Kosciusko County Public Records /Kosciusko County Divorce Records

Kosciusko County Divorce Records

What Are Kosciusko County Divorce Records?

Divorce records in Kosciusko County are official legal documents maintained by the county court system that document the dissolution of marriage between two individuals. These records are created and maintained pursuant to Indiana Code § 31-15-2, which governs dissolution of marriage proceedings in the state. Divorce records serve as the authoritative documentation that a legal marriage has been terminated through proper judicial proceedings.

The Kosciusko County Clerk's Office maintains these records as part of its statutory duty to preserve court documents. Divorce records typically consist of several components:

Petition for dissolution of marriage
Summons
Financial disclosure statements
Property settlement agreements
Child custody and support arrangements
Final decree of dissolution

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

Providing legal proof of marital status change
Enabling individuals to legally remarry
Supporting name change processes
Documenting eligibility for Social Security benefits
Verifying status for loan applications
Establishing legal status for immigration matters

The Kosciusko County Clerk's Office serves as the official custodian of these records for all divorces granted within the county's jurisdiction.

Are Kosciusko County Divorce Records Public?

Divorce records in Kosciusko County maintain a dual status regarding public accessibility. Under the Indiana Access to Public Records Act § 5-14-3, court records are generally considered public documents. However, this access is subject to important limitations and exceptions.

The public accessibility of divorce records can be categorized as follows:

Court Case Files: The general divorce case files maintained by the Kosciusko County Courts are typically accessible to the public. These include:
- Case numbers
- Party names
- Filing dates
- Hearing schedules
- Final decree information
Restricted Information: Certain components of divorce files may be restricted from public view, including:
- Financial affidavits and detailed financial information
- Social Security numbers
- Account numbers
- Children's identifying information
- Allegations of domestic violence
- Certain custody evaluations
Certified Divorce Certificates: Access to official certified divorce certificates is more restricted. According to Indiana law, these documents are available only to:
- The parties named in the divorce
- Their legal representatives
- Individuals with a direct interest in the matter who have obtained court approval

The Kosciusko County Clerk's Office implements these access restrictions in accordance with Indiana Code § 31-19-19, which governs confidentiality of certain court records. Members of the public seeking divorce records must complete the appropriate public records request form and may be subject to identity verification procedures when requesting restricted information.

How To Find a Divorce Record In Kosciusko County in 2026

Individuals seeking divorce records in Kosciusko County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The primary resource for obtaining official divorce records is the Kosciusko County Clerk's Office, which maintains all court records for the county.

To obtain divorce records, requestors should follow these steps:

Prepare necessary information:
- Full names of both parties (including maiden names if applicable)
- Approximate date of divorce (month and year)
- Case number (if known)
- Personal identification (government-issued photo ID)
Submit a request through one of these methods:
- In person: Visit the Kosciusko County Clerk's Office during regular business hours.
Kosciusko County Clerk's Office
121 N. Lake Street, Room 230
Warsaw, IN 46580
574-372-2323
Kosciusko County Clerk

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)
- By mail: Send a written request with the required information to the address above.
- Online: Complete the public records request form available on the county website.
Pay applicable fees:
- Search fee: $5.00 per name searched
- Copy fee: $1.00 per page
- Certification fee: $1.00 per document
- Payment methods: Cash, check, money order, or credit card (in person only)
Receive documents:
- In-person requests may be fulfilled while you wait, depending on workload
- Mail requests typically require 5-10 business days for processing
- Online requests will be processed within 7 business days

For divorce records dating prior to 1993, requestors may need to contact the Kosciusko County Archives, as older records may be stored in archival facilities rather than the main clerk's office.

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Kosciusko County Online?

Kosciusko County provides limited online access to divorce record information through several digital platforms. While complete divorce files are not available online due to privacy considerations, basic case information can be accessed through the following methods:

mycase.in.gov Portal: The Indiana Supreme Court's public access system allows users to search for divorce cases filed in Kosciusko County.
- Navigate to mycase.in.gov
- Select "Kosciusko County" from the dropdown menu
- Choose "Case Search" option
- Enter search criteria (names, case numbers, or date ranges)
- Select case type "Dissolution of Marriage" (DR or DC case types)
- Review search results for basic case information
Kosciusko County Public Records Portal: The county maintains a public records search system that includes court records dating back to October 1, 1993.
- Access requires registration for a free account
- Search capabilities include party name and case number searches
- Results provide case status, filing dates, and scheduled hearings
Indiana Courts Portal: The Indiana Judicial Branch website provides links to Kosciusko County court resources and case information.

Important limitations of online divorce record searches include:

Only basic case information is available (case numbers, party names, filing dates, hearing dates)
Detailed documents within case files are not accessible online
Financial information, custody details, and sensitive information are redacted
Certified copies cannot be obtained through online systems
Records prior to 1993 may not be included in digital databases

For comprehensive divorce records or certified copies, individuals must still contact the Kosciusko County Clerk's Office directly through in-person, mail, or official online request methods.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Kosciusko County?

Individuals seeking no-cost access to divorce records in Kosciusko County have several options available, though these methods typically provide limited information compared to official requests that may require fees.

Free access methods include:

Public Access Terminals: The Kosciusko County Courthouse provides public access computer terminals where visitors can search basic court records at no charge.

Kosciusko County Courthouse
121 N. Lake Street
Warsaw, IN 46580
574-372-2323
Kosciusko County Courts

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)
mycase.in.gov Basic Searches: The Indiana Courts online portal offers free basic case searches that include:
- Case numbers
- Party names
- Filing dates
- Hearing schedules
- Case status information
County Law Library: The Kosciusko County Law Library maintains public records that can be accessed for research purposes without charge.

Kosciusko County Law Library
121 N. Lake Street, 3rd Floor
Warsaw, IN 46580
574-372-2340

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM (excluding holidays)
Public Records Request for Inspection: Under Indiana's Access to Public Records Act, individuals may request to inspect (but not copy) public records without charge. This requires:
- Submitting a written request specifying records to be inspected
- Scheduling an appointment with the clerk's office
- Viewing records under supervision
- No photography or scanning permitted

Important limitations of free access methods:

Only basic case information is typically available
Certified copies always require payment of statutory fees
Complete case files are not available through free online resources
Staff assistance for extensive searches may not be available without fees
Records prior to 1993 may require specialized archival assistance

For comprehensive divorce record information, particularly for legal purposes, individuals may still need to pay the statutory fees for official copies from the Kosciusko County Clerk's Office.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Kosciusko County

Divorce records in Kosciusko County comprise a comprehensive collection of documents that chronicle the legal dissolution of marriage from initiation through final judgment. These records are maintained by the Kosciusko County Clerk's Office in accordance with Indiana state law.

A complete divorce file typically contains the following components:

Initial Filings
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Summons
- Preliminary financial declarations
- Temporary orders for support, custody, or property
- Proof of service documents
Procedural Documents
- Court notices and scheduling orders
- Motions filed by either party
- Responses to motions
- Discovery documents (when not sealed)
- Continuance requests
Financial Information
- Asset and liability disclosures
- Income statements
- Tax returns (often redacted for privacy)
- Property valuations
- Pension and retirement account information
Child-Related Documents (if applicable)
- Custody agreements
- Parenting time schedules
- Child support worksheets and orders
- Guardian ad litem reports (often sealed)
Settlement Documents
- Property settlement agreements
- Mediation results
- Stipulations between parties
Final Judgment Documents
- Decree of Dissolution of Marriage
- Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law
- Final orders regarding property division
- Final orders regarding custody and support
- Name change orders (if applicable)
Post-Judgment Filings (if applicable)
- Modification requests
- Enforcement actions
- Appeals documentation

The official divorce certificate, which serves as legal proof of divorce, contains a more limited set of information:

Names of both parties
Date of marriage
Date of divorce
Case number
County of issuance
Judge's signature
Court seal

Certain sensitive information is typically redacted or sealed in publicly accessible divorce records, including:

Social Security numbers
Financial account numbers
Minor children's identifying information
Allegations of abuse or domestic violence
Medical and mental health information

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Kosciusko County?

Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in Kosciusko County must obtain a certified copy of the divorce decree or certificate from the appropriate county office. This documentation serves as legal verification of marital dissolution for purposes such as remarriage, name changes, or legal proceedings.

To obtain official proof of divorce, follow these procedures:

Request a Certified Copy from the Clerk's Office:

Kosciusko County Clerk's Office
121 N. Lake Street, Room 230
Warsaw, IN 46580
574-372-2323
Kosciusko County Clerk

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)

Required information:
- Full names of both parties (including maiden name if applicable)
- Date of divorce (approximate if exact date unknown)
- Case number (if known)
- Valid government-issued photo identification
Submit a Written Request by Mail:
- Include all information listed above
- Provide a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Include payment by check or money order
- Mail to the Clerk's Office address above
Complete an Online Request Form:
- Visit the Kosciusko County public records request page
- Complete the electronic form with required information
- Submit payment through the secure online system
- Allow 7-10 business days for processing
Fees and Payment Methods:
- Certified copy of divorce decree: $2.00 per page plus $1.00 certification fee
- Divorce certificate: $15.00
- Acceptable payment methods:
  - In-person: Cash, check, money order, credit/debit card
  - Mail: Check or money order only
  - Online: Credit/debit card
Expedited Service:
- In-person requests can often be fulfilled while you wait
- Urgent requests may be expedited for an additional $20.00 fee

For divorces finalized in Kosciusko County but where parties now reside elsewhere, the Indiana State Department of Health provides guidance on obtaining divorce certificates through mail or authorized third-party services.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Kosciusko County?

While divorce proceedings in Kosciusko County are generally matters of public record, Indiana law provides several mechanisms through which certain aspects of divorce cases may be kept confidential. These provisions balance the public's right to access court records with individuals' privacy interests.

The following elements of divorce cases may be subject to confidentiality protections:

Statutory Confidentiality: Under Indiana Code § 5-14-3-4(a), certain records are automatically confidential, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Personal identification numbers
- Medical records
- Child abuse or neglect records
Sealing by Court Order: Parties may petition the court to seal specific documents or entire case files under Indiana Administrative Rule 9. The court may grant such requests when:
- Public access would create significant risk of substantial harm
- The need for confidentiality outweighs the public interest
- No less restrictive means exist to protect privacy interests
Confidential Family Cases: Certain family law matters receive heightened confidentiality, including:
- Cases involving allegations of domestic violence
- Matters concerning child abuse or neglect
- Guardianship proceedings for minors
- Adoption-related proceedings
Alternative Dispute Resolution: Mediation proceedings and settlement negotiations are confidential under Indiana law. Documents include:
- Mediation statements
- Settlement offers
- Communications made during mediation sessions
Procedure for Requesting Confidentiality: To request confidentiality for divorce proceedings, parties must:
- File a verified motion with the court
- Specifically identify documents to be sealed
- Demonstrate compelling privacy interests
- Attend a hearing (if scheduled by the court)
- Obtain a court order granting confidentiality

It is important to note that even when certain documents are sealed, basic case information typically remains public, including:

Names of parties
Case numbers
Filing dates
Hearing schedules
Judge assignments

Parties seeking confidentiality should consult with legal counsel early in the divorce process, as confidentiality requests are most effective when made before sensitive information enters the public record.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Kosciusko County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in Kosciusko County varies significantly based on multiple factors related to case complexity, cooperation between parties, and court scheduling. Under Indiana law, specific timeframes establish minimum waiting periods, but the actual resolution time depends on case-specific circumstances.

Statutory Timeframes:

Minimum waiting period: 60 days from filing date, as mandated by Indiana Code § 31-15-2-10
No divorce decree may be issued before this cooling-off period expires
Maximum timeframe: No statutory limit exists

Factors Affecting Timeline:

Type of Divorce:
- Uncontested divorces (agreement on all issues): 60-90 days
- Contested divorces (disagreement requiring court intervention): 6-12 months
- Complex asset divorces: 12-18 months or longer
Presence of Minor Children:
- Cases involving custody determinations: Additional 2-4 months
- Cases requiring custody evaluations: Additional 3-6 months
- Cases with parenting time disputes: Additional 1-3 months
Property Division Complexity:
- Simple property division: Minimal additional time
- Business valuation requirements: Additional 2-4 months
- Pension/retirement division: Additional 1-3 months
- Real estate appraisals: Additional 1-2 months
Court Congestion:
- Current average time to trial setting in Kosciusko County: 4-6 months
- Continuances or rescheduling: Additional 1-3 months per occurrence
Alternative Dispute Resolution:
- Successful mediation: Can reduce timeline by 2-4 months
- Failed mediation attempts: May add 1-2 months to process

County Statistics: According to the Indiana Judicial Service Report, Kosciusko County courts process approximately 300-350 dissolution cases annually, with the following resolution timeframes:

25% resolved within 90 days
50% resolved within 180 days
75% resolved within 270 days
90% resolved within 365 days

Parties seeking the most efficient resolution should consider:

Filing all required documentation promptly
Responding to discovery requests timely
Participating in good faith in settlement discussions
Considering mediation or collaborative divorce approaches
Ensuring financial disclosures are complete and accurate

How Long Does Kosciusko County Keep Divorce Records?

Kosciusko County maintains divorce records according to a structured retention schedule established by the Indiana Commission on Public Records and governed by Indiana Administrative Rule 7. This schedule ensures the preservation of important legal documents while managing storage resources effectively.

The retention periods for divorce records in Kosciusko County are as follows:

Case Files and Court Records:
- Permanent Retention: Complete case files for divorces granted in Kosciusko County are maintained permanently in either physical or electronic format.
- After 20 years, physical records may be transferred to microfilm or electronic storage while maintaining their permanent status.
- Index books and case management system records are preserved indefinitely.
Divorce Certificates:
- Permanent Retention: Official divorce certificates are maintained permanently by both:
  - Kosciusko County Clerk's Office
  - Indiana State Department of Health, Vital Records Division
Exhibits and Supporting Documentation:
- Non-documentary exhibits: Retained for 3 years after final disposition of the case
- Documentary exhibits: May be returned to parties or maintained with the case file
- Financial disclosures: Retained with case file but may be sealed from public view
Accessibility Periods:
- Recent records (post-1993): Available through the Clerk's Office and electronic systems
- Intermediate records (1950-1993): Available through the Clerk's Office with potential retrieval time
- Historical records (pre-1950): May require access through County Archives
Record Format Transitions:
- Records from 1993-present: Primarily electronic with physical backups
- Records from 1950-1993: Primarily physical with some microfilm conversion
- Records pre-1950: Combination of bound volumes, microfilm, and physical files

For research or legal purposes, individuals should note that while the records themselves are permanently retained, the ease of access may diminish for older records. The Kosciusko County Clerk's Office can provide guidance on accessing historical divorce records that may have been transferred to archival storage.

Parties seeking copies of older divorce records should allow additional processing time, as retrieval from archival storage may require special handling procedures to protect document integrity.

How To Get a Divorce In Kosciusko County

Obtaining a divorce in Kosciusko County requires following specific legal procedures established by Indiana state law. The process involves several distinct steps that must be completed in sequence.

Eligibility Requirements:

Before filing for divorce in Kosciusko County, petitioners must meet residency requirements under Indiana Code § 31-15-2-6:

Either spouse must have been an Indiana resident for six months
Either spouse must have been a Kosciusko County resident for three months

Step-by-Step Process:

Preparation of Documents:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Summons
- Financial Declaration Form
- Appearance forms
- Child support worksheets (if children involved)
- Parenting time forms (if children involved)
Filing the Petition:

Kosciusko County Clerk's Office
121 N. Lake Street, Room 230
Warsaw, IN 46580
574-372-2323
Kosciusko County Clerk

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)

Filing fees:
- Dissolution without children: $157
- Dissolution with children: $157
- Fee waiver available for indigent parties (requires separate application)
Service of Process:
- Personal service by sheriff: $28
- Certified mail: $13
- Publication (if location unknown): Approximately $150
- Waiver of service (if spouse agrees): No additional cost
Preliminary Hearing:
- Typically scheduled 2-4 weeks after filing
- Addresses temporary matters such as:
  - Child custody and support
  - Use of marital residence
  - Payment of bills
  - Maintenance (if applicable)
Discovery and Negotiation:
- Exchange of financial information
- Identification of assets and debts
- Valuation of property
- Development of parenting plan (if applicable)
Mediation:
- Required in most cases involving children
- Voluntary but encouraged in all cases
- Costs typically shared between parties
- Local mediators available through court referral
Final Hearing:
- Cannot occur until at least 60 days after initial filing
- Uncontested matters may be resolved by submission
- Contested matters require court appearance
- Judge issues final decree resolving all issues
Post-Decree Matters:
- Implementation of property division
- Establishment of parenting time schedule
- Enrollment in child support payment system
- Name change implementation (if applicable)

For assistance with the divorce process, individuals may contact:

Kosciusko County Bar Association
121 N. Lake Street
Warsaw, IN 46580
574-372-2358

Indiana Legal Services (Warsaw Office)
124 N. Buffalo Street
Warsaw, IN 46580
574-234-8121
Indiana Legal Services

How To Get Divorce Papers In Kosciusko County

Individuals seeking to initiate divorce proceedings in Kosciusko County have several options for obtaining the necessary legal forms. These documents constitute the foundation of the divorce process and must be completed accurately to avoid procedural delays.

The following methods are available for obtaining divorce papers:

Kosciusko County Clerk's Office:

Kosciusko County Clerk's Office
121 N. Lake Street, Room 230
Warsaw, IN 46580
574-372-2323
Kosciusko County Clerk

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)

Available forms include:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Summons
- Financial Declaration
- Appearance forms
- Child-related forms (if applicable)
Cost: $5-10 for packet of forms
Indiana Supreme Court Self-Service Legal Center:
- Visit Indiana Courts Self-Service Legal Center
- Navigate to the Family Law section
- Select Divorce/Dissolution forms
- Download fillable PDF forms at no cost
- Forms available in English and Spanish
Kosciusko County Law Library:

Kosciusko County Law Library
121 N. Lake Street, 3rd Floor
Warsaw, IN 46580
574-372-2340

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM (excluding holidays)

Services include:
- Reference copies of all required forms
- Legal research materials
- Form books with sample language
- Public computers for form completion
Legal Assistance Programs:

Kosciusko County Bar Association
121 N. Lake Street
Warsaw, IN 46580
574-372-2358

Services include:
- Monthly legal aid clinic (call for schedule)
- Modest means attorney referral program
- Form review assistance
Online Legal Service Providers:
- Various commercial websites offer Indiana-specific divorce forms
- Costs typically range from $150-300
- Important to verify forms comply with local court requirements

Important considerations when obtaining divorce papers:

Forms must be specific to Indiana law
Local courts may have additional requirements
Financial Declaration forms must be notarized
Multiple copies are typically required for filing
Electronic filing is available through the Indiana E-Filing System

Individuals with complex situations are advised to consult with an attorney before filing. The Kosciusko County Bar Association can provide referrals to attorneys who specialize in family law matters.