Sullivan County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Sullivan County in 2026
SullivanCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Sullivan County, Indiana. Members of the public may find case numbers, party names, filing dates, final decrees, and related court documents through official channels. Available record categories include dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, property division orders, child custody determinations, and support orders. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the case and applicable confidentiality provisions.
Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are currently available to members of the public seeking divorce records in Sullivan County.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search via Doxpop
The Sullivan County Clerk's office provides online access to court records through Doxpop, a third-party platform that has been providing access to Indiana court records since 2002. Basic case information is available at no charge; fees may apply for document retrieval or certified copies.
2. State Court System Portal
The Indiana Judicial Branch operates MyCase: Indiana Courts Case Search, a statewide portal that allows members of the public to search court cases across Indiana jurisdictions. The portal provides consolidated access to case summaries, docket entries, and party information. As noted by the Indiana Supreme Court, "official records of court proceedings may only be obtained directly from the court maintaining a particular record."
3. State Vital Records
Indiana does not currently register divorce decrees through the state vital records office in the same manner as birth or death certificates. Certified copies of divorce decrees must be obtained directly from the clerk of the court in the county where the divorce was filed. The Indiana Judicial Branch's public records guidance confirms that members of the public seeking a certified copy of a divorce decree should contact the clerk's office in the county where the proceeding occurred.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Sullivan County Circuit Court:
Sullivan County Clerk's Office
100 Courthouse Square
Sullivan, IN 47882
Phone: (812) 268-4657
Sullivan 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 documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees
- Staff assistance with record location
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Sullivan County Clerk's Office, 100 Courthouse Square, Sullivan, IN 47882
- Include the following with each request:
- Full legal names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- 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 correspondence
- Processing time: Requests are processed within approximately one to two weeks, subject to case volume and record availability.
By Phone
Limited Information Available:
- Clerk of Court: (812) 268-4657
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number and filing date
- Current case status
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents by phone
- Copies of filed documents
- Confidential or restricted information
Through Attorneys
An attorney of record may access the complete case file, including documents that may be restricted from general public view. Attorneys may petition the court for access to sealed materials upon a showing of good cause. Members of the public who require assistance locating or interpreting divorce records may consult the Indiana State Bar Association for attorney referral services. Legal representation is particularly useful in cases involving sealed records, complex property divisions, or post-judgment modifications.
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 filing
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses in Sullivan County
- Names of children, if applicable
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Divorce proceedings in Indiana are filed in the county where either spouse resided at the time of filing. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple counties. Under 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.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Newly finalized cases may not appear in online systems immediately following the final hearing.
- Records are typically available within days to a few weeks after entry of the final judgment.
Older Divorces:
- Cases predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format.
- Archived records may require additional retrieval time and may not be digitized.
- Members of the public should contact the Clerk's office directly for assistance with older records.
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- The divorce was filed in a different county
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- The case is still pending and has not been finalized
- Very old records stored in off-site archives
- The case has been sealed by court order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Clerk's office at (812) 268-4657
- Attempt alternate name spellings
- Search under both spouses' names
- Review the Indiana Judicial Branch's how-to-request guidance for additional direction
- Consult an attorney for complex or sealed record situations
What Are Sullivan County Divorce Records?
Sullivan County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Sullivan County Circuit Court. These records constitute part of the permanent family law court file maintained by the Clerk of Court and are subject to Indiana's public access laws.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files include the full range of documents filed during the proceeding:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Response or answer to the petition
- Financial affidavits submitted by both parties
- Parenting plans and custody agreements
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, orders, and hearing transcripts
- Final judgment of dissolution
Final Decree is the official court order terminating the marriage. It establishes:
- The legal date of dissolution
- Division of marital property and debts
- Alimony or spousal maintenance, if ordered
- Child custody and parenting time arrangements, if applicable
- Child support obligations, if applicable
- Restoration of a former name, if requested
- Certified copies are available through the Clerk's office
Supporting Documents may include marriage certificates, financial disclosure statements, property inventories, appraisals, and post-judgment modification orders.
Purpose of Divorce Records:
Divorce records serve a range of legal and personal purposes, including:
- Proof of marital status for remarriage
- Name change documentation
- Property transfer and title proceedings
- Estate planning and beneficiary designations
- Immigration and naturalization proceedings
- Social Security benefit determinations
- Genealogical and family history research
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
The Sullivan County Clerk of Court serves as the primary custodian of all divorce case files and provides certified copies upon request. Indiana does not maintain a separate statewide divorce certificate registry through the state vital records office; accordingly, the county clerk's office is the authoritative source for certified copies of dissolution judgments.
Legal Framework:
Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Indiana are governed by Indiana Code § 31-15, which establishes the grounds, procedures, and requirements for divorce in the state. Public access to court records is governed by the Indiana Access to Public Records Act and the Indiana Rules on Access to Court Records, which establish a presumption of openness while providing specific protections for sensitive information.
Are Sullivan County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Sullivan County are public court records subject to Indiana's open records framework. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need or purpose.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of the parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and scheduled events
- Court orders and judgments
- Final divorce decree
- Property division orders
- General case status and docket entries
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers are redacted from all publicly accessible documents
- Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
- Detailed tax returns may be subject to limited access
- Certain financial disclosure statements may carry access restrictions
Children's Information:
- Names and addresses of minor children may be redacted
- Schools attended by children are not disclosed
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children may be sealed
- Guardian ad litem reports are subject to restricted access
- Child custody evaluations ordered by the court may be sealed
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence may be sealed
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records are restricted
- Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders are withheld
- Mediation communications are confidential and not part of the public record
Sealed Records:
A court may seal all or part of a divorce case file upon a showing of good cause. Sealed records are not accessible to the general public. Parties to the case and their attorneys retain access to sealed materials. Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for disclosure.
Who Can Access Records:
| Requestor | Level of Access |
|---|---|
| General public | Public documents, docket entries, final decree |
| Parties to the case | Full access to their own case file |
| Attorneys of record | Full access; may petition for sealed materials |
| Researchers and media | Public portions; court permission required for sealed records |
| Law enforcement | Statutory access as provided by Indiana law |
Restrictions on Use:
Members of the public who obtain divorce records may not use them for stalking, harassment, identity theft, or any purpose that violates a court-issued protective order. Permitted uses include legal proceedings, background research, genealogical research, news reporting protected by the First Amendment, and personal verification of marital status.
Obtaining Confidential Records:
A party seeking access to restricted or sealed divorce records must file a motion with the Sullivan County Circuit Court demonstrating a legitimate need. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties and any minor children involved. Certain governmental entities, including child protective services and law enforcement agencies, may have statutory access to otherwise restricted materials.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Sullivan County?
The Sullivan County Clerk's office charges standard fees for copies and certified copies of court records. Current fees reflect the schedule established under Indiana law and applicable court rules.
Standard Fee Schedule:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard copy (per page) | $1.00 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree | $1.00 per page + $5.00 certification fee |
| Online case search (Doxpop basic) | Free for basic case information |
| Online document retrieval (Doxpop) | Subscription or per-document fee may apply |
| In-person record inspection | No charge for inspection |
- Fees for certified copies are governed by Indiana Code § 33-37-5-2, which establishes the schedule of clerk's fees applicable to court record requests.
- Accepted payment methods at the Clerk's office include cash, check, and money order payable to the Sullivan County Clerk. Members of the public should confirm current accepted payment methods directly with the office prior to submitting a mail request.
- Fee waivers may be available for indigent parties upon application to the court. Members of the public seeking a fee waiver must submit a completed fee waiver petition demonstrating financial hardship.
- Basic case information, including case numbers, party names, filing dates, and docket entries, is available at no charge through the MyCase Indiana Courts Case Search portal.
- Inspection of physical case files at the Clerk's office does not carry an inspection fee; charges apply only when copies are requested.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Sullivan County
A complete Sullivan County divorce case file contains all documents filed with the court from the initial petition through final judgment and any post-judgment proceedings. The scope of the file varies depending on whether the case was contested or uncontested and whether children or significant assets were involved.
Basic Case Information:
- Case caption including case number, court name, and names of petitioner and respondent
- Name of the assigned judge
- Names of attorneys of record
- Filing date, case type, and jurisdictional basis
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 divorce (Indiana is a no-fault state recognizing irretrievable breakdown of the marriage under Indiana Code § 31-15-2-3), information regarding minor children, property claims, and the relief requested. The Response filed by the respondent states admissions or denials and may include a counterpetition. Financial Affidavits submitted by both parties disclose income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets including real property, vehicles, bank and investment accounts, and retirement accounts, as well as all liabilities.
Discovery Documents:
Discovery materials may include interrogatories and answers under oath, requests for production of documents, tax returns, pay stubs, bank and investment account statements, retirement account statements, and business financial records where applicable.
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory with descriptions and valuations
- Debt inventory covering mortgages, vehicle loans, credit card balances, and other obligations
- Real property appraisals and business valuations
- Expert reports on asset values
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting plan establishing legal and physical custody, parenting time schedules including regular, holiday, and summer provisions, transportation arrangements, and decision-making responsibilities for education, healthcare, and extracurricular activities
- Child support calculation worksheets reflecting income of both parties, number of overnights, health insurance costs, and childcare expenses
- Custody evaluations ordered by the court, which may be sealed
- Guardian ad litem reports, subject to restricted access
Support Documents:
- Alimony or spousal maintenance orders specifying type, amount, duration, and termination conditions
- Income and standard-of-living analysis supporting support determinations
Settlement Documents:
- Marital Settlement Agreement resolving all issues including property division, debt allocation, spousal support, and child-related provisions
- Mediation agreements, if the case was mediated (mediation communications themselves remain confidential)
Court Orders and Judgments:
- Temporary orders addressing custody, support, and use of property during the pendency of the case
- Final Judgment of Dissolution containing findings of fact, conclusions of law, property division awards, support orders, custody and parenting time determinations, and the judge's signature and seal
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) if retirement accounts were divided
Post-Judgment Documents (if applicable):
- Petitions to modify custody or support
- Court orders on modification requests
- Contempt motions and enforcement actions
- Income deduction orders and liens
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted)
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence details and related evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluations
- Mediation communications
- Trade secrets contained in business valuations
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Sullivan County?
Proof of divorce in Sullivan County takes the form of a certified copy of the Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage issued by the Sullivan County Circuit Court Clerk. A certified copy bears the clerk's official seal and signature and is accepted as legal proof of divorce for remarriage, name change, immigration, and other official purposes.
Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy:
- Identify the case number and filing date using the MyCase Indiana Courts Case Search portal or by contacting the Clerk's office directly.
- Submit a request in person, by mail, or through the Doxpop platform as described in the search methods above.
- Provide the full names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, and the case number if known.
- Pay the applicable certification fee (currently $1.00 per page plus a $5.00 certification fee).
- Receive the certified copy bearing the clerk's seal, which constitutes official proof of the dissolution.
Members of the public who need guidance on requesting certified copies may consult the Indiana Judicial Branch's public records request guidance, which confirms that certified copies of divorce decrees are obtained from the clerk's office in the county where the proceeding was filed.
Sullivan County Clerk's Office
100 Courthouse Square
Sullivan, IN 47882
Phone: (812) 268-4657
Sullivan County Courts — Indiana Judicial Branch
For individuals who cannot appear in person, a written request submitted by mail with appropriate payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope is accepted. The Sullivan County Recorder's office maintains property-related instruments and may hold recorded copies of deeds or orders related to real property transfers arising from divorce proceedings, though the Clerk of Court remains the primary custodian of the divorce case file itself.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Sullivan County?
Divorce proceedings in Sullivan County are presumptively public, but Indiana law and court rules permit the sealing of specific documents or entire case files under defined circumstances.
- A court may seal a divorce case or portions of a case file upon a finding that the privacy interests of a party or minor child outweigh the public interest in access.
- Cases involving domestic violence, sexual abuse allegations, or threats to personal safety are among those most frequently subject to sealing orders or redaction of identifying information.
- Mental health evaluations, substance abuse treatment records, and psychological assessments of minor children are subject to restricted access under Indiana's health privacy protections and family law rules.
- Mediation communications are confidential by statute and are not filed with the court or made part of the public record.
- Financial account numbers and Social Security numbers are redacted from all publicly accessible filings pursuant to Indiana court rules.
- A party seeking to seal a record must file a motion with the Sullivan County Circuit Court demonstrating good cause; the opposing party receives notice and an opportunity to respond.
- Sealed records remain accessible to the parties to the case and their attorneys of record.
- Indiana's framework for court record access is governed by the Indiana Rules on Access to Court Records, which establish the standards for sealing and restricting family law case materials.
How Long Does Sullivan County Keep Divorce Records?
Sullivan County divorce records are retained for extended periods consistent with Indiana's court record retention schedules, which recognize the permanent legal significance of dissolution judgments.
- Final judgments of dissolution of marriage are retained permanently as part of the official court record. These documents establish legal marital status and may be required for legal proceedings at any future time.
- Complete case files, including pleadings, financial affidavits, and supporting documents, are retained for a minimum period established by the Indiana Commission on Public Records and applicable court rules.
- Under Indiana's court record retention schedule, civil case files including family law matters are retained for a minimum of ten years following the close of the case, with permanent retention applying to final judgments and orders.
- Older paper records that predate electronic filing systems may be stored in off-site archives; retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time.
- Post-judgment modification orders and enforcement actions are retained as part of the original case file and are subject to the same retention periods.
- Records that have been sealed by court order are retained in accordance with the same schedule but remain inaccessible to the general public for the duration of the sealing order.
- Members of the public seeking records from cases closed many years ago should contact the Sullivan County Clerk's office directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures.