Knox County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Knox County in 2026
KnoxINRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Knox County, Indiana. Members of the public may find case numbers, party names, filing dates, final decrees, and related court documents through official channels. The following record categories may be available depending on the case:
- Dissolution of marriage petitions
- Final divorce decrees and judgments
- Property division orders
- Child custody and support orders
- Post-judgment modification records
Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking divorce records in Knox County.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Clerk of the Courts – Knox County administers official court records for all trial court cases with jurisdiction in Knox County and prepares the permanent historical records for the county. This is the most common method for locating divorce case information. Basic case information is available at no charge; fees apply for obtaining copies of documents.
2. State Court System Portal
The Indiana Supreme Court maintains MyCase: Indiana Courts Case Search, a statewide public access portal that allows members of the public to search court records across jurisdictions. The portal provides a consolidated database of case 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 issue divorce certificates through the state vital records office in the same manner as birth or death certificates. The Indiana Judicial Branch provides guidance on how to request public records, including marriage and divorce records, and directs requesters to the appropriate court of jurisdiction.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court – Knox County:
Knox County Clerk of the Courts
111 N. 7th Street
Vincennes, IN 47591
Phone: (812) 885-2521
Clerk of the Courts – Knox County
- 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 and orders
- Staff assistance for locating records
Records Department:
The Clerk's office maintains both current and historical divorce case files. Archived cases, including those predating electronic filing, may require additional retrieval time. Certified copy requests for older records are accepted at the same office location.
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Knox County Clerk of the Courts, 111 N. 7th Street, Vincennes, IN 47591
- Include the following with each request:
- Full names of both parties (including maiden names if applicable)
- Approximate date of divorce
- 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 Available:
- Clerk of Court: (812) 885-2521
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number
- Case status
- Filing date
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents by phone
- Copies of 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 records upon a showing of good cause. The Indiana State Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for members of the public seeking legal representation in complex records matters.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or filing
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses in Knox County
- Names of children, if applicable
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Under Indiana law, a petition for dissolution of marriage is filed in the county where either spouse resides at the time of filing. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple counties. The county where the marriage ceremony occurred is not necessarily the county where the divorce was filed.
Residency Requirement:
Pursuant to 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 of the petition.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Records may not appear in online systems immediately following a final hearing
- Allow several business days to weeks for processing after the final order is entered
- Electronic filing has reduced processing time for more recent cases
Older Divorces:
- Cases predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format
- Digitization of older records varies; some files require manual retrieval
- Allow additional time when requesting records from archived storage
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- Record filed in a different county
- 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 by court order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Clerk's office directly at (812) 885-2521
- Attempt alternate name spellings
- Search under both spouses' names
- Review the Indiana Judicial Branch public records request guidance
- Submit a formal Public Records Request form if standard search methods are unsuccessful
What Are Knox County Divorce Records?
Knox County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Knox County Circuit or Superior Court. These records are maintained by the Knox County Clerk of the Courts as part of the permanent historical record of the county's judicial proceedings.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files contain the full set of documents filed throughout the proceeding, including:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Response or answer to the petition
- Financial affidavits submitted by both parties
- Parenting plans and child custody arrangements
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, orders, and hearing transcripts
- Final judgment of dissolution
Final Decree is the official court order that legally ends the marriage. It establishes the date of dissolution, division of marital property, spousal support terms if any, child custody and support arrangements if applicable, and any court-ordered name changes. Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Clerk of the Courts.
Supporting Documents filed in the case file may include financial disclosure statements, property inventories, appraisals, parenting plan details, and post-judgment modification orders.
Purpose of Divorce Records:
Divorce records serve a range of legal and personal purposes, including:
- Providing legal proof of marital status for remarriage
- Supporting name change documentation
- Facilitating property transfers and estate planning
- Documenting terms for Social Security benefit claims
- Supporting immigration proceedings
- Enabling genealogical and family history research
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
The Knox County Clerk of the Courts is the primary custodian of all divorce records filed in Knox County. The Clerk indexes records by party names, maintains complete case files, and provides certified copies upon request. The Indiana Judicial Branch Knox County courts page provides contact information and guidance for obtaining court documents.
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. Indiana operates under a no-fault dissolution standard, meaning that irretrievable breakdown of the marriage is the sole ground required. Public access to court records is governed by the Indiana Access to Public Records Act and the Indiana Rules on Access to Court Records.
Are Knox County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Knox County are public court records subject to the Indiana Access to Public Records Act and the Indiana Rules on Access to Court Records. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need or interest.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of parties (spouses) and attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and times
- 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 public filings
- Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
- Detailed tax returns may be subject to limited access
- Certain financial statements may be filed under seal
Children's Information:
- Addresses where minor children reside may be withheld
- Schools children attend are not disclosed in public records
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children may be sealed
- Child custody evaluations and guardian ad litem reports are subject to restricted access
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 may be withheld
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 by statute and are not part of the public record.
Who Can Access Records:
| Requester Type | Level of Access |
|---|---|
| General Public | Public documents, docket entries, final orders |
| Parties to the Case | Full access to own case file, including confidential documents |
| Attorneys of Record | Full case file access; may petition for sealed records |
| Researchers and Media | Public portions; court permission required for sealed records |
| Law Enforcement | Statutory access to restricted information |
Restrictions on Use:
Members of the public who obtain divorce records may not use them for stalking, harassment, identity theft, fraudulent purposes, or in violation of any protective order. News reporting, academic research, genealogical research, legal purposes, and personal verification are among the permitted uses of public divorce records.
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 evaluates such requests on a case-by-case basis, applying a balancing test between the public interest in transparency and the privacy interests of the parties and any minor children involved.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Knox County?
The Knox County Clerk of the Courts charges standard fees for copies and certified copies of divorce records. Current fees are established pursuant to Indiana Code § 33-37-5-1, which governs court fees and costs 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 |
| Electronic copies (where available) | Fees may vary; confirm with Clerk's office |
| Search fee | No separate search fee for in-person requests |
Additional Fee Information:
- Inspection of records at the courthouse is available at no charge
- Certification fees apply per document certified, not per page
- Accepted payment methods include cash, check, and money order payable to the Knox County Clerk; confirm current accepted methods directly with the office
- Fee waivers may be available for indigent parties upon application to the court
- Parties to the case may obtain copies of their own records subject to the same standard copy fees
What Is Available at No Cost:
- Viewing case docket entries online through MyCase
- In-person inspection of public case documents at the Clerk's office
- Basic case status information provided by phone
What's Included in Divorce Records in Knox County
A complete Knox 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 depends on whether the case was contested or uncontested and whether children or significant assets were involved.
Basic Case Information includes the case caption with case number, court name and division, names of petitioner and respondent, assigned judge, and attorneys of record. Filing information reflects the date filed, filing fees paid, case type, and jurisdictional basis.
Initial Pleadings form the foundation of the record. The Petition for Dissolution of Marriage sets forth the petitioner's information, the respondent's information, the date and location of the marriage, the date of separation if applicable, the grounds for dissolution (irretrievable breakdown under Indiana law), information regarding minor children, property claims, and relief requested. The Response or Answer reflects the respondent's position, admissions or denials, any counterpetition, and the respondent's requests for relief. Financial affidavits submitted by both parties disclose income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets including real property, vehicles, accounts, and investments, and all liabilities.
Discovery Documents may include financial disclosure materials such as tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, investment and retirement account statements, and business financial records. Interrogatories and requests for production of documents may also be part of the file.
Property-Related Documents include a marital asset inventory describing and valuing real property, vehicles, financial accounts, retirement accounts, business interests, and personal property. A corresponding debt inventory lists mortgages, car loans, credit card balances, and other obligations. Appraisals and expert valuations may be filed for real property, businesses, or significant personal property.
Children-Related Documents, where applicable, include the parenting plan establishing legal and physical custody, the timesharing schedule for regular, holiday, and summer periods, and the child support calculation worksheet reflecting income, overnights, health insurance costs, and childcare costs. Custody evaluations ordered by the court and guardian ad litem reports, where appointed, are part of the file but may be subject to restricted access.
Support Documents address alimony or spousal support, including the type, amount, duration, payment schedule, and termination conditions. Calculation worksheets reflecting the parties' incomes, standard of living during the marriage, and need and ability to pay are included where spousal support is at issue.
Settlement Documents include the Marital Settlement Agreement, which is a comprehensive written agreement resolving all issues including property division, debt allocation, spousal support, and child-related provisions. Mediation agreements, where the parties participated in mediation, may be incorporated into the settlement agreement, though mediation communications themselves are confidential.
Court Orders and Judgments include any temporary orders entered during the pendency of the case, the Final Judgment of Dissolution containing the court's findings of fact and conclusions of law, all property division and support orders, child custody and timesharing orders, and any Qualified Domestic Relations Order entered to divide retirement accounts.
Post-Judgment Documents, where applicable, include petitions to modify custody or support, court orders on modifications, contempt motions and orders, income deduction orders, and enforcement actions.
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted from all public filings)
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence details and supporting evidence (may be sealed)
- Mental health evaluations and substance abuse records
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
- Settlement negotiations not incorporated into filed documents
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Knox County
Proof of divorce in Knox County is obtained through a certified copy of the Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage issued by the Knox County Clerk of the Courts. A certified copy bears the official court seal and the Clerk's certification, making it legally recognized for purposes such as remarriage, name changes, Social Security claims, and immigration proceedings.
Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy:
- Identify the case. Locate 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. Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or as directed by the Clerk's office. Complete the Public Records Request form if submitting a formal written request.
- Provide identifying information. Include the full names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, and the case number if known.
- Pay applicable fees. Current fees are $1.00 per page plus a $5.00 certification fee per document.
- Receive the certified copy. In-person requests are fulfilled at the time of the visit subject to staff availability. Mail requests are processed within approximately 1–2 weeks.
Knox County Clerk of the Courts
111 N. 7th Street
Vincennes, IN 47591
Phone: (812) 885-2521
Clerk of the Courts – Knox County
The Indiana Judicial Branch guidance on how to request public records provides additional direction for members of the public seeking marriage or divorce records from Indiana courts.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Knox County?
A divorce proceeding in Knox County may be made confidential, in whole or in part, by court order upon a showing of good cause. Indiana courts apply a presumption of public access to court records; however, specific categories of information and certain case types are subject to confidentiality protections under Indiana law and court rules.
Records and information that may be confidential include:
- Domestic violence cases: Personal addresses, contact information, and evidence related to domestic violence allegations may be withheld from public access to protect the safety of victims.
- Children's information: The residential addresses, school information, and identifying details of minor children are subject to protection under Indiana's court access rules.
- Mental health and medical records: Records reflecting a party's mental health treatment, substance abuse treatment, or medical history filed in a divorce proceeding are restricted from public disclosure.
- Sealed case files: A court may seal an entire case file or specific documents upon motion by a party demonstrating that the privacy interest outweighs the public interest in access.
- Mediation records: Communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential by statute and are not filed with or accessible through the court record.
- Financial account numbers and Social Security numbers: These are redacted from all publicly accessible filings pursuant to Indiana court rules.
Members of the public seeking access to sealed or confidential records must file a motion with the Knox County court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for access. The court evaluates such requests individually.
How Long Does Knox County Keep Divorce Records?
Knox County divorce records are retained for extended periods consistent with Indiana's court records retention schedules. The retention period varies depending on the type of record and the nature of the case.
Retention periods for Knox County divorce records include:
- Final judgments and decrees: Retained permanently as part of the court's permanent historical record. The Knox County Clerk of the Courts is responsible for preparing and maintaining these permanent records.
- Complete case files (contested dissolution cases): Retained for a minimum of 10 years following the close of the case under Indiana court records retention schedules, with permanent retention for cases involving significant property or child-related orders.
- Uncontested dissolution case files: Retained for a minimum of 10 years following the close of the case.
- Post-judgment modification records: Retained as part of the original case file for the applicable retention period of the underlying case.
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in the court's electronic case management system and are subject to the same retention schedules as paper records.
- Archived paper records: Older cases predating electronic filing are maintained in physical storage and may require additional retrieval time.
Indiana court records retention schedules are established by the Indiana Commission on Public Records. Members of the public seeking records from cases that may have been archived should contact the Knox County Clerk's office directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures.