolidated database allows members of the public to search across all circuit court jurisdictions statewide. This is particularly useful when the county of filing is uncertain. The portal indexes cases by party name and case number and reflects filings from circuit courts throughout Wisconsin.
3. State Vital Records — Divorce Certificates
Wisconsin registers divorce certificates through the Register of Deeds at the county level. The Polk County Register of Deeds maintains vital records including divorce certificates, which serve as official documentary proof that a divorce was granted. These certificates contain limited information compared to full court case files and are subject to applicable fees.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Courts — Family Division
Polk County Clerk of Courts
100 Polk County Plaza, Suite 110
Balsam Lake, WI 54810
Phone: (715) 485-9299
Clerk of Courts
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Members of the public may visit the Clerk of Courts office to search case files, view documents, request certified copies, and use public access terminals. Staff are available to assist with locating case numbers and navigating the filing index. As noted on the official county website, "Polk County Clerk of Circuit Court, Sharon Jorgenson is the official record keeper of all circuit court cases which include civil proceedings, criminal cases," and family law matters including divorce.
Register of Deeds — Vital Records
Polk County Register of Deeds
100 Polk County Plaza, Suite 110
Balsam Lake, WI 54810
Phone: (715) 485-9255
Register of Deeds
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
The Register of Deeds office maintains divorce certificates as part of its vital records holdings. This office serves as the official repository for recorded documents in Polk County.
By Mail
Written Request to Clerk of Courts:
- Mail to: Polk County Clerk of Courts, 100 Polk County Plaza, Suite 110, Balsam Lake, WI 54810
- Include the full names of both parties
- Include the approximate date of divorce
- Include the case number, if known
- Include your name, mailing address, and contact information
- Include payment for applicable copy fees
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
- Processing time is typically one to two weeks, depending on volume and record age
By Phone
Limited Information Available:
- Clerk of Courts: (715) 485-9299
- Staff may confirm whether a case exists, provide the case number, confirm case status, and verify the filing date
- Staff cannot provide detailed document contents, copies of filed documents, or confidential case information by telephone
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Wisconsin may access divorce case files on behalf of a client, request sealed or restricted documents upon a proper showing, and obtain certified copies through professional channels. Members of the public seeking assistance with complex or sealed records may consult the State Bar of Wisconsin's lawyer referral service for a referral to qualified family law counsel.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses at the time of filing
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or filing year
- Case number, if previously obtained
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Prior addresses in Polk County
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Under Wis. Stat. § 767.301, a divorce action must be filed in the circuit court of 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 searched in the county where the marriage occurred unless one of the parties also resided there at the time of filing.
Residency Requirement: At least one spouse must have been a resident of Wisconsin for a minimum of six months, and a resident of the county of filing for a minimum of thirty days, immediately preceding the filing of the divorce petition.
Time Considerations
- Recent divorces may not appear in the online case search system immediately following the final hearing; allow several business days to weeks for processing
- Older divorce records, particularly those predating electronic filing, may be archived in paper format and may require additional retrieval time
- Members of the public requesting archived records should contact the Clerk of Courts office directly to confirm availability and estimated retrieval time
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- The divorce was filed in a different county
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- The case is still pending and has not been finalized
- Very old records may be stored off-site or in paper archives
- The case may be sealed or subject to confidentiality restrictions
Next Steps:
- Contact the Clerk of Courts at (715) 485-9299 to request assistance
- Attempt alternate name spellings in the online case search
- Search under both spouses' names
- Check the Polk County Register of Deeds for a divorce certificate
- Consult the Wisconsin Court System's divorce and family law self-help resources for procedural guidance
What Are Polk County Divorce Records?
Polk County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings filed in the Polk County Circuit Court. These records constitute part of the permanent public court file maintained by the Clerk of Courts and encompass all pleadings, orders, financial disclosures, and judgments associated with the legal dissolution of a marriage.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files:
- Petition for divorce (dissolution of marriage)
- Response or answer to the petition
- Financial disclosure statements and affidavits
- Parenting plans and custody agreements
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, responses, and court orders
- Transcripts of court hearings
- Final judgment of divorce
Final Decree:
The final judgment of divorce is the official court order that legally dissolves the marriage. It serves as legal proof of divorce and establishes the date of dissolution, division of marital property and debts, any spousal maintenance (alimony) awarded, child custody and physical placement arrangements, child support orders, and any court-ordered name restoration. Certified copies of the final judgment are available through the Clerk of Courts.
Supporting Documents:
- Marriage certificate (submitted as exhibit)
- Financial disclosure documents
- Property inventories and appraisals
- Parenting plan details and modifications
- Post-judgment modification orders
Purpose of Divorce Records:
Legal Purposes:
- Proof of marital status for remarriage
- Documentation for legal name change
- Property transfer and title recording
- Estate planning and beneficiary designations
- Immigration and naturalization proceedings
- Social Security and federal benefits applications
Personal Purposes:
- Genealogical and family history research
- Personal record-keeping
- Verification of divorce terms and obligations
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
The Polk County Clerk of Courts serves as the primary custodian of all divorce case files, maintains the complete record, provides certified copies, and indexes cases by party name. The Polk County Register of Deeds maintains divorce certificates as part of the county's vital records holdings, providing a summary-level record of the dissolution.
Legal Framework:
Divorce proceedings in Wisconsin are governed by Wis. Stat. § 767.001 et seq., which establishes the grounds, procedures, and requirements for dissolution of marriage. Wisconsin is a no-fault divorce state; the sole ground for divorce is that the marriage is irretrievably broken. Public access to court records is governed by the Wisconsin Supreme Court's rules on access to court records, which establish a presumption of openness subject to enumerated exceptions.
Are Polk County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in the Polk County Circuit Court are public court records subject to the presumption of openness under Wisconsin law. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need or interest.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of the parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and scheduled events
- Court orders and judgments, including the final divorce decree
- Property division orders
- General case status and docket entries
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers are redacted from all publicly accessible documents pursuant to court rules
- Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
- Detailed tax returns and financial statements may be subject to limited access upon court order
Children's Information:
- Names and addresses of minor children may be restricted in certain circumstances
- Schools attended by children, medical information, psychological evaluations, and guardian ad litem reports may be sealed or subject to restricted access
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations, supporting evidence, and victim addresses may be sealed to protect the safety of parties
- Mental health records, substance abuse treatment information, and medical records incorporated into the case file may be restricted
Sealed Records:
A court may seal all or part of a divorce case file upon a showing of good cause. Cases involving allegations of abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlement terms may be subject to sealing orders. Mediation communications are confidential by statute and are not part of the public court record.
Who Can Access Records:
- General Public: May access most case information, view docket summaries, and obtain copies of public documents upon payment of applicable fees
- Parties to the Case: Have full access to their own case file, including documents subject to restricted public access
- Attorneys: May access case files on behalf of clients and may petition the court for access to sealed materials upon a proper showing
- Researchers and Media: May access public portions of the record; access to sealed records requires a court order
Prohibited Uses:
- Stalking, harassment, or intimidation of any party
- Identity theft or fraudulent purposes
- Violation of any protective order issued in the case
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Polk County?
Current fees for obtaining divorce records in Polk County are established by Wisconsin statute and applicable court rules. The following fee schedule reflects charges at the primary custodial offices.
Clerk of Courts — Court Record Copies:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy of court document (per page) | $1.25 per page |
| Certified copy of court document | $5.00 per document + $1.25 per page |
| Certification fee | $5.00 |
| Public access terminal use | No charge |
Register of Deeds — Vital Records:
Per the Polk County Register of Deeds vital records fee schedule, the following fees apply:
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Divorce Certificate | $20.00 |
| Each additional copy (same order) | $3.00 per copy |
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash
- Check or money order payable to Polk County Clerk of Courts or Polk County Register of Deeds, as applicable
- Credit and debit cards (confirm availability with the respective office at time of request)
Fee Waivers:
Members of the public who are parties to the case and who demonstrate indigency may petition the court for a waiver of copy fees pursuant to applicable Wisconsin court rules. Fee waiver requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Free Access:
Basic case information — including party names, case number, filing date, and case status — is available at no charge through the Wisconsin Court System's public case search portal. Viewing documents on public access terminals at the Polk County Courthouse does not require payment; fees apply only when copies are requested.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Polk County
A complete divorce case file maintained by the Polk County Clerk of Courts contains all documents filed from the initiation of the proceeding through final judgment and any post-judgment actions. The scope of the file varies depending on whether the divorce was uncontested or contested and whether children or significant assets were involved.
Basic Case Information:
- Case number, court name, and assigned judge
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Names and contact information of attorneys of record
- Filing date, case type, and jurisdictional basis
Initial Pleadings:
- Petition for divorce, including marriage date and location, grounds (irretrievable breakdown), identification of minor children, property claims, and relief requested
- Summons and proof of service
- Response or answer filed by the respondent, including any counterpetition
Financial Affidavits and Disclosure:
- Both parties' income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets (real property, vehicles, bank and investment accounts, retirement accounts, personal property), and liabilities (mortgages, loans, credit card debt)
- Tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and investment account statements submitted as exhibits
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory with descriptions and values
- Debt inventory
- Real property appraisals and business valuations
- Expert reports on asset value
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting plan establishing legal custody, physical placement, holiday and vacation schedules, transportation arrangements, and decision-making responsibilities
- Child support calculation worksheet reflecting income, number of overnights, health insurance costs, and childcare costs
- Custody evaluations and home studies, which may be subject to restricted access
- Guardian ad litem reports, which may be sealed
Settlement Documents:
- Marital settlement agreement resolving all issues including property division, debt allocation, spousal maintenance, and child-related provisions
- Mediation agreement, if applicable (note: mediation communications themselves are confidential)
Court Orders and Final Judgment:
- Temporary orders regarding custody, support, and use of property
- Final judgment of divorce containing findings of fact, conclusions of law, property division, spousal maintenance orders, child custody and placement, child support, and any name restoration
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) if retirement accounts are divided
Post-Judgment Documents (if applicable):
- Petitions to modify custody, placement, or support
- Court orders on modification requests
- Contempt motions and enforcement actions
- Income deduction orders
What Is Typically Confidential or Redacted:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted as a matter of course)
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence details and victim location information
- Mental health evaluations and substance abuse records
- Mediation communications
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Polk County?
Proof of divorce in Polk County may be obtained in two primary forms: a certified copy of the final judgment of divorce from the Clerk of Courts, or a divorce certificate from the Register of Deeds. Each serves different purposes, and the appropriate document depends on the intended use.
Certified Copy of Final Judgment of Divorce:
A certified copy of the final judgment is the most comprehensive form of proof and is accepted for legal, financial, and immigration purposes. Members of the public may obtain a certified copy by:
- Visiting the Polk County Clerk of Courts in person at 100 Polk County Plaza, Suite 110, Balsam Lake, WI 54810, during regular business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
- Submitting a written request by mail to the same address, including the names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, the case number if known, and payment of the applicable fee ($5.00 certification fee plus $1.25 per page)
- Searching the case through the Wisconsin Court System's case search portal to obtain the case number prior to requesting copies
Divorce Certificate from Register of Deeds:
A divorce certificate is a summary-level vital record confirming that a divorce was granted. It is appropriate for genealogical research and certain administrative purposes. Members of the public may obtain a divorce certificate by:
- Visiting the Polk County Register of Deeds at 100 Polk County Plaza, Suite 110, Balsam Lake, WI 54810
- Submitting a written request by mail with the names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, and payment of $20.00 for the first copy ($3.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time)
Polk County Clerk of Courts
100 Polk County Plaza, Suite 110
Balsam Lake, WI 54810
Phone: (715) 485-9299
Clerk of Courts
Polk County Register of Deeds
100 Polk County Plaza, Suite 110
Balsam Lake, WI 54810
Phone: (715) 485-9255
Register of Deeds
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Polk County?
Divorce proceedings in Polk County are presumptively public, but Wisconsin law and court rules permit certain records or entire cases to be sealed under defined circumstances.
Records That May Be Confidential:
- Domestic violence cases: Addresses, contact information, and safety-related details of victims may be withheld from public access to prevent harm
- Children's information: Names, residential addresses, schools, and medical or psychological records pertaining to minor children may be restricted or redacted
- Mental health and substance abuse records: Clinical records incorporated into the case file are subject to state and federal confidentiality protections
- Sealed cases: A party may file a motion requesting that the court seal all or part of the case file; the court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties
- Mediation records: Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 904.085, communications made during mediation are privileged and confidential and do not become part of the public court record
- Confidential settlement terms: Certain settlement provisions may be incorporated by reference without being filed in full, limiting public disclosure
Members of the public seeking access to sealed or restricted records must file a motion with the Polk County Circuit Court demonstrating a legitimate legal basis for access. The court retains discretion to grant or deny such requests on a case-by-case basis.
How Long Does Polk County Keep Divorce Records?
Polk County divorce records are retained for extended periods in accordance with Wisconsin court records retention schedules established by the Wisconsin Supreme Court and the Wisconsin Public Records Board.
Retention Periods:
- Active and recently closed divorce case files: Retained permanently or for a minimum of 75 years from the date of the final judgment, reflecting the long-term legal significance of dissolution records
- Final judgments of divorce: Retained permanently as part of the official court record
- Divorce certificates at the Register of Deeds: Retained permanently as vital records
- Temporary orders and interlocutory documents: Retained as part of the complete case file for the duration of the applicable retention period
- Post-judgment modification records: Retained as part of the original case file and subject to the same retention schedule
Wisconsin court records retention requirements are established under the authority of the Wisconsin Supreme Court's rules governing court administration. Members of the public seeking records from cases filed many decades ago should contact the Polk County Clerk of Courts directly to confirm whether the file remains on-site or has been transferred to off-site storage, as retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time.
- Very old paper records may not be digitized and may require in-person review
- The Wisconsin Court System's online case search reflects cases entered into the electronic system; older cases may require a manual search request through the Clerk of Courts office