Are you wondering whether you can have access to the divorce records in Wisconsin? The answer to this is Yes; divorce records are in the public domain because they are a part of the Vital Records, and so, the state is legally bound to maintain records, and share the information with you. Of course, to get the record, you have to make an application, and there is a specific format for this. There are also requirements as to what you must mention in this application. There are also regulations about who can and who cannot access these records. So, if you can convince the authorities that you qualify to receive the record, then you can certainly get the information you need.
Wisconsin divorce records can be accessed only by the following people: spouse of the divorced person, parents, children, grandparents or a would-be partner of the divorced individual (this can be tricky because you have to convince the authorities that you intend to get married to the person). Anyone from the above list is allowed to place the order. The written authorization must come with the request. While you are applying for the record, you have to submit a copy of a valid photo ID proof. You must also inform the authority why you want to access the record.
While applying for the Wisconsin divorce certificate, you need to fill out the application form. Then you must sign it and send $20.00 by check or money order as the search fee. Additional copies of the record will cost $3.00 each. This fee is nonrefundable even if the search yields no results.
You can apply for a divorce certificate in three different ways. You can do so in person, by mail or by fax. If you are applying in-person, it is essential to fill the form out and pay $20.00 and $3.00 each for extra copies of the same record. You are required to pay by cash, check or money-order. Please provide your name, address including pin code, and your phone number when you are sending your application. Also remember, expired documents will not be accepted.
Office is open from Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 4:15pm.
P.O. Box 309,
P.O. Box 309,
Please remember, not signed or incomplete forms will not be accepted. Divorce records from before 1907 are unavailable at the Wisconsin Vital Records office.
If you are applying by fax, you need to call (608) 266-1373. After you receive the form, you will naturally have to fill it out and send it to the number given on top of the form.
To place a request for a Wisconsin divorce certificate, follow the below instructions:
Step 1.
First, download the Wisconsin Divorce Certificate Application form.
Step 2.
Read all instructions before filling out the form. Complete the required information, including the birth names of the husband and wife, the county of divorce, and the date of divorce or requested years to be searched.
Step 3.
Send the application to the address below, along with a check or money order for $20 for the search fee.
Send your application to:
Wisconsin Vital Records Office
1 Wilson Street
PO Box 309
Madison, WI 53701-0309
About Wisconsin Divorce Records
Divorce records in Wisconsin are maintained with the Vital Records Office. While records are available from 1907 to the present, any records prior to 1907 are scattered and incomplete.
Divorce Record Search Limits
If an exact date of a divorce is not known, a search can be performed by the Vital Records Office. A five-year search can be performed for the years 1936-1964, as well as from 1979 to the present. A multi-year search can be performed for the years October 1, 1907 to 1935, and 1965 to 1978.
Restrictions for Requesting Divorce Records
Anyone requesting a certified copy of a Wisconsin divorce record must present proper government issued ID to prove their relationship to the parties on the divorce document. Acceptable ID forms are any Wisconsin or state driver's license or ID card.
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