Adams County Divorce Decree Records

Adams County divorce decree records are kept by the Clerk of Courts at the Adams County Courthouse in Decatur, Indiana. If you need to find or request a certified copy of a divorce decree filed in Adams County, the Clerk's Office is the right place to start. You can search basic case information online through Indiana's MyCase system, but certified copies of divorce decrees must be obtained directly from the clerk's office in person or by mail.

Adams County Clerk of Courts Office

The Adams County Clerk of Courts is Shelly M. Brite. Her office serves as the record keeper for the Adams County Circuit Court, which is established by the Indiana State Constitution. As the research notes state, "The Office of Clerk of the Circuit Court is established by the Indiana state Constitution to serve as the record keeper for the constitutionally created Circuit Court. The Clerk is elected by the voters of Adams County and is limited to serving 2 consecutive terms." The clerk also acts as the court's chief financial officer, collecting and disbursing monies related to all court cases including divorce proceedings.

The clerk's office is located inside the Adams County Courthouse at 112 S 2nd St in Decatur. You can also find details about the Superior Court at the Adams County Superior Court page. For dissolution of marriage procedures specific to Adams County, the county maintains a Dissolution of Marriage page on its website.

Search Adams County Divorce Decree Records

The easiest way to search Adams County divorce decree records online is through Indiana's MyCase public case search portal. MyCase gives you access to case details for divorces filed in Adams County, including party names, filing dates, case numbers, and hearing information. Keep in mind that MyCase shows basic case data only. It does not let you download or view the actual divorce decree document.

For in-person research, visit the Clerk's Office at the Adams County Courthouse during business hours. Staff can help you locate a case using names, dates, or a case number. If you know the case number in advance, bring it. It speeds things up. Old records may require extra time to pull from storage, so calling ahead is a good idea if your case dates back many years.

The Indiana Judicial Branch also maintains a county-level information page at in.gov/courts/local/adams-county/ where you can find links to court contacts and local rules.

Requesting a Certified Adams County Divorce Decree

Certified copies of divorce decrees in Adams County are not available online. You must contact the Clerk's Office directly. There are two main ways to do this: in person or by mail. In-person requests are processed the same day in most cases. Walk in, give the clerk the case information, pay the fee, and you typically walk out with your copy that day.

For mail requests, send a written letter to the Adams County Clerk at 112 S 2nd St, Decatur, IN 46733. Your letter should include the full names of both parties, the approximate date the divorce was filed or finalized, the case number if you have it, and your contact information. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment. Mail requests usually take 7 to 10 business days to process.

Note: Always call ahead at (260) 724-5309 to confirm current fees and accepted payment methods before mailing your request.

Adams County Divorce Record Fees

Indiana sets standard copy fees for court records statewide. Since July 1, 2021, the rate for copies is $1.00 per page. The certification fee is $3.00 per document. So a one-page certified divorce decree costs $4.00 total. If the decree runs multiple pages, add $1.00 for each additional page. Most counties, including Adams, accept cash, money orders, and cashier's checks. Personal checks may not be accepted, so confirm payment methods when you call. Credit cards may be accepted depending on office equipment; it is best to ask.

If you need an older Adams County divorce decree, be aware that very old records may have been archived. The Indiana State Archives at 6440 E. 30th St, Indianapolis, (317) 591-5220, holds historic court records that county offices have transferred over the years. Check with the clerk's office first to find out where older records are stored.

Indiana Divorce Laws and Adams County Courts

Indiana law sets specific rules for filing a divorce. Under IC 31-15-2-6, at least one spouse must have lived in Indiana for six months and in Adams County for three months before filing. This residency rule affects where a divorce decree gets filed and which county clerk keeps the record. If you are unsure about residency requirements, the Indiana Courts Self-Service Legal Center has helpful plain-language guides on filing procedures.

Indiana also requires a 60-day waiting period after the divorce petition is filed before a court can finalize the dissolution. This is set by IC 31-15-2-10. The actual divorce decree is not issued until the court grants the final order, which can happen any time after those 60 days pass. The Adams County Circuit Court handles all divorce filings in the county. Adams County also has a Superior Court that may hear some family law matters.

For those going through a divorce without an attorney, Indiana Legal Help at indianalegalhelp.org provides free guidance on Indiana family law procedures.

Public Access to Adams County Divorce Decrees

Under Indiana Code IC 5-14-3, the Access to Public Records Act, most court records in Adams County are open to the public. This includes divorce decrees. Anyone can ask to inspect or copy a divorce decree filed in Adams County. You do not have to be a party to the case. However, some parts of divorce records may be restricted. Financial affidavits, records containing Social Security numbers, and sealed portions of case files are not available to the public.

The Indiana courts public records request page outlines how to request records and what to expect. If a record you need is restricted, you may need a court order to access it.

Legal Help for Adams County Divorce Cases

If you need help understanding how to file for divorce or how to find a divorce decree in Adams County, several resources are available at no cost. The Indiana Courts Self-Service Legal Center offers court forms, step-by-step instructions, and guides for people who do not have an attorney. The forms for dissolution of marriage cases are available there. You can also find help at Indiana Legal Help, which connects people with free and low-cost legal aid across Indiana.

The Adams County Courthouse also has resources for self-represented parties. Ask the clerk's staff for directions to any available self-help resources when you visit. Staff cannot give legal advice, but they can point you to the right forms and tell you what the court requires.

The Adams County Clerk's Office website provides information about court records and services available to the public.

The clerk's office in Decatur handles all divorce decree filings and can assist you with finding or copying records from Adams County cases.

Cities in Adams County

The county seat of Adams County is Decatur, where the courthouse and clerk's office are located. Other communities in Adams County include Berne, Monroe, Geneva, and Decatur Township. None of these cities meet the 25,000 population threshold for a dedicated city page on this site, but divorce decree records for all Adams County residents are filed at the same courthouse in Decatur regardless of which city or town you live in.

Nearby Counties

Adams County borders several Indiana and Ohio counties; the clerk offices below handle divorce records for their respective jurisdictions.