Divorce records in Dane County, Wisconsin can be accessed through several channels. DaneCourt.us can help you find publicly available divorce record information. You can also obtain records directly from the Dane County Circuit Court that issued the decree, the Dane County Register of Deeds office, or the Wisconsin Vital Records Office. Whether you need a certified divorce certificate or a copy of the full court file, the right office depends on the type of document you're looking for.
Dane County Divorce Records Search
Divorce records in Dane County are maintained by two primary offices. The Dane County Clerk of Circuit Court keeps the complete court case files — including the divorce petition, findings of fact, settlement agreements, custody orders, and the final judgment of divorce. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services Vital Records Office maintains divorce certificates, which are shorter summary documents confirming that a divorce occurred.
Circuit court files and documents are generally open for public access unless sealed by the court or made confidential by law. You can search Dane County case records online through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) database, which includes case docket information from approximately 1994 forward.
Dane County Clerk of Circuit Court
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Dane County
In Wisconsin, divorce cases are handled by the circuit court — the state's trial-level court of general jurisdiction. All Dane County divorces are filed with and adjudicated by the Dane County Circuit Court. After the judge signs the final judgment of divorce, the decree becomes part of the permanent court case file maintained by the Clerk of Circuit Court.
The court also reports divorce information to the Wisconsin Vital Records Office, which creates a divorce certificate — a summary record that includes the names of the parties, date of divorce, county, and case number, but not the detailed terms of the settlement or custody arrangements.
Which office to contact depends on what you need:
- Full court file (decree, settlement agreement, custody orders, motions): Contact the Dane County Clerk of Circuit Court.
- Divorce certificate (summary verification that a divorce occurred): Contact the Wisconsin Vital Records Office or order online through VitalChek.
Dane County Clerk of Circuit Court
Wisconsin Vital Records Office
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Dane County
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Divorce certificate (Wisconsin Vital Records Office, by mail) | $20.00 | 2–4 weeks |
| Divorce certificate (online via VitalChek) | $20.00 + VitalChek processing fee | 5–7 business days |
| Court record copies (Dane County Clerk of Circuit Court) | $1.25 per page | Varies; in-person requests may be same day |
| Certified court document copy | $5.00 certification fee + $1.25 per page | Varies |
| WCCA online case search | Free | Immediate |