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Brown County Divorce Records

What Are Brown County Divorce Records?

Divorce records in Brown County are official documents that provide legal evidence of the dissolution of a marriage within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained by the Brown County Clerk of Circuit Court in accordance with Wisconsin Statutes § 767.35. Divorce records consist of two primary components:

  • Court Records: The complete case file containing all documents filed during divorce proceedings, including petitions, financial disclosures, custody arrangements, and the final judgment.
  • Divorce Certificate: An official document verifying that a divorce was granted, showing names of parties, date of divorce, and case number.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) maintains a statewide index of all divorce certificates through the Vital Records Office, while detailed court records remain with the county where the divorce was granted. Pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes § 69.21, divorce certificates from 1965 to the present are available through both the Brown County Register of Deeds and the state DHS Vital Records office.

Brown County Clerk of Circuit Court 100 S. Jefferson Street Green Bay, WI 54301 Phone: (920) 448-4160 Brown County Clerk of Circuit Court

Are Brown County Divorce Records Public?

Divorce records in Brown County are generally considered public records under Wisconsin's Open Records Law (Wis. Stat. § 19.31-19.39). Members of the public may access most divorce case information with certain limitations:

  • Basic case information including parties' names, case numbers, and judgment dates are publicly accessible.
  • Court documents filed in divorce proceedings are available for public inspection at the Brown County Courthouse.
  • Divorce certificates are public records available to any requestor regardless of relationship to the parties involved.

However, certain components of divorce records may be sealed or redacted pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes § 767.127 and § 801.21, including:

  • Financial disclosure statements
  • Social Security numbers and financial account information
  • Information regarding minor children
  • Sealed records by court order for safety or privacy concerns

The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access portal (WCCA) provides online access to basic case information, while full document access requires an in-person visit to the Brown County Clerk of Circuit Court.

How To Find a Divorce Record In Brown County in 2025

Individuals seeking divorce records in Brown County may utilize several official channels to locate these documents. The appropriate method depends on the specific information needed and the record's age:

For divorce certificates (verification of divorce):

  1. Submit a request to the Brown County Register of Deeds for divorces granted from 1965 to present.
  2. Provide the full names of both parties, approximate date of divorce, and required identification.
  3. Pay the statutory fee of $20 for the first copy and $3 for each additional copy of the same record.

For complete divorce case files:

  1. Visit the Brown County Clerk of Circuit Court office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM).
  2. Provide the case number if known, or names of parties and approximate date of divorce.
  3. Request to view the file or obtain copies at $1.25 per page pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 814.61(10).

For pre-1965 divorce records:

  1. Contact the Brown County Clerk of Circuit Court directly as these older records may require special handling.
  2. Be prepared to provide as much identifying information as possible.

Brown County Register of Deeds 305 E. Walnut Street, Room 260 Green Bay, WI 54301 Phone: (920) 448-4470 Brown County Register of Deeds

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Brown County Online?

Brown County residents and interested parties may access certain divorce record information through authorized online platforms. The Wisconsin Court System provides digital access to case information through several channels:

  • Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) allows users to search for divorce cases by party name, case number, or filing date. This resource provides basic case information including:

    • Party names and case number
    • Filing date and case type
    • Judgment date and presiding judge
    • Scheduled court appearances
    • Document list (without actual document content)

  • The Wisconsin Department of Health Services offers an online portal for ordering certified copies of divorce certificates for divorces granted from 1965 to present.

Users should note the following limitations of online access:

  1. Complete court documents are not available for download through these systems.
  2. Financial information and sensitive personal data are redacted from online records.
  3. Cases sealed by court order will not appear in public search results.
  4. A $7 convenience fee applies to vital records ordered online in addition to the standard certificate fee.

For comprehensive divorce record information, individuals may need to supplement online searches with in-person requests at the Brown County Courthouse.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Brown County?

Members of the public seeking no-cost access to divorce records in Brown County have several options available, though some limitations apply:

Free viewing options include:

  • The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access website provides basic case information at no charge, including party names, case numbers, and judgment dates.
  • In-person inspection of non-confidential divorce case files at the Brown County Clerk of Circuit Court office is available without a viewing fee during regular business hours.
  • Public access terminals at the Brown County Law Library (located in the courthouse) offer free access to court records.

Important limitations:

  • While viewing records may be free, obtaining copies incurs statutory fees ($1.25 per page for court documents).
  • Certified copies of divorce certificates always require payment of the statutory fee ($20 for the first copy).
  • Staff assistance for extensive research may be limited due to workload constraints.

For efficient free access, requestors should:

  1. Gather as much identifying information as possible before searching.
  2. Visit during non-peak hours (typically mid-week mornings).
  3. Allow sufficient time for record retrieval, especially for older cases.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Brown County

Divorce records in Brown County contain comprehensive documentation of the marriage dissolution process. Pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 767, these records typically include:

In the court case file:

  • Petition for divorce or legal separation
  • Summons and proof of service
  • Financial disclosure statements (may be sealed)
  • Marital settlement agreements
  • Child custody and placement provisions
  • Child support calculations and orders
  • Maintenance (alimony) determinations
  • Property division documentation
  • Temporary orders issued during proceedings
  • Findings of fact and conclusions of law
  • Final judgment of divorce

The divorce certificate contains more limited information:

  • Full legal names of both parties
  • Date and county where divorce was granted
  • Case number
  • Date of marriage
  • County where marriage occurred

Certain sensitive information may be redacted or sealed pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes § 801.21, including:

  • Social Security numbers
  • Financial account numbers
  • Minor children's identifying information
  • Information sealed by specific court order

The Brown County Clerk of Circuit Court maintains the complete court record, while the Register of Deeds and Wisconsin Department of Health Services maintain divorce certificate records.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Brown County?

Individuals requiring legal proof of divorce in Brown County may obtain official documentation through established channels. The most commonly accepted proof of divorce is a certified copy of the divorce certificate, which can be obtained through:

  1. The Brown County Register of Deeds:

    • Visit in person: 305 E. Walnut Street, Room 260, Green Bay, WI 54301
    • Submit a written request with required identification
    • Pay the $20 fee for the first copy ($3 for additional copies of the same record)
    • Available for divorces granted from 1965 to present

  2. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services Vital Records Office:

    • Request online, by mail, or in person at 1 West Wilson Street, Madison, WI 53703
    • Provide required identification and relationship information
    • Pay the $20 state fee plus any applicable processing fees

For situations requiring more detailed proof:

  • Certified copies of the divorce judgment may be obtained from the Brown County Clerk of Circuit Court for $5 per certification plus $1.25 per page.
  • Authentication for international use (Apostille) requires additional processing through the Wisconsin Secretary of State after county certification.

Acceptable forms of identification include:

  • Valid driver's license or state ID
  • U.S. or foreign passport
  • Tribal ID card
  • Military ID card

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Brown County?

While divorce proceedings in Brown County are generally public records, Wisconsin law provides certain mechanisms for protecting sensitive information. Pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes § 801.21 and § 767.127, parties may request confidentiality in several ways:

  • Sealed Financial Records: Financial disclosure statements are automatically sealed and not available for public inspection without a court order.

  • Motion to Seal: Parties may file a motion requesting specific documents or the entire case file be sealed if disclosure would cause undue harm. The court applies a balancing test weighing:

    • Risk of harm to individuals
    • Public interest in access to court records
    • Availability of less restrictive alternatives

  • Redaction of Sensitive Information: Certain information is automatically redacted from public court records, including:

    • Social Security numbers
    • Financial account numbers
    • Personal identifying information of minors
    • Driver's license numbers

  • Domestic Abuse Considerations: In cases involving domestic violence, additional protections may be available under Wisconsin's Safe at Home program (Wis. Stat. § 165.68).

Parties seeking confidentiality should consult with legal counsel and file appropriate motions with the Brown County Circuit Court. The court retains discretion in determining which records may be sealed, with a presumption favoring public access unless compelling reasons exist for confidentiality.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Brown County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in Brown County varies based on several factors, with statutory timelines establishing minimum processing periods. Wisconsin Statutes § 767.335 mandates a 120-day waiting period from service of the summons and petition to the final hearing date.

Typical timeframes for Brown County divorces include:

  • Uncontested divorces with complete agreement: 4-6 months from filing to final judgment
  • Contested divorces requiring negotiation: 6-12 months
  • Complex cases with significant assets or custody disputes: 12-18 months or longer

Factors affecting timeline:

  • Court calendar congestion
  • Complexity of asset division
  • Child custody evaluations
  • Mediation requirements
  • Discovery processes
  • Attorney scheduling
  • Temporary order hearings

The Brown County Clerk of Circuit Court processes divorce filings according to statutory requirements and judicial availability. Parties may not waive the 120-day waiting period except in extraordinary circumstances as determined by the court.

For expedited processing, parties are encouraged to:

  • Complete required financial disclosures promptly
  • Utilize mediation services early in the process
  • Submit all required forms completely and accurately
  • Consider collaborative divorce options when appropriate

How Long Does Brown County Keep Divorce Records?

Brown County maintains divorce records in accordance with Wisconsin Supreme Court Rule 72 and state records retention schedules. These records are preserved for varying durations depending on the record type:

  • Divorce Case Files: The Brown County Clerk of Circuit Court retains complete case files for a minimum of 20 years after entry of final judgment. After this period, files may be transferred to microfilm or digital format for permanent retention.

  • Divorce Certificates: The Brown County Register of Deeds and Wisconsin Department of Health Services maintain divorce certificates permanently. Records from 1965 to present are readily accessible, while earlier records may require specialized search procedures.

  • Court Docket Entries: Basic case information including party names, case numbers, and judgment dates are maintained permanently in the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access system.

  • Financial Disclosure Statements: These are sealed at filing and may be destroyed after entry of final judgment pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes § 767.127(6).

Individuals seeking historical divorce records should note:

  • Pre-1965 records may require additional research time
  • Some older records may exist only in paper or microfilm format
  • Records damaged by fire, flood, or other disasters may have limited availability

For research assistance with historical divorce records, contact the Brown County Clerk of Circuit Court at (920) 448-4160.

How To Get a Divorce In Brown County

Residents seeking to dissolve a marriage in Brown County must follow procedures established under Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 767. The divorce process, legally termed "dissolution of marriage," requires several steps:

  1. Residency Requirements: At least one spouse must have been a Wisconsin resident for at least 6 months and a Brown County resident for at least 30 days prior to filing (Wis. Stat. § 767.301).

  2. Filing Initial Documents: Submit the following to the Brown County Clerk of Circuit Court:

    • Summons and Petition for Divorce
    • Confidential Petition Addendum
    • Filing fee of $184.50 (additional fees may apply for temporary orders)

  3. Service of Process: The non-filing spouse must be properly served with divorce papers according to Wisconsin Statutes § 801.11.

  4. Financial Disclosure: Both parties must complete and exchange financial disclosure statements within 90 days of service (Wis. Stat. § 767.127).

  5. Mandatory Parenting Classes: If minor children are involved, parents must complete parent education programs approved by the court.

  6. Temporary Orders: Either party may request temporary orders addressing support, placement, and use of property during the pendency of the action.

  7. Mediation: For cases involving child custody disputes, mediation is typically required before a court hearing (Wis. Stat. § 767.405).

  8. Final Hearing: After the 120-day waiting period, a final hearing will be scheduled where the judge reviews all agreements or makes determinations on contested issues.

  9. Judgment: The court issues a final judgment of divorce, which becomes effective immediately upon signing by the judge.

Brown County Family Court Services 100 S. Jefferson Street, Room 300 Green Bay, WI 54301 Phone: (920) 448-4180 Brown County Family Court Services

How To Get Divorce Papers In Brown County

Individuals initiating divorce proceedings in Brown County may obtain the necessary forms through several authorized channels. Wisconsin divorce forms are standardized statewide and available from the following sources:

  • In Person: Forms can be obtained at the Brown County Clerk of Circuit Court office located at 100 S. Jefferson Street, Green Bay, WI 54301. Staff cannot provide legal advice but can confirm which forms are required.

  • Online Resources: The Wisconsin Court System provides standardized forms through their official website. These forms include:

    • Summons and Petition with or without minor children
    • Financial Disclosure Statements
    • Marital Settlement Agreements
    • Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Judgment forms
    • Child support worksheets

  • Brown County Law Library: Located in the courthouse, the law library maintains copies of all required forms and reference materials for self-represented litigants.

  • Legal Resource Center: The Brown County Legal Resource Center provides assistance to self-represented litigants in completing court forms. The center is located in Room 2600 of the Brown County Courthouse and operates Monday-Friday from 8:30 AM-12:00 PM and 1:00 PM-4:30 PM.

Parties should note that while forms are standardized, filing procedures may vary. The current filing fee for divorce actions in Brown County is $184.50, with additional fees for motions and temporary orders. Fee waivers may be available for qualifying individuals through a Petition for Waiver of Filing Fees.

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