Records of divorce in Rock County, Wisconsin, are available through several channels. RockCourt.us allows you to quickly find publicly available information regarding divorce records. Additionally, you can contact the circuit court that issued the decision, the Rock County Clerk of Courts office, or the Wisconsin Vital Records Office. Each of these institutions maintains different types of documents, and the choice depends on what exactly you need.
Rock Divorce Records Search
In Rock County, divorce records are stored in two main institutions. The Clerk of Circuit Court maintains a complete court dossier: divorce decrees, property settlement agreements, child custody orders, and all related procedural documents. These materials are usually public, although certain documents—such as financial disclosures—may be sealed by the court.
The second source is the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), which through its Vital Records Office issues divorce certificates starting from October 1907. A certificate is a concise document confirming the fact of divorce without details of the court proceedings.
To search court cases online, use the Wisconsin Court System case search—it covers all circuit courts in the state, including the Rock County Circuit Court. Enter the last name of one of the parties, and the system will show open cases.
Main office for personal inquiries:
Rock County Clerk of Circuit Court
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Rock
In Wisconsin, divorce cases are handled by the circuit court—a court of general jurisdiction. Each lawsuit is filed in the circuit court of the county where one of the spouses resides. For residents of Rock County, this is the Rock County Circuit Court in Janesville.
Once the judge signs the final judgment of divorce, it remains in the dossier of the Clerk of Circuit Court. This is where you should go if you need a copy of the full court decision, property division agreement, or custody order. Rock County Legal Resources on the Wisconsin State Law Library website contain additional information and frequently asked questions about the divorce process.
If you only need a brief certificate confirming the fact of divorce (for example, for remarriage or changing documents), contact the Vital Records Office at DHS or the local Register of Deeds office.
- Full court dossier (decree, settlement, custody orders):
Rock County Clerk of Circuit Court
- Divorce certificate:
Wisconsin Vital Records Office
The certificate can also be ordered through the Rock County Register of Deeds office, which is one of 72 county offices authorized to issue copies of vital records.
For self-preparation of documents, the Self-Help Divorce section on the Wisconsin Court System website will guide you through a series of questions and help you fill out most of the necessary standard circuit court forms.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Rock
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Divorce certificate (Vital Records Office, standard request) | $20.00 | 2–4 weeks |
| Divorce certificate (Vital Records Office, expedited processing) | $20.00 + $10.00 for expediting | 3–5 business days |
| Copy of court document (Clerk of Circuit Court, uncertified) | $1.25 per page | Usually on the day of request during a personal visit |
| Certified copy of court document (Clerk of Circuit Court) | $5.00 for certification + $1.25 per page | Usually on the day of request or 3–7 business days by mail |