Crawford County Divorce Records
Crawford County divorce records are public documents held by the Circuit Court Clerk in English, Indiana. You can search for cases online through the state's free MyCase portal, visit the clerk's office in English in person, or submit a mail request to get copies of divorce filings and decrees from Crawford County courts.
Crawford County Quick Facts
Where Crawford County Divorce Records Are Kept
The Crawford County Circuit Court Clerk, Lisa Holzbog, holds all divorce records filed in Crawford County. The clerk's office is at 715 Judicial Plaza Dr, English, IN 47118. You can call the office at 812-338-2565. Every dissolution of marriage case filed in Crawford County is maintained in this office, from the initial petition through the final decree and any subsequent orders. The clerk is the official keeper of record for all Crawford County Circuit Court cases.
Crawford County is one of Indiana's smaller counties, situated in the southern part of the state. The clerk's office in English handles a smaller caseload than urban counties, which can make it easier to get prompt assistance when you contact the office. Staff can look up cases by party name or case number and tell you what is available. For records from many years ago, some files may have been placed in storage or archived. Calling ahead at 812-338-2565 before making the drive to English is a practical move, especially for older cases.
Official information about the Crawford County Clerk of Circuit Court is available at in.gov/counties/crawford/offices/clerk-of-the-circuit-court/. That page has contact details and general information about the clerk's services. The Indiana Courts directory also lists Crawford County court contacts.
Crawford County Clerk information is available at in.gov/counties/crawford/offices/clerk-of-the-circuit-court.
The Crawford County Clerk of Circuit Court in English maintains all dissolution of marriage case files for the county, including access to decrees and court orders.
How to Search Crawford County Divorce Records
The best starting point for searching Crawford County divorce records is MyCase Indiana, the free public case search tool from the Indiana Supreme Court. It covers all Indiana counties including Crawford County. Search by party name or case number to see filing dates, case type, party names, and a list of documents. Some documents appear in full online; others require a physical visit to the clerk's office. No account or payment is required to use MyCase.
For in-person access, visit the clerk's office at 715 Judicial Plaza Dr in English. Bring the names of both parties and an approximate filing date if you have it. Staff can search the index and pull the file for review at the counter. You can request copies on the spot and pay the applicable fees. Mail requests go to the same address. Write a clear description of the case, include payment for copy fees, and add a self-addressed stamped return envelope. The Indiana Courts public records guide walks through the mail request process in full.
For free help understanding Crawford County divorce records or navigating the records request process, Indiana Legal Help provides statewide guidance on family law and court records.
Crawford County Divorce Filing Requirements
Filing a divorce petition in Crawford County requires that at least one spouse has lived in Indiana for six months and in Crawford County for at least three months before filing. Indiana Code 31-15-2-6 sets this residency rule. If neither spouse meets the county residency requirement, the case cannot go to Crawford County and must be filed in another Indiana county where one of the parties qualifies.
Indiana's 60-day waiting period under IC 31-15-2-10 applies in Crawford County just as it does in all Indiana counties. A final divorce decree cannot be entered until at least 60 days have passed from the date the petition was filed and served on the other party. The waiting period cannot be skipped or shortened, even in fully agreed-upon uncontested cases. Once 60 days have passed and all required court steps are complete, the judge can sign the final decree.
You file the divorce petition at the Crawford County Clerk's office in English. Pay the filing fee, receive a case number, and arrange for the other party to be served with the summons and petition. The case then proceeds through the Crawford County Circuit Court. Simple uncontested cases where both parties agree on all terms can sometimes resolve relatively quickly after the waiting period passes. Contested cases involving property, custody, or support disputes take more time and may require hearings before the judge will enter a final order.
Indiana does not require proof of wrongdoing to grant a divorce. The legal ground is irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, and the court does not investigate the reasons a marriage ended. The court's job is to handle what comes next: property division, support if applicable, and custody if children are involved. The Indiana Courts directory has Crawford County court contacts if you need to reach the court directly.
Types of Divorce Records in Crawford County
A Crawford County divorce file starts with the petition for dissolution of marriage. Other documents follow based on how the case develops. Common documents include the summons, proof of service, financial disclosure forms, any motions filed by either party, temporary orders the court enters during the case, property settlement agreements, parenting plans if children are involved, and the final decree of dissolution. Each document becomes part of the permanent court record held by the clerk's office.
In contested cases, the file grows larger. Motions and responses, hearing transcripts, and interim court orders all end up in the record. These are public documents unless the court has restricted specific portions. Parts of divorce files dealing with minor children's welfare or sealed financial information may not be fully open for public review. The clerk can explain what is accessible for any specific case.
A certified copy of the final decree is what most people need as legal proof of divorce. Crawford County Clerk's office issues certified copies with the court seal and the clerk's signature. These copies are accepted for name changes, remarriage, government ID updates, insurance changes, and similar purposes. Standard copies without certification are available at a lower per-page rate for general reference. Both types are available from the clerk's office in English.
Fees for Crawford County Divorce Records
Filing a dissolution petition in Crawford County costs in the range of $157 to $177, consistent with Indiana's standard filing fees. This covers the initial petition only. Additional costs may arise during the case for serving the other party, filing motions, and other court actions.
Standard copy fees in Indiana are $1.00 per page. Certified copies add $3 to $5 per document. A certified final decree typically costs $4 to $6. Pay in person at the clerk's office or by money order for mail requests. Call 812-338-2565 to confirm the current fee schedule before visiting or mailing a payment.
Public Access to Crawford County Divorce Records
Indiana's Access to Public Records Act at IC 5-14-3 establishes that Crawford County divorce records are open to the public. Anyone can request to view or copy a divorce case file. You do not have to be a party to the case, and you do not need to explain why you want access. The right to inspect public court records is guaranteed by Indiana law.
Some restrictions apply. Parts of divorce files involving minor children, sealed financial disclosures, or materials specifically protected by court order may not be open for general public inspection. The clerk handles these restrictions case by case and will let you know what is accessible for any specific file. If something is restricted, the clerk can explain the process for seeking access if you believe you are entitled to it.
Free online searches are available through MyCase Indiana. For physical records or certified copies, go to the clerk at 715 Judicial Plaza Dr in English or send a mail request. The Indiana Courts public records guide explains the formal request process. Indiana Legal Help offers free assistance for anyone with questions about accessing Crawford County divorce records.