Eau Claire County Divorce Records
What Are Eau Claire County Divorce Records?
Eau Claire County divorce records are official legal documents that chronicle the dissolution of marriage within the jurisdiction of Eau Claire County, Wisconsin. These records are maintained pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 767.35, which governs judgment of divorce or legal separation. Divorce records typically consist of petitions, judgments, financial disclosures, and other court filings related to the termination of a marriage.
The primary custodian of divorce records in Eau Claire County is the Clerk of Circuit Court, which maintains case files for all divorce proceedings filed within the county. These records serve multiple essential functions:
- Legal verification of marital status change
- Documentation required for remarriage
- Evidence for name change processes
- Supporting documentation for Social Security benefit adjustments
- Verification for loan applications and financial matters
- Required documentation for immigration proceedings
- Historical and genealogical research purposes
Divorce records in Eau Claire County are categorized as both court records (the case files) and vital records (the certificate of divorce). Each category has distinct access protocols and retention schedules as established by Wisconsin state law.
Are Eau Claire County Divorce Records Public?
Eau Claire County divorce records have a nuanced public access status governed by both Wisconsin's Open Records Law § 19.31-19.39 and family law provisions. The public accessibility of divorce records depends on the specific document type and the information contained therein.
Court divorce case files are generally considered public records and may be accessed by any member of the public with certain exceptions:
- Financial disclosure statements filed by the parties are sealed by default and accessible only to the parties, their attorneys, and court personnel
- Records containing information about minor children may have restricted access
- Documents containing sensitive personal identifiers such as Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, or driver's license numbers are typically redacted or sealed
- Cases involving domestic violence may have protective orders restricting access to certain information
Certified divorce certificates, which are considered vital records, have more restricted access under Wisconsin Statute § 69.20. These certificates are available only to:
- The parties to the divorce
- Direct family members with legitimate interest
- Legal representatives of eligible parties
- Individuals who present a court order authorizing access
- Government agencies performing official duties
The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) website provides basic case information about divorce proceedings, but does not include access to the full documents contained in the case file.
How To Find a Divorce Record In Eau Claire County in 2026
Members of the public seeking divorce records in Eau Claire County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The appropriate method depends on the specific record type needed and the requester's relationship to the case.
For divorce case files:
- Visit the Eau Claire County Clerk of Circuit Court office in person:
Eau Claire County Clerk of Circuit Court
721 Oxford Avenue, Suite 2220
Eau Claire, WI 54703
715-839-4816
Eau Claire County Clerk of Circuit Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
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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)
- Requester's contact information
- Specific documents requested
- Payment for applicable fees
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Access basic case information through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access portal, which provides case summaries but not document images.
For certified divorce certificates:
- Contact the Wisconsin Vital Records Office:
Wisconsin Vital Records Office
1 West Wilson Street, Room 158
Madison, WI 53703
608-266-1373
Wisconsin Vital Records
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:15 PM
- Visit the Eau Claire County Register of Deeds:
Eau Claire County Register of Deeds
721 Oxford Avenue, Suite 1160
Eau Claire, WI 54703
715-839-4763
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Submit an application through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website for vital records requests.
Requesters must provide proper identification and pay applicable fees, which currently range from $20-$25 for certified copies.
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Eau Claire County Online?
Eau Claire County residents and other interested parties may access certain divorce record information through online platforms, though complete case files typically require in-person requests. The following online resources are currently available:
- Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) - This platform, commonly known as CCAP, provides basic case information for divorce proceedings filed in Eau Claire County. Users can search by:
- Party name
- Case number
- Case classification (family/divorce)
- Filing date range
The Wisconsin Court System case search provides information including:
- Case number and filing date
- Party names and attorneys
- Judge assigned
- Scheduled hearings
- Case status (pending or closed)
- Basic judgment information
- Court activity and document filing dates
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Wisconsin Vital Records Online Application System - For certified divorce certificates, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services offers an online application portal. This system allows eligible requesters to:
- Submit applications for certified copies
- Pay required fees electronically
- Request delivery by mail
- Track application status
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Eau Claire County Clerk of Courts Records Request - The county clerk's office provides a form on their website that can be completed and submitted electronically to request copies of divorce case documents. Full document images are not available online, but the request process can be initiated through the county's website.
It is important to note that online access to divorce records is limited by privacy protections established in Wisconsin law. Complete case files and unredacted documents generally require in-person requests with proper identification.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Eau Claire County?
Members of the public seeking no-cost access to divorce records in Eau Claire County have limited but viable options. The following methods provide free access to certain divorce record information:
- Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) - This free online resource provides basic case information without charge. Users can access:
- Case filing dates
- Party names
- Case status
- Judgment information
- Document filing history
- Scheduled court dates
While this service does not provide document images, it offers substantial case summary information at no cost.
- In-person record inspection at the Eau Claire County Courthouse:
Eau Claire County Clerk of Circuit Court
721 Oxford Avenue, Suite 2220
Eau Claire, WI 54703
715-839-4816
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wisconsin law permits free public inspection of non-confidential court records during regular business hours. Visitors may:
- Review case files on public access terminals
- Take notes from the records
- Request specific documents for viewing
While inspection is free, copying services incur standard fees ($1.25 per page for regular copies, $5.00 for certified copies).
- Public law libraries - The Eau Claire County Law Library, located within the courthouse, provides public access to legal resources including certain court records. Library staff cannot provide legal advice but can assist with locating publicly available records.
It should be noted that while inspection may be free, obtaining certified copies or official documentation will always involve payment of statutory fees. Additionally, confidential or sealed portions of divorce files remain inaccessible regardless of fee payment.
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Eau Claire County
Divorce records in Eau Claire County comprise a comprehensive collection of documents that chronicle the legal dissolution of marriage. These records typically contain several distinct components:
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Petition for Divorce/Dissolution - The initiating document that includes:
- Names and addresses of both parties
- Date and location of marriage
- Grounds for divorce under Wisconsin law
- Statement regarding minor children (if applicable)
- Initial property division proposals
- Requested relief (e.g., maintenance, child support)
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Summons - The formal notice to the respondent about the divorce action.
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Financial Disclosure Statements - Detailed inventories of:
- Assets and liabilities
- Income information
- Expense declarations
- Property valuations
- Retirement accounts and investments
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Marital Settlement Agreement - If reached by the parties, detailing:
- Property and debt division
- Spousal maintenance arrangements
- Child custody and placement schedules
- Child support calculations
- Insurance provisions
- Tax filing arrangements
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Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Judgment - The final court order containing:
- Court's determinations on contested issues
- Approval of settlement agreements
- Legal dissolution of the marriage
- Name restoration (if requested)
- Child custody and support orders
- Property division orders
-
Parenting Plan - For cases involving minor children:
- Legal custody determinations
- Physical placement schedules
- Decision-making authority
- Communication protocols
- Dispute resolution mechanisms
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Certificate of Divorce - The vital record documenting:
- Names of parties
- Date of marriage
- Date of divorce
- County of divorce
- Case number
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Post-Judgment Motions and Orders - Any subsequent modifications to:
- Child support
- Custody arrangements
- Maintenance payments
- Property division implementation
These documents collectively form the official record of divorce proceedings in Eau Claire County and are maintained according to Wisconsin's court record retention schedules.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Eau Claire County?
Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in Eau Claire County have several options for obtaining this documentation. The appropriate method depends on the specific purpose for which proof is needed and the level of certification required.
For certified copies of divorce judgments:
- Contact the Eau Claire County Clerk of Circuit Court:
Eau Claire County Clerk of Circuit Court
721 Oxford Avenue, Suite 2220
Eau Claire, WI 54703
715-839-4816
Eau Claire County Clerk of Circuit Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Requesters must provide:
- Full names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number (if known)
- Valid photo identification
- Payment of $5.00 per certified copy
- For certified divorce certificates (vital records):
Wisconsin Vital Records Office
1 West Wilson Street, Room 158
Madison, WI 53703
608-266-1373
Wisconsin Vital Records
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:15 PM
Requesters must submit:
- Completed application form
- Valid identification
- Proof of eligibility (if not a party to the divorce)
- Payment of $20.00 per certificate
- Eau Claire County Register of Deeds (for divorces finalized in Eau Claire County):
Eau Claire County Register of Deeds
721 Oxford Avenue, Suite 1160
Eau Claire, WI 54703
715-839-4763
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
The type of proof required often depends on the requesting entity:
- Government agencies typically require certified copies
- Insurance companies may accept regular photocopies
- Foreign governments often require apostille certification
- Name changes for Social Security or driver's licenses require certified copies
Expedited service is available for an additional fee through the Wisconsin Vital Records Office for urgent requests.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Eau Claire County?
While Wisconsin law generally establishes divorce proceedings as matters of public record, certain aspects of divorce cases in Eau Claire County may be protected from public disclosure under specific circumstances. The confidentiality of divorce records is governed by Wisconsin Statute § 767.127(3) and related provisions.
The following elements of divorce cases are automatically confidential:
- Financial disclosure statements filed by the parties
- Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and other personal identifiers
- Medical and health information
- Information regarding minor children
- Victim information in cases involving domestic abuse
Parties seeking additional confidentiality may petition the court for:
-
Sealing of specific documents - Upon showing good cause, a judge may order particular sensitive documents sealed from public view.
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Redaction of information - Certain information may be redacted from public documents while maintaining the overall public nature of the case.
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Closed hearings - In exceptional circumstances, the court may conduct proceedings in closed session, though this is rare in divorce cases.
-
Use of pseudonyms - In cases involving significant safety concerns or extraordinary privacy interests, parties may be permitted to use initials or pseudonyms.
The standard for sealing divorce records is substantial, requiring demonstration that:
- Public access would create specific, identifiable harm
- The harm outweighs the public interest in open court proceedings
- No less restrictive alternatives would adequately protect the privacy interest
It should be noted that even when records are sealed from public view, they remain accessible to:
- The parties and their attorneys
- Court personnel with legitimate need for access
- Law enforcement agencies with proper authorization
- Other government agencies performing official functions
Complete confidentiality of divorce proceedings is extremely rare in Eau Claire County and generally limited to cases involving significant safety concerns or extraordinary circumstances.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Eau Claire County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Eau Claire County varies significantly based on several factors, including case complexity, level of agreement between parties, and court calendar congestion. Under Wisconsin Statute § 767.335, a mandatory 120-day waiting period exists between service of the initial petition and the final hearing date.
Typical timeframes for Eau Claire County divorces include:
-
Uncontested divorces with complete agreement:
- Minimum: 4 months (120-day waiting period)
- Average: 4-6 months
- Key factors: Paperwork completeness, court calendar availability
-
Contested divorces with partial agreements:
- Average: 6-12 months
- Key factors: Complexity of disputed issues, attorney scheduling, mediation success
-
Highly contested divorces:
- Average: 12-18 months
- Key factors: Property valuation disputes, custody evaluations, discovery complications
Specific factors that influence divorce timeline in Eau Claire County include:
- Minor children - Cases involving custody disputes typically take 3-6 months longer
- Complex assets - Business valuations, retirement divisions, and real estate appraisals extend timeframes
- Domestic abuse allegations - Additional hearings and evaluations may be required
- Court congestion - The Eau Claire County Family Court calendar affects scheduling availability
- Attorney availability - Scheduling conflicts among legal counsel can extend proceedings
- Discovery disputes - Disagreements over information sharing can cause significant delays
- Settlement negotiations - Ongoing attempts to resolve issues can extend or shorten timeframes
According to Wisconsin Court System statistics, the median time from filing to disposition for divorce cases in Eau Claire County is approximately 8 months, though individual cases may vary substantially from this average.
How Long Does Eau Claire County Keep Divorce Records?
Eau Claire County maintains divorce records according to Wisconsin's Judicial Records Retention Schedule, established under Wisconsin Supreme Court Rule 72. The retention periods vary based on record type and format.
For court case files:
- Complete divorce case files: 30 years from date of filing
- Exhibits and evidence: 1 year after final judgment if no appeal filed
- Audio recordings of proceedings: 10 years from date of hearing
- Transcripts (if created): Permanent retention
- Index of cases: Permanent retention
- Microfilmed or digitized records: Permanent retention
For vital records (divorce certificates):
- Original certificates: Permanent retention by the Wisconsin Vital Records Office
- County Register of Deeds copies: Permanent retention
After the initial retention period, court case files may be:
- Transferred to microfilm or digital format for permanent preservation
- Transferred to the Wisconsin State Historical Society for archival storage
- Destroyed according to approved disposition procedures if deemed of no historical value
Researchers seeking historical divorce records should note:
- Records from 1990-present are typically available through the Clerk of Circuit Court
- Records from 1907-1989 may be available on microfilm or in archived format
- Records prior to 1907 may require specialized historical research assistance
The Wisconsin Historical Society maintains certain historical divorce records that have been transferred from county custody after retention periods expired. Access to these historical records may require special arrangements with the Historical Society's archives division.
How To Get a Divorce In Eau Claire County
Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Eau Claire County must follow Wisconsin's established legal process for divorce. The procedure involves several distinct steps as outlined below:
-
Residency Requirements - Before filing, at least one spouse must:
- Have been a Wisconsin resident for at least 6 months
- Have been an Eau Claire County resident for at least 30 days
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Obtain and Complete Required Forms:
- Petition for Divorce/Legal Separation
- Summons
- Confidential Petition Addendum
- Financial Disclosure Statement
- Forms are available from the Eau Claire County Clerk of Circuit Court or the Wisconsin Court System website
-
File Documents with the Clerk of Circuit Court:
Eau Claire County Clerk of Circuit Court
721 Oxford Avenue, Suite 2220
Eau Claire, WI 54703
715-839-4816
Eau Claire County Clerk of Circuit Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Pay filing fee (currently $184.50 for divorce with minor children, $164.50 without)
- Fee waivers available for qualifying low-income individuals
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Serve the Divorce Papers:
- Formal service on the other spouse is required
- Options include sheriff's department service, private process server, or voluntary acceptance
- Proof of service must be filed with the court
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Mandatory Waiting Period:
- 120 days must elapse between service and final hearing
- Temporary orders may be established during this period
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Financial Disclosure:
- Both parties must complete and exchange detailed financial information
- Failure to disclose assets can result in penalties
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Parenting Education (if minor children involved):
- Attendance at court-approved parenting class is mandatory
- Certificate of completion must be filed with the court
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Negotiation/Mediation:
- Parties attempt to resolve disputed issues
- Mediation is mandatory for custody/placement disputes
- Settlement conferences may be scheduled by the court
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Final Hearing:
- Scheduled after all requirements are met
- Judge reviews agreements or decides contested issues
- Judgment is typically entered at the hearing
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Post-Judgment Compliance:
- Implementation of property division
- Establishment of child support through income withholding
- Name change implementation (if applicable)
Legal representation is not required but is strongly recommended, particularly for cases involving complex assets or child custody issues.
How To Get Divorce Papers In Eau Claire County
Individuals initiating or responding to divorce proceedings in Eau Claire County have several options for obtaining the necessary legal forms. The required documents vary based on case circumstances, particularly whether minor children are involved.
- Eau Claire County Clerk of Circuit Court Office:
Eau Claire County Clerk of Circuit Court
721 Oxford Avenue, Suite 2220
Eau Claire, WI 54703
715-839-4816
Eau Claire County Clerk of Circuit Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
The clerk's office provides basic form packets for:
- Divorce with minor children
- Divorce without minor children
- Legal separation
- Annulment
- Response to divorce petition
-
Wisconsin Court System Website:
- The Wisconsin Court System forms library offers downloadable PDF forms
- Forms include detailed instructions for completion
- Available in both English and Spanish versions
- Forms can be completed online and printed
-
Eau Claire County Law Library:
- Located in the courthouse
- Provides access to form books and legal references
- Staff cannot provide legal advice but can direct to appropriate resources
-
Wisconsin Free Legal Answers:
- Online resource for basic legal guidance
- May provide direction on appropriate forms
-
Legal Action of Wisconsin - Eau Claire Office:
- Provides assistance to qualifying low-income individuals
- May help with form completion and filing
Standard divorce forms include:
- Summons and Petition for Divorce
- Confidential Petition Addendum
- Financial Disclosure Statement
- Marital Settlement Agreement
- Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Judgment
- Child custody and placement forms (if applicable)
Fees for form packets from the clerk's office range from $5-$10 depending on complexity. Individual forms downloaded from the court website are free of charge. It is important to note that while forms are readily available, completing them correctly is critical to avoiding delays in the divorce process.