Scott County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Scott County in 2026
ScottINRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Scott County, Indiana. Members of the public may find case summaries, final decrees, docket entries, and related court documents through official channels. Available record categories include dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, property division orders, custody arrangements, and support orders. Access and completeness may vary depending on the age of the case and applicable confidentiality provisions.
Records may be searched through official resources including the Scott County Clerk of Courts, the Indiana Courts' statewide online portal, public access terminals at the courthouse, and the Indiana State Department of Health's vital records division.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Scott County Clerk of Courts maintains an index of all dissolution of marriage cases filed in the county. Members of the public may search basic case information at no charge through the Indiana Courts' statewide case search system. Copies of individual documents may require payment of a per-page fee.
2. State Court System Portal
The Indiana Courts case search portal allows members of the public to search court records across all Indiana counties from a single interface. The portal provides docket entries, case status, party names, and hearing dates. 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 a separate divorce certificate through the vital records system in the same manner as birth or death certificates; however, the Indiana State Department of Health maintains a Divorce Index that may be used to verify that a dissolution occurred. The index provides limited information and is not a substitute for a certified copy of the final decree obtained from the Clerk of Courts.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Scott County:
Scott County Clerk of Courts
1 East McClain Avenue, Suite 130
Scottsburg, IN 47170
Phone: (812) 752-8420
Scott County Courts — Indiana Judicial Branch
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Services available in person include searching case files, viewing documents, requesting certified copies, using public access terminals, and receiving staff assistance with locating records.
Records Department:
Older and archived dissolution cases may be stored separately from active files. Members of the public seeking records from cases filed prior to the court's electronic filing transition should inquire directly with the Clerk's office regarding retrieval timelines for archived materials.
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Scott County Clerk of Courts, 1 East McClain Avenue, Suite 130, Scottsburg, IN 47170
- Include the full names of both parties, the approximate date of the divorce, the case number if known, the requester's contact information, the purpose of the request if required, payment for copies, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- Processing time: Requests are processed within approximately one to two weeks, though archived cases may require additional time.
By Phone
Limited Information:
- Clerk of Court: (812) 752-8420
- Staff may confirm whether a case exists, provide the case number, confirm case status, and provide the filing date.
- Staff cannot provide detailed document contents, copies of filed documents, or any information subject to confidentiality restrictions over the telephone.
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Indiana may access dissolution case files on behalf of a client, request documents from sealed or restricted portions of a file upon a proper showing, and assist with complex searches involving multiple counties or older records. The Indiana State Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for members of the public seeking legal representation.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of the divorce
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of the marriage
- Prior addresses of either party
- 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 dissolution was filed.
Indiana's residency requirement, codified at Ind. Code § 31-15-2-6, requires that one spouse 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.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Newly finalized cases may not appear in the online system immediately following the final hearing.
- Members of the public should allow several business days to several weeks for processing after the final decree is entered.
Older Divorces:
- Cases predating electronic filing may be stored in paper archives and may not be digitized.
- Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time and a specific written request.
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 (812) 752-8420
- Attempt alternate name spellings
- Search under both spouses' names
- Check the Indiana State Department of Health Divorce Index
- Engage a professional records search service
- Consult a licensed Indiana attorney
What Are Scott County Divorce Records?
Scott County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Scott County Circuit or Superior Court. These records are maintained by the Scott County Clerk of Courts as part of the court's permanent family law case files and constitute public records subject to the provisions of the Indiana Access to Public Records Act.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files include the petition for dissolution of marriage, the respondent's answer or counterpetition, financial affidavits submitted by both parties, proposed and final parenting plans, marital settlement agreements, all motions and corresponding orders, transcripts of court hearings, and the final judgment of dissolution.
The Final Decree is the official court order that legally terminates the marriage. It establishes the date of dissolution, the division of marital property and debts, any spousal support obligations, child custody and parenting time arrangements, child support orders, and any court-approved name changes. Certified copies of the final decree are available from the Clerk of Courts upon payment of the applicable fee.
Supporting Documents filed in the case may include the original marriage certificate, financial disclosure statements, property inventories and appraisals, detailed parenting plan attachments, and any post-judgment modification orders entered after the original decree.
Purpose of Divorce Records:
- Legal proof of marital status for remarriage
- Documentation for name change proceedings
- Property transfer and title purposes
- Estate planning and beneficiary designations
- Immigration and naturalization proceedings
- Social Security benefit determinations
- Genealogical and family history research
- Personal verification of divorce terms
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
The Scott County Clerk of Courts serves as the primary custodian of all dissolution of marriage case files, maintains the official index of cases by party name, and provides certified copies upon request. The Indiana State Department of Health maintains a supplemental Divorce Index for statistical and verification purposes, though the index contains limited information compared to the full court file.
Legal Framework:
Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Indiana are governed by Ind. 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 Public Records Act and the Indiana Supreme Court's administrative rules regarding court record access.
Are Scott County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Scott County are public court records subject to the presumption of openness established under Indiana law. Members of the public, researchers, and media organizations may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need or purpose.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of the parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Scheduled court hearing dates and times
- Court orders and judgments
- The final divorce decree
- Property division orders
- General case status
- Docket entries reflecting the chronological history of the case
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers are redacted from all publicly accessible documents pursuant to Indiana court rules
- Bank account numbers and credit card numbers are redacted
- Detailed financial statements and tax returns may be subject to limited access upon court order
Children's Information:
- Addresses where minor children reside
- Schools children attend
- Medical and psychological information concerning children
- Child custody evaluations may be sealed
- 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 dissolution 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 court record.
Who Can Access Records:
- General Public: May access most case information, view docket summaries, and obtain copies of public documents upon payment of applicable fees. Photo identification may be required at the courthouse.
- 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 materials upon a proper showing.
- Researchers and Media: May access public portions of case files; access to sealed records requires a court order and a demonstration of legitimate need.
Prohibited Uses:
- Stalking, harassment, or intimidation of any party
- Identity theft or fraudulent purposes
- Violation of any existing protective order
- Any use prohibited by applicable state or federal law
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Scott County?
The Scott County Clerk of Courts charges fees for copies and certified copies of dissolution of marriage records in accordance with the fee schedule established under Indiana law. Members of the public should confirm current fees directly with the Clerk's office, as fee schedules are subject to periodic revision.
Standard Fee Schedule:
| Service | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copies | $1.00 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree | $1.00 per page + certification fee |
| Certification fee | $5.00 per document |
| Electronic copies (if available) | Varies |
| Search fee | No separate search fee at the courthouse |
- Fees for copies of court records in Indiana are governed by Ind. Code § 33-37-5-2, which establishes the permissible charges for clerk services.
- Accepted payment methods at the Scott County Clerk's office include cash, check, and money order. Members of the public should confirm whether credit or debit card payments are accepted prior to visiting.
- Fee waivers may be available for indigent parties upon application to the court; members of the public seeking a waiver should inquire with the Clerk's office regarding the applicable procedure.
- Basic case information, including docket entries and case status, is available at no charge through the Indiana Courts case search portal.
- Inspection of a physical case file at the courthouse public access terminal does not require payment of a copy fee unless the requester wishes to obtain paper or certified copies.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Scott County
A complete dissolution of marriage case file maintained by the Scott County Clerk of Courts contains documents generated at every stage of the proceeding, from initial filing through final judgment and any post-judgment proceedings.
Basic Case Information:
- Case number, court name, and division
- Names of the petitioner and respondent
- Name of the assigned judge
- Names and contact information of attorneys of record
- Date of filing and case type designation
Initial Pleadings:
The Petition for Dissolution of Marriage identifies both parties, states the date and location of the marriage, provides the date of separation if applicable, asserts the grounds for dissolution (Indiana is a no-fault state, requiring only a showing of irretrievable breakdown of the marriage), identifies any minor children, and sets forth the relief requested including property division, support, and custody.
The Response or Answer filed by the respondent states that party's position, admissions or denials of the petition's allegations, and any counterpetition for relief.
Financial Affidavits submitted by both parties disclose income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets including real property, vehicles, bank and investment accounts, and retirement accounts, and all liabilities including mortgages, loans, and credit card debt.
Discovery Documents may include interrogatories and answers under oath, requests for production of financial records, tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, investment and retirement account statements, and business financial records where applicable.
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory with descriptions and estimated values
- Debt inventory covering all joint and individual obligations
- Real property appraisals
- Business valuations
- Personal property appraisals and expert reports
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
The Parenting Plan establishes legal custody (decision-making authority), physical custody and primary residence, the regular parenting time schedule, holiday and vacation schedules, transportation arrangements, and provisions governing relocation, education, healthcare, and extracurricular activities.
Child Support documentation includes the Indiana Child Support Guideline calculation worksheet, income information for both parties, the number of overnights with each parent, health insurance and childcare costs, the support amount ordered, and the payment method and schedule.
Custody evaluations, home studies, and guardian ad litem reports, where ordered by the court, are part of the case file but may be subject to restricted access.
Settlement Documents:
The Marital Settlement Agreement is a comprehensive written agreement resolving all contested issues, including the division of all marital assets and debts, spousal support terms, child-related provisions, tax treatment of transfers, and attorney fee allocations. The agreement is incorporated into and merged with the final decree upon court approval.
Court Orders and Judgments:
Temporary orders entered during the pendency of the case may address temporary custody, temporary support, temporary use of the marital home, and any restraining orders or injunctions.
The Final Judgment of Dissolution is the court's definitive order terminating the marriage. It contains findings of fact, conclusions of law, the date of dissolution, all property division determinations, spousal support orders, child custody and parenting time provisions, child support orders, and any approved name restoration. The judgment bears the judge's signature and the court's official seal.
A Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) is entered as a separate order when retirement plan benefits are divided, directing the plan administrator to distribute a portion of the benefits to the non-employee spouse.
Post-Judgment Documents (if applicable):
- Petitions to modify custody or support and corresponding orders
- Contempt motions and enforcement proceedings
- 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)
- Bank account and financial account numbers (redacted)
- Addresses and schools of minor children
- Domestic violence details where a sealing order has been entered
- Mental health evaluations and substance abuse records
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
- Settlement negotiations not reduced to a filed agreement
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Scott County?
Proof of divorce in Scott County is obtained by requesting a certified copy of the Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage from the Scott County Clerk of Courts. A certified copy bears the court's official seal and the clerk's certification, making it legally acceptable for remarriage, name change, immigration, Social Security, and other official purposes.
Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy:
- Identify the case by searching the Indiana Courts case search portal using the names of both parties and the approximate year of the divorce to obtain the case number.
- Contact or visit the Scott County Clerk of Courts at 1 East McClain Avenue, Suite 130, Scottsburg, IN 47170, or call (812) 752-8420 to confirm the record is available and to determine the current fee.
- Submit a written request in person, by mail, or as directed by the Clerk's office, including the case number, names of both parties, the date of the divorce, the requester's name and contact information, and payment of the applicable fee.
- Allow processing time of approximately one to two weeks for mail requests; in-person requests may be fulfilled the same day depending on staff availability and whether the file must be retrieved from archives.
Scott County Clerk of Courts
1 East McClain Avenue, Suite 130
Scottsburg, IN 47170
Phone: (812) 752-8420
Scott County Courts — Indiana Judicial Branch
Members of the public who are uncertain whether a divorce was finalized may also consult the Indiana State Department of Health's Divorce Index as a preliminary verification step before requesting a certified copy from the court.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Scott County?
Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Scott County are presumptively public, but Indiana law and court rules permit the sealing of specific documents or entire case files under defined circumstances.
- A court may seal all or part of a dissolution case file upon a finding of good cause, which requires a balancing of the public's interest in open court proceedings against the privacy interests of the parties or the protection of minor children.
- Documents containing domestic violence allegations, evidence of abuse, or information that could endanger a party or child are subject to sealing upon motion and court order.
- Mental health evaluations, psychological assessments, and substance abuse treatment records submitted as exhibits may be restricted from public access.
- Guardian ad litem reports and child custody evaluation reports are subject to restricted access under Indiana court rules and are not available to the general public without a court order.
- Mediation communications are confidential under Indiana law and are not filed with the court or made part of the public record.
- Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and similar sensitive identifiers are redacted from all publicly accessible documents pursuant to Indiana Supreme Court administrative rules.
- A party seeking to seal records must file a motion with the court, provide notice to the opposing party, and demonstrate a specific legal basis for confidentiality. The court rules on such motions on a case-by-case basis.
- The Indiana Access to Public Records Act governs the framework for balancing transparency and privacy in court records.
How Long Does Scott County Keep Divorce Records?
Scott County maintains dissolution of marriage records in accordance with the retention schedules established by the Indiana Commission on Public Records and applicable Indiana Supreme Court administrative rules.
- Final judgments of dissolution and the complete case files associated with them are classified as permanent records and are retained indefinitely by the Scott County Clerk of Courts.
- Docket entries and case indexes are also maintained as permanent records and do not expire or become unavailable over time.
- Temporary orders, interlocutory motions, and other non-final documents within a case file are retained as part of the permanent case file for the duration of the file's retention period.
- Post-judgment modification proceedings and enforcement actions generate separate or supplemental case entries that are likewise retained as part of the permanent record.
- Paper records from older cases that predate electronic filing may be stored in off-site archives; retrieval of such records may require additional processing time.
- The Indiana Commission on Public Records establishes retention schedules for county court records under the authority of Indiana law, and the Indiana Judicial Branch provides guidance to clerks regarding compliance with those schedules.
- Members of the public seeking records from cases filed many decades ago should contact the Scott County Clerk of Courts directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures for archived materials.
- There is no statutory expiration date after which a dissolution of marriage record becomes unavailable to the public, provided the record has not been sealed by court order.