Carroll County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Carroll County in 2026
CarrollINRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Carroll County, Indiana. Members of the public seeking dissolution of marriage records may find case summaries, final decrees, docket entries, and related court documents through official channels. Available record categories include court case files, final judgments, parenting plans, property settlement agreements, and support orders. 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 Carroll County Clerk of Court, the Indiana statewide court portal, state vital records, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools. The following sections outline each available search method in detail.
Multiple Search Methods:
Online Searches:
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The MyCase Indiana Courts Case Search portal is the most common method for locating Carroll County divorce records online. As noted on the portal, "Electronic access to court information is restricted by federal and state law in addition to court rules and orders. Information on this site is made available as a public service." Basic case information is available at no charge; fees apply for obtaining copies of documents.
2. State Court System Portal
The Carroll County – Indiana Judicial Branch page provides jurisdiction-specific guidance, including links to case search tools and e-filing resources. Attorneys are required to e-file in Carroll County, and the portal supports searches across Indiana's unified court system.
3. State Vital Records
Indiana registers divorce records through the Indiana Department of Health Division of Vital Records. The Division issues divorce certificates for dissolutions finalized in Indiana. These certificates contain limited information compared to full court case files and are subject to applicable fees.
In-Person Searches:
Clerk of Court – Carroll County Circuit Court:
Carroll County Clerk of Court
101 W Main St
Delphi, IN 46923
Phone: (765) 564-3105
Carroll County – 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 documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Receive staff assistance for locating records
Records Department:
The Clerk's office maintains both active and archived divorce case files. Historical records predating electronic filing may be stored separately and may require additional retrieval time. Certified copy requests for archived cases are accepted at the same counter.
By Mail:
Written Request:
- Mail to: Carroll County Clerk of Court, 101 W Main St, Delphi, IN 46923
- Include the following in the written request:
- Full legal names of both parties
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or date range
- Case number, if known
- Requestor'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 one to two weeks, depending on volume and record age.
By Phone:
Limited Information:
- Clerk of Court: (765) 564-3105
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number
- Case status
- Filing date
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed case information by phone
- Copies of documents
- Confidential or restricted information
Through Attorneys:
Members of the public involved in complex cases or seeking sealed records may engage licensed Indiana attorneys, who may access court records and petition for restricted documents with appropriate legal justification. The Indiana Judicial Branch Self-Service Legal Center provides resources for individuals who represent themselves in court proceedings.
Information Needed for Search:
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses in Carroll County
- Names of minor children, if applicable
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County:
Divorce 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. Under Indiana Code § 31-15-2-6, at least one spouse must have been an Indiana resident for six months and a resident of the filing county 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. Members of the public should allow several days to a few weeks for processing after the final order is entered.
- Older divorces: Cases finalized before electronic filing was implemented may be archived in paper format. Retrieval of archived records may require additional time and a specific written request.
What If You Cannot Find a Record:
- Verify the correct county of filing
- Attempt alternate spellings of party names, including maiden names
- Search under both spouses' names
- Check the Indiana Department of Health Division of Vital Records for a divorce certificate
- Contact the Clerk's office directly at (765) 564-3105 for assistance
What Are Carroll County Divorce Records?
Carroll County divorce records are official court documents generated during dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Carroll County Circuit Court. These records are maintained by the Clerk of Court as part of the family law case file and constitute public records subject to applicable state law and court rules.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files:
- 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, orders, and hearing notices
- Transcripts of court hearings
- Final judgment of dissolution
Final Decree:
The final decree of dissolution is the official court order terminating the marriage. It serves as legal proof of divorce and establishes:
- The date the marriage was legally dissolved
- Division of marital property and debts
- Alimony or spousal maintenance provisions, if any
- Child custody and parenting time arrangements, if applicable
- Child support orders, if applicable
- Restoration of a former name, if requested
Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Clerk of Court.
Supporting Documents:
- Marriage certificate submitted as evidence
- Financial disclosure statements
- Property inventories and appraisals
- Post-judgment modification orders
Purpose of Divorce Records:
Legal Purposes:
- Proof of marital status for remarriage
- Documentation for name change proceedings
- Property transfer and title documentation
- Estate planning and beneficiary designations
- Immigration proceedings
- Social Security benefit determinations
Personal Purposes:
- Genealogical and family history research
- Personal record-keeping
- Verification of divorce terms and obligations
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
The Carroll County Clerk of Court serves as the primary custodian of all divorce case files, indexes records by party name, and provides certified copies upon request. The Indiana Department of Health Division of Vital Records maintains statewide divorce certificates, which contain summary-level information.
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. Public access to court records is subject to Indiana's Access to Public Records Act and applicable Indiana Supreme Court administrative rules governing court record privacy.
Are Carroll County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Carroll County Circuit Court are public court records under Indiana law. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents. However, certain categories of information are restricted or redacted to protect sensitive personal data and the privacy of minor children.
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 credit card numbers are redacted
- Detailed tax returns may be subject to limited access
- Salary and income details may carry partial restrictions depending on court order
Children's Information:
- Addresses where minor children reside
- Schools minor children attend
- Medical and psychological evaluation records
- Child custody evaluations may be sealed by court order
- Guardian ad litem reports are restricted
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
- Medical records submitted as exhibits
- Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders
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.
Who Can Access Records:
- General public: May access public case information, view docket summaries, and obtain copies of non-restricted documents upon payment of applicable fees. Photo identification may be required.
- Parties to the case: Have full access to their own case file, including documents that may be restricted from general public view.
- Attorneys: Access case files in their professional capacity 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.
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 Indiana law
Obtaining Confidential Records:
A party seeking access to sealed or restricted records must file a motion with the Carroll County Circuit Court demonstrating a legitimate legal need. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties and any minor children involved.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Carroll County?
The Carroll County Clerk of Court 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 record copy fees statewide.
| Service | Standard Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy (per page) | $1.00 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree | $1.00 per page + $5.00 certification fee |
| Exemplified/authenticated copy | Additional fee may apply |
| Online case summary (MyCase) | Free |
| Document viewing at public terminal | Free |
- Accepted payment methods: Cash, check, or money order made payable to the Carroll County Clerk of Court. Credit card acceptance may vary; members of the public should confirm with the Clerk's office prior to visiting.
- Fee waivers: Individuals who qualify as indigent may petition the court for a waiver of copy fees. A completed fee waiver application must be submitted to the Clerk's office.
- Free access: Basic case information, docket entries, and case status are available at no charge through the MyCase Indiana Courts Case Search portal and at public access terminals located in the courthouse.
- Mail requests: Fees must be submitted in advance by check or money order. The Clerk's office does not process requests without payment.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Carroll County
A complete Carroll County divorce case file contains all documents filed with the court from the initiation of proceedings through final judgment and any post-judgment actions. 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:
- Case number, court name, and assigned judge
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Names of attorneys of record
- Filing date, case type, and jurisdictional basis
Initial Pleadings:
The petition for dissolution of marriage identifies both parties, states the date and location of the marriage, provides the grounds for dissolution (Indiana is a no-fault state, requiring only a finding of irretrievable breakdown of the marriage), and sets forth the relief requested, including property division, support, and custody. The respondent's answer or counterpetition states the respondent's position and any independent requests for relief.
Financial Affidavits:
Both parties are required to submit financial affidavits disclosing income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets (real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investments, retirement accounts, and personal property), and liabilities (mortgages, loans, and credit card debt).
Discovery Documents:
In contested cases, the file may include interrogatories and responses, requests for production of documents, depositions, tax returns, pay stubs, bank and investment account statements, and business financial records.
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory with descriptions and values
- Debt inventory
- Real property appraisals
- Business valuations
- Expert reports on asset values
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting plan specifying legal and physical custody, parenting time schedules, holiday arrangements, and decision-making authority
- Child support calculation worksheets
- Income information for both parties
- Health insurance and childcare cost documentation
- Child support order specifying amount, payment schedule, and modification provisions
- Custody evaluations and guardian ad litem reports (which may be sealed)
Support Documents:
- Spousal maintenance orders specifying type, amount, duration, and termination conditions
- Income analysis and standard of living documentation
Settlement Documents:
- Marital settlement agreement resolving all issues, including property division, debt allocation, support, and child-related provisions
- Mediation agreement, if the case was mediated (note: mediation communications themselves are confidential)
Court Orders and Judgments:
- Temporary orders for custody, support, and use of property
- Final judgment of dissolution containing findings of fact, conclusions of law, property division, support orders, custody and parenting time provisions, and name restoration if requested
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for division of retirement accounts
Post-Judgment Documents (if applicable):
- Petitions to modify custody or support
- Court orders on modification requests
- Contempt motions and enforcement actions
- Income deduction orders
What Is Typically Confidential or Redacted:
- Social Security numbers
- Bank account and financial account numbers
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence details (may be sealed)
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluation records
- Settlement negotiation communications
- Mediation communications
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Carroll County?
Proof of divorce in Carroll County is obtained through a certified copy of the final decree of dissolution issued by the Carroll County Clerk of Court. A certified copy bears the court's official seal and the Clerk's signature, making it legally acceptable for remarriage, name change, immigration, and other official purposes.
Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy:
- Identify the case: Locate the case number using the MyCase Indiana Courts Case Search portal by searching the names of either party.
- Submit a request in person: Visit the Carroll County Clerk of Court at 101 W Main St, Delphi, IN 46923, during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.) and request a certified copy of the final decree. Provide the case number and names of both parties.
- Submit a request by mail: Send a written request to the Clerk's office at the address above, including the case number, party names, approximate date of divorce, requestor's contact information, and a check or money order for applicable fees, along with a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- Pay applicable fees: Current fees are $1.00 per page plus a $5.00 certification fee.
- State vital records alternative: A divorce certificate (summary record) may be obtained from the Indiana Department of Health Division of Vital Records for dissolutions finalized in Indiana. This document is not a substitute for a certified court decree in all circumstances but may satisfy certain administrative requirements.
Carroll County Clerk of Court
101 W Main St
Delphi, IN 46923
Phone: (765) 564-3105
Carroll County – Indiana Judicial Branch
Indiana Department of Health – Division of Vital Records
2 N Meridian St
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (317) 233-2700
Indiana Vital Records
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Carroll County?
Divorce proceedings in Carroll County are presumptively public, but Indiana law and court rules permit the sealing or restriction of specific records under defined circumstances.
- Court-ordered sealing: A party may file a motion requesting that the court seal all or part of the case file. The court evaluates the motion by balancing the public interest in open court records against the privacy interests of the parties and any minor children.
- Domestic violence cases: Records containing the address or identifying information of a domestic violence victim may be restricted or redacted to protect the victim's safety under Indiana's address confidentiality protections.
- Children's information: Information identifying the residence, school, or medical condition of minor children is subject to restriction and is not disclosed in public case summaries.
- Mental health and medical records: Records pertaining to mental health evaluations, substance abuse treatment, or medical conditions submitted as exhibits may be sealed by court order.
- Mediation communications: Under Indiana law, all communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and are not filed with the court or accessible to the public.
- Financial account numbers and Social Security numbers: These are redacted from all publicly accessible filings pursuant to Indiana Supreme Court administrative rules.
- Confidential settlements: Terms of settlement reached outside of court are not part of the public record unless incorporated into a court order.
Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must demonstrate good cause by filing a motion with the Carroll County Circuit Court. The Indiana Judicial Branch Self-Service Legal Center provides procedural guidance for individuals navigating this process.
How Long Does Carroll County Keep Divorce Records?
Carroll County divorce records are retained for extended periods consistent with Indiana's court record retention schedules, which are established by the Indiana Commission on Public Records and applicable Indiana Supreme Court rules.
- Permanent retention: Final judgments of dissolution, including the final decree, are retained permanently as part of the official court record. These documents do not expire and remain accessible indefinitely.
- Complete case files: Full divorce case files, including all pleadings, orders, and supporting documents, are retained for a minimum of ten years following the close of the case under Indiana's standard court record retention schedule.
- Cases involving minor children: Files in which child custody or support orders were entered are retained for a longer period, as post-judgment modifications and enforcement actions may be filed for years after the original decree.
- Archived records: Cases older than the active retention period may be transferred to archival storage. Retrieval of archived paper records requires a written request to the Clerk's office and may take additional processing time.
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in the Indiana court management system and remain searchable through MyCase Indiana Courts Case Search subject to applicable access restrictions.
- Vital records: Divorce certificates maintained by the Indiana Department of Health are retained permanently at the state level.
Members of the public seeking records from cases filed many decades ago should contact the Carroll County Clerk of Court directly at (765) 564-3105 to confirm availability and retrieval procedures for older archived files.