Access Perry County Divorce Records
Perry County divorce records are public court documents filed with the Circuit Court Clerk in Tell City, Indiana. The clerk's office on Payne Street handles all dissolution of marriage filings for the county and is the official source for case files, final decrees, and related documents. Records are available online for free through the state portal or by contacting the clerk directly.
Perry County Quick Facts
Where Perry County Divorce Records Are Kept
Clerk Wayne Napier is the official custodian of court records for Perry County. The clerk's office is at 2219 Payne St, Tell City, IN 47586. Phone: 812-547-7048. All divorce case files, including petitions, temporary orders, settlement agreements, and final decrees, are maintained here as part of the permanent public record. Perry County is located in southwest Indiana along the Ohio River, and the clerk's office in Tell City handles all court filings in the county from this single location.
Tell City serves as the county seat for Perry County. The courthouse and clerk's office on Payne Street are the central location for all court business. Perry County is a smaller county, which means the clerk's office processes fewer cases than larger counties. Staff can typically locate records and process requests without a lot of delay. Calling ahead before you visit to confirm hours and what you need is always a good idea.
For current clerk contact details and court information, see the Indiana Courts local page for Perry County. That page is maintained by the Indiana Supreme Court and has accurate information on the clerk's office in Tell City.
The Indiana Courts local resource for Perry County provides confirmed contact information and court resources for Tell City.
Indiana's free MyCase portal allows anyone to search Perry County divorce case records online at no cost and without an account.
How to Search Perry County Divorce Records
The free public case portal, MyCase Indiana, covers Perry County divorce cases. Search by party name or case number to view filing dates, case status, party information, and a list of filed documents. No account is required. Some document images are available online; others need an in-person visit to the clerk or a mail request for copies.
For in-person access, go to the clerk's office at 2219 Payne St in Tell City during regular business hours. Staff can locate cases and pull files for review. For mail requests, write to the same address. Include the full names of both parties, the approximate year of filing, and prepaid payment for copy costs. The Indiana Courts public records guide explains the formal records request process.
If you need help understanding documents from a Perry County divorce case or have questions about family law rights in Indiana, Indiana Legal Help offers free statewide resources and can connect you with legal assistance in southwest Indiana.
Perry County Divorce Filing Requirements
To file for divorce in Perry County, at least one spouse must have lived in Indiana for six months and in Perry County for at least three months before the petition is filed. This requirement is set by Indiana Code 31-15-2-6. If the county residency requirement is not met, the Perry County court cannot accept the case, and you must file in the Indiana county where you have lived for three months.
The 60-day waiting period under IC 31-15-2-10 applies statewide, including in Perry County. No final decree can be entered until 60 days have passed from the filing date. This applies whether or not the parties agree on everything. For uncontested cases in Perry County, many finalize soon after the waiting period ends once all required documents are on file and the paperwork is complete.
Indiana is a no-fault divorce state. The ground for filing is irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. No fault needs to be shown or proven. The case proceeds through property division and, if children are involved, custody and support, before the court issues a final decree. Self-represented filers can file at the clerk's office in Tell City in person or by mail. The clerk at 812-547-7048 can direct you to self-help resources.
Fees for Perry County Divorce Records
Filing a dissolution of marriage petition in Perry County costs in the range of $157 to $177 depending on the case type. This is the initial filing fee only. Additional costs can arise for service of process and other filings during the case.
Copy fees are $1.00 per page. Certified copies cost an additional $3 to $5 per document. Call 812-547-7048 to confirm the current fee schedule before sending payment by mail. Mail requests must include advance payment. Confirm accepted payment methods when you call the clerk.
Public Access to Perry County Divorce Records
Perry County divorce records are public under Indiana's Access to Public Records Act, IC 5-14-3. Any member of the public can view or request copies of a case file. You do not need to be a party, and no reason is required. The law guarantees this access.
Some parts of divorce files may be restricted by court order. Sections related to minor children, custody evaluations, or sealed financial records are protected in some cases. The clerk handles restrictions case by case. Most core divorce documents, including the final decree, are publicly accessible.
Search online at MyCase Indiana for free. For copies or in-person access, contact the Perry County Clerk at 2219 Payne St, Tell City, or call 812-547-7048. The Indiana Courts directory has current contact information for Perry County courts.