Adams County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Adams County in 2026
AdamsINRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Adams County, Indiana. Members of the public may find case summaries, final decrees, docket entries, and related court filings through official channels. Available record categories may include dissolution of marriage petitions, final judgments, property settlement agreements, child custody orders, and support determinations. Access and completeness of records vary depending on the age of the case and applicable confidentiality provisions.
Divorce records in Adams County may be searched through the Indiana Judicial Branch public records portal, the Adams County Clerk of Courts office, public access terminals located at the courthouse, and the statewide MyCase Indiana Courts Case Search system. The sections below outline each available method in detail.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The MyCase Indiana Courts Case Search system is the most widely used online tool for locating divorce case information in Indiana. As described by the Office of Judicial Administration, "Odyssey Public Access (the 'MyCase' website) is a platform for online services provided by the Office of Judicial Administration." Members of the public may search by party name or case number at no charge for basic case information. Obtaining copies of filed documents may require payment of applicable fees.
2. State Court System Portal
The Indiana Judicial Branch public records portal allows users to search cases, protection orders, and other collections across Indiana's court system. This consolidated database provides access to dissolution of marriage cases filed in Adams County Superior Court and Circuit Court.
3. State Vital Records
The Indiana Department of Health Division of Vital Records maintains divorce records for statistical and verification purposes. Indiana registers divorce certificates at the state level, and members of the public may request divorce verification letters through this office. These records contain limited information compared to full court case files.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Adams County:
Adams County Clerk of Courts
112 S. 2nd St.
Decatur, IN 46733
Phone: (260) 724-5300
Adams County Courts — Indiana Judicial Branch
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Services available in person:
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View filed documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Obtain staff assistance for locating older or archived cases
Records Department:
The Adams County Clerk's office maintains both active and archived dissolution of marriage case files. Historical records predating electronic filing may be stored in paper format and may require additional retrieval time. Staff can assist with locating archived cases upon request.
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Adams County Clerk of Courts, 112 S. 2nd St., Decatur, IN 46733
- Include the following in the written request:
- Full legal names of both parties
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or filing
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Purpose of request, if required
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
- Processing time: Requests are processed within approximately one to two weeks, depending on case volume and record age.
By Phone
Limited Information Available:
- Adams County Clerk of Courts: (260) 724-5300
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- The assigned case number
- Current case status
- Original filing date
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents by phone
- Copies of filed documents
- Confidential or restricted information
Through Attorneys
Members of the public involved in complex dissolution matters may retain legal counsel to access court records on their behalf. Attorneys admitted to practice in Indiana may request sealed or restricted documents by filing the appropriate motion with the court. The Indiana Judicial Branch Self-Service Legal Center notes that individuals are encouraged to consult with an attorney prior to submitting forms or petitions to a court. The Indiana State Bar Association's lawyer referral service may assist individuals in locating qualified family law counsel.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses at the time of filing
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or date the petition was filed
- Case number, if previously obtained
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Prior residential addresses in Adams County
- Names of minor children, if applicable
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Under Indiana law, a petition for dissolution of marriage is filed in the county where either spouse resides at the time of filing. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple counties. A divorce cannot be located by searching the county where the marriage ceremony occurred unless one of the parties also resided there at the time of filing.
Residency Requirement:
Pursuant to Indiana Code § 31-15-2-6, at least one spouse must have been a resident of Indiana for six months and a resident of the county where the petition is filed for three months immediately preceding the filing date.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Newly finalized cases may not appear in online systems immediately following the final hearing.
- Members of the public should allow several business days to several weeks for processing after the final order is entered.
Older Divorces:
- Cases predating electronic filing may be stored in paper archives.
- Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time.
- Some older records may not be digitized and must be accessed in person or by mail.
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- The divorce was filed in a different Indiana county.
- Name variations exist between maiden name, married name, and legal name at filing.
- Spelling differences in party names affect search results.
- The case has not yet been finalized and remains pending.
- Very old records are stored in off-site archives.
- The case has been sealed by court order.
Next Steps:
- Contact the Adams County Clerk of Courts at (260) 724-5300.
- Attempt alternate name spellings in the search system.
- Search under both spouses' names.
- Check the Indiana Department of Health Vital Records office for a divorce verification letter.
- Consult a licensed Indiana family law attorney for assistance with sealed or difficult-to-locate records.
What Are Adams County Divorce Records?
Adams County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Adams County court system. These records are maintained by the Adams County Clerk of Courts as part of the family law case file and constitute public records subject to applicable access provisions under Indiana law.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files
The complete case file for a dissolution of marriage proceeding contains all documents filed by the parties and issued by the court, including:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Response or answer to the petition
- Financial affidavits submitted by both parties
- Proposed and approved parenting plans
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, responses, and court orders
- Transcripts of court hearings, if prepared
- Final judgment of dissolution of marriage
Final Decree
The final decree of dissolution is the official court order that legally terminates the marriage. It serves as the primary legal proof of divorce and establishes:
- The date the marriage was legally dissolved
- Division of marital property and debts
- Alimony or spousal maintenance provisions, if any
- Child custody and parenting time arrangements, if applicable
- Child support orders, if applicable
- Restoration of a former name, if requested
Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Adams County Clerk of Courts upon payment of applicable fees.
Supporting Documents
Additional documents that may be part of the case file include:
- The original marriage certificate submitted as an exhibit
- Financial disclosure statements and supporting documentation
- Real and personal property inventories
- Post-judgment modification orders
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for retirement account division
Purpose of Divorce Records:
Legal Purposes
- Establishing proof of marital status for remarriage
- Documenting legal name changes
- Supporting property transfer and title proceedings
- Estate planning and beneficiary designations
- Immigration and naturalization proceedings
- Social Security benefit determinations
Personal Purposes
- Genealogical and family history research
- Personal record-keeping
- Verification of divorce terms and obligations
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
The Adams County Clerk of Courts serves as the primary custodian of all dissolution of marriage case files, indexes records by party name, and provides certified copies upon request. The Indiana Department of Health Division of Vital Records maintains a separate statewide registry of divorce certificates, which contain limited identifying information.
Legal Framework:
Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Indiana are governed by Indiana Code § 31-15, which establishes the grounds, procedures, and requirements for obtaining a divorce in the state. Indiana operates under a no-fault dissolution standard, meaning that irretrievable breakdown of the marriage is the sole required ground for filing. Public access to court records is governed by the Indiana Access to Court Records Rules, which establish the presumption of public access while identifying categories of information subject to restriction or exclusion.
Are Adams County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Adams County are public court records under Indiana's Access to Court Records Rules. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need or purpose. However, certain categories of information within divorce case files are subject to restriction, redaction, or sealing under applicable court rules and state statutes.
What Is Public:
- Case number and original filing date
- Full names of the petitioner and respondent
- Names of attorneys of record
- Scheduled court hearing dates
- Court orders and judgments, including the final decree
- Property division orders
- General case status and disposition
- Docket entries reflecting the chronological history of the case
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information
- Social Security numbers are redacted from all publicly accessible documents.
- Bank account and credit card numbers are excluded from public access.
- Detailed financial statements and tax returns may be subject to limited access provisions.
Children's Information
- Names and addresses of minor children may be redacted in certain circumstances.
- Schools attended by minor children are not disclosed in public records.
- Medical and psychological evaluation records pertaining to children are restricted.
- Guardian ad litem reports and custody evaluation reports may be sealed by court order.
Sensitive Personal Information
- Domestic violence allegations, evidence, and related protective order information may be sealed.
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records are restricted under applicable state and federal law.
- Personal addresses of parties in domestic violence cases may be excluded from public access.
Sealed Records:
A court may seal all or part of a dissolution of marriage case file upon a showing of good cause. Cases involving allegations of abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlement terms may be subject to sealing orders. Mediation communications are confidential under Indiana law and are not part of the public court record.
Who Can Access Records:
- General public: May access most case information, view docket summaries, and obtain copies of public documents upon payment of applicable fees. Photo identification may be required.
- Parties to the case: Have full access to their own case file, including documents subject to restricted public access.
- Attorneys of record: Have professional access to case files and may petition the court for access to sealed documents upon a proper showing.
- Researchers and media: May access public portions of case files; access to sealed records requires a court order and a showing consistent with First Amendment and academic research standards.
Restrictions on Use:
The following uses of divorce record information are prohibited under Indiana law and applicable court rules:
- Stalking, harassment, or intimidation of any party
- Identity theft or fraudulent use of personal information
- Violation of existing protective orders
- Any purpose that would constitute a criminal offense
Permitted uses include legal proceedings, background verification, genealogical research, news reporting on matters of public concern, and academic research.
Obtaining Confidential Records:
A party seeking access to sealed or restricted divorce records must file a motion with the Adams County court that issued the original order. The court applies a balancing test weighing the requesting party's demonstrated need against the privacy interests of the affected parties. Certain governmental entities, including child protective services and law enforcement agencies, may be entitled to access restricted records by statute without filing a separate motion.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Adams County?
The Adams County Clerk of Courts charges fees for copies and certified copies of divorce records in accordance with Indiana statutory fee schedules. Under Indiana Code § 33-37-5-1, clerks of court are authorized to collect fees for copies of court records.
Standard Fee Schedule:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copy (per page) | $1.00 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree or order | $1.00 per page + $5.00 certification fee |
| Exemplified (triple-certified) copy | Additional fee applies |
| Online case summary (MyCase) | Free |
| In-person record inspection | No charge for inspection |
Additional Fee Information:
- Inspection of public court records at the courthouse is available at no charge during regular business hours.
- Basic case information retrieved through the MyCase Indiana Courts Case Search system is available at no cost.
- Fees for certified copies are set by state statute and are subject to change; members of the public should confirm current fees directly with the Adams County Clerk of Courts at (260) 724-5300.
- Accepted payment methods at the Adams County Clerk's office include cash, check, and money order payable to the Adams County Clerk of Courts. Members of the public should confirm whether credit or debit card payments are accepted prior to submitting a mail request.
- Fee waiver provisions may apply in limited circumstances for indigent parties; individuals seeking a fee waiver must file the appropriate petition with the court.
- The Indiana Department of Health charges a separate fee for divorce verification letters obtained through the state vital records office; current fees are listed on the Indiana Vital Records website.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Adams County
A complete dissolution of marriage case file maintained by the Adams County Clerk of Courts contains all documents filed by the parties and issued by the court throughout the proceedings. The scope of the file varies depending on whether the case was contested or uncontested, whether children were involved, and the complexity of the marital estate.
Basic Case Information:
The case caption identifies the court, case number, names of the petitioner and respondent, the assigned judge, and attorneys of record. Filing information includes the original filing date, fees paid, and the jurisdictional basis for the proceeding.
Initial Pleadings:
The petition for dissolution of marriage sets forth the petitioner's identifying information, the date and location of the marriage, the date of separation if applicable, the grounds for dissolution, information regarding minor children, and the relief requested. The respondent's answer or response states the respondent's position, admissions or denials of the petition's allegations, and any counterpetition for relief. Financial affidavits submitted by both parties disclose income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets, liabilities, and the standard of living maintained during the marriage.
Discovery Documents:
Financial disclosure documents may include recent tax returns, pay stubs, bank and investment account statements, retirement account statements, credit card statements, loan documents, and business financial records where applicable. Written interrogatories and responses, requests for production of documents, and deposition transcripts may also be part of the case file in contested proceedings.
Property-Related Documents:
The marital asset inventory identifies and values real property, vehicles, bank and investment accounts, retirement accounts, business interests, and personal property. A corresponding debt inventory lists mortgages, vehicle loans, credit card balances, personal loans, and other liabilities. Appraisal reports and expert valuations for real property, businesses, and personal property of significant value may be included.
Children-Related Documents:
Where minor children are involved, the case file contains the approved parenting plan establishing legal and physical custody, the regular and holiday parenting time schedule, transportation arrangements, and decision-making responsibilities for education, healthcare, and extracurricular activities. Child support calculation worksheets, income information for both parties, and the court-ordered support amount and payment schedule are also included. Custody evaluation reports and guardian ad litem reports, where ordered, may be subject to restricted access.
Support Documents:
Spousal maintenance or alimony provisions, where applicable, are documented in the settlement agreement and final decree, specifying the type, amount, duration, and termination conditions of any support obligation.
Settlement Documents:
The marital settlement agreement is a comprehensive document resolving all contested issues, including property division, debt allocation, spousal support, and child-related provisions. Mediation agreements, where the parties participated in mediation, may be incorporated into the settlement agreement.
Court Orders and Judgments:
Temporary orders entered during the pendency of the case may address temporary custody, support, use of the marital residence, and restraining provisions. The final judgment of dissolution constitutes the court's definitive order terminating the marriage, setting forth findings of fact and conclusions of law, and establishing all rights and obligations of the parties. Where retirement accounts are divided, a separate Qualified Domestic Relations Order directs the plan administrator to distribute benefits in accordance with the court's order.
Post-Judgment Documents:
Petitions to modify custody, parenting time, or support; court orders on modification requests; contempt motions and orders; and income deduction orders for support enforcement are filed in the original case and become part of the permanent case file.
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers are redacted from all publicly accessible documents.
- Residential addresses and school information for minor children are excluded from public access.
- Domestic violence-related evidence and mental health evaluation records are restricted.
- Mediation communications are confidential and are not filed with the court.
- Settlement negotiations conducted outside of court are not part of the official record.
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Adams County?
Proof of divorce in Adams County is obtained through a certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution of marriage issued by the Adams County Clerk of Courts. A certified copy bears the clerk's official seal and signature and is accepted by government agencies, financial institutions, and other entities as legal proof that the marriage was dissolved.
Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy:
-
In person: Visit the Adams County Clerk of Courts at 112 S. 2nd St., Decatur, IN 46733, during regular business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.). Provide the full names of both parties and the approximate date of divorce or case number. Pay the applicable certification fee.
-
By mail: Submit a written request to the Adams County Clerk of Courts at the address above. Include the names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, the case number if known, a check or money order for the applicable fees, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
-
Online case verification: Members of the public may verify the existence and status of a dissolution case at no charge through the MyCase Indiana Courts Case Search system. Online access provides case summaries and docket information but does not produce certified copies.
-
State vital records: A divorce verification letter confirming that a dissolution of marriage was recorded in Indiana may be obtained through the Indiana Department of Health Division of Vital Records. This document is not a certified copy of the court decree but may be sufficient for certain verification purposes.
Adams County Clerk of Courts
112 S. 2nd St.
Decatur, IN 46733
Phone: (260) 724-5300
Adams County Courts — Indiana Judicial Branch
Indiana Department of Health — Division of Vital Records
2 N. Meridian St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (317) 233-2700
Indiana Vital Records
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Adams County?
Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Adams County are presumptively public under Indiana's Access to Court Records Rules; however, specific portions of a case file or, in limited circumstances, the entire case may be made confidential by court order.
Circumstances Under Which Records May Be Confidential:
- Domestic violence cases: Where a party has obtained or sought a protective order, personal address and contact information may be excluded from public access to protect the safety of the protected party.
- Sealed case files: A party may petition the court to seal all or part of the case file upon a demonstrated showing of good cause, such as the presence of trade secrets, sensitive business information, or extraordinary privacy interests.
- Children's information: Under Indiana court rules, certain identifying information pertaining to minor children, including residential addresses, school enrollment, and medical records, is excluded from public access as a matter of course.
- Mental health and substance abuse records: Records pertaining to mental health treatment or substance abuse evaluation are restricted under both state law and applicable federal privacy provisions.
- Mediation records: Communications made during court-ordered or voluntary mediation are confidential and are not filed with the court or accessible to the public.
- Custody evaluations: Psychological evaluations and guardian ad litem reports ordered by the court may be sealed or subject to restricted access upon motion.
Members of the public seeking access to sealed or restricted records must file a motion with the Adams County court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for access. The Indiana Judicial Branch Self-Service Legal Center provides procedural guidance for individuals navigating court filings without legal representation.
How Long Does Adams County Keep Divorce Records?
Adams County maintains dissolution of marriage records in accordance with Indiana's court records retention schedules, which establish minimum retention periods for different categories of court documents.
Retention Periods:
- Final judgments and decrees: Permanent retention. Final orders dissolving a marriage are maintained indefinitely as part of the permanent court record.
- Complete case files: Dissolution of marriage case files are retained for a minimum of ten years following the date of the final judgment under Indiana court records retention guidelines. Many counties retain these records for significantly longer periods or permanently.
- Financial affidavits and discovery documents: Supporting financial documents within the case file are retained for the duration of the case file's retention period.
- Post-judgment modification orders: Modification orders are filed in the original case and are retained as part of the permanent case file.
- Archived records: Cases that have exceeded the active retention period may be transferred to off-site storage or microfilm archives. Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time and should be requested directly through the Adams County Clerk of Courts.
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in the Indiana court case management system and are accessible through the Indiana Judicial Branch public records portal for the duration of the applicable retention period.
Members of the public seeking records from cases filed many decades ago should contact the Adams County Clerk of Courts directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures, as older paper records may require special handling.