Daviess County Divorce Decree Records

Daviess County divorce decree records are filed with the County Clerk in Washington, Indiana. The clerk's office keeps all court records, including final divorce decrees, going back to the county's founding in 1817. If you need to find a divorce decree in Daviess County, you can search case information online through the state's MyCase portal or contact the clerk directly for certified copies of court documents.

Daviess County Clerk of Courts

The Daviess County Clerk of Courts is the official keeper of all divorce decree records in the county. Lauren Milton serves as the County Clerk. Her office handles case filings, stores court files, processes record requests, and issues certified copies of divorce decrees. The clerk's office has been keeping marriage, divorce, probate, and court records since 1817, making it one of the older record collections in southwestern Indiana.

You can reach the Daviess County Clerk's Office by phone at (812) 254-8664 for general questions or (812) 254-8669 specifically for records inquiries. Several staff members specialize in different areas. Lindsey Upton handles family law matters at the main number. Mary Beth Alford is the senior bookkeeper and can also help with records questions at (812) 254-8669. For certified divorce decree copies, call the records line first to confirm what information you need to bring or include in your request. The Daviess County Clerk's Office page has additional contact details and current service information.

The clerk's office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The office is located at the Daviess County Courthouse at 200 E. Walnut Street in Washington, Indiana. You can also reach them by mail at P.O. Box 739, Washington, IN 47501.

How to Find Daviess County Divorce Decrees

The state of Indiana provides an online case search tool that covers Daviess County. The MyCase portal lets you search by name or case number across all Indiana courts. You can view case details, filing dates, and case status through this free tool. Keep in mind that MyCase shows case information only. It does not let you download or print official certified copies of divorce decrees.

For a certified divorce decree from Daviess County, you must contact the clerk's office directly. Certified copies carry the clerk's official seal and are required for legal purposes like name changes, property transfers, or remarriage. The standard copy fee is $1.00 per page plus $3.00 for certification. These rates have applied since July 1, 2021, under Indiana's standard court fee schedule. Contact the office at (812) 254-8664 to confirm the fee before you visit or mail your request.

The Indiana Judicial Branch also maintains a local court page for Daviess County courts, which lists court locations, judges, and current contact information. This can help you confirm you are reaching the right court for your case.

Requesting Divorce Records in Daviess County

There are three ways to request a divorce decree from the Daviess County Clerk: in person, by mail, or using the online case lookup for basic information. In-person requests are typically the fastest. Bring a valid photo ID and as much case information as you have. A case number speeds things up, but the clerk can search by name and year if you don't have one.

Mail requests take longer. When sending a mail request, include a written request with the full names of both parties, the approximate date of the divorce filing, the date the final divorce was granted, your contact information, a copy of your valid ID, and the case number if available. Send payment in the form of a money order or cashier's check. Do not send cash through the mail. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope so the clerk can return the copies to you. Send everything to P.O. Box 739, Washington, IN 47501.

Note: Processing times vary. Mail requests typically take 7 to 10 business days, but busy periods can extend that to several weeks.

For very old records, some materials may be stored on microfilm or in the Indiana State Archives at 6440 E. 30th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46219, phone (317) 591-5220. The clerk can tell you if your case has been archived and how to request it.

The Indiana Courts public records request page explains the process for requesting court records statewide and can help you understand what to expect.

Indiana Divorce Laws That Apply in Daviess County

Indiana law sets the rules for divorce filings. Under IC 31-15-2-6, one spouse must have lived in Indiana for at least six months before filing, and at least three months in the county where the divorce is filed. Daviess County is one of many Indiana counties where this rule applies. A divorce filed in the wrong county can be dismissed, so confirm you meet the residency requirement before you file.

Indiana also has a mandatory waiting period. Under IC 31-15-2-10, no divorce can be finalized until at least 60 days after the petition is filed. This applies in Daviess County as it does across all Indiana courts. Even if both parties agree on everything, the court must wait the full 60 days before signing the final decree. Plan for this when you are estimating your timeline.

Access to court records, including divorce decrees, is governed by the Indiana Access to Public Records Act under IC 5-14-3. Most divorce records are public. However, certain portions may be restricted, including records involving minor children's personal details, sealed records, or information the court has ordered kept private. If you believe your case file contains sensitive information, ask the clerk what is and is not available for public viewing in Daviess County.

Daviess County Divorce Decree: What the Document Contains

A divorce decree from Daviess County is the final court order ending a marriage. The document is signed by the judge and filed with the clerk. It is a permanent part of the court record. Most people need a certified copy of the decree for name changes, dividing retirement accounts, transferring property, or applying for benefits after a divorce. The decree is different from a marriage license and different from a short-form certificate. It contains the full legal terms of the divorce.

Daviess County divorce decrees typically include the names of both spouses, their addresses at the time of filing, the date of marriage, the date of separation, the grounds for divorce under Indiana law, and all the orders the judge made. Property division terms show who gets real estate, vehicles, bank accounts, and debts. If children were involved, the decree includes custody arrangements, visitation schedules, and child support amounts. If alimony was ordered, that appears in the decree as well. The decree is your primary legal document proving the marriage has ended and defining your rights going forward.

The Indiana Self-Service Legal Center has free forms and guides that can help you understand what should be in a divorce decree and how to read it.

Legal Help for Daviess County Residents

Several resources serve Daviess County residents who need help with divorce-related matters. The Indiana Legal Help website connects residents with legal aid organizations and self-help resources statewide. If you have limited income, you may qualify for free or low-cost legal help through one of Indiana's legal services programs.

The Indiana State Bar Association's lawyer referral service can help you find a family law attorney in the Daviess County area. The Self-Service Legal Center linked above has court forms for divorce, modification of decrees, and other family law matters. These are particularly useful for individuals who plan to represent themselves in Daviess County court proceedings.

Note: Daviess County is part of Judicial District 25, which also includes Knox, Martin, Perry, Pike, Spencer, and Dubois counties.

The Daviess County staff directory lists contact details for each office in the courthouse, which can help you reach the right person for your specific request.

Daviess County Online Resources

The clerk's office page at daviess.org has the most current contact information and any updates to procedures or fees. The Indiana Judicial Branch page for Daviess County courts lists judges, court locations, and docket information. The MyCase portal is the primary online tool for searching divorce case records without visiting the courthouse. All three should be your starting points before making calls or visits.

The screenshot below shows the Daviess County Clerk's office resource page, where you can find links to court records and clerk services for divorce decree requests in Daviess County.

Using the online case search before you visit the office can save time by confirming the case number and filing details ahead of your in-person request.

Cities in Daviess County

Washington is the county seat and largest city in Daviess County, where the courthouse and clerk's office are located. Other communities in the county include Odon, Elnora, Montgomery, and Plainville. None of the cities in Daviess County meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page in this directory. All divorce decree records for Daviess County, regardless of which town you live in, are filed and kept at the Daviess County Courthouse in Washington.

Nearby Counties

If you are unsure which county has jurisdiction over your divorce case, check where you lived when the case was filed. These counties border Daviess County and each has its own clerk's office.