DeKalb County Public Records /DeKalb County Divorce Records

DeKalb County Divorce Records

How To Find a Divorce Record In DeKalb County in 2026

DeKalbINRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in DeKalb County, Indiana. Members of the public may find case summaries, filing dates, party names, and related court documents through official and third-party sources. Available record categories may include dissolution of marriage petitions, final decrees, property settlement agreements, custody orders, and support determinations. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the case and applicable privacy protections.

Records may be searched through official resources including the DeKalb County Clerk of Courts, the Indiana Courts public access portal, state vital records, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking divorce records.

Online Searches

1. Clerk of Court Case Search

The DeKalb County Clerk of Courts maintains the official index of all dissolution of marriage cases filed in the county. Members of the public may search case information at no charge through the court's public access terminal or online portal. Obtaining copies of documents may require payment of applicable fees.

2. State Court System Portal

The MyCase Indiana Courts Case Search portal provides statewide access to court case information, including dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in DeKalb County. Users may search by party name or case number across all 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."

3. State Vital Records

The Indiana Department of Health Division of Vital Records is responsible for maintaining and issuing certified copies of divorce records filed in Indiana. The Division maintains divorce records and issues divorce certificates, which serve as official proof of dissolution. Fees apply for certified copies obtained through this office.

In-Person Searches

Clerk of Court Family Division:

DeKalb County Clerk of Courts
100 S Main St, Auburn, IN 46706
Phone: (260) 925-0912
DeKalb 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
- Staff assistance for locating records

Records Department:

The Clerk's office maintains both active and archived case files. Historical records predating electronic filing may be stored separately and may require additional retrieval time. Certified copy requests for archived cases should be submitted directly to the Clerk's office.

By Mail

Written Request:

Mail to: DeKalb County Clerk of Courts, 100 S Main St, Auburn, IN 46706
Include the following with each request:
- Full legal names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce or filing
- Case number, if known
- Requester'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 1–2 weeks, subject to volume and record availability.

By Phone

Limited Information:

Clerk of Court: (260) 925-0912
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 licensed in Indiana may access court records on behalf of a client, including requesting sealed or restricted documents upon a proper showing to the court. Attorney representation is particularly useful in complex cases involving sealed financial records, custody evaluations, or post-judgment modifications. The Indiana State Bar Association maintains a lawyer referral service for members of the public seeking legal assistance.

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 year of filing
Case number, if previously obtained

Helpful Information:

Date and location of marriage
Prior addresses in DeKalb County
Names of children, if applicable
Names of attorneys of record, if known

Search in Correct County

Dissolution of marriage 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. A case may not be located by searching the county where the marriage ceremony occurred unless one or both parties also resided there.

Under Indiana Code § 31-15-2-6, one spouse must have been a resident of Indiana for at least six months and a resident of the county where the petition is filed for at least three months immediately preceding the filing of the petition.

Time Considerations

Recent Divorces:

Newly finalized cases may not appear in online systems immediately following the final hearing.
Allow several business days to weeks for processing after the final order is entered.

Older Divorces:

Cases predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format.
Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time.
Some older records may not be digitized and must be retrieved from physical storage.

What If You Cannot Find a Record

Common Issues:

The case was filed in a different county
Name variations between married and maiden names
Spelling differences in party names
The case has not yet 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 (260) 925-0912 to request staff assistance
Attempt alternate name spellings or maiden names
Search both spouses' names independently
Check the Indiana Department of Health vital records for a divorce certificate
Consult a licensed Indiana attorney for complex searches

What Are DeKalb County Divorce Records?

Divorce records in DeKalb County are official court documents generated during and after dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the DeKalb Superior Court or Circuit Court. These records are maintained by the Clerk of Courts as part of the permanent family law case file and constitute public records subject to applicable access laws.

Types of Divorce Records:

Court Case Files

The complete case file includes all documents filed by the parties and the court throughout 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, responses, and court orders
Transcripts of court hearings
Final judgment of dissolution of marriage

Final Decree

The final decree is the official court order that legally dissolves the marriage. It is the primary document requested for legal purposes and establishes:

The date the marriage was legally dissolved
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 of the final decree are available through the Clerk of Courts upon payment of applicable fees.

Supporting Documents

Original marriage certificate submitted as an exhibit
Financial disclosure statements
Property inventories and appraisals
Parenting plan modifications
Post-judgment modification orders

Purpose of Divorce Records:

Legal Purposes

Proof of marital status for remarriage
Name change documentation for government agencies
Property transfer and title recording
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 for compliance purposes

Who Maintains Divorce Records:

The Clerk of Courts for DeKalb County serves as the primary custodian of all dissolution of marriage case files. The Indiana Department of Health Division of Vital Records maintains a separate registry of divorce certificates, which provide summary information about finalized divorces statewide.

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. Public access to court records is governed by the Indiana Access to Court Records Rules, which establish a presumption of public access to court proceedings and documents.

Are DeKalb County Divorce Records Public?

Divorce records filed in DeKalb County are public court records under Indiana law, and members of the public may access basic case information and most filed documents. However, certain categories of information within divorce case files are subject to restriction or redaction under the Indiana Access to Court Records Rules and applicable state and federal privacy protections.

What Is Public:

Case number and filing date
Names of the parties (petitioner and respondent)
Names of attorneys of record
Court hearing dates and docket entries
Court orders and judgments, including the final decree
Property division orders
General case status

What May Be Restricted:

Financial Information

Social Security numbers are redacted from all public filings
Bank account and financial account numbers are redacted
Detailed tax returns may be filed under seal or with restricted access
Credit card and loan account numbers are redacted

Children's Information

Names and addresses of minor children may be restricted
Schools attended by minor children
Medical and psychological records pertaining to children
Custody evaluation reports may be sealed by court order
Guardian ad litem reports are subject to restricted access

Sensitive Personal Information

Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders
Medical records submitted as exhibits

Sealed Records:

A court may seal all or part of a divorce 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:

The Indiana Access to Court Records Rules establish a presumption that court records are open to public inspection. Restrictions require a specific legal basis, and courts apply a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties and their children.

Who Can Access Records:

General public: May access most case information, view docket summaries, and obtain copies of public documents upon payment of 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: May access case files on behalf of clients 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. First Amendment considerations apply to news reporting on matters of public concern.

Prohibited Uses of Divorce Records:

Stalking, harassment, or intimidation of any party
Identity theft or fraudulent purposes
Violation of existing protective orders
Any use prohibited by court order

Obtaining Confidential Records:

A party seeking access to sealed or restricted records must file a motion with the court demonstrating a legitimate legal need. The court notifies affected parties and applies a balancing test before granting access. Certain government agencies, including child protective services and law enforcement, may have statutory authority to access restricted records without a court order.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in DeKalb County?

The DeKalb County Clerk of Courts charges standard fees for copies and certified copies of court records. Current fees are established pursuant to Indiana Code § 33-37-5-1, which governs court costs and fees in Indiana.

Standard Copy Fees:

Service	Fee
Standard paper copies	$1.00 per page
Certified copy of final decree or order	$1.00 per page + $5.00 certification fee
Certification seal	$5.00 per document
Search fee (if applicable)	Varies

Indiana Department of Health – Vital Records Fees:

Service	Fee
Certified divorce record (certificate)	$8.00 per copy
Additional copies ordered at same time	$4.00 each

Accepted Payment Methods:

Cash (in-person only)
Check or money order payable to the DeKalb County Clerk of Courts
Credit or debit card (availability subject to confirmation with the Clerk's office)

Fee Waivers:

Members of the public who are parties to the case and who demonstrate financial hardship may petition the court for a waiver of copy fees. Fee waiver requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Inspection of public records at the courthouse public access terminal is available at no charge; fees apply only when copies are requested.

What Is Available at No Cost:

Viewing case docket entries online through MyCase Indiana Courts Case Search
Reviewing documents at the courthouse public access terminal
Confirming case existence and status by phone

What's Included in Divorce Records in DeKalb County

A complete dissolution of marriage case file maintained by the DeKalb County Clerk of Courts contains all documents filed by the parties and issued by the court from the date of filing through final judgment and any post-judgment proceedings.

Basic Case Information

Case Caption:

Assigned case number
Court name and division (Superior or Circuit Court)
Full legal names of petitioner and respondent
Name of the assigned judge
Names and bar numbers of attorneys of record

Filing Information:

Date the petition was filed
Filing fees paid and receipts
Case type designation (dissolution of marriage)
Basis for jurisdiction and venue

Initial Pleadings

Petition for Dissolution of Marriage:

Identifying information for both parties
Date and location of marriage
Date of separation, if applicable
Grounds for dissolution (irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, as required under Indiana law)
Information regarding minor children, including names and dates of birth
Claims regarding marital property and debts
Requests for spousal maintenance, child custody, and child support

Response/Answer:

Respondent's admissions or denials
Counterpetition, if filed
Respondent's independent requests for relief

Financial Affidavits:

Both parties' income from all sources
Monthly living expenses
Complete asset inventory including real property, vehicles, financial accounts, and personal property
Complete liability inventory including mortgages, loans, and credit obligations

Discovery Documents

Discovery materials filed with the court may include financial disclosure statements, interrogatory questions and answers submitted under oath, requests for production of documents, and responses thereto. Tax returns, bank statements, retirement account statements, and business financial records may be included as exhibits.

Property-Related Documents

Marital Asset Inventory:

Real property legal descriptions and estimated values
Motor vehicles and values
Financial account balances
Retirement and investment account values
Business interests and valuations
Personal property, jewelry, and collectibles

Debt Inventory:

Mortgage balances and lenders
Vehicle loan balances
Credit card and revolving debt
Personal and business loans
Tax obligations

Appraisals and Valuations:

Licensed real estate appraisals
Business valuation reports
Personal property appraisals
Expert witness reports on asset values

Children-Related Documents (If Applicable)

Parenting Plan:

Legal custody designation (sole or joint decision-making authority)
Physical custody and primary residence
Regular parenting time schedule
Holiday, school break, and summer schedules
Transportation and exchange arrangements
Communication protocols between parents and with children
Decision-making responsibilities for education, healthcare, religion, and extracurricular activities
Relocation restrictions and notification requirements

Child Support:

Indiana Child Support Obligation Worksheet
Both parties' income information
Number of overnight parenting time days
Health insurance premium costs
Childcare expense documentation
Ordered support amount and payment schedule
Income withholding order, if applicable

Custody Evaluations (If Ordered):

Court-appointed evaluator's report and recommendations
Home study findings
Parenting assessments
Child interview summaries (may be sealed)

Guardian ad Litem Reports (If Appointed):

Attorney for the children's findings
Best interests analysis and recommendations

Support Documents

Alimony/Spousal Maintenance:

Type of maintenance ordered (rehabilitative, caregiver, or incapacity-based under Indiana law)
Amount and duration of payments
Payment schedule and method
Conditions for modification or termination
Tax treatment provisions

Settlement Documents

Marital Settlement Agreement:

Comprehensive written agreement resolving all contested issues
Real and personal property distribution to each party
Debt allocation and responsibility
Spousal maintenance terms
Child custody and support provisions, if applicable
Attorney fee allocation
Signatures of both parties and notarization

Mediation Agreement (If Applicable):

Terms reached through mediation
Incorporation into the marital settlement agreement
Mediator identification information

Court Orders and Judgments

Temporary Orders:

Temporary custody and parenting time
Temporary support obligations
Temporary use and possession of marital residence
Restraining orders or injunctions against dissipation of assets

Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage:

Court's findings of fact and conclusions of law
Date the marriage is legally dissolved
Complete property division awards
Debt allocation orders
Spousal maintenance orders
Child custody, parenting time, and support orders
Name restoration order, if requested
Judge's signature, date, and court seal

Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO):

Separate order dividing retirement plan benefits
Instructions to plan administrator
Benefit allocation between parties

Post-Judgment Documents (If Applicable)

Petitions to modify custody, parenting time, or support
Court orders on modification petitions
Contempt motions and orders for non-compliance
Income deduction orders for support enforcement
Liens filed against property for unpaid support

What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed

Social Security numbers (redacted from all public documents)
Financial account numbers (redacted)
Children's residential addresses and school information
Domestic violence allegations and evidence (may be sealed)
Mental health evaluation reports (restricted access)
Substance abuse treatment records
Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
Settlement negotiation correspondence (not filed with the court)

How Information Is Organized

Case files are organized chronologically by filing date, with each document assigned a sequential entry number reflected in the case docket. The docket serves as the index to all filed documents. Cases filed electronically are maintained in the court's case management system; older paper files may be partially or fully digitized.

How to Get Proof of Divorce in DeKalb County?

Proof of divorce in DeKalb County is obtained through a certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution of marriage or through an official divorce certificate issued by the Indiana Department of Health. The appropriate document depends on the purpose for which proof is required.

Certified Copy of Final Decree (Court Record):

A certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution of marriage is the most comprehensive form of proof and is accepted for legal, property, and government purposes. Members of the public may obtain a certified copy through the following methods:

In person: Visit the DeKalb County Clerk of Courts at 100 S Main St, Auburn, IN 46706, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Provide the case number or names of both parties and pay the applicable certification fee.
By mail: Submit a written request to the Clerk of Courts at the address above, including party names, approximate filing date, case number if known, and payment by check or money order.
Online: Case information may be located through MyCase Indiana Courts Case Search; certified copies must be obtained directly from the Clerk's office.

Divorce Certificate (State Vital Records):

The Indiana Department of Health Division of Vital Records issues certified divorce certificates for dissolutions finalized in Indiana. A divorce certificate provides summary information including the names of the parties, the county of filing, and the date of dissolution. This document is accepted for many administrative purposes, including name changes with the Social Security Administration and Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

DeKalb County Clerk of Courts
100 S Main St
Auburn, IN 46706
Phone: (260) 925-0912
DeKalb County Courts – Indiana Judicial Branch

Indiana Department of Health – Vital Records
2 N Meridian St
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (317) 233-2700
Indiana Vital Records

As stated by the Indiana Judicial Branch, members of the public seeking court records should be aware that "[h]ow to request public records" procedures vary by record type, and that criminal history, arrest, and police records are maintained by law enforcement agencies rather than courts, as described in the Indiana Judicial Branch public records guidance.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential in DeKalb County?

A divorce proceeding in DeKalb County may be partially or fully confidential under limited circumstances established by Indiana court rules and statute. The presumption under Indiana law favors public access to court records; however, courts retain authority to restrict access upon a proper showing.

Circumstances Under Which Records May Be Confidential:

Domestic violence cases: Records containing the address or identifying information of a domestic violence victim may be sealed or redacted to protect the safety of the victim, pursuant to Indiana's address confidentiality program.
Sealed financial records: Tax returns, detailed financial statements, and account information filed as exhibits may be placed under restricted access by court order.
Children's records: Custody evaluation reports, guardian ad litem reports, and records identifying the residential address or school of a minor child are subject to restricted access under the Indiana Access to Court Records Rules.
Mental health and medical records: Records pertaining to a party's mental health treatment or medical condition submitted as exhibits may be sealed.
Mediation communications: All communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and are not filed with the court or accessible to the public.
Court-ordered sealing: Any party may petition the court to seal all or part of the case file upon a demonstrated showing of good cause. The court weighs the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests at stake.

Members of the public seeking access to a sealed divorce case file must file a motion with the DeKalb Superior or Circuit Court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for access.

How Long Does DeKalb County Keep Divorce Records?

DeKalb County maintains dissolution of marriage records in accordance with Indiana court record retention schedules established by the Indiana Supreme Court. Divorce records are among the most permanently retained categories of court records in Indiana.

Retention Periods:

Final judgments of dissolution of marriage: Retained permanently. The final decree and judgment are never destroyed and remain part of the permanent court record.
Complete case files (active and closed): Retained for a minimum of 10 years following the close of the case for most civil family law matters; permanent retention applies to final orders.
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; retention periods for supporting documents may differ from those applicable to final orders.
Electronic records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in the court's case management system and are subject to the same retention schedules as paper records.
Archived paper records: Older case files may be transferred to off-site storage but remain retrievable upon request to the Clerk of Courts.

Indiana court record retention schedules are established pursuant to rules adopted by the Indiana Supreme Court. Members of the public seeking records from cases closed many years ago should contact the DeKalb County Clerk of Courts directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures.