Martin County Divorce Records
Martin County divorce records are public documents filed with the Circuit Court Clerk in Shoals, Indiana. The clerk's office on Main Street is the official keeper of all family law case files in the county, including dissolution of marriage petitions, temporary orders, and final decrees. You can search cases online for free or contact the clerk to request copies.
Martin County Quick Facts
Where Martin County Divorce Records Are Kept
Clerk Julie Fithian is the official custodian of court records for Martin County. The clerk's office is at 129 Main St, Shoals, IN 47581. Phone: 812-247-3651. All divorce petitions, temporary orders, final decrees, and related case documents are filed here and maintained as part of the permanent public record. Martin County is one of Indiana's smaller counties, but the clerk's office maintains records for all court cases in the county, including family law matters.
Shoals is the county seat for Martin County in south-central Indiana. The courthouse and clerk's office are the central point for all court filings. Staff can search records by name or case number and can help you find cases whether they are recent or older. Calling ahead before you visit helps, since smaller county offices may have limited hours or staffing on certain days.
The Indiana Courts system maintains a local courts page for Martin County with current clerk contact details. Visit the Martin County courts page for verified contact information and court resources in Shoals.
The Indiana Courts local resource for Martin County is a good starting point to confirm office hours and clerk contact details before making the trip to Shoals.
The free MyCase Indiana portal provides online access to Martin County divorce case records without any registration or fees.
How to Search Martin County Divorce Records
Indiana's free public case portal, MyCase Indiana, covers Martin County divorce cases. You can search by party name or case number without creating an account. Results show party names, filing dates, case type, and a list of documents filed. Some document images are viewable online; others require a visit to the clerk or a mail request for copies.
For in-person access, go to the clerk's office at 129 Main St in Shoals during business hours. Staff can help you find a case and pull documents. For mail requests, write to the same address and include the full names of both parties, the approximate year of filing, and prepaid payment for copy costs. The Indiana Courts public records guide walks through the formal records request process if you need it.
If you need help understanding what is in a divorce file or want guidance on family law rights in Indiana, Indiana Legal Help offers free resources and can connect you with legal assistance in your area.
Martin County Divorce Filing Requirements
To file for divorce in Martin County, at least one spouse must have lived in Indiana for six months and in Martin County for at least three months before the petition is filed. This requirement comes from Indiana Code 31-15-2-6. If you do not meet the county requirement, the court in Shoals cannot accept the case. You must file in a county where you have lived for three months.
The 60-day waiting period under IC 31-15-2-10 applies in Martin County as it does throughout Indiana. No final decree can be issued until 60 days after the date the petition was filed. This rule applies even when both parties agree on all terms from the start. In a smaller county like Martin, uncontested cases often move forward quickly once the waiting period closes and all filings are complete.
Indiana is a no-fault divorce state. The ground for divorce is irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. No fault needs to be proven. The case then handles property division and any custody or support matters if children are part of the case, before the court issues a final decree.
Self-represented parties can file at the clerk's office in Shoals in person or by mail. Indiana Legal Help and the Indiana Courts system both offer guidance for pro se filers. The clerk's office in Shoals can direct you to available self-help resources, though staff cannot provide legal advice.
Fees for Martin County Divorce Records
Filing a dissolution of marriage petition in Martin County costs in the range of $157 to $177 depending on case type. This is the initial filing fee. Other costs may come up during the case for service of process, motions, and similar filings.
Copies of court documents cost $1.00 per page. Certified copies carry an additional $3 to $5 per document. Call 812-247-3651 to confirm current fees and payment methods before you send a mail request. Mail requests must include prepaid payment. For in-person transactions, check with the clerk's office on what forms of payment are accepted.
Public Access to Martin County Divorce Records
Martin County divorce records are public under Indiana's Access to Public Records Act, IC 5-14-3. Any person can request to view or copy a divorce case file. You do not need to be a party to the case, and no reason is required. Access is guaranteed by law.
Some restrictions apply in family law cases. Sections of divorce files related to minor children, custody evaluations, or sealed financial records may be restricted by court order. The clerk handles these situations case by case. In most divorces, the main case documents and final decree are fully accessible.
Search online at MyCase Indiana for free. For copies or in-person access, contact the clerk at 129 Main St, Shoals, or call 812-247-3651. The Indiana Courts directory has verified contact information for Martin County courts.