Find Daviess County Divorce Records
Daviess County divorce records are public documents filed with the Circuit Court Clerk in Washington, Indiana. You can search for divorce cases through the state's free online portal, contact the clerk's office directly in Washington, or submit a mail request to obtain copies of filings and decrees from Daviess County courts.
Daviess County Quick Facts
Where Daviess County Divorce Records Are Kept
The Daviess County Circuit Court Clerk, Lauren Milton, maintains all divorce records filed in the county. The clerk's office is located at 200 E. Walnut St, Washington, IN 47501. The office number is 812-254-8690. Every dissolution of marriage case filed in Daviess County is on record in this office, from the petition through the final decree. The clerk is the official keeper of all civil and family law case records for Daviess County courts.
Washington is the county seat of Daviess County and the location of the main clerk's office. Staff at 200 E. Walnut St can look up cases by party name or case number and tell you what documents are on file. For cases from many years ago, some records may have been moved to storage. Calling the office at 812-254-8690 before you visit is a good practice to make sure the file you need is accessible. Hours are generally standard business hours on weekdays.
For online case searches, the state's portal at MyCase Indiana covers Daviess County. The Indiana Courts directory also lists Daviess County court contact information. The clerk's office in Washington is your direct contact for records access, certified copies, and specific case file inquiries.
Search Daviess County divorce cases online through MyCase Indiana, the state's free public case portal.
MyCase Indiana provides free public access to Daviess County divorce case records, including filings, case status, and document listings.
How to Search Daviess County Divorce Records
The fastest way to search is through MyCase Indiana, the free statewide case search portal operated by the Indiana Supreme Court. You can search Daviess County divorce cases by party name or case number at no cost. Results show case status, filing dates, party names, and document lists. Some documents appear in full online; others require a trip to the clerk's office or a mail request to access. No account is required.
For in-person searches, visit the clerk's office at 200 E. Walnut St in Washington. Bring the names of both parties and an approximate filing year. Staff can search the case index, pull files, and show you what is in the record. 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 you are looking for, include payment for copy fees, and add a self-addressed stamped envelope. The Indiana Courts public records guide explains the formal mail request process step by step.
For free guidance on understanding what you find or on navigating the records process, Indiana Legal Help provides statewide assistance on family law and court records in Indiana.
Daviess County Divorce Filing Requirements
To file for divorce in Daviess County, at least one spouse must have lived in Indiana for six months and in Daviess County for at least three months before filing the petition. This rule comes from Indiana Code 31-15-2-6. If neither spouse meets the county residency threshold, the petition must be filed in another Indiana county where one of the spouses qualifies.
Indiana's mandatory 60-day waiting period under IC 31-15-2-10 applies to all Daviess County divorces. A final decree cannot be entered until at least 60 days have passed from the date the petition was filed and the other party was served. There is no way to waive or shorten this waiting period, even in fully uncontested cases. Once the 60 days have passed and all required court steps are done, the judge can sign the final decree.
You file the petition at the Daviess County Clerk's office at 200 E. Walnut St in Washington. Pay the filing fee, receive a case number, and arrange for the other party to be served. The case then moves through the Daviess County Circuit Court. Cases where both sides agree on all terms tend to move relatively quickly after the 60-day period passes. Cases that are contested, especially those involving children, property, or support disputes, take longer and may require hearings before the judge will finalize things.
Indiana is a no-fault divorce state. You do not need to prove that either spouse did something wrong. The standard ground is irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. The court handles what comes after: dividing property, setting support amounts if applicable, and addressing custody if children are part of the case. The Indiana Courts directory lists Daviess County court contact information if you need it.
Types of Divorce Records in Daviess County
A Daviess County divorce case file includes the petition for dissolution of marriage, the summons, proof of service, financial disclosure forms, any motions filed by either party, temporary orders the court enters during the case, settlement agreements, parenting plans if applicable, and the final decree. Each document filed in the case becomes part of the permanent record maintained by the clerk's office in Washington.
In contested cases, the file grows larger. Motions, responses, hearing transcripts, and interim orders from the judge all accumulate in the record. These are public documents unless the court has restricted access to specific portions. Parts of family law files involving minor children's welfare or sealed financial information may have limited access under Indiana's court rules. The clerk can tell you what is open for any specific case you are looking at.
Certified copies of the final decree are what most people need as proof of divorce. Daviess County Clerk's office issues certified copies with the court seal and the clerk's signature. They are accepted for name changes, remarriage, government ID changes, insurance updates, and similar purposes. Standard uncertified copies are available at a lower per-page rate for general reference. Both are available from the clerk's office in Washington.
Fees for Daviess County Divorce Records
Filing a dissolution petition in Daviess County costs in the range of $157 to $177, which reflects Indiana's standard filing fees. This covers the initial petition. Additional costs may arise for serving the other party, filing motions, and other steps in the case.
Standard copy fees in Indiana are $1.00 per page. Certified copies add $3 to $5 per document on top of that rate. 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 812-254-8690 to confirm the current fee schedule before visiting or sending a payment, as rates can change.
Public Access to Daviess County Divorce Records
Under Indiana's Access to Public Records Act at IC 5-14-3, Daviess County divorce records are open to the public. You do not have to be a party to the case to request access, and you do not have to explain why you want the records. The law gives any member of the public the right to view and copy court records, subject to limited exceptions.
Some restrictions apply. Parts of files involving minor children's welfare, sealed financial disclosures, or materials specifically protected by court order are not available for general public inspection. The clerk handles these on a case-by-case basis and will tell you what is open for a specific file. If something is restricted, the clerk can explain your options if you believe you have a right to that information.
Free online case searches are available through MyCase Indiana. For physical records or certified copies, visit the clerk at 200 E. Walnut St in Washington or submit a mail request. The Indiana Courts public records guide covers formal request procedures in detail. Indiana Legal Help provides free guidance if you have questions about accessing Daviess County divorce records.