Marathon County Divorce Records
What Are Marathon County Divorce Records?
Marathon County divorce records are official legal documents maintained by the county court system that document the dissolution of marriage between two individuals. These records are created and maintained pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 767.35, which governs divorce proceedings in the state. Divorce records typically consist of multiple documents filed throughout the divorce process, from the initial petition to the final judgment.
Marathon County divorce records serve several important purposes:
- Legal proof of marital status change
- Documentation required for remarriage
- Evidence for name change processes
- Verification for Social Security benefits
- Supporting documentation for loan applications
- Required evidence for immigration matters
- Historical and genealogical research
The Marathon County Circuit Court, as part of Wisconsin's 9th Judicial District, maintains these records in accordance with state law. Divorce proceedings in Marathon County are handled by the Family Court Commissioner's office, which operates under the authority of the Circuit Court.
Marathon County Circuit Court
500 Forest Street
Wausau, WI 54403
715-261-1300
Marathon County Circuit Court
Are Marathon County Divorce Records Public?
Marathon County divorce records have a complex public access status that varies by document type and information contained therein. Generally, court divorce case files are considered public records under the Wisconsin Public Records Law, but with significant exceptions.
Court divorce case files typically accessible to the public include:
- Petitions for divorce
- Financial disclosure statements (with certain redactions)
- Court orders and judgments
- Hearing notices and schedules
- Final divorce decrees
However, certain components of divorce records may be restricted from public access:
- Records containing sensitive personal information as defined by Wisconsin Statute § 801.19, including Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and driver's license numbers
- Records sealed by court order due to safety concerns or other compelling reasons
- Records pertaining to minor children
- Records containing health information protected under HIPAA
- Records containing information about victims of domestic abuse
Certified divorce certificates, which are maintained by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Vital Records Office, have more restricted access. Pursuant to state regulations, these certificates are available only to:
- The individuals named in the record
- Immediate family members
- Legal representatives of the named parties
- Individuals with a direct and tangible interest in the record
The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) website provides public access to basic case information, including divorce cases, though sensitive information is redacted in accordance with state law.
How To Find a Divorce Record In Marathon County in 2026
Members of the public seeking divorce records in Marathon County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The appropriate method depends on the type of record needed and the requester's relationship to the case.
For court divorce case files:
-
Visit the Marathon County Clerk of Circuit Court office in person during regular business hours:
Marathon County Clerk of Circuit Court
500 Forest Street
Wausau, WI 54403
715-261-1300
Marathon County Clerk of Circuit Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM -
Submit a written request to the Clerk of Circuit Court office, including:
- Full names of both parties to the divorce
- Approximate date of divorce filing or finalization
- Case number (if known)
- Requester's contact information
- Specific documents requested
-
Access basic case information online through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access portal, which provides:
- Case numbers
- Party names
- Filing dates
- Hearing dates
- Case status
- Basic judgment information
For certified divorce certificates:
-
Apply through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Vital Records Office, which maintains official divorce certificates for the entire state.
-
Submit an application with required identification and the appropriate fee:
- $20 for the first copy
- $3 for each additional copy ordered at the same time
-
Applications may be submitted:
- Online through the Wisconsin Vital Records Office website
- By mail to the state office
- In person at the state office or local Register of Deeds office
Wisconsin Vital Records Office
1 West Wilson Street, Room 158
Madison, WI 53703
608-266-1373
Wisconsin Vital Records
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Marathon County Online?
Marathon County residents and other interested parties may access certain divorce record information through online resources. The primary online resource for divorce records in Marathon County is the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) system, commonly known as CCAP.
To search for divorce records online:
- Visit the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access website
- Select "Marathon County" from the county dropdown menu
- Enter search criteria in at least one of the following fields:
- Party name (last name, first name)
- Business name
- Case number (if known)
- For divorce cases specifically, select "Family" under case types
- Review the search results, which will display:
- Case number
- Filing date
- Case type
- Party names
- Current status
- Judgment information
Important limitations of online divorce record searches include:
- Detailed documents such as petitions, financial disclosures, and full judgments are not available online
- Cases filed before 2000 may have limited information available
- Certain sensitive information is automatically redacted
- Cases sealed by court order will not appear in search results
- Certified copies cannot be obtained online
For comprehensive divorce records or certified copies, requesters must contact the Marathon County Clerk of Circuit Court office directly or the Wisconsin Vital Records Office as described in the previous section.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services also maintains a Vital Records Request System that allows eligible individuals to order certified divorce certificates online, though identity verification is required.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Marathon County?
Members of the public seeking no-cost access to Marathon County divorce records have several options available, though these methods may provide limited information compared to paid requests.
Free methods to access divorce records include:
-
Using the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access website, which provides:
- Basic case information at no charge
- Party names and case numbers
- Filing and judgment dates
- Case status information
- Judge or court commissioner assigned
- Scheduled hearing dates
-
Visiting the Marathon County Law Library, located within the courthouse:
Marathon County Law Library
500 Forest Street, Room B-04
Wausau, WI 54403
715-261-1229
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM -
Conducting in-person research at the Marathon County Clerk of Circuit Court office:
- Public access terminals are available for searching case information
- Staff can assist with locating case numbers and basic information
- Viewing documents in person is free, though printing fees apply
Important limitations of free access methods:
- Online access through WCCA does not include document images or full text
- In-person research requires travel to the courthouse during business hours
- Staff assistance may be limited based on office workload
- Certified copies always require payment of statutory fees
- Extensive research may require paid copies for detailed information
While basic information is available at no cost, fees apply for:
- Photocopies of documents ($1.25 per page)
- Certified copies of court documents ($5.00 plus $1.25 per page)
- Certified divorce certificates from Vital Records ($20.00 for first copy)
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Marathon County
Marathon County divorce records comprise a comprehensive collection of documents that chronicle the entire divorce proceeding from initiation to conclusion. These records contain detailed information about the parties involved and the court's determinations regarding the dissolution of marriage.
Court divorce case files typically include:
- Petition for Divorce or Legal Separation - The initial filing that states grounds for divorce and requested relief
- Summons - Official notice to the respondent about the divorce action
- Financial Disclosure Statements - Detailed information about assets, debts, income, and expenses
- Marital Settlement Agreements - Negotiated terms for property division, support, and child custody
- Temporary Orders - Court directives regarding support, residence, and other matters during proceedings
- Guardian ad Litem Reports - When appointed in cases involving children
- Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law - The court's determinations on relevant issues
- Judgment of Divorce - Final court order dissolving the marriage and establishing terms
Certified divorce certificates, available through the Wisconsin Vital Records Office, contain more limited information:
- Full names of both parties
- Date and county of divorce
- Case number
- Date of marriage
- County where marriage occurred
Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 767.36, divorce judgments specifically address:
- Legal termination of the marriage
- Maintenance awards (if applicable)
- Child support determinations
- Legal custody and physical placement of minor children
- Property division
- Allocation of debts and liabilities
- Restoration of former name (if requested)
Certain sensitive information is redacted from public versions of these records in accordance with Wisconsin court rules, including Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and certain information about minor children.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Marathon County?
Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in Marathon County have two primary options, depending on the level of detail and certification needed for their specific purpose.
For a certified divorce certificate (basic proof of divorce):
-
Apply to the Wisconsin Vital Records Office using their online ordering system
-
Submit the required application with:
- Full names of both parties to the divorce
- Date of divorce (approximate if exact date unknown)
- County where divorce occurred (Marathon County)
- Applicant's relationship to the named parties
- Valid identification
- Payment of required fee ($20 for first copy, $3 for additional copies)
-
Applications may also be submitted:
- By mail to the state Vital Records Office
- In person at the state office in Madison
- Through the Marathon County Register of Deeds office:
Marathon County Register of Deeds
500 Forest Street
Wausau, WI 54403
715-261-1470
Marathon County Register of Deeds
For certified copies of the divorce judgment or other court documents:
-
Contact the Marathon County Clerk of Circuit Court office with:
- Case number (if known)
- Names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Specific documents needed
-
Submit the request:
- In person at the courthouse
- By mail with a self-addressed stamped envelope
- By fax or email (for certain documents)
-
Pay the required fees:
- $5.00 certification fee per document
- $1.25 per page copying fee
- Additional fees may apply for extensive searches
Acceptable forms of identification for either method include:
- Valid driver's license or state ID
- U.S. or foreign passport
- Tribal ID card
- Military ID card
- Permanent resident card
Processing times vary based on request method:
- In-person requests may be fulfilled the same day
- Mail requests typically take 5-10 business days
- Online requests through Vital Records take approximately 3-5 business days plus mailing time
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Marathon County?
While divorce proceedings in Marathon County are generally matters of public record, Wisconsin law provides several mechanisms through which certain aspects of divorce cases may be kept confidential under specific circumstances.
Confidentiality provisions in divorce cases may include:
-
Sealing of records by court order - Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 801.21, a court may seal records upon finding compelling reasons that outweigh the public interest in access. Grounds may include:
- Protection from identity theft
- Personal safety concerns
- Prevention of harassment
- Protection of business information
- Safeguarding minor children
-
Automatic protection of sensitive information - Wisconsin court rules require redaction of:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- Passport numbers
- Minor children's names (in certain contexts)
-
Confidential financial disclosure - Financial information filed with the court is protected from casual inspection, though it remains part of the court record accessible to parties with legitimate interest.
-
Domestic abuse considerations - When domestic violence is involved, additional protections may be implemented:
- Address confidentiality for victims
- Sealed affidavits regarding abuse
- Confidential placement arrangements
-
Alternative dispute resolution - Mediation sessions and communications remain confidential even when the final agreement becomes part of the public record.
To request confidentiality in a divorce proceeding, parties must:
- File a motion with the court specifically identifying information to be sealed
- Demonstrate compelling reasons that outweigh the presumption of public access
- Obtain a court order specifically addressing confidentiality provisions
It is important to note that complete confidentiality of an entire divorce case is extremely rare in Marathon County. Even when certain documents are sealed, basic case information typically remains accessible through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access system.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Marathon County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Marathon County varies significantly based on multiple factors, including case complexity, level of agreement between parties, and court scheduling. Wisconsin law establishes certain minimum timeframes, but the actual process often extends beyond these statutory minimums.
Key timeframes in Marathon County divorce proceedings:
-
Mandatory waiting period - Wisconsin law imposes a 120-day waiting period from service of the initial petition to the final hearing date, pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 767.335
-
Uncontested divorces with complete agreement - Typically finalized in 4-6 months from filing, including:
- 120-day statutory waiting period
- Document preparation time
- Court scheduling (approximately 30-60 days)
-
Contested divorces requiring negotiation - Generally take 6-12 months, involving:
- Discovery process (2-4 months)
- Settlement negotiations
- Temporary orders hearings
- Final hearing scheduling
-
Complex contested divorces - May extend 12-24 months or longer, particularly with:
- Substantial assets requiring valuation
- Business ownership interests
- Child custody disputes
- Expert witness involvement
- Multiple motion hearings
Factors that may extend the timeline include:
- Court congestion and scheduling availability
- Attorney scheduling conflicts
- Incomplete financial disclosures requiring additional discovery
- Disputes requiring guardian ad litem appointment for children
- Requests for psychological evaluations
- Property appraisals and business valuations
- Settlement negotiations and mediation attempts
According to the Wisconsin Court System's statistical reports, the average time from filing to disposition for divorce cases in Marathon County is approximately 7.5 months, though individual cases may vary significantly from this average based on the factors listed above.
How Long Does Marathon County Keep Divorce Records?
Marathon County maintains divorce records in accordance with Wisconsin Supreme Court Rule 72, which establishes retention schedules for court records throughout the state. These retention periods vary based on the type of document and its significance within the case file.
Retention periods for divorce records in Marathon County:
- Case files with judgments - Maintained for 30 years after entry of final judgment
- Financial disclosure statements - Retained for 1 year after entry of judgment, then destroyed
- Exhibits - Returned to parties or destroyed 1 year after entry of judgment, unless specifically ordered retained
- Audiovisual recordings of proceedings - Maintained for 10 years, then destroyed
- Stenographic notes and transcripts - Retained for 10 years after entry of judgment
- Index books and case management records - Maintained permanently
After the court retention period expires:
- Paper records may be transferred to microfilm or digital format
- Original paper documents may be destroyed after conversion to approved electronic format
- Basic case information remains permanently available through court indices
The Wisconsin Historical Society may select certain cases of historical significance for permanent preservation in the state archives, particularly those involving:
- Precedent-setting legal issues
- Prominent individuals
- Cases of significant public interest
- Matters of historical importance to the county or state
Certified divorce certificates maintained by the Wisconsin Vital Records Office are retained permanently as essential vital records of the state. These certificates remain available regardless of the age of the divorce, though older records may require additional processing time.
Individuals seeking divorce records older than 30 years may need to contact:
Wisconsin Historical Society
816 State Street
Madison, WI 53706
608-264-6535
Wisconsin Historical Society
How To Get a Divorce In Marathon County
Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Marathon County must follow Wisconsin's established legal process for divorce. The procedure involves multiple steps and adherence to statutory requirements.
To initiate a divorce in Marathon County:
-
Establish residency eligibility:
- At least one spouse must have been a Wisconsin resident for at least 6 months
- At least one spouse must have been a Marathon County resident for at least 30 days
- These requirements are established by Wisconsin Statute § 767.301
-
Prepare and file initial documents with the Marathon County Clerk of Circuit Court:
- Summons and Petition for Divorce
- Confidential Petition Addendum
- Filing fee payment ($184.50 for divorce without minor children, $194.50 with minor children)
-
Serve documents on the other spouse:
- Personal service by sheriff or process server
- Alternatively, the spouse may sign an Admission of Service
- Service must be completed within 90 days of filing
-
Complete mandatory financial disclosure:
- File Financial Disclosure Statement within 90 days of case filing
- Exchange supporting documentation with the other party
-
Address temporary matters if necessary:
- File Order to Show Cause for temporary orders regarding support, placement, or use of property
- Attend temporary orders hearing before Family Court Commissioner
-
Participate in mediation if minor children are involved:
- Attend mandatory mediation session regarding custody and placement
- Work with court-appointed mediator to develop parenting plan
-
Negotiate settlement or prepare for trial:
- Attempt to reach agreement on all issues
- If agreement is reached, prepare Marital Settlement Agreement
- If no agreement, prepare for contested final hearing
-
Attend final hearing:
- After 120-day waiting period has elapsed
- Present testimony and evidence
- Receive court's judgment and orders
-
Implement divorce judgment:
- Execute property transfers as ordered
- Implement support and placement arrangements
- Update estate planning documents
Resources available to assist with the divorce process include:
Marathon County Family Court Services
500 Forest Street, Room 103
Wausau, WI 54403
715-261-1230
Marathon County Family Court Services
Wisconsin Court System Self-Help Center
Wisconsin Court System Forms
How To Get Divorce Papers In Marathon County
Individuals seeking to initiate divorce proceedings in Marathon County have several options for obtaining the necessary legal forms and documents. These resources ensure access to proper documentation regardless of whether parties have legal representation.
Methods to obtain divorce papers in Marathon County:
-
Access forms through the Wisconsin Court System website:
- Visit the Wisconsin Court System Forms page
- Select "Family" category
- Download fillable PDF forms for divorce with or without children
- Forms include detailed instructions for completion
-
Visit the Marathon County Law Library:
Marathon County Law Library
500 Forest Street, Room B-04
Wausau, WI 54403
715-261-1229
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM- Access public computer terminals with form templates
- Obtain printed form packets (fees may apply)
- Receive assistance locating appropriate forms
-
Request forms from the Marathon County Clerk of Circuit Court:
Marathon County Clerk of Circuit Court
500 Forest Street
Wausau, WI 54403
715-261-1300
Marathon County Clerk of Circuit Court- Basic divorce form packets available for a nominal fee
- Staff can identify required forms but cannot provide legal advice
- Forms may be requested in person or by mail
-
Consult with Marathon County Family Court Services:
Marathon County Family Court Services
500 Forest Street, Room 103
Wausau, WI 54403
715-261-1230
Marathon County Family Court Services- Information on required forms for cases involving children
- Guidance on parenting plan documentation
- Resources for mediation and co-parenting education
-
Seek assistance from Wisconsin Judicare (for income-eligible individuals):
Wisconsin Judicare
401 Fifth Street, Suite 200
Wausau, WI 54403
715-842-1681
Wisconsin Judicare- Legal assistance for qualifying low-income residents
- Help with form completion and filing
- Possible representation in contested matters
Essential divorce forms typically include:
- Summons and Petition for Divorce
- Confidential Petition Addendum
- Financial Disclosure Statement
- Proposed Parenting Plan (if children involved)
- Marital Settlement Agreement
- Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Judgment
All forms must be completed accurately with required information and filed with appropriate filing fees to initiate the divorce process.