Divorce records in Dodge County, Wisconsin, can be accessed through several channels, including online search tools, the court that issued the decree, the county clerk's office, and the state vital records office. DodgeCourt.us can help you find publicly available divorce record information for Dodge County. You can also contact the Dodge County Clerk of Courts, the Dodge County Family Court, or the Wisconsin Vital Records Office to obtain official documents.
Dodge County Divorce Records Search
Dodge County maintains divorce records through two primary offices. The Clerk of Circuit Court keeps the full case files for divorces granted by the Dodge County Circuit Court, including divorce decrees, settlement agreements, custody orders, property division orders, and all related filings. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services Vital Records Office maintains divorce certificates — shorter documents that confirm a divorce occurred, listing the parties, date, and county.
To search for a Dodge County divorce case online, use the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (CCAP) case search tool, which provides public access to circuit court case information statewide. For certified copies or documents not available online, contact the Clerk of Courts directly.
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Dodge County
In Wisconsin, divorce cases are handled by the circuit court — the state's single-level trial court. In Dodge County, all divorce and family law matters are filed with and heard by the Dodge County Circuit Court. The Wisconsin Court System provides self-help resources for divorce and legal separation, including guidance on required forms.
After a divorce is granted, the decree and all related documents remain on file with the Clerk of Circuit Court. The court also reports the divorce to the Wisconsin Vital Records Office, which creates a divorce certificate. These two types of records serve different purposes:
- Court record (divorce decree, full case file): Contact the Dodge County Clerk of Circuit Court. This is the office to use if you need the judgment itself, property settlement details, custody orders, or any motions filed during the case.
- Vital record (divorce certificate): Contact the Wisconsin Vital Records Office or the Dodge County Register of Deeds. Divorce certificates are available for divorces finalized on or after October 1, 1907.
Dodge County Clerk of Circuit Court
Wisconsin Vital Records Office
Dodge County Register of Deeds
The Dodge County Register of Deeds vital records page notes that you should call the office before visiting. The Register of Deeds can issue certified copies of certain vital records, though divorce certificates may need to be requested through the state Vital Records Office using the Wisconsin Divorce Certificate Application (Form F-05282).
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Dodge County
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Court record copies (Clerk of Courts) | $1.25 per page | Same day to several business days |
| Certification fee (Clerk of Courts) | $5.00 per document | Same day to several business days |
| Case search fee (if case number unknown) | $5.00 | Varies |
| Divorce certificate (Wisconsin Vital Records Office, by mail) | $20.00 | 2–4 weeks |
| Divorce certificate — expedited (Wisconsin Vital Records Office) | $20.00 plus expedite and shipping fees | 5–7 business days |