Dunklin County Divorce Records
Dunklin County divorce records are on file with the Circuit Clerk at the courthouse in Kennett. The 35th Judicial Circuit Court handles all divorce cases in this county, and records date back to 1846. If you need to find a divorce case, get a certified 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, or send a mail request. Located in the far southeast corner of Missouri, Dunklin County's clerk staff can help you locate divorce records and tell you about fees for copies.
Dunklin County Quick Facts
Dunklin County Circuit Clerk Office
The Dunklin County Circuit Clerk is the official keeper of all divorce records in the county. The courthouse is at 1175 Floyd St. in Kennett. You can call at (573) 888-2794 for help with record requests. Walk-in visits are welcome during weekday business hours. The clerk handles court filings, maintains case records, and makes certified copies of divorce decrees.
The Missouri Association of Counties page for Dunklin County lists contact information for county offices. In Dunklin County, the Presiding Commissioner, County Clerk, Circuit Clerk, and Recorder all share the same mailing address at PO Box 188, Kennett, MO 63857. The phone number (573) 888-2794 is shared among several offices. Ask for the Circuit Clerk when you call about divorce records.
| Office | Dunklin County Circuit Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 1175 Floyd St., Kennett, MO 63857 |
| Mailing | PO Box 188, Kennett, MO 63857 |
| Phone | (573) 888-2794 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, standard business hours |
| Circuit | 35th Judicial Circuit |
Court records in Dunklin County are public under Missouri's Sunshine Law. Copy fees apply for document requests. Call the clerk for the current per-page cost.
Dunklin County Divorce Records Online
You can search for Dunklin County divorce records 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. Search by name, case number, or filing date. Case.net shows case type, status, parties, attorneys, and a full docket. Divorce cases from the 35th Judicial Circuit appear in the results.
There are some limits. 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 Dunklin County divorce records, you need to contact the clerk's office in Kennett. They have files going back to 1846.
Dunklin County is in Missouri's Bootheel region. If you are searching for records in this area and aren't sure which county the divorce was filed in, you may also want to check neighboring Pemiscot, New Madrid, or Stoddard counties.
How to Get Dunklin County Divorce Records
There are a few ways to get copies. Visit the courthouse at 1175 Floyd St. in Kennett, or mail a request to PO Box 188, Kennett, MO 63857. Provide the full names of both spouses and the approximate date of the divorce. This helps the staff find the right file quickly.
For a certified copy of the actual divorce decree, the Dunklin County Circuit Clerk is the place. The state vital records office in Jefferson City only issues a Certified Statement Relating to Divorce that 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 in the record. You need valid ID and a notarized request for mail orders from the state office. The state fee is $15.
Local fees at the Dunklin County clerk's office can vary. Call (573) 888-2794 to check the current cost.
Note: Copy fees and filing fees change from time to time, so always confirm the amount before sending payment.
Filing for Divorce in Dunklin County
To file for divorce in Dunklin County, at least one spouse must have lived in Missouri for 90 days. You file the petition with the Circuit Clerk at the courthouse in Kennett. The 35th Judicial Circuit Court handles the case from there.
Free divorce forms are available on the Missouri Courts family law forms page. The forms include a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, Income and Expense Statement, Property Statement, and Parenting Plan if children are involved. The 35th Circuit may have local rules on top of the state forms. Ask the Dunklin County clerk about extra requirements.
Legal Services of Missouri at 1-800-829-4128 provides free legal aid for people who qualify based on income. In a rural area like the Bootheel, this service can be especially valuable. The Missouri Bar also offers a lawyer referral service if you need help finding an attorney in the area.
Vital Records for Dunklin County
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services keeps divorce records 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 Dunklin County Health Department is at 1051 Jones Street, Kennett, MO 63857. Phone is (573) 717-7317. They handle birth and death certificates but do not issue divorce records. For divorce decrees, always go to the Circuit Clerk.
The FamilySearch page for Dunklin County lists records for genealogy research. Dunklin County was created on February 14, 1845, from Stoddard County. The County Clerk has birth and death records from 1883 to 1889. The Circuit Court has divorce and court records from 1846. The Recorder has marriage and land records from 1846. The Probate Judge has probate records from 1846.
Historical Dunklin County Divorce Records
Dunklin County has court records dating back to 1846. For very old records, the Missouri State Archives may have materials. The archives in Jefferson City are open to visitors. Staff will do limited research for people who can't visit. Email archives@sos.mo.gov or call (573) 751-3280.
For divorce records filed before August 28, 2009, the final decree stays accessible, but other parts of the file are sealed for 72 years after filing. Some sections of older cases are restricted even though the final outcome is public. Keep this in mind for genealogy research into older Dunklin County divorce cases.
Nearby Counties
If you need divorce records from areas near Dunklin County, check these neighboring counties: