Juneau County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Juneau County in 2026
JuneauRecords.org provides data and publicly available information related to divorce records in Juneau County, Wisconsin. Members of the public seeking dissolution of marriage records may access case filings, final decrees, and related court documents through official county and state resources. Available records may include petition filings, judgment dates, party names, and case status information, subject to applicable privacy restrictions.
Divorce records in Juneau County may be searched through the Wisconsin Court System's online portal, the Juneau County Clerk of Courts office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and the Juneau County Register of Deeds for certified divorce records filed from January 1, 2016, onward.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) portal is the primary online tool for searching divorce case records across all Wisconsin circuit courts, including Juneau County. Members of the public may search by party name or case number at no charge for basic case information. Obtaining copies of filed documents may require payment of applicable fees.
- Free basic case information (party names, filing dates, case status, docket entries)
- Search by full name or case number
- Available at no cost for general case lookups
- Document copies require separate fee payment
2. State Court System Portal
The Wisconsin Court System provides a consolidated statewide database through WCCA, allowing searches across all 72 Wisconsin circuit courts simultaneously. This is particularly useful when the county of filing is uncertain.
- Searches all Wisconsin circuit courts
- Consolidated statewide database
- Accessible at any time through the online portal
3. State Vital Records
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services Vital Records office maintains divorce certificates for proceedings finalized in Wisconsin. These records provide official confirmation of a divorce but contain less detail than full court case files.
- Divorce certificates available through the state vital records office
- Fees apply for certified copies
- Records available through county Register of Deeds offices statewide
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Courts – Family Division:
Juneau County Clerk of Courts
220 E. State Street, Room 170
Mauston, WI 53948
Phone: (608) 847-9300
Juneau County Clerk of Courts
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Services available in person:
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View filed documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Staff assistance for locating records
Register of Deeds – Vital Records:
Juneau County Register of Deeds
220 E. State Street
Mauston, WI 53948
Phone: (608) 847-9371
Vital Records Forms & Fees – Juneau County
- Divorce records available from January 1, 2016, onward
- Certified copies of divorce certificates available
- Fees apply per copy
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Juneau County Clerk of Courts, 220 E. State Street, Room 170, Mauston, WI 53948
- Include the following with each request:
- Full legal names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce or date range
- Case number, if known
- Requester's full name and contact information
- Purpose of request, if required
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
- Processing time: Requests are processed within approximately 1–2 weeks, depending on volume and record availability
By Phone
Limited Information Available:
- Clerk of Courts: (608) 847-9300
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number
- Current case status
- Filing date
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents by phone
- Copies of filed documents
- Confidential or restricted case information
Through Attorneys
Members of the public involved in complex divorce matters, or those seeking access to sealed or restricted records, may retain legal counsel. An attorney licensed in Wisconsin may access court records on behalf of a client, file motions to unseal restricted documents, and obtain certified copies through professional channels. The State Bar of Wisconsin provides a lawyer referral service for members of the public seeking legal representation.
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 year of filing
- Case number, if previously obtained
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Prior addresses in Wisconsin
- Names of children, if applicable
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Divorce proceedings in Wisconsin are filed in the circuit court of the county where either spouse resided at the time of filing. Members of the public should search the county of residence rather than the county where the marriage ceremony occurred. If the county of filing is unknown, the statewide Wisconsin Circuit Court Access portal allows searches across all counties simultaneously.
Under Wis. Stat. § 767.301, a divorce action must be commenced in the circuit court of the county where either party resides at the time of filing. One spouse must have been a resident of Wisconsin for at least six months immediately preceding the filing of the action.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Newly finalized cases may require several days to weeks before appearing in the online system
- Allow processing time following the final hearing before searching
Older Divorces:
- Cases predating electronic filing may exist only in paper format
- Archived records may require additional retrieval time
- Not all historical records have been digitized
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- Incorrect county searched
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- Case still pending and not yet finalized
- Very old records stored in physical archives
- Case sealed by court order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Clerk of Courts at (608) 847-9300 to request staff assistance
- Attempt alternate name spellings or maiden names
- Search under both spouses' names
- Check the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Vital Records for divorce certificates
- Consult a licensed Wisconsin attorney for complex searches
What Are Juneau County Divorce Records?
Juneau County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Juneau County Circuit Court. These records constitute part of the public court file maintained by the Clerk of Courts and are subject to Wisconsin's open records law, Wis. Stat. § 19.35, which establishes the public's right to inspect and copy government records.
Types of Divorce Records
Court Case Files
The complete court case file for a divorce proceeding contains all documents filed by the parties and issued by the court throughout the litigation. These include:
- Petition for divorce (dissolution of marriage)
- Summons and proof of service
- Response or answer filed by the respondent
- Financial disclosure statements and affidavits
- Proposed and final parenting plans (if minor children are involved)
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, briefs, and supporting exhibits
- Transcripts of court hearings (if ordered)
- Temporary orders issued during the proceeding
- Final judgment of divorce
Final Decree
The final judgment of divorce is the court order that legally dissolves the marriage. It is the document most frequently requested by members of the public and serves as legal proof of divorce status. The final decree establishes:
- The official date of dissolution
- Division of marital property and allocation of debts
- Spousal maintenance (alimony) terms, if ordered
- Legal and physical custody of minor children, if applicable
- Child support amounts and payment schedules, if applicable
- Restoration of a former name, if requested
Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Clerk of Courts upon payment of applicable fees.
Supporting Documents
Supporting documents filed in a divorce case may include marriage certificates submitted as exhibits, financial disclosure forms, property appraisals, business valuations, parenting plan worksheets, and post-judgment modification orders reflecting changes made after the original decree was entered.
Purpose of Divorce Records
Legal Purposes
- Establishing proof of marital status for remarriage
- Documenting name changes for government identification
- Supporting immigration proceedings requiring proof of prior marriage dissolution
- Facilitating property transfers ordered by the court
- Providing documentation for Social Security survivor or spousal benefit claims
- Supporting estate planning and beneficiary designations
Personal Purposes
- Genealogical and family history research
- Personal record-keeping and verification of divorce terms
- Confirming compliance with court-ordered obligations
Who Maintains Divorce Records
Clerk of Courts
The Juneau County Clerk of Courts is the primary custodian of all divorce case files. The office maintains complete case files indexed by party names and case numbers, issues certified copies, and provides public access to non-restricted documents.
State Vital Records Office
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services Vital Records office maintains divorce certificates at the state level. These certificates provide confirmation of the dissolution but do not contain the full case file contents available through the circuit court.
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 in the state. Wisconsin is a no-fault divorce state, meaning that irretrievable breakdown of the marriage is the sole ground required for dissolution. Public access to court records is governed by Wisconsin's open records statute and applicable court rules, which presume public access while providing specific protections for sensitive personal and family information.
Are Juneau County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in the Juneau County Circuit Court are public court records under Wisconsin law. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need or purpose. However, certain categories of information within divorce files are subject to restriction or redaction to protect sensitive personal data and the privacy of minor children.
What Is Public
The following information is accessible to any member of the public:
- Case number and filing date
- Full names of the parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Scheduled and completed court hearing dates
- Docket entries reflecting the chronological history of the case
- Court orders and judgments, including the final divorce decree
- Property division orders
- General case status (pending, finalized, dismissed)
What May Be Restricted
Financial Information
Certain financial details are subject to redaction or restricted access under Wisconsin court rules:
- Social Security numbers (redacted from all public filings)
- Bank account and financial account numbers (redacted)
- Credit card numbers (redacted)
- Detailed tax returns (may be filed under seal or with restricted access)
Children's Information
Wisconsin courts apply heightened protections to information concerning minor children involved in divorce proceedings:
- Residential addresses of minor children
- Names of schools children attend
- Medical and psychological records pertaining to children
- Child custody evaluation reports (may be sealed)
- Guardian ad litem reports (restricted access)
Sensitive Personal Information
- Domestic violence allegations, protective order filings, and related evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
- Medical records submitted as exhibits
- Personal addresses and contact information in cases involving domestic violence
Sealed Records
A circuit court judge may order specific documents or an entire case file sealed upon a showing of good cause. Sealed records are not accessible to the general public without a court order. Cases involving allegations of abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlement terms may be subject to sealing orders.
Legal Basis for Public Access
Wisconsin's open records law, Wis. Stat. § 19.35, establishes a strong presumption in favor of public access to government records, including court filings. Restrictions on access require a specific legal basis and must be narrowly applied. The Wisconsin Court System's policies on access to court records reflect this presumption while incorporating protections required by state and federal law.
Who Can Access Records
| Requester Category | Level of Access |
|---|---|
| General public | Public documents, docket entries, final decrees |
| Parties to the case | Full access to their own case file, including restricted documents |
| Licensed attorneys | Access to case files; may petition for sealed records |
| Law enforcement | Statutory access to records relevant to investigations |
| Researchers and media | Public portions; court permission required for sealed records |
Restrictions on Use
Members of the public who obtain divorce records may not use them for stalking, harassment, identity theft, or any purpose that violates a court-issued protective order. Permitted uses include legal proceedings, background verification, genealogical research, news reporting protected by the First Amendment, and academic research.
Obtaining Confidential Records
A party seeking access to sealed or restricted records must file a motion with the Juneau County Circuit Court demonstrating a legitimate legal need. The court applies a balancing test weighing the requester's interest against the privacy interests protected by the sealing order. Certain parties, including child protective services investigators, court-appointed evaluators, and law enforcement officers, may have statutory access to otherwise restricted records.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Juneau County?
Current fees for obtaining divorce records in Juneau County are established by Wisconsin statute and applicable court fee schedules. Members of the public should confirm current fees directly with the Clerk of Courts or Register of Deeds prior to submitting a request, as fee schedules are subject to periodic revision.
Clerk of Courts – Copy and Certification Fees
| Service | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain paper copies (per page) | $1.25 per page |
| Certified copy of court document | $5.00 per document plus $1.25 per page |
| Electronic copy (where available) | Varies; contact Clerk of Courts |
| Record search fee | No separate search fee for standard requests |
Register of Deeds – Divorce Certificate Fees
| Service | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of divorce certificate | $20.00 for first copy |
| Additional copies ordered at same time | $3.00 each |
The Vital Records Forms & Fees page maintained by the Juneau County Register of Deeds provides current fee information for certified divorce certificates. Divorce records through the Register of Deeds are available only for proceedings finalized from January 1, 2016, onward.
Accepted Payment Methods
- Cash (in-person requests)
- Check or money order payable to Juneau County Clerk of Courts or Juneau County Register of Deeds
- Credit and debit cards (availability varies; confirm with the office prior to visit)
Fee Waivers
Wisconsin law does not provide a general fee waiver for public records requests. Parties who are indigent and involved in active proceedings may petition the court for waiver of certain fees under applicable court rules. Members of the public seeking fee waiver consideration should contact the Clerk of Courts directly.
What Is Available at No Cost
- Online case lookups through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access portal (basic case information, docket entries, case status)
- In-person viewing of public case documents at courthouse public access terminals (no copy fee for viewing only)
What's Included in Divorce Records in Juneau County
A complete divorce case file maintained by the Juneau County Clerk of Courts contains all documents filed by the parties and issued by the court from the date of initial filing through post-judgment proceedings. The scope of documents varies depending on whether the divorce was uncontested or contested, and whether minor children were involved.
Basic Case Information
Every divorce case file includes a case caption identifying the case number, court name and division, names of the petitioner and respondent, the judge assigned to the case, and the names of attorneys of record. Filing information reflects the date the petition was filed, the case type designation, and the jurisdictional basis for the proceeding.
Initial Pleadings
The petition for divorce sets forth the petitioner's identifying information, the respondent's identifying information, the date and location of the marriage, the date of separation if applicable, the grounds for divorce (irretrievable breakdown under Wisconsin's no-fault standard), information regarding minor children, claims regarding marital property, and the relief requested. The respondent's answer or response states the respondent's position on each allegation and may include a counterpetition seeking affirmative relief.
Financial affidavits filed by both parties disclose income from all sources, monthly living expenses, marital assets including real property, vehicles, bank and investment accounts, and retirement accounts, as well as all marital liabilities including mortgages, vehicle loans, credit card balances, and other debts.
Discovery Documents
In contested divorce proceedings, discovery documents may include interrogatories and responses, requests for production of documents and the documents produced in response, deposition transcripts, and subpoenaed financial records. These materials provide detailed financial and personal background information relevant to property division and support determinations.
Property-Related Documents
The marital asset inventory identifies and values all property subject to division, including real estate, vehicles, financial accounts, retirement accounts, business interests, and personal property of significant value. The debt inventory identifies all marital liabilities. Appraisal reports and expert valuations for real property, business interests, and personal property of significant value may be included as exhibits.
Children-Related Documents
When minor children are involved, the case file contains a parenting plan addressing legal custody (decision-making authority), physical placement (primary residence), the regular and holiday placement schedule, transportation arrangements, and provisions for relocation. Child support calculation worksheets reflect both parties' income, the number of overnight placements, health insurance costs, and childcare expenses. If the court ordered a custody evaluation, the evaluator's report and recommendations are included, though these documents may be subject to restricted access. Guardian ad litem reports, if a guardian was appointed, are also part of the file.
Support Documents
Spousal maintenance (alimony) provisions, if ordered, are documented in the settlement agreement and final judgment. These provisions specify the type of maintenance, the monthly amount, the duration, payment schedule, and conditions for modification or termination.
Settlement Documents
A marital settlement agreement, if the parties reached a negotiated resolution, comprehensively addresses all issues in the divorce including property division, debt allocation, spousal maintenance, and child-related provisions. The agreement is incorporated into the final judgment and becomes a court order enforceable by contempt proceedings.
Court Orders and Judgments
Temporary orders issued during the pendency of the proceeding may address temporary custody, temporary support, temporary use of marital property, and temporary restraining orders. The final judgment of divorce is the court's definitive order dissolving the marriage, establishing all rights and obligations of the parties, and restoring any requested former name. If retirement accounts are divided, a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) is prepared as a separate order directing the plan administrator to divide the benefit.
Post-Judgment Documents
Post-judgment filings may include petitions to modify custody or support based on a substantial change in circumstances, motions for contempt based on non-compliance with court orders, income deduction orders for support enforcement, and orders on all such motions.
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed
- Social Security numbers (redacted from all public documents)
- Financial account numbers (redacted)
- Residential addresses and school information for minor children
- Domestic violence-related evidence (may be sealed)
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluation records
- Child custody evaluation reports (restricted access)
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
- Settlement negotiation communications (not part of the court record)
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Juneau County
Proof of divorce in Juneau County may be obtained in the form of a certified copy of the final judgment of divorce from the Clerk of Courts, or as a certified divorce certificate from the Register of Deeds for proceedings finalized from January 1, 2016, onward.
Step 1 – Determine the Appropriate Office
Members of the public seeking a certified copy of the complete final judgment of divorce, including all terms of the decree, should contact the Clerk of Courts. Those seeking a shorter certified divorce certificate confirming the fact of dissolution, the parties' names, and the date of divorce may request this document from the Register of Deeds, provided the divorce was finalized on or after January 1, 2016.
Step 2 – Gather Required Information
Before submitting a request, gather the following:
- Full legal names of both parties as they appear on the divorce filing
- Approximate date of divorce or year of filing
- Case number, if available
Step 3 – Submit the Request
In Person:
Juneau County Clerk of Courts
220 E. State Street, Room 170
Mauston, WI 53948
Phone: (608) 847-9300
Juneau County Clerk of Courts
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Juneau County Register of Deeds
220 E. State Street
Mauston, WI 53948
Phone: (608) 847-9371
Vital Records Forms & Fees – Juneau County
By Mail:
Submit a written request to the Clerk of Courts at the address above. Include the names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, the case number if known, requester contact information, and payment for applicable fees. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Online:
Basic case information and docket entries may be accessed through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access portal. Certified copies are not available for download through the online portal and must be requested in person or by mail.
Step 4 – Pay Applicable Fees
Certified copies from the Clerk of Courts are $5.00 per document plus $1.25 per page. Certified divorce certificates from the Register of Deeds are $20.00 for the first copy and $3.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
Step 5 – Receive the Document
In-person requests are processed while the requester waits or on the same business day, depending on staff availability. Mail requests are processed within approximately 1–2 weeks.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Juneau County?
A divorce proceeding in Juneau County may be partially or fully confidential under specific legal circumstances, though Wisconsin law maintains a strong presumption of public access to court records. Confidentiality is the exception rather than the standard, and it requires a court order supported by a showing of good cause.
Circumstances under which divorce records or portions thereof may be confidential include:
- Domestic violence cases: Addresses, contact information, and safety-related details of domestic violence victims may be withheld from public access to protect victim safety
- Sealed financial records: Tax returns, detailed financial statements, and account information may be filed under seal upon motion and court order
- Children's information: Residential addresses, school information, and psychological evaluations pertaining to minor children are subject to restricted access
- Mediation communications: Under Wisconsin law, communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and are not part of the public court record
- Court-ordered sealing: A circuit court judge may seal specific documents or an entire case file upon a demonstrated showing that the privacy interest outweighs the public's interest in access
- Custody evaluations and guardian ad litem reports: These documents are subject to restricted access and are not available to the general public without a court order
Members of the public seeking access to sealed or restricted records must file a motion with the Juneau County Circuit Court. The Wisconsin Court System's self-help resources on divorce and family law provide guidance on court procedures applicable to family law cases.
How Long Does Juneau County Keep Divorce Records?
Juneau County divorce records are retained for extended periods consistent with Wisconsin court records retention requirements. The retention schedule reflects the permanent legal significance of dissolution of marriage proceedings.
Retention periods for divorce records in Juneau County are as follows:
- Final judgments of divorce: Retained permanently as part of the official court record; these documents are never destroyed
- Complete case files (contested divorces): Retained for a minimum of 20 years following the close of the case under Wisconsin court records retention schedules
- Complete case files (uncontested divorces): Retained for a minimum of 10 years following the close of the case
- Post-judgment modification orders: Retained as part of the original case file for the applicable retention period of the underlying case
- Divorce certificates (Register of Deeds): Available from January 1, 2016, onward; retained permanently as vital records
- Archived paper records: Older records predating electronic filing are maintained in physical archives and may require additional retrieval time
Wisconsin court records retention requirements are established by the Wisconsin Supreme Court and the Director of State Courts. Members of the public seeking records from cases closed many years ago should contact the Clerk of Courts directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services Vital Records office maintains divorce certificates at the state level as a permanent record of dissolution proceedings.