Manitowoc County Public Records /Manitowoc County Divorce Records

Manitowoc County Divorce Records

What Are Manitowoc County Divorce Records?

Divorce records in Manitowoc County are official legal documents that provide documentation of the dissolution of marriage between two individuals within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 767.35, which governs judgment of divorce or legal separation. Divorce records consist of various court filings, judgments, and certificates that collectively document the legal termination of a marriage.

The Manitowoc County Clerk of Circuit Court maintains these records as part of their statutory duty to preserve court proceedings. Divorce records typically include:

Petition for divorce or legal separation
Summons
Financial disclosure statements
Marital settlement agreements
Findings of fact
Conclusions of law
Final judgment of divorce

These records serve multiple important purposes for individuals and society, including:

Providing legal proof of marital status change
Enabling remarriage
Documenting legal name changes resulting from divorce
Supporting applications for Social Security benefits
Verifying marital status for loan applications
Establishing eligibility for immigration benefits
Facilitating property transfers and estate planning

The Wisconsin court system maintains these records in accordance with state retention schedules, ensuring their availability for legal and personal needs.

Are Manitowoc County Divorce Records Public?

Manitowoc County divorce records have a dual status regarding public accessibility. Court divorce case files are generally available for public inspection under the Wisconsin Public Records Law, which establishes the presumption that government records should be accessible to citizens. However, this access is subject to important limitations and exceptions.

The public may access basic divorce case information through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) system, commonly known as CCAP. This online resource provides case numbers, party names, filing dates, and general case status information. However, detailed documents within divorce files may contain sensitive personal and financial information that is subject to privacy protections.

Certain components of divorce records may be sealed or redacted pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 767.127(3), which allows courts to seal financial disclosure statements. Additionally, records may be restricted when they contain:

Social Security numbers
Financial account numbers
Information about minor children
Allegations of domestic abuse
Health and medical information
Information sealed by court order

Certified divorce certificates, which provide official verification of a divorce, have more restricted access. Under Wisconsin law, these certificates are available only to:

The parties to the divorce
Their immediate family members
Their legal representatives
Those with a "direct and tangible interest" as defined by statute
Government agencies performing official duties

Requests for access to divorce records must be made through the appropriate county offices, with different procedures for court files versus certified divorce certificates.

How To Find a Divorce Record In Manitowoc County in 2026

Members of the public seeking divorce records in Manitowoc County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The appropriate approach depends on the specific information needed and the requester's relationship to the case.

For court case files related to divorce proceedings:

Visit the Manitowoc County Clerk of Circuit Court office in person:

Manitowoc County Clerk of Circuit Court
1010 South 8th Street, Room 105
Manitowoc, WI 54220
920-683-4030
Manitowoc County Clerk of Circuit Court

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
Access the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) website to view basic case information and status. This resource provides limited information but can help identify case numbers needed for more detailed requests.

For certified divorce certificates:

Contact the Wisconsin Vital Records Office:

Wisconsin Vital Records Office
1 West Wilson Street, Room 160
Madison, WI 53703
608-266-1373
Wisconsin Department of Health Services Vital Records

Complete the "Application for a Certified Copy of a Divorce Certificate" form available on the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website.
Provide proof of identification and establish eligibility to receive the record.
Submit the required fee, currently $20 for the first copy and $3 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.

Requesters should note that divorce records from 1965 to the present are available through the state Vital Records Office, while records prior to 1965 must be requested from the county where the divorce was granted.

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Manitowoc County Online?

Manitowoc County residents and other interested parties may access certain divorce record information through online platforms. The Wisconsin court system provides digital access to case information, though complete divorce file documents typically require in-person requests.

To search for divorce records online:

Visit the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access website (WCCA/CCAP).
Select the appropriate search method:
- Simple case search (by name)
- Advanced case search (allows filtering by case type and county)
- Case number search (if the case number is known)
For divorce cases, select "Family" as the case type and "Divorce" as the case subtype when using advanced search options.
Enter the name of at least one party to the divorce. More specific information yields more precise results.
Review the search results, which will display:
- Case number
- Filing date
- County of filing
- Case type
- Current status
- Party names
- Limited court record events

It is important to note that online records through WCCA have limitations:

Documents within the case file are not viewable online
Some cases may be sealed or have restricted access
Records older than 20 years may not appear in the system
Financial disclosure statements and sensitive personal information are not included

For comprehensive divorce records that include all filed documents, parties must still contact the Manitowoc County Clerk of Circuit Court directly. Additionally, certified divorce certificates are not available through online systems and must be requested through the Wisconsin Vital Records Office or the Manitowoc County Register of Deeds for older records.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Manitowoc County?

Members of the public seeking no-cost access to divorce records in Manitowoc County have several options available, though some limitations apply to free services. The following methods provide access without payment of copy fees:

Use the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) website at no charge:
- This publicly accessible database provides basic case information
- Available 24/7 from any internet-connected device
- Includes party names, case numbers, filing dates, and hearing schedules
- Shows judgment information and case status
- No user account or payment required
Visit the Manitowoc County Courthouse to view records in person:

Manitowoc County Courthouse
1010 South 8th Street
Manitowoc, WI 54220
920-683-4030

Public terminals are available during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM) for searching court records. While viewing records on-site is free, printing or obtaining certified copies will incur fees.

Visit the Manitowoc County Law Library:

Manitowoc County Law Library
1010 South 8th Street, 3rd Floor
Manitowoc, WI 54220

The law library provides public access to legal resources and may assist with locating court records. Staff cannot provide legal advice but can direct visitors to appropriate resources.

Request assistance from the Family Court Services office:

Manitowoc County Family Court Services
1010 South 8th Street, Room 119
Manitowoc, WI 54220
920-683-2779
Manitowoc County Family Court

While these methods provide free access to view records, requesters should note:

Certified copies always require payment of statutory fees
Extensive research assistance may not be available without charge
Older records may require special handling and could involve fees
Records with restricted access will not be available through free methods

Individuals seeking their own divorce records for government program applications may qualify for fee waivers in certain circumstances, as provided under Wisconsin Administrative Code.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Manitowoc County

Divorce records in Manitowoc County comprise a comprehensive collection of documents that chronicle the legal process of marriage dissolution. These records are maintained pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 767.36, which establishes requirements for divorce judgments and related documentation.

A complete divorce file typically contains:

Initial Filings:
- Petition for Divorce or Legal Separation
- Summons
- Confidential Petition Addendum (containing Social Security numbers)
- Proof of service documents
Financial Documentation:
- Financial Disclosure Statements from both parties
- Wage statements and tax returns
- Property valuations
- Pension and retirement account information
- Debt schedules
Child-Related Documents (when applicable):
- Parenting plans
- Child support worksheets
- Placement schedules
- Guardian ad litem reports
- Child support income assignment orders
Negotiated Agreements:
- Marital Settlement Agreements
- Stipulations regarding property division
- Maintenance (alimony) agreements
- Child custody and placement agreements
Court Orders and Judgments:
- Temporary orders during pendency of action
- Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law
- Final Judgment of Divorce
- Post-judgment modification orders
Court Proceedings Documentation:
- Hearing notices
- Court minutes
- Transcripts (if ordered)
- Exhibits entered into evidence
Certificate of Divorce:
- Official document certifying the divorce was granted
- Names of parties
- Date of marriage
- Date of divorce judgment
- County of issuance

The level of detail in divorce records varies based on whether the divorce was contested or uncontested, whether minor children were involved, and the complexity of property division. Records from cases involving significant disputes typically contain more extensive documentation, including deposition transcripts, expert witness reports, and detailed court findings.

Certified divorce certificates, which provide official verification of a divorce but contain less detailed information than the full court file, are maintained by the Wisconsin Vital Records Office for divorces granted from 1965 to the present.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Manitowoc County?

Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in Manitowoc County have multiple options for obtaining this documentation, depending on when the divorce was granted and the level of detail needed. The following procedures apply to obtaining proof of divorce:

For a certified copy of a divorce certificate (basic proof):

For divorces granted from 1965 to present:
- Submit a request to the Wisconsin Vital Records Office:
Wisconsin Vital Records Office
1 West Wilson Street, Room 160
Madison, WI 53703
608-266-1373
Wisconsin Department of Health Services Vital Records
- Complete the "Application for a Certified Copy of a Divorce Certificate"
- Provide valid identification
- Pay the required fee ($20 for first copy, $3 for additional copies)
- Establish eligibility (parties to divorce, immediate family, legal representative)
For divorces granted before 1965:
- Contact the Manitowoc County Register of Deeds:
Manitowoc County Register of Deeds
1010 South 8th Street, Room 115
Manitowoc, WI 54220
920-683-4016
Manitowoc County Register of Deeds
- Provide names of both parties and approximate date of divorce
- Pay applicable fees for certified copies

For certified copies of divorce judgment or complete divorce file:

Contact the Manitowoc County Clerk of Circuit Court:

Manitowoc County Clerk of Circuit Court
1010 South 8th Street, Room 105
Manitowoc, WI 54220
920-683-4030
Manitowoc County Clerk of Circuit Court
- Provide the case number if known (can be found through WCCA)
- If case number is unknown, provide names of both parties and approximate date
- Specify which documents are needed (judgment, entire file, etc.)
- Pay applicable fees ($2.00 per page for copies, $5.00 for certification)
For mail requests:
- Send written request with all relevant information
- Include self-addressed stamped envelope
- Enclose payment by check or money order
- Allow 7-10 business days for processing

Expedited service is available for urgent needs, though additional fees may apply. Requesters should note that proof of divorce documents are often needed for:

Remarriage license applications
Immigration proceedings
Name change on government documents
Social Security benefit applications
Insurance purposes
Pension distributions

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Manitowoc County?

While divorce proceedings in Manitowoc County are generally matters of public record, Wisconsin law provides several mechanisms through which certain aspects of divorce cases may be kept confidential. The confidentiality of divorce records is governed by multiple statutes, including Wisconsin Statute § 767.127(3) regarding financial disclosures and Wisconsin Statute § 801.21 concerning sealed court records.

Circumstances under which divorce records may be confidential include:

Sealing by Court Order:
- Either party may petition the court to seal specific documents or the entire case file
- The court must find that the requirements of Wis. Stat. § 801.21 are met, including:
  - Protection of public interest in confidentiality outweighs public right to access
  - No less restrictive alternatives are available
  - Sealing is limited to specific documents necessary to protect privacy
Automatic Confidentiality Protections:
- Financial disclosure statements may be sealed upon request
- Documents containing Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and certain personal identifiers
- Guardian ad litem reports in custody disputes
- Medical and health information
- Information regarding victims of domestic abuse
Confidential Alternative Dispute Resolution:
- Mediation communications and records
- Collaborative divorce proceedings
- Settlement negotiations
Special Circumstances:
- Cases involving minors
- Matters affecting national security
- Situations where public disclosure would create risk of harm

To request confidentiality for divorce proceedings, parties must:

File a motion with the Manitowoc County Circuit Court specifically identifying:
- Documents to be sealed
- Legal basis for confidentiality
- Proposed duration of sealing order
- Least restrictive means of protecting confidential information
Attend a hearing where the court will balance privacy interests against the presumption of public access
If granted, comply with court orders regarding handling of confidential information

It is important to note that even when records are sealed, certain basic information typically remains public, including the existence of the case, party names, and general case status. Complete confidentiality of an entire divorce proceeding is extremely rare and granted only in exceptional circumstances.

Parties concerned about privacy should consult with legal counsel early in the divorce process to develop appropriate strategies for protecting sensitive information while complying with public records laws.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Manitowoc County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in Manitowoc County varies significantly based on multiple factors. Under Wisconsin law, specifically Wisconsin Statute § 767.335, a judgment of divorce cannot be granted until at least 120 days after service of the summons and petition upon the respondent, or 120 days after the filing of a joint petition. This mandatory waiting period represents the minimum timeframe for any divorce in the county.

Beyond this statutory minimum, several factors influence the total duration:

Type of Divorce Filing:
- Uncontested divorces with complete agreements: 4-6 months
- Contested divorces requiring court intervention: 8-18 months
- Complex high-asset or high-conflict cases: 18-24+ months
Case Complexity Factors:
- Presence of minor children (custody and placement disputes)
- Substantial or complex assets requiring valuation
- Business ownership interests
- Retirement accounts and pension division
- Real estate in multiple jurisdictions
- Disputes over maintenance (alimony)
Court Calendar and Administrative Factors:
- Current caseload of the Manitowoc County Family Court
- Availability of court dates for hearings
- Judicial rotation schedules
- Time required for mandatory mediation
- Guardian ad litem investigations (when children are involved)
Party Cooperation:
- Willingness to exchange financial information promptly
- Participation in settlement negotiations
- Compliance with temporary orders
- Responsiveness to discovery requests

According to the Wisconsin Court System, the average time from filing to disposition for divorce cases in Manitowoc County is approximately 7.2 months for uncontested cases and 11.8 months for contested matters. However, these averages may fluctuate based on court resources and case volumes.

Parties seeking to minimize the duration of divorce proceedings may utilize:

Collaborative divorce processes
Mediation services
Stipulated temporary orders
Prompt and complete financial disclosure
Alternative dispute resolution methods

The Manitowoc County Family Court Commissioner conducts initial hearings in divorce cases, which are typically scheduled within 30-45 days of filing. Final hearings before a Circuit Court Judge are scheduled based on court availability and case readiness, often 2-3 months after all issues are resolved.

How Long Does Manitowoc County Keep Divorce Records?

Manitowoc County maintains divorce records according to retention schedules established by the Wisconsin Supreme Court and the Public Records Board, pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 59.52(4) governing county records management. These schedules establish different retention periods based on record type and historical significance.

The retention periods for various divorce-related records are as follows:

Court Case Files:
- Complete divorce case files: Permanent retention
- Case files are maintained indefinitely by the Clerk of Circuit Court
- After approximately 20-25 years, physical files may be transferred to microfilm or digital format
- Historical cases (pre-1950) may be transferred to the Wisconsin Historical Society
Divorce Certificates:
- Certificates from 1965 to present: Permanent retention by Wisconsin Vital Records
- Certificates prior to 1965: Permanent retention by county Register of Deeds
- These records are never destroyed due to their ongoing legal significance
Court Docket Entries:
- Permanent retention in both physical and electronic formats
- Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) system maintains electronic docket information
- Older docket books are preserved as historical records
Exhibits and Evidence:
- Retained for 1 year after the time for appeal has expired
- May be returned to parties or destroyed after this period
- Parties wishing to preserve exhibits must request their return
Audio Recordings of Proceedings:
- Retained for 10 years after entry of final judgment
- Transcripts ordered from these recordings become part of the permanent case file
Financial Disclosure Statements:
- Retained for 3 years after entry of final judgment
- May be sealed upon request of either party
- After retention period, typically destroyed due to sensitive information

While most divorce records are retained permanently, access to these records may become more challenging as they age. Records from recent decades are typically available through electronic systems or microfilm, while very old records may require specialized research assistance.

Individuals seeking historical divorce records should contact:

Manitowoc County Clerk of Circuit Court
1010 South 8th Street, Room 105
Manitowoc, WI 54220
920-683-4030
Manitowoc County Clerk of Circuit Court

For research assistance with historical records, the Manitowoc County Historical Society may provide additional resources for locating divorce records that predate modern recordkeeping systems.

How To Get a Divorce In Manitowoc County

Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Manitowoc County must follow specific procedures established under Wisconsin law. The divorce process, legally termed "dissolution of marriage," requires compliance with statutory requirements and court rules.

To initiate a divorce in Manitowoc County:

Establish Eligibility:
- At least one spouse must have been a Wisconsin resident for at least 6 months
- At least one spouse must have been a resident of Manitowoc County for at least 30 days
- These residency requirements are mandated by Wisconsin Statute § 767.301
Obtain and Complete Required Forms:
- Forms are available from the Manitowoc County Clerk of Circuit Court or online through the Wisconsin Court System
- Basic forms include:
  - Summons and Petition for Divorce/Legal Separation
  - Confidential Petition Addendum
  - Financial Disclosure Statement
  - Proposed Parenting Plan (if children involved)
File Documents with the Court:

Manitowoc County Clerk of Circuit Court
1010 South 8th Street, Room 105
Manitowoc, WI 54220
920-683-4030
Manitowoc County Clerk of Circuit Court
- Pay the filing fee (currently $184.50 for divorce with minor children, $164.50 without)
- Fee waivers are available for those who qualify based on income
Serve the Other Spouse:
- If filing individually (not jointly), the non-filing spouse must be formally served
- Service options include:
  - Personal service by sheriff or process server
  - Acceptance of service by the other spouse
  - Publication if the spouse cannot be located
Attend Initial Hearing:
- Scheduled with the Family Court Commissioner
- Temporary orders regarding placement, support, and use of property may be issued
Complete Mandatory Requirements:
- Attend parent education program if minor children are involved
- Participate in mediation for child-related issues if disputed
- Exchange complete financial information
Negotiate Settlement or Prepare for Trial:
- Work toward agreement on property division, support, and child-related issues
- If agreement is reached, prepare a Marital Settlement Agreement
- If no agreement, prepare for contested final hearing
Attend Final Hearing:
- After the 120-day waiting period has elapsed
- Present settlement agreement or evidence for contested issues
- Judge will issue final judgment of divorce

Manitowoc County offers resources to assist with the divorce process through the Family Court Services office, which provides information on court procedures, mediation services, and referrals to legal resources.

Self-represented litigants may also utilize the services of the Manitowoc County Law Library for research assistance and access to legal forms.

How To Get Divorce Papers In Manitowoc County

Individuals seeking to initiate divorce proceedings in Manitowoc County have several options for obtaining the necessary legal forms and documents. These divorce papers constitute the foundation of the legal process and must be properly completed to commence a divorce action.

To obtain divorce papers in Manitowoc County:

In-Person at the Courthouse:

Manitowoc County Clerk of Circuit Court
1010 South 8th Street, Room 105
Manitowoc, WI 54220
920-683-4030
Manitowoc County Clerk of Circuit Court
- Visit during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM)
- Request divorce packet from court staff
- Basic forms are provided free of charge
- Staff can identify required forms but cannot provide legal advice
Online Resources:
- Wisconsin Court System website offers standardized forms
- Forms are categorized by case type and situation (with/without children)
- Available in fillable PDF format
- Instructions are provided for each form
Manitowoc County Family Court Services:

Manitowoc County Family Court Services
1010 South 8th Street, Room 119
Manitowoc, WI 54220
920-683-2779
Manitowoc County Family Court
- Provides information packets for divorce proceedings
- Offers guidance on which forms are needed for specific situations
- Maintains resources for self-represented litigants
Wisconsin Legal Self-Help Center:
- Online resource with guided interviews
- Helps determine appropriate forms based on circumstances
- Provides step-by-step instructions

The basic divorce papers required in Manitowoc County include:

Summons and Petition for Divorce/Legal Separation (FA-4104)
Confidential Petition Addendum (GF-179)
Financial Disclosure Statement (FA-4139)
Proposed Parenting Plan (FA-4147) if minor children are involved
Certificate of Divorce (VS-12D) to be completed after divorce is granted

Additional forms may be required depending on specific circumstances, such as:

Order to Show Cause and Affidavit for Temporary Order (FA-4128) for temporary support or custody
Stipulation for Temporary Order (FA-4126) if parties agree on temporary arrangements
Petition for Waiver of Fees and Costs (CV-410) for those unable to afford filing fees

After obtaining the necessary forms, individuals should carefully review the instructions, complete all required information, and make copies before filing with the court. The Manitowoc County Clerk of Circuit Court requires original signatures on filed documents and payment of applicable filing fees unless a fee waiver is granted.