Search Boone County Divorce Records
Boone County divorce records are on file with the Circuit Clerk in Columbia. The 13th Judicial Circuit Court handles all divorce cases here, and records go back to 1821. If you want to look up a past case, get a copy of a decree, or check on a filing, there are a few ways to do it. You can search online through Missouri's Case.net, visit the clerk's office in person at the courthouse, or send a request by mail. The staff at the clerk's office can walk you through the steps and let you know what fees apply for copies of Boone County divorce records.
Boone County Quick Facts
Boone County Circuit Clerk Office
The Boone County Circuit Clerk keeps all divorce records for the county. The office is at 705 E. Walnut in Columbia. You can call them at (573) 886-4040 for help with record requests. Walk-in visits work fine, but it helps to call first. The clerk can pull case files, make copies, and certify documents you need for legal use. Staff here deal with divorce filings, case lookups, and copy requests on a daily basis.
The Boone County Circuit Clerk website has more details on services the office provides. The Family Court Division handles dissolution of marriage cases, legal separations, paternity actions, motions to modify, and order of protection cases. They also deal with juvenile cases, child support matters, and name changes. Records are available in person or by mail. If you need something certified, the clerk's office can handle that as well.
| Office | Boone County Circuit Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 705 E. Walnut, Columbia, MO 65201 |
| Phone | (573) 886-4040 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, standard business hours |
| Circuit | 13th Judicial Circuit (Boone and Callaway counties) |
The Missouri Association of Counties page for Boone County lists contact info for all county offices. The Recorder of Deeds at 801 E. Walnut, Room 132, can be reached at (573) 886-4345 if you need marriage or property records. The County Clerk is at (573) 886-4295.
Court records in Boone County are public under Missouri's Sunshine Law, Mo. Rev. Stat. Section 610.010. Copy fees may apply. Call the clerk to check the current cost per page.
Boone County Divorce Records Online
You can search for Boone County divorce records online through Missouri Case.net. This is the state's official court records search tool. It has over 45 million case records from all 114 Missouri counties. You can look up cases by name, case number, or filing date. Case.net shows case type, status, parties, attorneys, and a full docket of events. Divorce cases filed in the 13th Judicial Circuit show up here.
Some limits apply to what you can find online. Case.net does not show juvenile cases, sealed records, or expunged cases. If a judge sealed a divorce case due to domestic violence or other reasons, it won't appear in search results. Cases from before the 1980s may not be in the system. For those older Boone County divorce records, you will need to contact the clerk's office in Columbia.
The 13th Judicial Circuit Court website also has information about court services in Boone County. The circuit serves both Boone and Callaway counties. The courthouse is at 600 E Broadway in Columbia, with a main phone line at 573-874-7345.
Getting Divorce Records in Boone County
There are a few ways to get copies of Boone County divorce records. You can go to the courthouse at 705 E. Walnut in Columbia. You can also mail a request to the same address. When you ask for a record, have the full names of both spouses and the date of the divorce if you can. This helps the staff find the right file fast.
If you want a certified copy of the actual divorce decree, the Boone County Circuit Clerk is the place to get it. The state vital records office in Jefferson City only issues a Certified Statement Relating to Divorce. That document shows names, date, and county but not the full decree text. Under Missouri law (RSMo Chapter 193), vital records are not open to everyone, and only people with a direct and tangible interest in the record can get a certified copy from the state. You will need valid ID and a notarized request if ordering by mail from the state office.
The state fee for a Certified Statement is $15. Local clerk fees can vary. Call (573) 886-4040 to check the current cost for copies at the Boone County courthouse.
Note: Filing fees and copy fees change from time to time, so always check with the clerk for the most current amounts.
Filing for Divorce in Boone County
To file for divorce in Boone County, at least one spouse must have lived in Missouri for 90 days before filing. The petition goes to the 13th Judicial Circuit Court. You file the paperwork with the Circuit Clerk at 705 E. Walnut in Columbia. The clerk's office can tell you what forms you need and what the current filing fee is.
Missouri Courts provide free divorce forms you can download from the Missouri Courts family law forms page. The forms package includes a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, Income and Expense Statement, Property Statement, and Parenting Plan forms if children are involved. Each circuit may have local rules on top of the state forms, so check with the Boone County clerk for any extra steps.
The Daniel Boone Regional Library in Columbia offers free internet access for Case.net searches and reference help. They also have computers available for filling out forms. Branches are in Columbia, Ashland, Centralia, and Fulton. This is a good option if you don't have a computer at home.
Vital Records and Boone County Divorce Data
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services keeps records of divorces reported since July 1, 1948. Their Certified Statement Relating to Divorce is useful when you don't know which county the divorce was filed in. You can order one by mail, in person in Jefferson City, or through VitalChek online. The fee is $15 per record. Mail requests go to Bureau of Vital Records, 930 Wildwood Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65109.
The Columbia-Boone County Health Department is at Howard Municipal Building, 600 East Broadway, Columbia, MO 65201. Their phone number is (573) 874-7346. They handle birth and death certificates but do not issue divorce records. For divorce decrees, always go to the Circuit Clerk.
The Boone County Recorder of Deeds has marriage records from 1821 to present. You can search their online system for marriage records from 1865 forward. Certified marriage copies cost $9.00, and non-certified photocopies are $1.00. Military personnel and veterans are exempt from fees for up to 5 certified copies. The Recorder is at 801 E. Walnut, Room 132, Columbia, MO 65201.
Historical Boone County Divorce Records
Boone County has court and divorce records dating back to 1821. That is one of the oldest collections in Missouri. The county was created on November 16, 1820, from Howard County. For very old records, the Missouri State Archives may have materials that help. The archives research room in Jefferson City is open to visitors, and staff will do limited research for people who can't visit. You can email archives@sos.mo.gov or call (573) 751-3280.
For divorce records filed before August 28, 2009, the final decree section stays accessible, but other parts of the file are sealed for 72 years after filing. This means some parts of older cases are restricted even though the final outcome is still public. Keep this in mind when doing genealogy research or looking into older Boone County divorce cases.
The FamilySearch page for Boone County lists records available for genealogy research. The County Clerk has birth and death records from 1883 to 1892. The Probate Judge has probate records from 1821 as well.
Cities in Boone County
Columbia is the county seat and the largest city in Boone County. It is home to the University of Missouri. Divorce cases for Columbia residents are filed at the 13th Judicial Circuit Court in Columbia.
Nearby Counties
If you need divorce records from areas near Boone County, check these neighboring counties: