Lincoln County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Lincoln County in 2026
LincolnWYRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Lincoln County, Wyoming. Members of the public may find case filings, final decrees, docket entries, and related court documents through official channels. Available record categories include dissolution of marriage petitions, final judgments, property division orders, parenting plans, child support orders, and post-judgment modifications. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the case and any applicable court-ordered restrictions.
Records may be searched through the Lincoln County Clerk of District Court, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools provided by the Wyoming Judicial Branch.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Wyoming Judicial Branch operates a statewide case management system. Members of the public may search for divorce case information through the Wyoming Judicial Branch portal. Basic case information, including party names, case numbers, filing dates, and docket entries, is available at no charge. Copies of filed documents may require payment of applicable fees.
2. State Court System Portal
The Wyoming Judicial Branch provides a consolidated online portal that allows searches across all district courts in the state. This system is the primary online tool for locating divorce cases filed in any Wyoming county, including Lincoln County.
3. State Vital Records
Wyoming does not issue a separate divorce certificate through the state vital records office in the same manner as birth or death certificates. The official record of a divorce in Wyoming is the final decree maintained by the Clerk of District Court. The Wyoming Department of Health does maintain statistical divorce records, but certified legal proof of divorce is obtained directly from the court.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Lincoln County District Court
Members of the public may visit the Lincoln County Courthouse to search case files, view documents, request certified copies, and use public access terminals with staff assistance.
Lincoln County Clerk of District Court
925 Sage Avenue
Kemmerer, WY 83101
Phone: (307) 877-9056
Clerk of District Court
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding state and federal holidays.
By Mail
Members of the public may submit written requests for divorce records by mail. Requests should be directed to the Lincoln County Clerk of District Court at 925 Sage Avenue, Kemmerer, WY 83101. Each written request should include the full names of both parties, the approximate date of the divorce, the case number if known, the requestor's contact information, and payment for applicable copy fees. A self-addressed stamped envelope should be included to facilitate return of documents. Processing time is typically one to two weeks, depending on case volume and whether records require retrieval from archive storage.
By Phone
The Clerk of District Court may be reached at (307) 877-9056. Staff can confirm whether a case exists, provide the case number, confirm case status, and verify the filing date. Staff are not able to provide detailed document contents, copies of filed documents, or any information that is confidential or sealed by court order.
Through Attorneys
Licensed attorneys may access divorce case files on behalf of clients and may petition the court for access to sealed or restricted documents upon a showing of good cause. Members of the public seeking legal representation may consult the Wyoming State Bar for attorney referral services.
Information Needed for Search
To conduct an effective search, the following information is essential:
- Full legal names of both spouses at the time of filing
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of the divorce or filing
- Case number, if known
The following information is helpful but not required:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses in Lincoln County
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Under Wyoming law, a divorce action is filed in the district court of the county where either spouse resides at the time of filing. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple counties. The county where the marriage ceremony occurred is not necessarily the county where the divorce was filed.
Wyoming's residency requirement, codified at Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-107, requires that at least one spouse be a resident of Wyoming for sixty days immediately preceding the filing of a divorce action.
Time Considerations
Divorce records for recently finalized cases may not appear in online systems immediately following the final hearing. Members of the public should allow several business days to several weeks for processing after the final decree is entered. Older divorce records, particularly those predating electronic filing systems, may be archived in paper format and may require additional retrieval time. Digitization of historical records varies, and some older files may not be available through online search tools.
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common reasons a divorce record may not be located include searching in the wrong county, name variations between married and maiden names, spelling differences, a case that remains pending and has not been finalized, very old records held in off-site storage, or a case that has been sealed by court order. Members of the public encountering difficulty may contact the Clerk of District Court at (307) 877-9056, attempt alternate name spellings, search under both spouses' names, or consult an attorney for assistance.
What Are Lincoln County Divorce Records?
Lincoln County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings filed in the Lincoln County District Court. These records constitute part of the family law case file maintained by the Clerk of District Court and are classified as public court records subject to applicable access restrictions.
Types of Divorce Records
Court case files in a Lincoln County divorce proceeding include the following categories of documents:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Response or answer to the petition
- Financial affidavits from both parties
- Parenting plans and child custody arrangements
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, orders, and court hearing transcripts
- Final judgment of dissolution of marriage
- Post-judgment modification orders and enforcement actions
The final decree of divorce is the official court order terminating the marriage. It establishes the date of dissolution, the division of marital property and debts, any spousal support obligations, child custody and visitation arrangements, child support orders, and any court-approved name changes. Certified copies of the final decree are available from the Clerk of District Court.
Purpose of Divorce Records
Divorce records serve a range of legal and personal purposes, including proof of marital status for remarriage, name change documentation, property transfer and estate planning, immigration proceedings, Social Security benefit determinations, and genealogical or family history research.
Legal Framework
Wyoming's dissolution of marriage statutes are codified at Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-104, which establishes irretrievable breakdown of the marriage as the sole ground for divorce in Wyoming. Court records are subject to the Wyoming Public Records Act, which governs public access to government-held documents and establishes the presumption that court records are open to inspection by members of the public.
Who Maintains Divorce Records
The Lincoln County Clerk of District Court is the primary custodian of all divorce case files. The office maintains complete case files, provides certified copies, and indexes records by party names. The Wyoming Judicial Branch provides online access to case docket information through its statewide court portal.
Are Lincoln County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Lincoln County District Court are public court records under Wyoming law. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, court orders, and the final decree of dissolution. Access is subject to specific restrictions designed to protect sensitive personal and financial information.
What Is Public
The following information is available to members of the public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of the parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and times
- Court orders and judgments, including the final divorce decree
- Property division orders
- General case status and docket entries
What May Be Restricted
Certain categories of information within a divorce case file are subject to restriction or redaction:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers are redacted from publicly accessible documents
- Detailed financial statements and tax returns may be subject to limited access
- Names and addresses of minor children, schools attended, and medical information pertaining to children may be restricted
- Child custody evaluations, psychological evaluations, and guardian ad litem reports may be sealed by court order
- Domestic violence allegations, mental health records, medical records, and substance abuse treatment information may be restricted or sealed
- Personal addresses and contact information in cases involving domestic violence may be withheld to protect victim safety
Sealed Records
A court may seal all or part of a divorce case file upon a showing of good cause. Cases involving abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlement terms may be subject to sealing orders. Mediation communications are confidential under Wyoming law and are not part of the public court record.
Who Can Access Records
- Members of the general public may access all non-restricted portions of the case file and may obtain copies upon payment of applicable fees
- Parties to the case have full access to their own case file, including confidential information pertaining to their matter
- Licensed attorneys may access case files and may petition the court for access to sealed documents upon a proper showing
- Researchers and members of the media may access public portions of case files; access to sealed records requires a court order
Prohibited Uses
Members of the public are prohibited from using divorce records for stalking, harassment, identity theft, fraudulent purposes, or any use that violates an existing protective order.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Lincoln County?
The Lincoln County Clerk of District Court charges standard fees for copies and certified copies of divorce records. Current fees applicable to court records in Wyoming are as follows:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard copy (per page) | $0.25 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree | $5.00 per document (plus per-page copy fee) |
| Certification fee | $1.00 per document |
| Electronic copy (if available) | Varies by request |
| Search fee | No separate search fee at present |
Members of the public may pay by cash, check, or money order made payable to the Lincoln County Clerk of District Court. Credit card acceptance may vary; members of the public are advised to confirm accepted payment methods by contacting the office at (307) 877-9056 prior to submitting a request.
Basic case information, including case numbers, party names, filing dates, and docket entries, is available at no charge through the Wyoming Judicial Branch online portal. Fees apply only when copies or certified copies of filed documents are requested.
Fee waivers may be available in limited circumstances for indigent parties. Members of the public seeking a fee waiver should inquire directly with the Clerk of District Court. Wyoming court fee schedules are established pursuant to Wyo. Stat. § 5-2-115, which governs court costs and fees in district court proceedings.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Lincoln County
A complete Lincoln County divorce case file contains all documents filed with the court from the initiation of the proceeding through final judgment and any post-judgment actions. The following describes the standard contents of a divorce case file.
Basic Case Information
The case caption identifies the case number, the name of the court, the names of the petitioner and respondent, the judge assigned to the matter, and the attorneys of record. Filing information includes the date the petition was filed, the filing fees paid, and the jurisdictional basis for the action.
Initial Pleadings
The petition for dissolution of marriage sets forth the petitioner's identifying information, the respondent's identifying information, the date and location of the marriage, the date of separation if applicable, the grounds for divorce (irretrievable breakdown under Wyoming law), information regarding minor children, claims regarding marital property, and the relief requested. The response or answer sets forth the respondent's position, admissions or denials of the petition's allegations, and any counterpetition for relief. Financial affidavits filed by both parties disclose income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets including real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investments, and personal property, and all liabilities including debts and loans.
Property-Related Documents
The marital asset inventory describes and values all real property, vehicles, financial accounts, retirement accounts, business interests, and personal property. The debt inventory identifies all mortgages, vehicle loans, credit card obligations, personal loans, and other liabilities. Appraisals and expert valuations of real property, business interests, and personal property may be included where applicable.
Children-Related Documents
Where minor children are involved, the case file includes a parenting plan establishing legal and physical custody, a timesharing schedule covering regular, holiday, summer, and vacation periods, and provisions for transportation, communication, and decision-making authority over education, healthcare, religion, and extracurricular activities. Child support calculation worksheets, income information, and the court-ordered support amount are included. Custody evaluations, home studies, and guardian ad litem reports, where ordered, may be sealed or subject to restricted access.
Settlement Documents
A marital settlement agreement, where the parties reach a negotiated resolution, comprehensively addresses property division, debt allocation, spousal support, child-related provisions, tax treatment, and attorney fee allocation. Mediation agreements, where applicable, may be incorporated into the settlement agreement; however, mediation communications themselves are confidential and are not part of the public record.
Court Orders and Final Judgment
Temporary orders addressing custody, support, use of property, and restraining orders may be entered during the pendency of the case. The final judgment of dissolution of marriage is the court's definitive order terminating the marriage, setting forth findings of fact and conclusions of law, property division, spousal support, child custody and support, any name restoration, and the judge's signature and seal. Where retirement accounts are divided, a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) is issued as a separate order directing the plan administrator.
Post-Judgment Documents
Post-judgment filings may include petitions to modify custody or support, court orders on modification requests, contempt motions alleging non-compliance, income deduction orders, and enforcement actions.
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed
The following categories of information are redacted or sealed within the public case file:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence details and related evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluations
- Trade secrets contained in business valuations
- Settlement negotiations and mediation communications
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Lincoln County
Proof of divorce in Lincoln County is obtained through a certified copy of the final decree of dissolution of marriage issued by the Lincoln County Clerk of District Court. A certified copy bears the court's official seal and the clerk's certification, making it legally recognized for purposes of remarriage, name changes, property transfers, immigration proceedings, and other legal matters.
Members of the public may obtain a certified copy through the following methods:
- In person: Visit the Lincoln County Clerk of District Court at 925 Sage Avenue, Kemmerer, WY 83101, during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). Present the case number or the names of both parties and the approximate date of the divorce. Pay the applicable certification and copy fees at the time of the request.
- By mail: Submit a written request to the Lincoln County Clerk of District Court at 925 Sage Avenue, Kemmerer, WY 83101. Include the names of both parties, the approximate date of the divorce, the case number if known, the requestor's contact information, a check or money order for applicable fees, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- Online: Case docket information may be accessed through the Wyoming Judicial Branch portal. Certified copies are not available for download online and must be obtained directly from the Clerk of District Court.
Lincoln County Clerk of District Court
925 Sage Avenue
Kemmerer, WY 83101
Phone: (307) 877-9056
Clerk of District Court
Members of the public who are uncertain whether a divorce was finalized in Lincoln County may also contact the Lincoln County Clerk's Office for general public records assistance.
Lincoln County Clerk's Office
925 Sage Avenue
Kemmerer, WY 83101
Phone: (307) 877-9056
Lincoln County Clerk's Office
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Lincoln County?
Divorce proceedings in Lincoln County are presumptively public under Wyoming law; however, specific portions of a case file may be made confidential by court order or by operation of statute. The following circumstances may result in confidential or restricted records:
- Court-ordered sealing: A party may petition the district court to seal all or part of a case file. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties and any minor children. Sealing requires a specific legal basis and is not granted as a matter of course.
- Domestic violence cases: Where a party has obtained a protective order or where domestic violence allegations are central to the proceedings, the court may restrict access to personal address information and related evidence to protect victim safety.
- Children's information: Names, addresses, schools, and medical or psychological information pertaining to minor children may be restricted or redacted from publicly accessible documents.
- Mental health and medical records: Records pertaining to mental health evaluations, substance abuse treatment, and medical conditions are subject to restriction under both state court rules and federal privacy protections, including HIPAA.
- Mediation communications: Under Wyoming law, all communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and are not filed with the court or made part of the public record.
- Confidential settlements: Terms of settlement that the parties designate as confidential may be incorporated by reference into the final decree without being set forth in full in the public record, subject to court approval.
Members of the public seeking access to sealed or restricted records must file a motion with the district court demonstrating a legitimate legal basis for access. The Lincoln County public records policy provides additional guidance on access to restricted documents.
How Long Does Lincoln County Keep Divorce Records?
Lincoln County District Court divorce records are retained in accordance with Wyoming court records retention schedules established by the Wyoming Supreme Court and applicable state law. Retention periods vary by record type:
- Final decrees and permanent court orders: Retained permanently. The final judgment of dissolution of marriage is a permanent court record and is not subject to destruction.
- Complete case files (contested divorces): Retained for a minimum of ten years following the close of the case, with permanent retention of the final decree and any orders affecting real property or minor children.
- Uncontested divorce case files: Retained for a minimum of ten years following the close of the case.
- Financial affidavits and discovery documents: Retained as part of the case file for the applicable retention period; may be purged from the file after the retention period expires while the final decree is preserved permanently.
- Post-judgment modification orders: Retained permanently as part of the ongoing case record.
- Archived paper records: Older case files predating electronic filing systems are maintained in physical archive storage. Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time.
Wyoming court records retention schedules are established pursuant to rules promulgated by the Wyoming Supreme Court under its administrative authority over the state court system. Members of the public seeking records from cases closed more than ten years ago should contact the Lincoln County Clerk of District Court directly at (307) 877-9056 to confirm availability and retrieval procedures. The Wyoming Judicial Branch provides additional information regarding court records management statewide.