Find Divorce Records in Cole County
Cole County divorce records are kept by the Circuit Clerk at the courthouse in Jefferson City, the state capital of Missouri. Divorce and court records here go back to 1821. If you need to look up a past divorce case, get a copy of a decree, or check on a filing, you can search online through Missouri's Case.net, visit the clerk's office in person at 311 E. High Street, or send a request by mail. The clerk's staff can help you find what you need and explain the current fees for copies of Cole County divorce records.
Cole County Quick Facts
Cole County Circuit Clerk Office
The Cole County Circuit Clerk is the official keeper of all divorce records in the county. The office is at 311 E. High St. in Jefferson City. You can call at (573) 634-9150 for record requests. Walk-in visits work during business hours. The clerk handles court filings, case records, and certified copies. Being in the state capital, this office also sits close to many state-level offices, which can be convenient if you need records from multiple sources.
The Missouri Association of Counties page for Cole County lists contact information for all county offices. The County Clerk is at (573) 634-9111. The Recorder of Deeds is at (573) 634-9115. The Presiding Commissioner is at (573) 634-9156. All offices are at 311 E. High St., Jefferson City, MO 65101.
| Office | Cole County Circuit Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 311 E. High St., Jefferson City, MO 65101 |
| Phone | (573) 634-9150 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, standard business hours |
The Cole County court records page explains how to access records through Case.net. You can use either the Litigant Name Search or Case Number Search and narrow results by selecting Cole County from the jurisdiction dropdown. Full document images are not available through Case.net, so for actual copies you need to contact the clerk directly.
Court records in Cole County are public under Missouri's Sunshine Law. Some sensitive or sealed records will not appear in search results. Copy fees apply for document requests.
Cole County Divorce Records Online
You can search for Cole County divorce records online through Missouri Case.net. This is the state's official court records tool with over 45 million records from all 114 Missouri counties. Search by name, case number, or filing date. Case.net shows case type, status, parties, attorneys, and a complete docket of events.
There are some limits to what you can find online. Case.net does not show juvenile cases, sealed records, or expunged cases. The Missouri Courts eFiling System is limited to attorneys and registered users. For older Cole County divorce records that aren't in the digital system, contact the clerk's office directly. They have files going back to 1821.
Since Jefferson City is the state capital, you also have easy access to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services for state-level vital records. The Bureau of Vital Records is at 930 Wildwood Drive in Jefferson City.
Getting Cole County Divorce Records
There are a few ways to get copies of Cole County divorce records. Go to the courthouse at 311 E. High St. in Jefferson City, or send a request by mail. When asking 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 fast.
For a certified copy of the actual divorce decree, the Cole County Circuit Clerk is the place to go. The state vital records office (also in Jefferson City) only issues a Certified Statement Relating to Divorce that shows names, date, and county but not the full decree. Under Missouri law (RSMo Chapter 193), vital records access is limited to people with a direct and tangible interest. You need valid ID and a notarized request for mail orders. The state fee is $15.
Local clerk fees can vary. Call (573) 634-9150 to check the current cost for copies at the Cole County courthouse.
Filing for Divorce in Cole County
To file for divorce in Cole County, at least one spouse must have lived in Missouri for 90 days before filing. You file the petition with the Circuit Clerk at 311 E. High St. in Jefferson City. The clerk can tell you what forms are needed 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. Check with the Cole County clerk for any local rules or extra forms needed.
Because Jefferson City is the state capital, there are more legal resources available here than in many other Missouri counties. Legal Services of Missouri at 1-800-829-4128 provides free legal aid for people who qualify. The Missouri Bar is headquartered in Jefferson City and offers a lawyer referral service.
Note: Filing fees can change, so call the clerk's office for the most current amount before filing.
Vital Records and Cole County Data
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services keeps divorce records since July 1, 1948. Their Certified Statement costs $15. You can visit the Bureau of Vital Records in person in Jefferson City at 930 Wildwood Drive, order by mail, or use VitalChek online. Processing takes about 4 to 8 weeks by mail, but in-person requests at the Jefferson City office may be faster.
The Cole County Health Department is at 1616 Industrial Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65109. Phone is (573) 636-2181. They are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. They handle birth and death certificates but do not issue divorce records.
The FamilySearch page for Cole County lists records for genealogy research. Cole County was created November 16, 1820, from Cooper County. The County Clerk has birth and death records from 1883 to 1889. The Circuit Court has divorce records from 1821. The Recorder has marriage and land records from 1821. The Probate Judge has probate records from 1821.
Historical Cole County Divorce Records
Cole County has court and divorce records dating back to 1821. For very old records, the Missouri State Archives is right in Jefferson City and easy to visit. The archives research room is open to the public. Staff do limited research for people who can't come in. 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 are sealed for 72 years. This means some sections of older cases are restricted. Keep this in mind when looking into older Cole County divorce cases for genealogy or historical research.
Nearby Counties
If you need divorce records from areas near Cole County, check these neighboring counties: