Search Pulaski County Dissolution of Marriage Records

Pulaski County dissolution of marriage cases are filed and held at the Circuit Court Clerk's office in Winamac, Indiana. The clerk's office in Winamac is the official keeper of all dissolution records for the county, and staff there handle new filings, certified copy requests, and case index searches. This page covers how to search dissolution cases online, what to bring when visiting the Winamac courthouse, and the rules that govern dissolution filings in Pulaski County.

Pulaski County Circuit Court Clerk Details

Shelly Shidler serves as the Pulaski County Circuit Court Clerk and is the official custodian of all dissolution of marriage case files in the county. The clerk's office at 112 E. Main Street in Winamac maintains the full case index and holds physical files for all dissolution matters filed in Pulaski County. Staff can search by party name or case number and can assist with copy requests during business hours.

Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. If you are visiting from outside Winamac, calling ahead at (574) 946-3313 is a good idea. The staff can have your file ready when you arrive, which saves time. Mail requests for copies are also accepted. Include the names of both parties and an approximate filing year in your written request. The Pulaski County website at pulaskicounty.in.gov has current contact information and any updates to office hours or procedures.

The Pulaski County website is the official source for clerk contact information and county resources tied to dissolution of marriage filings in Winamac.

The Pulaski County government site provides clerk office contact details and county resources for anyone filing or searching dissolution of marriage records in Pulaski County.

Search Pulaski County Dissolution Cases Online

Indiana's public court search portal at public.courts.in.gov covers Pulaski County dissolution of marriage cases. Enter a party name or case number to see the case type, filing date, and status. The search is free, and no login is required. It is the fastest way to confirm whether a dissolution case exists in Pulaski County.

The state portal shows case-level information but does not provide the actual documents filed with the court. For copies of the petition, decree, or other filings, you must contact the Pulaski County Clerk directly. Doxpop is another option for Indiana court records searches. It may include older Pulaski County dissolution filings or provide supplemental index data not shown in the main state portal. Doxpop operates on a subscription or per-search fee basis.

The Indiana Courts local page for Pulaski County at in.gov/courts/local/pulaski-county lists judge assignments and other court-specific details for the county.

Indiana Courts' Pulaski County local page shows court assignment information and contacts helpful for anyone researching dissolution of marriage filings in Winamac.

For guidance on how to formally request public records from Indiana courts, visit in.gov/courts/public-records/how-to-request.

Filing a Dissolution of Marriage in Pulaski County

A dissolution of marriage in Pulaski County starts when one spouse files a petition at the Circuit Court Clerk's office at 112 E. Main Street in Winamac. Indiana's residency requirement under Indiana Code Title 31 is that at least one spouse must have lived in Indiana for six months and in Pulaski County for three months before the petition can be filed. The clerk reviews this at intake and assigns a case number when the petition is accepted.

Once the petition is filed, the other spouse must be served with the dissolution papers. Service typically goes through the Pulaski County Sheriff's office or a licensed process server. After service is confirmed, Indiana's mandatory 60-day waiting period under IC 31-15-2-3 begins to run. The court cannot enter a final dissolution decree before those 60 days are complete, regardless of whether the parties agree on everything.

During the waiting period, either party can ask the court for temporary orders. Under IC 31-15-4, provisional orders can cover things like temporary child support, parenting time, and use of the marital home while the case is open. These orders are entered in the case record and held by the Pulaski County Clerk.

If both spouses agree on all terms, the case is uncontested. After the 60-day period runs, the paperwork is complete, and the judge signs the decree. Contested cases take longer and often need hearings in Winamac before the court resolves the outstanding issues.

What Pulaski County Dissolution Records Include

Each dissolution of marriage file in Pulaski County contains all documents filed from the time the case opens until it closes. The petition starts the record. It names both spouses, states the grounds for dissolution, and outlines what the filing party is asking for. Indiana is a no-fault state, so most petitions cite an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.

The file also holds the respondent's answer, any temporary or provisional orders, financial disclosures, a settlement agreement if the case is uncontested, and the final decree. The final decree is the document most people need when they need proof of a dissolution. It sets out the terms, including how marital property was divided, whether maintenance was awarded, and any custody and support arrangement for children. Indiana courts presume equal property division under IC 31-15-7, though judges can adjust based on the specific facts.

Certified copies of the decree are available from the Pulaski County Clerk for a per-page fee plus a certification charge. Bring government-issued photo ID when requesting in person. The clerk can also mail certified copies if you submit a written request with proper identification.

Indiana vital records maintain a separate short-form dissolution index. This record confirms that a dissolution occurred but does not include the full case file. It can be ordered from the state vital records office if you need basic proof of dissolution rather than the complete court record.

Legal Help Available in Pulaski County

Pulaski County residents who cannot afford private legal counsel may qualify for assistance through Indiana Legal Services. This statewide organization provides free or reduced-cost legal help for income-eligible clients on family law matters including dissolution of marriage. Apply online or call to check eligibility before your first court date.

If domestic violence is part of your situation, the Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence provides a 24-hour statewide line at 800-332-7385 and online resources at icadvinc.org. They can connect you with local services and help you understand your options when safety is a concern in a dissolution case. The Indiana Courts directory at in.gov/courts/directory lists Pulaski County court contacts for general procedural questions.

Nearby Indiana Counties

Pulaski County is in north-central Indiana. File your dissolution petition in the county where you or your spouse currently lives.