Bartholomew County Public Records /Bartholomew County Divorce Records

Bartholomew County Divorce Records

What Are Bartholomew County Divorce Records?

Divorce records in Bartholomew County are official legal documents that provide evidence of the dissolution of a marriage within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Indiana Code § 31-15, which governs dissolution of marriage proceedings throughout the state. Divorce records consist of various court filings, orders, and certificates that document the legal termination of a marital relationship.

The Bartholomew County Courts maintain these records as part of their official duties in administering family law cases. Divorce records typically include:

Petition for dissolution of marriage
Summons and proof of service
Financial disclosure statements
Child custody and support arrangements
Property division agreements
Final decree of dissolution

These records serve multiple important purposes for individuals and society. Divorce records provide legal proof of marital status change, which is essential for remarriage, name changes, Social Security benefit adjustments, loan applications, and immigration matters. They also establish the legal framework for post-divorce obligations such as child support, spousal maintenance, and property division.

Are Bartholomew County Divorce Records Public?

Access to divorce records in Bartholomew County follows a nuanced framework that balances public transparency with privacy protections. Under the Indiana Access to Public Records Act § 5-14-3, court records are generally considered public information. However, this general principle is subject to important limitations when it comes to divorce proceedings.

Court divorce case files maintained by the Bartholomew County Clerk are typically accessible to the public, with certain exceptions. The public portions usually include:

Case numbers and party names
Filing dates
General procedural history
Final dissolution decree (with potential redactions)

However, several categories of information within divorce files may be restricted from public access:

Financial records and statements
Child custody evaluations
Guardian ad litem reports
Certain personal identifying information
Records sealed by judicial order

Certified divorce certificates, which provide official verification of a divorce, have more restricted access. Pursuant to Indiana vital records laws, only the parties to the divorce, their immediate family members, and individuals with a demonstrable legal interest may obtain certified copies of divorce certificates.

How To Find a Divorce Record In Bartholomew County in 2026

Members of the public seeking divorce records in Bartholomew County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The appropriate approach depends on the specific type of record needed and the requester's relationship to the case.

For court case files related to divorce proceedings:

Contact the Bartholomew County Clerk's Office, which maintains court records for the county:

Bartholomew County Clerk's Office
234 Washington Street
Columbus, IN 47201
812-379-1600
Bartholomew County Clerk

Provide the clerk with as much identifying information as possible:
- Full names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce filing or finalization
- Case number (if known)
Complete any required request forms and pay applicable fees for copies of records.

For certified divorce certificates:

Contact the Indiana Department of Health's Division of Vital Records:

Indiana Department of Health - Vital Records
2 North Meridian Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204
317-233-2700
Indiana Vital Records

Submit a completed application for a certified copy of a divorce certificate.
Provide proof of identity and establish legal entitlement to the record.
Pay the required fee for certificate issuance.

Requesters should note that processing times vary based on current workload and the complexity of locating older records.

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Bartholomew County Online?

Bartholomew County offers limited online access to divorce record information through several digital platforms. While complete divorce files are not typically available online due to privacy considerations, basic case information can often be accessed electronically.

The primary online resource for divorce case information is the Indiana Courts' myCase portal:

Visit the myCase Public Portal
Select "Bartholomew" from the county dropdown menu
Search by party name, case number, or attorney
Review basic case information, including:
- Case number and filing date
- Party names
- Attorney information
- Hearing dates
- Case status
- Docket entries (chronological list of filings)

It is important to note that myCase does not provide access to actual document images or the full content of filings. The system displays only basic docket information and case status.

For more comprehensive online research, the Indiana Judicial Branch offers a subscription-based service called Odyssey Public Access. This service provides enhanced search capabilities for court records across multiple counties, though document access remains limited by privacy restrictions.

Researchers should be aware that online record systems may not include older divorce cases that predate digital record-keeping. Cases filed before approximately 2000 may require in-person research at the Bartholomew County Clerk's Office.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Bartholomew County?

Members of the public seeking to access divorce records without incurring fees have several options available in Bartholomew County, though these methods typically provide limited information rather than complete record copies.

Free access options include:

Public access terminals at the Bartholomew County Courthouse:

Bartholomew County Courthouse
234 Washington Street
Columbus, IN 47201
812-379-1610
Bartholomew County Government

These terminals allow visitors to search basic case information without charge. Courthouse visitors may:

Search cases by party name or case number
View docket entries and case status
Note hearing dates and outcomes

The myCase Public Portal, as described in the previous section, provides free online access to basic case information.
The Bartholomew County Public Library maintains historical newspapers and public records that may contain information about divorce proceedings:

Bartholomew County Public Library
536 Fifth Street
Columbus, IN 47201
812-379-1266
Bartholomew County Public Library

While these resources provide free access to basic information, it is important to note that obtaining actual copies of divorce documents typically requires payment of copying fees. Current fees at the Bartholomew County Clerk's Office include:

$1.00 per page for standard copies
$5.00 for certification of documents
Additional fees may apply for extensive searches or specialized services

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Bartholomew County

Divorce records in Bartholomew County comprise a comprehensive collection of documents that chronicle the legal dissolution process from initiation to conclusion. These records are maintained pursuant to Indiana Code § 31-15-2 governing dissolution proceedings.

A complete divorce file typically contains:

Initial Pleadings:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Summons
- Proof of service documentation
- Temporary restraining orders (if applicable)
Financial Documentation:
- Financial declaration forms
- Asset and liability disclosures
- Income verification
- Property valuation evidence
Child-Related Documents (when applicable):
- Parenting time proposals
- Child support worksheets
- Custody evaluations
- Guardian ad litem reports
Procedural Documents:
- Hearing notices
- Court orders
- Continuance requests
- Appearance forms
Settlement Documents:
- Property settlement agreements
- Mediation results
- Stipulations between parties
Final Documents:
- Decree of Dissolution of Marriage
- Child support orders
- Parenting time orders
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for retirement accounts
Post-Judgment Filings:
- Modification requests
- Enforcement actions
- Appeals documentation

The final decree of dissolution is particularly significant as it contains the court's final determinations on all aspects of the divorce, including property division, debt allocation, spousal maintenance, child custody, and support obligations. This document serves as the official legal record that the marriage has been dissolved.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Bartholomew County?

Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in Bartholomew County have several options for obtaining this documentation, depending on the level of certification needed and the intended use of the proof.

For a certified copy of the divorce decree:

Contact the Bartholomew County Clerk's Office:

Bartholomew County Clerk's Office
234 Washington Street
Columbus, IN 47201
812-379-1600
Bartholomew County Clerk

Provide the clerk with:
- Names of both parties to the divorce
- Approximate date of divorce finalization
- Case number (if known)
- Valid photo identification
Pay the required certification fee ($5.00 per document plus $1.00 per page copying fee).

For a certified record of divorce from the state vital records system:

Submit a request to the Indiana Department of Health's Division of Vital Records:

Indiana Department of Health - Vital Records
2 North Meridian Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204
317-233-2700
Indiana Vital Records

Complete the Application for a Certified Copy of a Divorce Certificate.
Provide proof of identity and establish legal entitlement to the record.
Submit the current fee ($8.00 per certified copy).

For international use, apostille certification may be required:

First obtain a certified copy from the county clerk.
Submit the certified copy to the Indiana Secretary of State for apostille certification:

Indiana Secretary of State - Apostille Services
200 W. Washington Street, Room 201
Indianapolis, IN 46204
317-232-6531
Indiana Secretary of State

Processing times vary based on current workload and the age of the records requested. Expedited service may be available for an additional fee in certain circumstances.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Bartholomew County?

While divorce proceedings in Bartholomew County are generally matters of public record, Indiana law provides several mechanisms through which certain aspects of divorce cases may be kept confidential. These provisions balance the public's right to access court records with legitimate privacy interests of the parties involved.

Under Indiana Administrative Rule 9, certain categories of information are automatically excluded from public access, including:

Social Security numbers
Account numbers
Personal identification numbers
Medical records
Child abuse and neglect records
Income tax records

Additionally, parties may petition the court to seal specific documents or entire case files under certain circumstances. Pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3-5.5, a court may seal records upon finding that:

A public interest will be secured by sealing the record;
Dissemination of the information would create a risk of substantial harm; or
The law requires the record to be confidential.

Common scenarios where confidentiality may be granted include:

Cases involving domestic violence
Matters with sensitive child custody issues
Situations involving high-profile individuals
Cases containing trade secrets or confidential business information

To request confidentiality, parties must:

File a verified petition with the court
Clearly identify the specific information to be excluded from public access
Articulate the legal basis for confidentiality
Attend a hearing where the court will weigh the privacy interest against the presumption of openness

Even when records are sealed, certain government agencies may retain access for official purposes. Additionally, the court's final decree dissolving the marriage generally remains public, though it may be redacted to remove sensitive information.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Bartholomew County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in Bartholomew County varies significantly based on multiple factors, including case complexity, level of agreement between parties, and court caseload. Under Indiana Code § 31-15-2-10, the court must wait at least sixty (60) days after filing before issuing a final decree of dissolution.

Typical timeframes for different types of divorce cases in Bartholomew County include:

Uncontested divorces with complete agreement:
- Minimum: 60 days (statutory waiting period)
- Typical: 2-4 months
- These cases involve full agreement on all issues including property division, child custody, and support.
Contested divorces with partial agreements:
- Typical: 6-9 months
- These cases require negotiation and court intervention on some issues, but parties agree on others.
Fully contested divorces:
- Typical: 9-18 months
- May extend to 24+ months in highly complex cases
- These cases involve disagreement on multiple substantive issues requiring extensive court involvement.

Factors that may extend the timeline include:

Complex property division (businesses, retirement accounts, multiple real estate holdings)
Child custody evaluations
Guardian ad litem investigations
Expert witness testimony
Discovery disputes
Court calendar congestion
Continuance requests

According to the Indiana Judicial Branch's annual caseload reports, the average time to disposition for domestic relations cases in Bartholomew County is approximately 180 days, though this average includes both simple and complex cases.

Parties seeking to minimize the duration of divorce proceedings are encouraged to utilize alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation, which is often required by the court before trial dates are set.

How Long Does Bartholomew County Keep Divorce Records?

Bartholomew County maintains divorce records according to a structured retention schedule that balances historical preservation with practical storage considerations. The retention periods vary based on the type of record and its historical significance.

Under the Indiana Records Retention Schedule for Courts and Clerk of Circuit Court, divorce records are subject to the following retention periods:

Final Decrees of Dissolution:
- Permanent retention
- These documents are never destroyed due to their ongoing legal significance and historical value.
Case Files (including pleadings, orders, and exhibits):
- Pre-1941 cases: Permanent retention as historically significant
- 1941-present: Minimum 20-year retention after case closure
- After the retention period, non-permanent records may be transferred to the Indiana Archives or destroyed according to approved procedures.
Docket Books and Case Indices:
- Permanent retention
- These finding aids are preserved indefinitely to maintain accessibility to case information.
Audio Recordings of Hearings:
- Retained for a minimum of 3 years after final disposition
- May be retained longer if appeals are pending
Divorce Certificates (vital records):
- Maintained permanently by the Indiana Department of Health's Division of Vital Records

It is important to note that even after physical records may be destroyed according to retention schedules, basic case information is typically maintained in perpetuity through electronic case management systems. The Bartholomew County Clerk works in conjunction with the Indiana Archives and Records Administration to ensure proper preservation of historically significant records.

Individuals seeking older divorce records should be aware that the format and accessibility may vary based on the age of the records. Cases from recent decades are typically available in electronic format, while older records may exist only on microfilm or in paper format.

How To Get a Divorce In Bartholomew County

Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Bartholomew County must follow specific procedures established under Indiana law. The dissolution process involves several key steps:

Establish Residency Requirements:
- Either spouse must have been a resident of Indiana for six months
- Either spouse must have been a resident of Bartholomew County for three months
- These requirements are mandated by Indiana Code § 31-15-2-6
Prepare and File Initial Documents:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Summons
- Financial Declaration Form
- Child support worksheet (if children are involved)
- Filing fee payment or fee waiver request
File documents with the Bartholomew County Clerk:

Bartholomew County Clerk's Office
234 Washington Street
Columbus, IN 47201
812-379-1600
Bartholomew County Clerk

Serve the non-filing spouse with copies of all filed documents:
- Service may be accomplished through certified mail, sheriff's service, or private process server
- Proof of service must be filed with the court
Observe the mandatory 60-day waiting period:
- Indiana law prohibits courts from finalizing divorces until at least 60 days after the initial filing
- This "cooling off" period applies even in cases with complete agreement
Attend provisional hearings (if necessary):
- These hearings address temporary matters such as child custody, support, and use of property during the pendency of the case
Engage in discovery and negotiation:
- Exchange of financial information
- Negotiation of settlement terms
- Participation in court-ordered mediation
Prepare settlement documents or prepare for trial:
- If agreement is reached, prepare settlement agreement, property division proposal, and parenting plan
- If no agreement, prepare trial exhibits and witness lists
Attend final hearing:
- Present settlement agreement for court approval, or
- Participate in contested trial where judge will decide unresolved issues
Obtain Final Decree:
- The court issues a Decree of Dissolution that finalizes the divorce and establishes all rights and responsibilities

The Bartholomew County Courts provide forms and information for self-represented litigants, though legal representation is advisable, particularly in complex cases.

How To Get Divorce Papers In Bartholomew County

Individuals initiating divorce proceedings in Bartholomew County have several options for obtaining the necessary legal forms. These documents constitute the foundation of the divorce process and must be completed accurately to avoid procedural delays.

The primary methods for obtaining divorce papers include:

Bartholomew County Courts:

Bartholomew County Courts
234 Washington Street
Columbus, IN 47201
812-379-1610
Bartholomew County Courts

The court provides basic divorce packets for self-represented litigants that include:

Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
Summons
Financial Declaration Form
Child Support Worksheet (if applicable)
Certificate of Service

Indiana Supreme Court Self-Service Legal Center:

The Indiana Courts Self-Service Legal Center offers standardized divorce forms approved for use throughout Indiana. These forms include detailed instructions and are available at no cost.

Bartholomew County Law Library:

Bartholomew County Law Library
234 Washington Street, 2nd Floor
Columbus, IN 47201
812-379-1610

The law library maintains reference materials and form books that contain divorce templates and procedural guides.

Legal Aid Organizations:

Indiana Legal Services - Columbus Office
1531 13th Street, Suite 2100
Columbus, IN 47201
812-378-0358
Indiana Legal Services

This organization provides assistance to income-eligible individuals, including help with divorce paperwork.

When obtaining divorce papers, individuals should ensure they have the correct forms for their specific situation. Different forms may be required based on:

Whether children are involved
Whether the divorce is contested or uncontested
Whether domestic violence is present
The nature and extent of marital property

All completed divorce papers must be filed with the Bartholomew County Clerk's Office, along with the required filing fee (currently $157). Fee waivers may be available for those who demonstrate financial hardship through an Affidavit of Indigency.