Barton County Divorce Records Search
Barton County divorce records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk at the courthouse in Lamar. The 28th Judicial Circuit handles all divorce cases here. Records go back to 1866 because the original courthouse burned in November 1862 during the Civil War, destroying earlier files. You can search for divorce records in person, by mail, or through Missouri's Case.net system online. The clerk's office on Gulf Street in Lamar can help you locate specific divorce cases, get copies of decrees, and certify documents for legal purposes.
Barton County Quick Facts
Barton County Circuit Clerk Office
The Barton County Circuit Clerk is the official keeper of divorce records for the county. The office is at 1004 Gulf Street in Lamar. Phone is (417) 682-5624. Staff are there Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Walk-in visits are welcome. When you come in, bring the names of both parties and the date of the divorce if you know it. This helps the staff find the right file.
The Barton County government website explains the County Clerk's role in processing records. The County Clerk handles real estate transfers that come from deeds, probates, divorce decrees, and death certificates. The Circuit Clerk manages the actual court files for divorce cases, while the County Clerk records the real estate changes that result from those divorces. These two offices work together on property matters tied to dissolution of marriage.
| Office | Barton County Circuit Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 1004 Gulf St., Lamar, MO 64759 |
| Phone | (417) 682-5624 |
| County Clerk | (417) 682-3529 |
| Recorder | (417) 682-5664 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, standard business hours |
The Missouri Association of Counties page for Barton County lists all county officials and office numbers. The Presiding Commissioner is at (417) 682-5329 for general county business.
Barton County Divorce Records History
Barton County's courthouse burned in November 1862. That fire destroyed most of the county's early records. Because of this, court and divorce records only go back to 1866. Marriage records at the Recorder of Deeds start from 1866 as well, though land records survived from 1857. Probate records begin in 1866 too. If you are looking for a Barton County divorce from before 1866, those records are gone.
The Barton County Health Department at 1301 E. 12th Street, Lamar, MO 64759, phone (417) 682-3363, issues birth certificates starting from 1920 and death certificates from 1980. They do not handle divorce records. For divorce documents, the Circuit Clerk is the only local source.
The Missouri State Archives may have some materials related to Barton County from the post-1866 period. Staff at the archives in Jefferson City can do limited research for free. Call (573) 751-3280 or email archives@sos.mo.gov to ask about specific records.
Finding Barton County Divorce Cases Online
Missouri Case.net lets you search for Barton County divorce cases from any computer. This free tool covers all 114 Missouri counties. You can search by name, case number, or filing date. Results show case type, status, parties, attorneys, and a full docket of court actions. It is the fastest way to check on a Barton County divorce case without going to the courthouse.
There are limits to what Case.net shows. Sealed and expunged records don't appear. Juvenile cases are hidden by law. Older records from before the early 1980s may not be in the system. For Barton County, that means cases between 1866 and the 1980s are probably only available at the clerk's office. If you search and find nothing, call (417) 682-5624 to check whether the record exists in the paper files.
Getting Copies of Barton County Divorce Decrees
To get copies of Barton County divorce records, visit the courthouse at 1004 Gulf St. in Lamar or send a written request by mail. Include both spouses' names, the approximate date, and your contact information. Copy fees vary, so call (417) 682-5624 first to check the cost.
A certified copy of the full divorce decree can only come from the Barton County Circuit Clerk. The Missouri Bureau of Vital Records in Jefferson City issues a Certified Statement Relating to Divorce, which is a different document. That statement only shows names, date, and county. It costs $15 per record. Under RSMo Section 193.255, only people with a direct and tangible interest can get certified copies. Mail requests must be notarized per 19 CSR 10-10.
The state has tracked divorce records since July 1, 1948. Mail requests to the Bureau go to 930 Wildwood Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65109. Processing takes about 4 to 8 weeks. You can also use VitalChek for faster online or phone orders. Make checks payable to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
Note: For faster results, visit the Barton County clerk in person rather than waiting on a mail request.
Filing for Divorce in Barton County
You need 90 days of Missouri residency to file for divorce in Barton County. The petition goes through the 28th Judicial Circuit Court. Free forms are available at the Missouri Courts family law forms page. The package includes the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, income and property statements, and parenting plans when children are involved.
Local rules in the 28th Circuit may add to the state requirements. Ask the Barton County clerk for details. Legal Services of Missouri at 1-800-829-4128 provides free help to qualifying people. The Missouri Bar runs a lawyer referral service and a Modest Means Program for reduced-fee representation. Court records in Barton County are generally public, but judges can seal parts of a case involving domestic violence or stalking under Missouri law.
Nearby Counties
Barton County is in the western part of Missouri. Nearby counties for divorce records include: