Searching Missouri Divorce Records Tools
Missouri divorce records are maintained as public documents by county Circuit Court Clerks and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. The state has 114 counties plus the independent City of St. Louis, and each Circuit Clerk retains divorce case files at the local courthouse. The Bureau of Vital Records holds divorce certificates dating back to July 1948. You can search these records online, by mail, or in person at courthouses throughout the state.
Missouri Divorce Records Quick Facts
Where to Find Missouri Divorce Records
Missouri has two main sources for divorce records. Circuit Court Clerks in each county maintain the full case files for every divorce proceeding filed within their jurisdiction. These files contain the original petition for dissolution of marriage, the respondent's answer, any separation agreements, and the final decree or judgment signed by the judge. The Circuit Clerk stores these documents at the courthouse and can provide copies upon request. You can visit the courthouse in person or search some records through Missouri Case.net, the statewide online court records system.
The Missouri Bureau of Vital Records within the Department of Health and Senior Services maintains divorce verification statements. These documents differ from court decrees because they contain only core details: the names of both parties, the date of divorce, and the county where the dissolution was granted. The Bureau has records for divorces occurring since July 1948. You can order these by mail or through an authorized online vendor. Verification statements cost $15 for the initial search.
Note: Divorce verification statements from the Bureau of Vital Records contain less detail than the complete case records held by the Circuit Clerk in Missouri.
How to Search Divorce Records in Missouri
Missouri offers several methods to look up divorce records. Online access through Missouri Case.net is the most convenient for most people since it is available around the clock. Visiting the courthouse in person is a good option when you need certified copies or want to examine the entire case file. Both approaches are open to any member of the public.
Missouri Case.net is the statewide court records portal operated by the Office of State Courts Administrator. It covers all Circuit Courts across the state. You can search by party name, case number, or filing date to locate divorce cases. The system is free for basic searches and provides docket information, filing dates, and case dispositions. Visit courts.mo.gov/cnet to start your search.
To search divorce records on Case.net, you will need:
- Full name of at least one party to the divorce
- Approximate date or year of the filing
- County or circuit where the case was filed
You can also search in person at any Circuit Clerk office in Missouri. Visit the courthouse in the county where the divorce was filed. Court staff can help you locate records and provide copies. Most clerks charge a per-page fee for standard copies, and certified copies cost more. For divorce verification statements only, you can order from the Bureau of Vital Records by mail or through their authorized online ordering system. Processing times depend on the method you select.
Types of Divorce Records in Missouri
Missouri divorce records fall into several distinct categories. The judgment of dissolution is the final court order that legally ends a marriage. A judge signs this document after the case has been resolved. The judgment states that the marriage is dissolved and addresses child custody arrangements, support obligations, and the division of marital property. This is the most detailed divorce record available and comes from the Circuit Clerk in the county that heard the case.
The divorce verification statement is a shorter document maintained by the Missouri Bureau of Vital Records. This statement confirms that a divorce took place but does not include settlement terms or property division details. Many people request a verification statement for purposes such as updating identification documents, remarrying, or satisfying requirements from other agencies. You can obtain one from the Bureau of Vital Records by mail or online.
Divorce records in Missouri typically contain the following information:
- Full legal names of both parties
- Date and location of the marriage
- Date the petition for dissolution was filed
- Date the dissolution was finalized
- County and circuit court where it was heard
- Grounds cited for the dissolution
- Terms of property and debt division
Court case files may also contain motions, temporary orders, and other pleadings filed throughout the proceedings. These documents form the complete record of the dissolution case. You can obtain copies of any document in a case file from the Circuit Clerk.
Missouri Divorce Laws and Procedures
Missouri statutes govern the requirements for obtaining a dissolution of marriage. These laws affect the timeline of the process and determine which records are generated. The Missouri General Assembly has established specific rules for residency, grounds, waiting periods, and property division. Anyone filing for dissolution in Missouri must meet these requirements.
Under RSMo 452.305, at least one spouse must have been a resident of Missouri for 90 days before filing the petition. You file in the circuit court of the county where you or your spouse resides. The petition must state that you meet the residency requirement.
Missouri allows both no-fault and fault-based grounds for dissolution. Under RSMo 452.320, the most common ground is that the marriage is "irretrievably broken" with no reasonable likelihood of preservation. The court may also consider that one party committed misconduct, though this is less frequently used in practice.
Under RSMo 452.320, there is a 30-day waiting period after the filing before the court can enter a judgment of dissolution. During this period, the court may issue temporary orders regarding child custody, spousal support, or exclusive use of the marital residence. This waiting period applies to all dissolution cases in Missouri.
Missouri follows the equitable distribution model for dividing marital property. Under RSMo 452.330, the court divides property in a manner it considers fair, though not necessarily in equal shares. The judge evaluates several factors including the economic circumstances of each spouse, the contribution of each party to the acquisition of marital assets, and the value of non-marital property held by each spouse.
Divorce Record Fees in Missouri
Fees for divorce records in Missouri vary depending on what you need and where you obtain it. The Bureau of Vital Records charges $15 for a divorce verification statement search. Expedited processing and online ordering through authorized vendors may carry additional service charges beyond the base state fee.
Circuit Courts in Missouri set their own fee schedules for divorce filings and record copies. Filing a petition for dissolution of marriage typically costs between $100 and $225, depending on the county and whether minor children are involved. Obtaining copies of existing court records generally costs less. Most clerks charge a per-page fee for standard copies, and certified copies carry a higher rate at any court in Missouri.
Fee waivers are available for individuals who demonstrate financial hardship when filing for dissolution in Missouri. You can request a waiver by filing a Motion to Proceed In Forma Pauperis with supporting documentation of your financial situation. The judge will review your application and decide whether to grant the fee waiver.
Note: Filing fees and copy fees change periodically, so contact the specific court or agency to verify current costs before submitting your request.
How to Get Copies of Missouri Divorce Records
You can obtain copies of divorce records in Missouri through several channels. For divorce verification statements from the Bureau of Vital Records, you have two main options. First, mail your request to the Bureau of Vital Records, P.O. Box 570, Jefferson City, MO 65102 with the names of both parties, the date of divorce, the county, and your payment. Second, order online through the Bureau's authorized vendor for faster turnaround.
For complete dissolution judgments and court case files, contact the Circuit Clerk in the county where the dissolution was filed. You can request copies in person or call ahead to confirm what information you will need to bring. Some clerks accept mail requests. Provide the names of the parties or the case number, and the clerk can locate the records and prepare copies for a fee.
Processing times vary by method and office. Mail requests sent to the Bureau of Vital Records typically take four to six weeks. Online orders through authorized vendors usually arrive sooner. Court record requests depend on the workload and staffing at the particular county clerk's office. Calling ahead can help you plan your visit or request efficiently.
Legal Help for Divorce in Missouri
Several organizations provide assistance with dissolution cases in Missouri. Legal Services of Missouri offers free legal representation to qualifying low-income residents. They handle family law matters including dissolution, custody, and protective orders. Visit lsmo.org or call their intake line to find out whether you qualify for assistance.
The Missouri Bar operates a Lawyer Referral Service for people who need to hire an attorney. Visit mobar.org to search for family law attorneys by location and practice area. They can connect you with a lawyer who handles dissolution cases throughout the state.
Missouri Legal Help at missourilegalhelp.org provides free self-help guides and legal information for people who want to represent themselves. You can find step-by-step instructions for filing your own dissolution. The Missouri Courts website at courts.mo.gov has standardized court forms available for download, including the petition for dissolution, answer, and related documents required for filing in any Missouri circuit court.
Are Divorce Records Public in Missouri
Yes, divorce records are generally public in Missouri. The Missouri Sunshine Law (Chapter 610 RSMo) establishes the right of the public to inspect and copy government records. This law covers divorce records maintained by the courts. You do not need to be a party to the case to request access. You are not required to explain the reason for your request. Court records are presumed open to the public.
There are some limitations on what information can be viewed. Certain details may be redacted from public copies, including Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and sensitive information involving minor children. A party to the case may also petition the court to seal specific records or the entire file. A judge will grant sealing only when there is a compelling justification. Sealed divorce records are uncommon in Missouri but do occur in certain circumstances.
Note: Divorce verification statements from the Bureau of Vital Records may have restricted access depending on the requester's relationship to the parties, but court records at the Circuit Clerk level are generally open to any member of the public.
Browse Missouri Divorce Records by County
Each county in Missouri has its own Circuit Clerk who maintains divorce records. Select a county below to find local contact information and resources for divorce records in that area.
Divorce Records in Major Missouri Cities
Residents of major cities file for dissolution at their county Circuit Court. Select a city below to learn about divorce records in that area.