Chariton County Divorce Records Search
Chariton County divorce records are on file with the Circuit Clerk at the courthouse in Keytesville. The 9th Judicial Circuit Court handles all divorce cases here, and records go back to 1821. If you want to find a divorce case, get a copy of a decree, or check on a past filing, the clerk's office is the place to start. You can search online through Missouri's Case.net system, visit the courthouse in person, or send a request by mail. Staff at the clerk's office can help you find the records you need and tell you about fees for copies of Chariton County divorce records.
Chariton County Quick Facts
Chariton County Circuit Clerk Office
The Chariton County Circuit Clerk keeps all divorce records for the county. The office is at 306 S. Cherry in Keytesville. You can call at (660) 288-3601. The clerk handles court filings, case records, and certified copies of divorce decrees. Walk-in visits are welcome during business hours. The staff deal with divorce filings, record lookups, and copy requests regularly.
The Missouri Association of Counties page for Chariton County lists contact info for all county offices. In Chariton County, the Circuit Clerk, County Clerk, and Presiding Commissioner all share the same address at 306 S. Cherry, Keytesville, MO 65261. The phone number (660) 288-3601 works for the Circuit Clerk office. The Recorder of Deeds is at the same address but has a separate line at (660) 288-3285.
| Office | Chariton County Circuit Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 306 S. Cherry, Keytesville, MO 65261 |
| Phone | (660) 288-3601 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, standard business hours |
| Circuit | 9th Judicial Circuit |
Court records in Chariton County are public under Missouri's Sunshine Law. Copy fees may apply when you request documents from the clerk.
Chariton County Divorce Records Online
You can search for Chariton County divorce records online through Missouri Case.net. This is the state's official court records search tool with 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 what happened in the case. Divorce cases filed in the 9th Judicial Circuit will show up in the results.
There are some limits to what you can find. Case.net does not show juvenile cases, sealed records, or expunged cases. Cases from before the 1980s may not be in the digital system. For those older Chariton County divorce records, you will need to contact the clerk's office in Keytesville. They have files going all the way back to 1821.
How to Get Chariton County Divorce Records
There are a few ways to get copies of Chariton County divorce records. Visit the courthouse at 306 S. Cherry in Keytesville, or send a mail request to the same address. When you ask for a record, have the full names of both spouses and the approximate date of the divorce ready. This helps the staff find the right file.
If you want a certified copy of the actual divorce decree, the Chariton 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 access is limited to people with a direct and tangible interest. You will need valid ID and a notarized request if ordering by mail from the state.
The state fee for a Certified Statement is $15. Local clerk fees can vary. Call (660) 288-3601 to check the current cost for copies at the Chariton County courthouse.
Note: Fees can change over time, so always confirm the current amount before sending a payment.
Filing for Divorce in Chariton County
To file for divorce in Chariton County, at least one spouse must have lived in Missouri for 90 days before filing. The petition goes to the 9th Judicial Circuit Court. You file the paperwork with the Circuit Clerk in Keytesville. The clerk's office can tell you what forms you need and what the current filing fee is.
Missouri Courts provide free divorce forms on 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 in addition to the state forms, so check with the Chariton County clerk for any extra steps or documents you might need.
Legal Services of Missouri at 1-800-829-4128 provides free legal aid for people who qualify based on income. This can be especially helpful in rural counties like Chariton where legal resources may be harder to find close by.
Vital Records and Chariton County Data
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services keeps records of divorces reported since July 1, 1948. Their Certified Statement costs $15. Mail requests go to Bureau of Vital Records, 930 Wildwood Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65109. Processing takes about 4 to 8 weeks by mail.
The Chariton County Health Center is at 206 State Street, P.O. Box 214, Keytesville, MO 65261. Phone is (660) 288-3675. They handle birth and death certificates but do not issue divorce records. For divorce decrees, always go to the Circuit Clerk.
Historical Chariton County Divorce Records
Chariton County has court and divorce records dating back to 1821. The county was created on November 16, 1820, from Howard County. That makes it one of the oldest counties in Missouri with some of the longest-running record collections. For very old records, the Missouri State Archives may have materials that can help with your search. The archives research room in Jefferson City is open to visitors.
The FamilySearch page for Chariton County lists records available for genealogy research. The County Clerk has birth and death records from 1883 to 1892. The Recorder of Deeds has marriage and land records from 1821. The Probate Judge has probate records from 1821 as well.
For divorce records filed before August 28, 2009, the final decree stays accessible, but other parts of the file are sealed for 72 years. This means some sections of older cases are restricted even though the final outcome is public. Keep this in mind for genealogy research into older Chariton County divorce cases.
Nearby Counties
If you need divorce records from areas near Chariton County, check these neighboring counties: