Clinton County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Clinton County in 2026
ClintonOHRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Clinton County, Ohio. Members of the public may find case numbers, filing dates, party names, and final decree information through official court resources and third-party directories. Available record categories include dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, property division orders, custody arrangements, and post-decree modifications. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the case and applicable privacy protections.
Records may be searched through the Clinton County Clerk of Courts, the Ohio Courts public access portal, the Ohio Department of Health Vital Statistics office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and authorized online search tools.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Clinton County Clerk of Courts maintains an online case search system that allows members of the public to locate divorce and dissolution case records by party name or case number. Basic case information is available at no charge; fees apply for obtaining copies of documents.
- Access the Clinton County Clerk of Courts online portal to search active and archived family law cases.
- Search by petitioner or respondent name, or by case number if known.
- Free basic information includes case number, filing date, case status, and docket entries.
- Document copies require payment of applicable per-page fees.
2. Ohio Courts Statewide Portal
The Ohio Supreme Court's online case search provides access to court information across Ohio jurisdictions, including Common Pleas Court family divisions.
- Allows searches across multiple Ohio counties.
- Useful when the county of filing is uncertain.
- Consolidated docket information available for many case types.
3. Ohio Vital Records — Divorce Certificates
The Ohio Department of Health Vital Statistics office maintains divorce records for dissolutions granted in Ohio. Under Ohio Revised Code § 3101.16, divorce and dissolution records are registered with the state.
- Divorce certificates are available for dissolutions finalized in Ohio.
- Fees apply for certified copies of divorce certificates.
- The state record provides confirmation of dissolution but contains less detail than the full court case file.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Courts — Common Pleas Court, Family Division
Members of the public may inspect divorce case files in person at the Clinton County Clerk of Courts office during regular business hours.
Clinton County Clerk of Courts
46 S. South Street
Wilmington, OH 45177
Phone: (937) 382-2316
Clinton County Clerk of Courts
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Services available in person:
- Case file searches by name or case number
- Review of public documents at public access terminals
- Requests for certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Staff assistance for locating archived records
By Mail
Members of the public may submit written requests for divorce record copies by mail to the Clerk of Courts.
Written Request — Mail To:
Clinton County Clerk of Courts
46 S. South Street
Wilmington, OH 45177
Include the following with each written request:
- Full legal names of both parties (including maiden names if applicable)
- Approximate date of divorce or dissolution
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Purpose of request (required in some circumstances)
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
Processing time for mailed requests is typically one to two weeks, depending on case age and staff workload.
By Phone
The Clerk of Courts may confirm limited case information by telephone.
Clinton County Clerk of Courts: (937) 382-2316
By phone, staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number and filing date
- Current case status
Staff cannot provide detailed document contents, copies of filings, or confidential case information by telephone.
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Ohio may access divorce case files on behalf of a client, including requesting sealed or restricted documents through appropriate court motions. The Ohio State Bar Association's lawyer referral service assists members of the public in locating qualified family law counsel.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses at the time of filing
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or dissolution
- Case number, if previously obtained
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses in Clinton County
- Names of children, if applicable
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Divorce and dissolution proceedings in Ohio are filed in the Common Pleas Court of the county where either spouse resided at the time of filing. Members of the public searching for a record must identify the correct county of residence. Filing in the county where the marriage ceremony occurred is not required unless that county was also the residence of a party.
Under Ohio Revised Code § 3105.03, one spouse must have been a resident of Ohio for at least six months prior to filing, and a resident of the county of filing for at least ninety days.
Time Considerations
Recent Dissolutions:
- Records may not appear in online systems immediately following a final hearing.
- Allow several business days to weeks for processing after the final judgment entry is filed.
Older Dissolutions:
- Cases predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format.
- Archived records require additional retrieval time and may not be digitized.
- Contact the Clerk of Courts directly for records older than approximately fifteen years.
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- Incorrect county of filing
- 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 (937) 382-2316 to request staff assistance.
- Attempt alternate name spellings or search under the other spouse's name.
- Search the Ohio Department of Health Vital Statistics database for a divorce certificate.
- Consult the Ohio Courts statewide portal to check adjacent counties.
What Are Clinton County Divorce Records?
Clinton County divorce records are official court documents generated during dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Clinton County Common Pleas Court. These records constitute part of the permanent public court file and are maintained by the Clerk of Courts as the primary custodian. Divorce records serve as the legal documentation of the termination of a marriage and establish the rights and obligations of the parties following dissolution.
Types of Divorce Records
Court Case Files contain the complete record of proceedings, including:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Response or answer filed by the respondent
- Financial affidavits submitted by both parties
- Parenting plans and custody agreements
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, orders, and hearing transcripts
- Final judgment of dissolution
Final Decree of Dissolution is the official court order terminating the marriage. It establishes:
- The legal date of dissolution
- Division of marital property and debts
- Spousal support or alimony terms, 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 and serve as legal proof of divorce for purposes including remarriage, name changes, estate planning, Social Security benefits, and immigration proceedings.
Supporting Documents within the case file may include marriage certificates, financial disclosure statements, property inventories, appraisals, parenting plan details, and post-decree modification orders.
Who Maintains Divorce Records
The Clinton County Clerk of Courts is the primary custodian of all divorce and dissolution case files. The Ohio Department of Health Vital Statistics office maintains statewide divorce certificates, which provide confirmation of dissolution but contain less detail than the full court record.
Legal Framework
Ohio divorce and dissolution proceedings are governed by Ohio Revised Code § 3105.01 et seq., which establishes the grounds for divorce, residency requirements, and procedural rules. Public access to court records is governed by the Ohio Rules of Superintendence, Rule 45, which establishes a presumption of public access to court documents while providing for the protection of certain sensitive information.
Are Clinton County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Clinton County Common Pleas Court are public court records subject to Ohio's public records law. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need or purpose. However, certain categories of information within divorce files are restricted or redacted pursuant to court rules and state law.
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 decree of dissolution
- Property division orders
- General case status
What May Be Restricted or Redacted
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers are redacted from all public filings pursuant to Ohio Rules of Superintendence, Rule 45.
- Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted.
- Detailed tax returns and financial statements may be subject to limited access.
Children's Information:
- Names and addresses of minor children may be restricted.
- Schools attended by children are not disclosed in public records.
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children are restricted.
- Guardian ad litem reports are subject to court discretion regarding public access.
- Child custody evaluations may be sealed.
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence may be sealed upon motion.
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records are restricted.
- Personal addresses of parties in domestic violence cases may be withheld.
Sealed Records
A court may seal divorce records upon a showing of good cause, including cases involving allegations of abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlement terms. Mediation communications are confidential under Ohio law and are not part of the public court record.
Who Can Access Records
- General public: May access most case information, view docket summaries, and obtain copies of public documents upon payment of applicable fees.
- Parties to the case: Have full access to their own case file, including documents subject to restricted public access.
- Attorneys: May access case files and petition the court for access to sealed materials upon a proper showing.
- Researchers and media: May access public portions of case files; sealed records require a court order.
Prohibited Uses:
- Using records to stalk, harass, or threaten any individual
- Identity theft or fraudulent purposes
- Violation of any protective order issued in the case
Obtaining Confidential Records
A party seeking access to sealed or restricted records must file a motion with the 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 Clinton County?
The Clinton County Clerk of Courts charges standard fees for copies and certified copies of divorce records. Current fees are established pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 2303.20, which governs fees charged by clerks of courts in Ohio.
Standard Copy Fees:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard copies (per page) | $0.10 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree | $1.00 per page + $1.00 certification fee |
| Exemplified (triple-certified) copy | Additional fee applies |
| Online case information (basic) | Free |
| Public access terminal use | Free |
Additional Fee Information:
- Accepted payment methods at the Clerk of Courts office include cash, check, and money order payable to the Clinton County Clerk of Courts. Credit card acceptance should be confirmed directly with the office.
- Mailed requests must include a check or money order for the applicable fee amount.
- The Ohio Department of Health charges a separate fee for divorce certificates obtained through the state vital records office; current fees are listed on the Ohio Department of Health Vital Statistics website.
- Fee waivers may be available for indigent parties upon application to the court; members of the public seeking a waiver should contact the Clerk of Courts directly.
- Basic case information, including case numbers, filing dates, and docket entries, is available at no charge through the online case search portal and public access terminals.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Clinton County
A complete Clinton County divorce case file contains all documents filed with the court from the initiation of proceedings through final judgment and any post-decree actions. The scope of the file varies depending on whether the dissolution was uncontested or contested.
Basic Case Information:
- Case caption including case number, court name, and division
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Judge assigned to the case
- Attorneys of record for each party
- Filing date, case type, and jurisdictional basis
Initial Pleadings:
The Petition for Dissolution of Marriage includes the petitioner's identifying information, the respondent's identifying information, the date and location of the marriage, the date of separation if applicable, grounds for divorce (Ohio recognizes incompatibility and other statutory grounds), information regarding minor children, property and support claims, and the relief requested.
The Response or Answer sets forth the respondent's position, admissions or denials of the petition's allegations, any counterpetition, and the respondent's requested relief.
Financial Affidavits submitted by both parties disclose income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets including real property, vehicles, bank and investment accounts, and retirement accounts, as well as all liabilities.
Discovery Documents may include tax returns, pay stubs, bank and investment account statements, retirement account statements, credit card statements, loan documents, business financial statements, written interrogatories and answers, and requests for production of documents.
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory with descriptions and 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):
The Parenting Plan establishes legal custody (decision-making authority), physical custody and primary residence, regular and holiday timesharing schedules, transportation arrangements, communication protocols, and decision-making responsibilities for education, healthcare, religion, and extracurricular activities.
Child Support documentation includes the Ohio child support calculation worksheet, income information for both parties, number of overnight parenting time days, health insurance and childcare costs, the support amount ordered, and payment schedule.
Custody evaluations, home studies, and guardian ad litem reports may be included in the file, subject to applicable access restrictions.
Support Documents:
Alimony or spousal support documentation specifies the type of support ordered, the amount and duration, payment schedule, modification and termination provisions, and applicable tax treatment.
Settlement Documents:
The Marital Settlement Agreement is a comprehensive document resolving all issues between the parties, including property division, debt allocation, spousal support terms, child-related provisions, tax provisions, and attorney fee allocation. The agreement is signed by both parties and notarized.
Court Orders and Judgments:
Temporary orders may address custody, support, use of property, and restraining orders during the pendency of the case. The Final Judgment of Dissolution is the court's definitive order ending the marriage, containing findings of fact, conclusions of law, all property and support provisions, custody and child support orders, name restoration if requested, and the judge's signature and court seal.
A Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) is issued separately when retirement accounts are divided, directing the plan administrator to distribute benefits.
Post-Judgment Documents (if applicable):
- Petitions to modify custody or support
- Court orders on modification requests
- Contempt motions and enforcement actions
- Income deduction orders and liens
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:
- Social Security numbers (redacted from all public filings)
- Bank account and financial account numbers (redacted)
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence details (may be sealed upon motion)
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluations
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
- Settlement negotiations not incorporated into filed agreements
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Clinton County
Proof of divorce in Clinton County is obtained through a certified copy of the Final Judgment of Dissolution issued by the Clinton County Clerk of Courts. A certified copy bears the court's official seal and the clerk's certification, making it legally acceptable for remarriage, name change applications, Social Security benefit claims, immigration proceedings, and other official purposes.
Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy:
- Identify the case number by searching the Clinton County Clerk of Courts online portal or by contacting the office at (937) 382-2316.
- Request a certified copy in person at the Clerk of Courts office, by mail, or through any available online request system.
- Provide the full names of both parties, the approximate date of dissolution, and the case number if known.
- Pay the applicable certification fee as established under Ohio Revised Code § 2303.20.
- For in-person requests, certified copies are typically available the same day or within one to two business days.
- For mailed requests, allow one to two weeks for processing and return delivery.
Members of the public who require a divorce certificate rather than a certified court copy may obtain one from the Ohio Department of Health Vital Statistics office, which maintains statewide divorce records.
Clinton County Clerk of Courts
46 S. South Street
Wilmington, OH 45177
Phone: (937) 382-2316
Clinton County Clerk of Courts
Ohio Department of Health — Vital Statistics
246 N. High Street
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: (614) 466-2531
Ohio Department of Health Vital Statistics
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Clinton County?
Divorce proceedings in Clinton County are presumptively public, but Ohio law and court rules permit certain records or entire cases to be sealed under defined circumstances. The following categories of information may be treated as confidential:
- Domestic violence cases: Courts may seal identifying information, including addresses and contact details of protected parties, to prevent harm to victims.
- Sealed financial records: Tax returns, detailed financial statements, and account numbers are routinely redacted from public filings pursuant to Ohio Rules of Superintendence, Rule 45.
- Children's information: Names, addresses, schools, and medical or psychological records of minor children may be restricted from public access.
- Mental health and substance abuse records: These records are protected under both state and federal law and are not disclosed in public court files.
- Mediation communications: Under Ohio law, all communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and are not filed with the court or disclosed to the public.
- Court-ordered sealing: A party may file a motion requesting that the court seal specific documents or the entire case file upon a showing of good cause. The court weighs the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests at stake.
- Confidential settlements: Settlement terms not incorporated into a filed court order may remain private between the parties.
Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must petition the court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for disclosure.
How Long Does Clinton County Keep Divorce Records?
Clinton County divorce records are retained for extended periods consistent with Ohio's records retention schedules for court documents. The following retention periods apply under current Ohio law and court policy:
- Final judgments and decrees: Retained permanently. Final dissolution judgments are part of the permanent court record and are not destroyed.
- Complete case files (contested dissolutions): Retained for a minimum of ten years following the close of the case under Ohio's standard court records retention schedule; many counties retain these records permanently.
- Complete case files (uncontested dissolutions): Retained for a minimum of ten years; permanent retention is common practice.
- Post-decree modification records: Retained as part of the original case file for the same period as the underlying case.
- Archived paper records: Cases predating electronic filing are maintained in physical archives and may require additional retrieval time; they are not destroyed under current retention policy.
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in the court's case management system and are accessible through the online portal.
Ohio's records retention requirements for court records are established by the Ohio Historical Records Advisory Board and the Ohio Supreme Court. Members of the public seeking records older than fifteen years should contact the Clerk of Courts directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures.
The Ohio Supreme Court's records management guidelines provide additional information on retention schedules applicable to Common Pleas Court family division records.