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Wisconsin Divorce Records & Statistics

Are divorce records public in Wisconsin?

How can I find divorce records?

Can I request my divorcee record be kept private?

Can I request my divorcee record be kept private?

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Why are divorce records important?

Your divorce records are the legal documentation of the dissolution of your marriage. Because Wisconsin divorce records are public, you are able to verify the legitimacy of your divorce using CCAP.

In Wisconsin, it is illegal to get remarried within six months after a divorce is finalized. If you do intend to remarry after a divorce, your divorce records will be necessary to ensure your new marriage is legal and does not break Wisconsin law.

Confidential divorce records in Wisconsin

While Wisconsin divorce records are public in the interest of transparency, there are scenarios where information within a record or the entire record can be sealed.

  • Minor children’s names are generally not listed in public divorce records
  • Names of domestic violence victims may be protected in public divorce records out of safety concerns
  • Proprietary business information divulged within a divorce proceeding may be protected from public record

If you intend to request the sealing of certain information within your divorce record, or the entire record, you will need to prove to the court the damage you will suffer due to the records becoming public will outweigh the public’s right to open court records.
Contact Divergent Family Law for a FREE initial consultation. Our team of divorce attorneys will know how to best assist you and will provide you with a thorough understanding of how to begin navigating your divorce.

Are records public?

Yes, all divorce records are open to the public and accessible online. In fact, Wisconsin is one of the few states that still allows full public access to divorce records. The only court proceedings that are kept confidential are paternity and children’s court cases.

Crucial Wisconsin Divorce Documents to Retain

There are several types of personal divorce records to keep during and after your divorce. It’s important to have copies of all records and receipts, and always keep your personal divorce records organized in a safe, secure location. That way, an accounting of the entire divorce process – both fiscally and legally – can be easily obtained.

Here are a few examples of important personal divorce records:

  • Divorce Decree This is the court’s legal order that declares you legally divorced. Facets of the divorce agreement, such as child custody, alimony and division of assets will be outlined. Keep a certified copy as part of your divorce records.
  • Separation Agreement If you and your spouse entered into a separation contract, keep a copy of it for your divorce records. That way, if disagreements or misunderstandings arise over things like child custody and alimony, you will have a copy of the contract on-hand.
  • Financial Statements and Disclosures A robust collection of financial statements is important to keep with your divorce records. Examples include tax returns and bank statements from during the divorce process. It’s important to have an outline of assets, debts and income from during that time.
  • Receipts for Divorce Expenses Receipts for legal fees, counseling and moving costs are among the expenses to track in your divorce records. Tax deductions and information for divorce negotiations could be impacted by the money you spend during the divorce.
  • Documentation of Asset Ownership When asset division is an ongoing negotiation, documents proving home ownership, retirement accounts and inheritances are important components to assist in establishing your claim.
  • Child Custody & Visitation Agreements Always keep a copy of your child custody and visitation agreements with the rest of your divorce records.
  • Alimony Documents Keep copies of alimony payment records.
  • Healthcare Documents If your healthcare insurance changed as a result of the divorce, make sure your personal divorce records contain information that track the alterations.
  • Name Change Paperwork Keep a copy of your court-approved name change to address any type of misunderstanding or confusion that may arise
  • Correspondences Communication including letters, emails and text messages between you, your lawyer and your ex may prove relevant in the future proceedings and negotiations. Keep copies in your divorce record file.

More Wisconsin Divorce Facts & Stats

50%

of marriages end in divorce or separation

7th

lowest divorce rate compared to the other 49 states

8

years is the average length of marriage before the first divorce.

30%

more likely to get a divorce if you argue about finances at least once a week

0:13s

the time it takes for a new divorce to be initiated in America

91%

more likely to divorce if your parents are divorced

75%

more likely to get a divorce if a close friend gets divorced

January

is the "divorce month" with the highest rate of initiated divorce filings right after New Years

46%

of people under the poverty line are divorced women and children.

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