Find Jackson County Divorce Records
Jackson County divorce records are filed with the Circuit Clerk in the 16th Judicial Circuit, which is the most active circuit court in Missouri. As the state's most populous county, Jackson County processes thousands of family law cases each year across two main courthouse locations in Kansas City and Independence. If you need to search for a divorce case, get copies of a decree, or look up case status, the clerk's Civil Records office is the place to start. You can also search Jackson County divorce cases online through Missouri's Case.net system at no cost.
Jackson County Quick Facts
Jackson County Circuit Clerk Offices
Jackson County has two main courthouse locations for divorce records. The Kansas City courthouse is at 415 E 12th Street, Room 305. The Civil Records division there handles divorce record requests. Their phone number is (816) 881-1710. The second location is in Independence at 308 W Kansas Avenue, with a phone number of (816) 881-4400. Both offices can help with divorce record searches and copy requests.
The 16th Judicial Circuit is one of the largest in Missouri. It handles divorce cases, child custody, support matters, and all other family law filings for Jackson County residents. The high volume of cases means wait times can be longer than in smaller counties. Calling ahead or submitting requests by mail can save time compared to walking in without an appointment.
Copy fees in Jackson County run $0.30 per page for standard copies. Certified copies cost an extra $4 per document on top of the per-page charge. Have the names of both spouses and the approximate filing date ready when you make your request. The clerk's staff processes many requests daily, so clear details help them find your file faster.
| Kansas City Office | 415 E 12th St, Rm 305, Kansas City, MO 64106 |
|---|---|
| KC Phone | (816) 881-1710 |
| Independence Office | 308 W Kansas Ave, Independence, MO 64050 |
| Independence Phone | (816) 881-4400 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, standard business hours |
Jackson County Divorce Records Online
You can look up Jackson County divorce records through Missouri Case.net. This is the state's free court records search tool. It contains over 45 million case records from all 114 Missouri counties. Search by name, case number, or filing date. Case.net shows the case type, status, parties, attorneys, and docket entries. Divorce cases filed in the 16th Judicial Circuit appear in these search results.
Case.net updates in near real-time. New filings usually show within a day or two. The tool works on phones, tablets, and computers. You do not need an account to search. Just go to the site, pick your search type, and enter the details. Jackson County has a large number of cases in the system, so using both first and last names helps narrow results.
Some records won't appear. Sealed cases, expunged records, and juvenile cases are excluded. Cases involving domestic violence may have restricted access. Records from before the 1980s may not be in the electronic system. For older Jackson County divorce records, contact the clerk's office directly.
Getting Copies of Jackson County Divorce Records
The Jackson County Circuit Clerk charges $0.30 per page for non-certified copies. Add $4 per document for certification. You can request copies in person at either the Kansas City or Independence courthouse. Mail requests work too. Include both party names, the case number if you have it, and payment. Make checks payable to the Jackson County Circuit Clerk.
The Jackson County Recorder of Deeds at 415 E 12th Street, Room 104, handles marriage licenses and property records. They do not have divorce records. For divorce decrees, you must go through the Circuit Clerk. The Recorder's phone is (816) 881-3158 if you need marriage records instead.
The state vital records office can issue a Certified Statement Relating to Divorce for $15. That document only shows names, date, and county. It does not have the full decree text. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services handles those requests. Mail goes to Bureau of Vital Records, 930 Wildwood Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65109. Allow 4 to 8 weeks for mail processing.
Filing for Divorce in Jackson County
At least one spouse must have lived in Missouri for 90 days to file for divorce in Jackson County. The petition goes to the 16th Judicial Circuit. You can file at either the Kansas City or Independence courthouse. Missouri is a no-fault state, so the only ground you need is that the marriage is "irretrievably broken." No proof of wrongdoing is required.
The Missouri Courts family law forms page has free forms for download. These include the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, Income and Expense Statement, Property Statement, and Parenting Plan. The 16th Circuit may have additional local rules or forms. Check with the Jackson County clerk before filing to make sure you have everything.
Legal aid is available for Jackson County residents. Legal Services of Missouri provides free help to people who meet income guidelines. The Missouri Bar also has a lawyer referral service if you need to find an attorney for your case. Jackson County has many family law attorneys given the large population base.
Jackson County Divorce Record Laws
Court records in Missouri are generally public. The Sunshine Law (Mo. Rev. Stat. Section 610.011) says government records should be open for inspection and copying. Divorce filings and decrees are court records, so they are accessible in most cases. Some parts of a divorce file can be sealed by the judge if domestic violence, stalking, or sensitive family matters are involved.
Vital records like the state Certified Statement fall under different rules. RSMo Chapter 193 limits access to people with a direct and tangible interest. You need valid ID and a notarized request for mail orders. This rule applies to the state-level document from Jefferson City, not the court file at the Jackson County clerk's office.
For divorce records filed before August 28, 2009, the final decree stays accessible. Other sections of the file are sealed for 72 years after filing. This affects genealogy researchers and anyone trying to see the full case file for older Jackson County divorces.
Cities in Jackson County
Jackson County is home to several major cities. Kansas City is the largest and serves as the county seat. Independence has its own courthouse location for the 16th Circuit. Blue Springs and Lee's Summit are also in Jackson County. All residents of these cities file for divorce through the Jackson County Circuit Clerk at either the Kansas City or Independence location.
The dual courthouse setup helps spread the caseload. Residents in the eastern part of the county often find the Independence location more convenient. Those in the western part tend to use the Kansas City courthouse. Both offices have the same authority and can process any Jackson County divorce record request.
Nearby Counties
If you need divorce records from counties near Jackson County, check these neighbors: