How to Obtain and Use Indiana Divorce Records

It is easier to search for birth and death records when compared to divorce records in Indiana. Even marriage records are easier to find.

Divorce records concern a private nature even though they are considered public. Yes, the state and the counties are legally bound to maintain the records and share them with you when you submit a request, but due to the sensitive and personal nature of some information, not everything is shared. While you can find out whether a person has been divorced or not and even the date and the county of the divorce, you cannot know the reason for the divorce and cannot obtain the divorce decree.

These records are classified under state jurisdiction and can be sensitive, so their use and treatment may be subject to restrictions and requirements imposed by state laws. The good news is that when you approach the right place and submit your request correctly, you can learn at least what is allowed legally in the divorce record.

The state’s vital records at Indianapolis will gladly issue copies of birth, death and marriage certificates for the prescribed fee, but there are provisions for certified copies of divorce documents. After all, a divorce is an emotionally-charged event, and the feelings of the people involved need to be respected.

Where Can You Find Your Indiana Divorce Records?

You will need to send your request to the Indiana State Department of Health, 6 West Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204. You can also call them at (317) 233-2700 or fax your request to (317) 233-7210. In almost all the cases, the divorce records are maintained at the county level. This means when your request is received it is forwarded to the relevant county. Thus, if you know the county where the divorce happened, you can also directly approach the county office.

In many cases, you can also find the divorce records that you want from the records that are maintained at the church. Like marriage, many divorces may involve the church for purposes of a religious annulment and if you are lucky you may find them here as well.

Obtaining Indiana Divorce Records Has Become Easier

Luckily, it is now so much easier to obtain divorce records (as well as other vital records) in Indiana. There are some websites where you can submit an application to receive vital records from all states, including divorce records. All you need to do is go online and place your request with a few simple clicks of the mouse. There are no hassles and no long waits.

The search can be performed with little data – maybe only the first name, last name and birth date, or the last known address. But do keep in mind that the more information you provide, the quicker and more broad-based your search will be; this also means the more comprehensive and reliable the results you receive are.

So go ahead and provide the full name of husband/wife including any maiden names, the place of divorce – city or town - county and the state. Soon enough, you can access the divorce records in the State of Indiana that you need.