South Bend Divorce Records

South Bend divorce records are maintained by the St. Joseph County Circuit Court Clerk, which serves as the county seat courthouse for all dissolution of marriage cases filed by residents of South Bend and the rest of St. Joseph County.

St. Joseph County and South Bend Divorce Records

South Bend is the county seat of St. Joseph County in northern Indiana. Because it is the county seat, the main clerk's office is located right in the city. The St. Joseph County Circuit Court Clerk's primary office sits at 101 S. Main St, South Bend. This is where all new divorce cases are filed and where the main record system lives.

St. Joseph County also has a second clerk location in Mishawaka at 219 Lincolnway West. This Mishawaka division provides some services to residents in that part of the county. However, the main case files and the primary record system remain in South Bend. For full record access, the South Bend location is where you want to go.

The county has an impressive depth of historical records. The St. Joseph County Archives holds divorce and other civil records going back to 1832. If you are looking for a case that predates computerized records, the Archives at 401 W. Sample St in South Bend is the place to check. Archives records typically cover 1832 through 1984. More recent cases are at the clerk's main office.

For current divorce records and recent cases, the clerk's office at 101 S. Main St is the right starting point. St. Joseph County also has information about marriage and divorce records at sjcindiana.gov/2396/Marriage-Divorce-Information.

St. Joseph County Clerk Contact Info

The St. Joseph County Clerk is Amy Rolfes. The office has two locations serving the county.

• Clerk: Amy Rolfes
• Main Office: 101 S. Main St, South Bend, IN 46601
• Mishawaka Division: 219 Lincolnway West, Mishawaka, IN
• Archives (historical): 401 W. Sample St, South Bend, IN
• Phone: 574-235-9635
• Website: sjcindiana.gov/180/Clerk
• Marriage/Divorce Info: sjcindiana.gov/2396/Marriage-Divorce-Information

Office hours are Monday through Friday. The clerk's website has current hours for both the South Bend and Mishawaka locations. Hours may vary at different times of year.

How to Search South Bend Divorce Records

Indiana's free statewide case portal is the first tool to try. Go to mycase.in.gov and search by party name or case number. St. Joseph County cases appear here for most cases filed in recent years. The search is free and shows case status, hearing history, and some document images.

The St. Joseph County Clerk's website at sjcindiana.gov/2396/Marriage-Divorce-Information provides specific guidance for marriage and divorce record requests in this county. Check this page for current procedures and any online request forms the county makes available.

For older records not found online, the Archives at 401 W. Sample St holds cases from 1832 to 1984. This is a separate location from the clerk's main office, so plan your visit accordingly. The Archives may have specific hours or appointment requirements. Call the main clerk's office to confirm before heading there.

In-person visits to the main office at 101 S. Main St work well for most requests. Bring a photo ID and the names of both parties, plus the approximate year of the divorce if you know it. Staff can pull files and provide copies while you wait for recent cases.

Divorce Filing Requirements in South Bend

Indiana Code 31-15-2-6 requires that one spouse live in Indiana for at least six months and in St. Joseph County for at least three months before a petition can be filed. South Bend is in St. Joseph County, so residency in South Bend satisfies the county requirement.

After filing, there is a mandatory 60-day waiting period under Indiana Code 31-15-2-10. No judge can sign a final decree until those 60 days have passed from the filing date. Even couples who agree on all terms must wait.

Filing fees in St. Joseph County run approximately $157 to $177. The exact amount depends on the case type. Call the clerk's office at 574-235-9635 to get the current fee for your specific situation before you go.

Types of Divorce Records Available

The St. Joseph County Clerk maintains a range of dissolution records:

• Petition for Dissolution of Marriage -- the filing that starts the case
• Service of process records -- confirming the other party was notified
• Provisional orders -- temporary rulings on custody and support
• Settlement agreements -- negotiated terms accepted by the court
• Final decree of dissolution -- the court's binding order ending the marriage
• Post-decree orders -- modifications and enforcement actions
• Archived historical records -- cases from 1832-1984 at the Archives

Some records involving children may have restricted access. The clerk can explain which documents in a specific case are open to the public.

Fees and Access Options

MyCase searches are free. Copies at the courthouse cost $1.00 per page. Certified copies are $1.00 per page plus a $3.00 to $5.00 certification fee per document. Archives research may have its own fee schedule for older records -- contact the clerk's office for details.

For legal help, Indiana Legal Help has resources for St. Joseph County residents. Legal Aid of North Indiana also serves the area and provides free legal services for qualifying residents.

The statewide MyCase portal is a key tool for searching South Bend divorce records online. Visit sjcindiana.gov/180/Clerk for St. Joseph County-specific access and record request details.

Nearby Indiana Cities

St. Joseph County Court Resources

All South Bend divorce cases are filed in St. Joseph County. Visit the county page for more resources.