Franklin County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Franklin County in 2026
FranklinINRecords.org provides data and publicly available information related to divorce records in Franklin County, Indiana. Members of the public seeking dissolution of marriage records may access case filings, final decrees, docket entries, and related court documents through official channels. Available record categories include divorce petitions, final judgments, property settlement agreements, child custody orders, and support determinations. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the case and applicable confidentiality provisions.
Divorce records in Franklin County may be searched through official resources including the clerk of court's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by the Indiana Judicial Branch. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking dissolution records.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Clerks Department of Franklin County maintains case records for non-confidential proceedings filed in the county. Members of the public may search for basic case information at no charge. Obtaining copies of filed documents may require payment of applicable fees.
- Search non-confidential cases through the Odyssey case management system
- Free basic case information including party names, case number, and filing date
- Document copies available for a per-page fee
- Access available through the clerk's online portal or in person
2. State Court System Portal
The Indiana Judicial Branch operates MyCase, a statewide court case search portal that allows members of the public to search dissolution of marriage cases across Indiana jurisdictions. As noted by the Indiana Supreme Court, "official records of court proceedings may only be obtained directly from the court maintaining a particular record."
- Search across all Indiana counties using a consolidated database
- Free public access to non-confidential case information
- Provides docket entries, hearing dates, and case status
- Does not replace certified copies from the clerk's office
3. State Vital Records
Indiana does not currently register divorce certificates through the state vital records office in the same manner as birth or death records. The Indiana Department of Health maintains statistical records of divorces but does not issue certified divorce certificates. Certified proof of divorce must be obtained directly from the clerk of court in the county where the dissolution was filed.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Franklin County Circuit Court:
Franklin County Clerk of Courts
459 Main Street
Brookville, IN 47012
Phone: (765) 647-5111
Clerks Department - Franklin County
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 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
- Staff assistance for locating records
- Payment of copy fees at the counter
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Franklin County Clerk of Courts, 459 Main Street, Brookville, IN 47012
- 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
- Specific documents requested
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
- Processing time: Requests are processed in the order received; allow approximately one to two weeks for fulfillment
By Phone
Limited Information Available:
- Clerk of Court: (765) 647-5111
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number and filing date
- Current case status
- Scheduled hearing dates
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents by phone
- Copies of filed documents
- Confidential or restricted information
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Indiana may access dissolution case files on behalf of a client, request sealed or restricted documents through appropriate court motions, and obtain certified copies. Members of the public seeking legal representation may consult the Indiana State Bar Association for attorney referral services. Attorney access is particularly useful in cases involving sealed records, complex property matters, 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 date of filing
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses in Franklin County
- Names of children, if applicable
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Pursuant to Indiana Code § 31-15-2-6, a petition for dissolution of marriage must be filed in the county where either spouse has maintained a principal residence for at least three months immediately preceding the filing. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple counties. A dissolution may not be searched in the county where the marriage occurred unless one of the parties also resided there at the time of filing.
Residency Requirement:
- At least one spouse must have been a resident of Indiana for six months prior to filing
- At least one spouse must have been a resident of the county of filing for three months prior to filing
- Divorce is filed in the county of residence, not the county of marriage
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Newly finalized cases may not appear in online systems immediately
- Allow several business days to weeks after the final hearing for the record to be indexed
- The clerk's office can confirm whether a case has been entered into the system
Older Divorces:
- Cases predating electronic filing may exist only in paper form
- Archived records may require additional retrieval time
- Not all historical records have been digitized
- Allow additional processing time for archived case requests
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- Incorrect county of filing
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- Case still pending and not yet finalized
- Very old records held in off-site storage
- Case sealed or subject to confidentiality order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Franklin County Clerk at (765) 647-5111
- Attempt alternate name spellings in the search
- Search under both spouses' names
- Use the Indiana Judicial Branch public records portal for guidance on locating records statewide
- Consult an attorney for assistance with sealed or difficult-to-locate records
What Are Franklin County Divorce Records?
Franklin County divorce records are official court documents generated during dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Franklin County Circuit Court. These records constitute part of the court's permanent case files and are maintained by the Franklin County Clerk of Courts as the primary custodian. Under Indiana law, dissolution of marriage proceedings are governed by Indiana Code § 31-15, which establishes the legal framework for filing, adjudicating, and finalizing divorce cases in the state.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court case files in Franklin County dissolution proceedings contain a range of documents generated from the date of filing through final judgment and any post-judgment proceedings. The following categories of documents are part of a standard dissolution case file:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage: The initiating document filed by the petitioner, identifying both parties, the date and place of marriage, grounds for dissolution, and relief requested including property division, support, and custody
- Response or Answer: The respondent's formal reply to the petition, including any counterpetition
- Financial Affidavits: Sworn statements from both parties disclosing income, expenses, assets, and liabilities
- Parenting Plans: Agreements or court-ordered arrangements governing legal and physical custody, timesharing schedules, and decision-making authority
- Marital Settlement Agreements: Comprehensive written agreements resolving all contested issues including property division, debt allocation, and support
- Temporary Orders: Court orders entered during the pendency of the case governing custody, support, and use of marital property
- Final Judgment of Dissolution: The court's official order terminating the marriage, incorporating all findings of fact, conclusions of law, and relief granted
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs): Separate orders directing the division of retirement plan benefits
- Post-Judgment Modifications: Petitions and orders modifying custody, support, or other provisions after the final judgment
Purpose of Divorce Records:
Dissolution records serve numerous legal and personal purposes, including:
- Establishing proof of marital status for remarriage
- Documenting name changes
- Supporting property transfer and title proceedings
- Providing evidence in estate planning and probate matters
- Supporting immigration and Social Security benefit applications
- Facilitating genealogical and family history research
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
The Franklin County Clerk of Courts is the primary custodian of all dissolution case files. The clerk indexes records by the names of both parties and maintains the complete case file from initial filing through final disposition. As stated by the Indiana Judicial Branch, "if the document you're looking for isn't available online, you'll need to contact the clerk's office in the county where the case is being heard."
Are Franklin County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Franklin County are public court records subject to the access provisions of Indiana's public records laws. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, court orders, and final judgments without demonstrating a specific need or interest. However, certain categories of information within dissolution case files are subject to restriction, redaction, or sealing under applicable state and federal law.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of both parties
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and case status
- Docket entries reflecting the chronological history of the case
- Court orders and judgments, including the final decree
- Property division orders
- General terms of marital settlement agreements incorporated into the final judgment
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers are redacted from all publicly accessible documents pursuant to Indiana Administrative Rule 9
- Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
- Detailed tax returns and financial statements may be subject to limited access
Children's Information:
- Names and addresses of minor children may be restricted
- Schools attended by children are not disclosed in public records
- Child custody evaluations and guardian ad litem reports may be sealed by court order
- Psychological evaluations of children are restricted
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
- Medical records submitted as exhibits
- Personal addresses of parties in cases involving protective orders
Sealed Records:
A court may seal all or part of a dissolution 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 record.
Legal Basis for Public Access:
Public access to court records in Indiana is governed by Indiana Administrative Rule 9, which establishes a presumption of public access to court records while identifying specific categories of information that are excluded from public access. The rule balances the principle of judicial transparency against the privacy interests of parties and third parties, particularly minor children.
Who Can Access Records:
- General Public: May access all non-restricted case information, view docket summaries, and obtain copies of public documents upon payment of applicable fees
- Parties to the Case: Have full access to their own case file, including documents subject to restricted access for the general public
- Attorneys: May access case files on behalf of clients and may petition the court for access to sealed records upon a showing of need
- Researchers and Media: May access public portions of case files; access to sealed records requires a court order
Prohibited Uses of Divorce Records:
Members of the public who obtain divorce records may not use the information 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, and personal verification of marital status.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Franklin County?
The Franklin County Clerk of Courts charges fees for copies of court records in accordance with Indiana statutory authority. Current fees applicable to dissolution of marriage records are as follows:
| Service | Standard Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy (per page) | $1.00 per page |
| Certified copy of document | $1.00 per page + $5.00 certification fee |
| Certified copy of final decree | $1.00 per page + $5.00 certification fee |
| Electronic copy (if available) | Varies; contact clerk's office |
| Search fee | No separate search fee currently assessed |
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash
- Check or money order payable to Franklin County Clerk of Courts
- Credit or debit card (availability subject to change; confirm with clerk's office)
Fee Waivers:
Parties who have been granted in forma pauperis status by the court may be entitled to reduced or waived copy fees. Members of the public seeking a fee waiver must file the appropriate petition with the court and demonstrate financial eligibility.
What Is Available at No Charge:
- Viewing case docket entries through the MyCase Indiana Courts Case Search portal is free of charge
- Basic case information including party names, case number, filing date, and case status is available at no cost through the online portal
- In-person inspection of public case documents at the clerk's office does not require payment of a copy fee unless copies are requested
Indiana Code § 33-37-5-1 governs the fees that clerks of court may charge for copies of court records, establishing the statutory basis for the fee schedule applied by the Franklin County Clerk of Courts.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Franklin County
A complete dissolution of marriage case file maintained by the Franklin County Clerk of Courts contains all documents filed by the parties, issued by the court, and generated during the course of the proceedings. The scope of documents varies depending on whether the dissolution was uncontested or contested and whether children or significant marital assets were involved.
Basic Case Information:
- Case caption identifying the court, case number, petitioner, respondent, assigned judge, and attorneys of record
- Filing date, case type, and jurisdictional basis
- Complete docket reflecting every filing and court action in chronological order
Initial Pleadings:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage including marriage date and location, grounds for dissolution, identification of children, property claims, and relief requested
- Summons and proof of service on the respondent
- Response or answer filed by the respondent, including any counterpetition
- Financial affidavits from both parties disclosing income, monthly expenses, assets, and liabilities
Discovery and Financial Disclosure Documents:
- Tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and investment account statements submitted during discovery
- Interrogatory questions and sworn answers
- Requests for production and responsive documents
- Business financial statements, if applicable
- Property appraisals and expert valuation reports
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory listing real property, vehicles, bank accounts, retirement accounts, business interests, and personal property with estimated values
- Debt inventory listing mortgages, vehicle loans, credit card balances, and other liabilities
- Real property appraisals and business valuations
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting plan establishing legal custody, physical custody, timesharing schedule, holiday provisions, and decision-making responsibilities
- Child support calculation worksheet reflecting both parties' incomes, number of overnights, health insurance costs, and childcare expenses
- Child support order specifying the amount, payment schedule, and method of payment
- Custody evaluations ordered by the court, which may be subject to restricted access
- Guardian ad litem reports, which are restricted from general public access
Support Documents:
- Spousal maintenance or alimony orders specifying type, amount, duration, and termination conditions
- Income deduction orders directing an employer to withhold support payments
Settlement and Judgment Documents:
- Marital settlement agreement resolving all contested issues, signed by both parties and incorporated into the final judgment
- Mediation agreement, if the parties participated in mediation (note: mediation communications are confidential and not part of the public record)
- Final judgment of dissolution of marriage containing the court's findings of fact, conclusions of law, property division, support orders, custody determinations, and name restoration if requested
- Qualified domestic relations orders dividing retirement plan benefits, if applicable
Post-Judgment Documents (if applicable):
- Petitions to modify custody, support, or other provisions
- Court orders on modification petitions
- Contempt motions and orders
- Income deduction orders and enforcement actions
What Is Typically Confidential or Redacted:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted pursuant to Indiana Administrative Rule 9)
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence evidence and related protective order information
- Mental health evaluations and substance abuse records
- Sealed custody evaluations and guardian ad litem reports
- Settlement negotiation communications not incorporated into filed documents
- Mediation communications
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Franklin County
Proof of divorce in Franklin County is obtained through a certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution of marriage issued by the Franklin County Clerk of Courts. A certified copy bears the clerk's official seal and signature, confirming that the document is a true and accurate reproduction of the original court record. This document is accepted as legal proof of divorce for purposes of remarriage, name change, property transfer, immigration proceedings, and Social Security or benefits applications.
Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy of the Final Decree:
- Identify the case number and filing date using the Franklin County Courts information page or the MyCase Indiana Courts Case Search portal
- Contact the Franklin County Clerk of Courts at (765) 647-5111 to confirm the record is available and to determine the total fee for the number of pages in the final judgment
- Submit a written request in person, by mail, or as directed by the clerk's office, including the case number, names of both parties, the specific document requested, and payment of applicable fees
- Receive the certified copy in person at the clerk's counter or by mail if a self-addressed stamped envelope is included with a mail request
Franklin County Clerk of Courts
459 Main Street
Brookville, IN 47012
Phone: (765) 647-5111
Clerks Department - Franklin County
Members of the public who are parties to the case may also obtain certified copies through the Indiana Judicial Branch public records portal, which provides guidance on accessing court records statewide. For cases not available through online systems, the clerk's office is the sole source of certified documentation.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Franklin County?
Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Franklin County are presumptively public under Indiana Administrative Rule 9; however, specific circumstances permit a court to restrict access to all or part of a case file.
Circumstances Under Which Divorce Records May Be Confidential:
- Domestic violence cases: Courts may restrict access to addresses, contact information, and evidence related to domestic violence to protect the safety of victims
- Cases involving minor children: Custody evaluations, guardian ad litem reports, and psychological assessments of children may be sealed to protect the best interests of the child
- Sealed financial records: Tax returns, detailed financial statements, and proprietary business information may be subject to restricted access upon motion and court order
- Confidential settlements: Portions of settlement agreements containing confidential terms may be filed under seal with court approval
- Mediation records: All communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential under Indiana Code § 34-57-3-8 and are not part of the public court record
- Court-ordered sealing: Any party may petition the court to seal records upon a showing of good cause; the court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in access against the privacy interests of the parties
Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the Franklin County Circuit Court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for access. The court retains discretion to grant or deny such requests on a case-by-case basis.
How Long Does Franklin County Keep Divorce Records?
Franklin County maintains dissolution of marriage records in accordance with the retention schedules established by the Indiana Commission on Public Records and applicable court rules. Divorce records are among the most permanently retained categories of court documents due to their ongoing legal significance.
Retention Periods for Dissolution Records:
- Final judgments of dissolution: Retained permanently; these records are never destroyed and remain accessible indefinitely
- Complete case files (contested dissolutions): Retained for a minimum of ten years following the close of the case, with permanent retention of the final judgment
- Complete case files (uncontested dissolutions): Retained for a minimum of ten years following the close of the case
- Post-judgment modification orders: Retained as part of the original case file for the same period applicable to the underlying case
- Financial affidavits and discovery documents: Retained as part of the case file; subject to the same minimum retention period as the case file
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in the court's case management system and are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records
Indiana's court record retention requirements are established under the authority of the Indiana Commission on Public Records. Members of the public seeking records from cases closed many years ago should contact the Franklin County Clerk of Courts directly to confirm availability, as older paper records may be held in off-site archival storage and may require additional retrieval time.
Franklin County Clerk of Courts
459 Main Street
Brookville, IN 47012
Phone: (765) 647-5111
Clerks Department - Franklin County