Madison County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Madison County in 2026
MadisonCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Madison County, Ohio. Members of the public may find case filings, final decrees, docket entries, and related court documents through official county and state resources. Available record categories may include dissolution of marriage petitions, final judgments, property settlement agreements, parenting plans, and child support orders.
Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The primary custodian of divorce records in Madison County is the Madison County Clerk of Courts, which maintains all Common Pleas Court filings, including family law and dissolution cases.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Madison County Common Pleas Court handles all divorce and dissolution of marriage proceedings in the county. Members of the public may access basic case information through the clerk's office online portal. Basic docket information is available at no charge; fees apply for obtaining copies of documents.
2. Ohio Supreme Court Case Search
The Ohio Supreme Court's online docket provides a statewide case management search tool. Members of the public may search across jurisdictions and locate case numbers, filing dates, and case status information for Ohio court proceedings.
3. Ohio Department of Health – Vital Records
Ohio does not issue a separate "divorce certificate" in the manner of a birth or death certificate; however, the Ohio Department of Health Vital Statistics office maintains statistical divorce records. The official legal record of a divorce remains with the court that issued the final decree.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court – Common Pleas Division:
Madison County Clerk of Courts
1 N. Main Street, P.O. Box 557
London, Ohio 43140
Phone: (740) 852-2972
Madison County Clerk of Courts
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Staff assistance available during business hours
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Records Department:
The Clerk of Courts maintains both active and archived 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 clerk's counter.
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Madison County Clerk of Courts, 1 N. Main Street, P.O. Box 557, London, Ohio 43140
- Include the following:
- Full legal names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce or dissolution
- Case number, if known
- Requester'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, subject to volume and record availability.
By Phone
Limited Information Available:
- Clerk of Courts: (740) 852-2972
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number and filing date
- Current case status
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents by phone
- Copies of filed documents
- Confidential or restricted information
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Ohio may access court records on behalf of a client, request sealed documents upon a proper showing of cause, and obtain certified copies through professional channels. The Ohio State Bar Association's lawyer referral service may assist members of the public in locating qualified family law counsel for complex record requests or contested matters.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or dissolution
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Prior addresses in Madison County
- Names of children, if applicable
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Under Ohio Revised Code § 3105.03, a divorce or dissolution action must be filed in the county where either spouse has been a resident for at least 90 days immediately preceding the filing. Members of the public who cannot locate a record in Madison County may need to search adjacent counties if residency requirements were met elsewhere.
Residency Requirement:
- At least one spouse must have been a resident of Ohio for six months prior to filing
- At least one spouse must have been a resident of the county where the action is filed for 90 days prior to filing
- Divorce is filed in the county of residence, not the county where the marriage occurred
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Records may not appear in online systems immediately following a final hearing
- Allow several business days to weeks for processing after the final order is entered
- Certified copies are available once the judgment is journalized
Older Divorces:
- Cases predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format
- Digitization of older records varies; some may require manual retrieval
- Allow additional time for retrieval of archived materials
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- Record filed in a different county
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- Case still pending and not yet finalized
- Very old records held in off-site storage
- Case sealed by court order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Clerk of Courts at (740) 852-2972
- Attempt alternate name spellings
- Search under both spouses' names
- Check the Ohio Department of Health for statistical records
- Consult a licensed Ohio attorney for sealed or difficult-to-locate records
What Are Madison County Divorce Records?
Madison County divorce records are official court documents generated during divorce or dissolution of marriage proceedings filed with the Madison County Common Pleas Court. These records are maintained by the Madison County Clerk of Courts as part of the permanent court file and constitute public records under Ohio law, subject to applicable restrictions.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files:
- Petition for divorce or dissolution of marriage
- Response or answer to petition
- Financial affidavits submitted by both parties
- Parenting plans and shared parenting agreements
- Separation and settlement agreements
- Motions, memoranda, and court orders
- Transcripts of court hearings
- Final judgment entry of divorce or dissolution
Final Decree:
The final judgment entry is the official court order terminating the marriage. It constitutes legal proof of divorce and establishes:
- The date the marriage was legally dissolved
- Division of marital property and debts
- Spousal support or alimony 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 Courts upon payment of applicable fees.
Supporting Documents:
- Original marriage certificate (submitted as exhibit)
- Financial disclosure statements
- Real and personal property inventories
- Post-decree modification orders
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for retirement account division
Purpose of Divorce Records:
Divorce records serve numerous legal and personal purposes, including:
- Establishing proof of marital status for remarriage
- Documenting name changes for government agencies
- Supporting immigration and naturalization proceedings
- Facilitating Social Security benefit determinations
- Enabling estate planning and property transfers
- Assisting genealogical and family history research
Legal Framework:
Divorce proceedings in Ohio are governed by Ohio Revised Code § 3105.01, which sets forth the grounds for divorce, and related provisions of the Ohio Revised Code addressing dissolution of marriage, property division, and spousal support. Access to court records is governed by Ohio Rule of Superintendence 45, which establishes the framework for public access to court documents statewide.
Are Madison County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed with the Madison County Common Pleas Court are public court records under Ohio law. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need or interest. Certain categories of information within those files are subject to restriction or redaction pursuant to court rules and state statute.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and docket entries
- Court orders and judgments
- Final divorce decree or dissolution judgment
- Property division orders
- General case status information
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers (redacted pursuant to Ohio Rule of Superintendence 45)
- Bank account and financial account numbers (redacted)
- Detailed tax returns (may be filed under seal)
- Credit card and loan account numbers (redacted)
Children's Information:
- Residential addresses of minor children
- Names of schools children attend
- Medical and psychological records pertaining to children
- Custody evaluation reports (may be sealed by court order)
- Guardian ad litem reports (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
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
Sealed Records:
A court may seal specific documents or an entire case file upon a showing of good cause. High-profile cases, matters involving abuse, and cases with confidential settlement terms may be subject to sealing orders. Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for access.
Who Can Access Records:
| Requester | Access Level |
|---|---|
| General public | Public documents and docket entries |
| Parties to the case | Full access to own case file |
| Licensed attorneys | Case files; sealed documents upon proper showing |
| Law enforcement | Statutory access to restricted information |
| Researchers and media | Public portions; court permission required for sealed records |
Prohibited Uses:
- Stalking, harassment, or intimidation
- Identity theft or fraud
- Violation of existing protective orders
- Commercial exploitation where prohibited by law
Permitted Uses:
- Legal proceedings and background verification
- Genealogical and family history research
- News reporting protected under the First Amendment
- Academic research
- Personal verification of divorce status
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Madison County?
The Madison County Clerk of Courts charges standard fees for copies and certified copies of court records. Under Ohio Revised Code § 2303.20, clerks of courts are authorized to collect fees for services including the preparation of certified copies and the provision of court records.
Current Fee Schedule:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard copy (per page) | $0.10 per page |
| Certified copy of judgment entry or decree | $1.00 per page + $1.00 certification fee |
| Exemplified copy (triple-certified) | Additional fee applies |
| Search fee (if applicable) | Varies |
- Fees are subject to change; members of the public should confirm current fees directly with the Clerk of Courts at (740) 852-2972 prior to submitting a request.
- Accepted payment methods at the clerk's office include cash, check, and money order payable to the Madison County Clerk of Courts. Members of the public should confirm whether credit or debit card payments are accepted.
- Inspection of public court records at the clerk's office is available at no charge during regular business hours.
- Fee waivers are not routinely available for record copy requests; parties who are indigent and represented by counsel may raise fee waiver issues through their attorney.
What Is Available at No Charge:
- In-person inspection of public case files
- Review of docket entries at public access terminals
- Basic case status information provided by phone
What's Included in Divorce Records in Madison County
A complete divorce case file maintained by the Madison County Clerk of Courts contains all documents filed with the court from the initiation of proceedings through final judgment and any post-decree matters. The scope of documents varies depending on whether the case was contested or uncontested and whether children or significant assets were involved.
Basic Case Information:
- Case caption including case number, court name, and parties' names
- Judge assigned to the matter
- Attorneys of record for each party
- Filing date, case type, and jurisdictional basis
Initial Pleadings:
The petition for divorce or dissolution of marriage sets forth the petitioner's identifying information, the respondent's identifying information, the date and place of marriage, the date of separation if applicable, the grounds for divorce under Ohio law, information regarding minor children, claims regarding marital property, and the relief requested. The respondent's answer or counterpetition, if filed, sets forth the respondent's position on each issue raised.
Financial Affidavits:
Both parties are required to submit financial affidavits disclosing income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets including real property, vehicles, bank and investment accounts, and retirement accounts, and liabilities including mortgages, loans, and credit card debt.
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory with descriptions and estimated values
- Debt inventory including mortgages, vehicle loans, and credit obligations
- Real property appraisals and business valuations
- Expert reports on asset values
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting plan or shared parenting plan specifying legal and physical custody
- Timesharing schedule including regular, holiday, and summer provisions
- Child support calculation worksheet
- Income information for both parties
- Health insurance and childcare cost documentation
- Child support order specifying amount, payment method, and schedule
- Custody evaluation reports, if ordered by the court
- Guardian ad litem report, if a guardian was appointed
Settlement Documents:
- Separation agreement or marital settlement agreement resolving all issues
- Mediation agreement, if the parties participated in mediation (note: mediation communications are confidential, but the resulting agreement may be filed)
Court Orders and Final Judgment:
- Temporary orders entered during the pendency of the case
- Final judgment entry of divorce or dissolution, including findings of fact, property division, support orders, custody and parenting time provisions, and name restoration if requested
- Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO), if retirement accounts were divided
Post-Judgment Documents (if applicable):
- Petitions to modify custody, parenting time, or support
- Court orders on modification requests
- Contempt motions and enforcement actions
- Income deduction orders for support enforcement
What Is Typically Confidential or Redacted:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Residential addresses of minor children
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluation records
- Domestic violence evidence in cases with protective orders
- Sealed settlement terms
- Mediation communications
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Madison County
Proof of divorce in Madison County is obtained through a certified copy of the final judgment entry of divorce or dissolution of marriage, issued by the Madison County Clerk of Courts. A certified copy bears the clerk's official seal and signature and is accepted by government agencies, financial institutions, and courts as legal proof that a marriage was dissolved.
Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy:
- Identify the case by locating the case number through the clerk's online search or by contacting the clerk's office directly.
- Submit a request in person at the Clerk of Courts counter, by mail, or as otherwise permitted by the office.
- Provide the full names of both parties, the approximate date of the divorce, and the case number if known.
- Pay the applicable certified copy fee as established under Ohio Revised Code § 2303.20.
- Receive the certified copy in person or by mail, depending on the method of request.
Madison County Clerk of Courts
1 N. Main Street, P.O. Box 557
London, Ohio 43140
Phone: (740) 852-2972
Madison County Clerk of Courts
For matters before the Madison County Common Pleas Court, members of the public may also direct inquiries to:
Madison County Common Pleas Court
1 N. Main Street, P.O. Box 527
London, Ohio 43140-0527
Phone: (740) 845-1780
Common Pleas Court – Madison County
Members of the public who require proof of divorce for immigration, Social Security, or other federal purposes should obtain an exemplified (triple-certified) copy, which carries the additional authentication of the presiding judge and the clerk. The clerk's office can advise on the specific format required.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Madison County?
Divorce proceedings in Madison County are presumptively public under Ohio court rules; however, specific documents or entire case files may be made confidential by court order upon a proper showing of cause.
Circumstances Under Which Records May Be Confidential:
- Domestic violence cases: Courts may restrict public access to addresses, contact information, and evidence related to domestic violence to protect the safety of victims.
- Cases involving minor children: Custody evaluations, guardian ad litem reports, and psychological assessments of children may be sealed to protect the children's privacy and best interests.
- Sealed settlement agreements: Parties may petition the court to seal confidential financial terms of a settlement agreement, though courts apply a balancing test weighing privacy interests against the presumption of public access.
- Mental health and medical records: Records pertaining to a party's mental health treatment or medical condition that are submitted as exhibits may be filed under seal.
- Mediation communications: Under Ohio Revised Code § 2710.03, mediation communications are privileged and confidential and are not subject to public disclosure.
Members of the public seeking to seal records must file a motion with the Madison County Common Pleas Court and demonstrate a specific, legally cognizable basis for confidentiality. The court retains discretion to grant or deny such requests on a case-by-case basis.
How Long Does Madison County Keep Divorce Records?
Madison County divorce records are maintained as permanent court records. Under Ohio law and the records retention schedules established by the Ohio Supreme Court, final judgment entries and complete case files for divorce and dissolution proceedings are retained permanently.
Retention Periods by Record Type:
- Final judgment entries and decrees: Retained permanently by the Clerk of Courts
- Complete case files (contested divorce): Retained permanently
- Dissolution of marriage case files: Retained permanently
- Temporary orders and interlocutory documents: Retained as part of the permanent case file
- Post-decree modification orders: Retained permanently as part of the original case file or as a separate case file
- Financial affidavits and discovery documents: Retained as part of the case file for the duration of the retention period applicable to the case type
Older paper records that predate electronic filing systems may be stored in off-site archival facilities. Retrieval of archived paper records may require additional processing time. Members of the public seeking records from older cases should contact the Madison County Clerk of Courts directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures.
The permanent retention of divorce records reflects the ongoing legal significance of these documents, which may be needed decades after the original proceeding to establish marital status, enforce support obligations, or document property rights.