Find Divorce Records in Mississippi County
Mississippi County divorce records are held at the Circuit Clerk's office in Charleston. The 34th Judicial Circuit Court processes all divorce cases filed here, and the clerk keeps both active and closed case files on site. If you want to look up a divorce case, get a copy of a decree, or check the status of a filing, the clerk's office is where you start. You can search online through Case.net for basic case data, or visit the courthouse in person for full documents. Staff can help with record requests and walk you through any forms or fees that apply.
Mississippi County Quick Facts
Mississippi County Circuit Clerk Office
The Circuit Clerk in Mississippi County handles all court records, and that includes divorce filings, decrees, and related documents. The office is at the courthouse in Charleston. You can reach them by phone at (573) 683-2146 ext 225 to ask about a case or request copies. The mailing address is PO Box 369, Charleston, MO 63834. Walk-in visits work too, and the office is open on weekdays during normal business hours. Staff can pull case files, make copies, and certify documents for legal use. If you need a certified copy of a divorce decree, this is the only place in the county that can give you one.
The Missouri Association of Counties page for Mississippi County lists contact details for the Circuit Clerk and other county offices. The County Clerk can be reached at (573) 683-2146 ext 221, and the Recorder is at ext 226. Both offices share the same PO Box address in Charleston.
The Mississippi County Circuit Court page has more details on the court's structure and the clerk's duties. All court records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk, and that covers civil, criminal, and family law cases including divorces.
| Office | Mississippi County Circuit Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | PO Box 369, Charleston, MO 63834 |
| Phone | (573) 683-2146 ext 225 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, standard business hours |
| Circuit | 34th Judicial Circuit |
Mississippi County Divorce Records Online
You can search for Mississippi County divorce records through Missouri Case.net. This is the state's free online court records system. It covers all 114 Missouri counties and has more than 45 million case records. Search by name, case number, or filing date. The system shows case type, parties, attorneys, docket entries, and current status. Divorce cases filed in the 34th Judicial Circuit will appear in the results.
Case.net has limits. It does not show sealed cases, juvenile records, or expunged files. Full divorce decrees are not available for download. You can see basic case details, but for the actual decree or other documents, contact the Mississippi County Circuit Clerk. Cases filed before May 2006 might not show up in the online system at all.
For older Mississippi County divorce records that are not in the digital system, a trip to the courthouse or a phone call is your best option. The clerk's staff can search through physical files and pull what you need.
Getting Divorce Records in Mississippi County
There are three main ways to get copies of Mississippi County divorce records. You can visit the Circuit Clerk's office at the courthouse in Charleston during business hours. You can send a written request by mail to PO Box 369, Charleston, MO 63834. Or you can call (573) 683-2146 ext 225 to ask about a record and find out what the process is for getting copies sent to you. When making a request, have the full names of both spouses and the approximate date of the divorce ready. A case number helps too, if you have it.
For a certified copy of the decree itself, only the Mississippi County Circuit Clerk can provide that. The state vital records office in Jefferson City issues a Certified Statement Relating to Divorce, but it only shows names, date, and county. It does not include the full decree text. Under Missouri law (RSMo Chapter 193), vital records have restricted access, and you need a direct and tangible interest in the record to get a certified copy. Valid photo ID is required for in-person requests. Mail requests may need a copy of your ID and a notarized signature.
Note: Copy fees vary by county, so call the clerk's office for current pricing before you send payment.
Mississippi County Divorce Filing
Filing for divorce in Mississippi County means going through the 34th Judicial Circuit Court. At least one spouse must have lived in Missouri for 90 days before filing. The petition goes to the Circuit Clerk in Charleston. Mississippi County shares the 34th Circuit with Scott County, so some resources and court staff overlap between the two.
The Missouri Courts family law forms page has free downloadable forms you can use. The packet includes a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, Income and Expense Statement, Property Statement, and Parenting Plan if children are involved. Each circuit may have local rules on top of the state forms, so check with the clerk about any extra requirements specific to the 34th Circuit.
If you need legal help but can't afford a lawyer, Legal Services of Missouri at 1-800-829-4128 may be able to assist. The Missouri Bar also runs a lawyer referral service. Filing fees can change, so call the clerk's office for the current amount before you file.
State Vital Records and Mississippi County
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 granted a divorce. You can order one by mail, in person at the office in Jefferson City, or through VitalChek online. The cost is $15 per record. Mail requests go to Bureau of Vital Records, 930 Wildwood Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65109. Processing takes about 4 to 8 weeks by mail.
For divorce records from before 1948, the Mississippi County Circuit Clerk is the only source. The Missouri State Archives may also have historical court records on microfilm for genealogical research. You can reach the archives at (573) 751-3280 or email archives@sos.mo.gov.
Divorce Record Privacy in Mississippi County
Court records in Mississippi County are generally public under the Missouri Sunshine Law, Mo. Rev. Stat. Section 610.010. That said, some parts of divorce files can be restricted. A judge can seal records in cases involving domestic violence, child safety concerns, or other sensitive matters. Sealed records will not appear on Case.net and won't be available through a standard request at the clerk's office.
For divorce cases filed before August 28, 2009, the final decree section stays accessible, but other parts of the file may be sealed for 72 years after filing. This is important to know if you are doing genealogy work or looking into older Mississippi County divorce cases. The decree will tell you the outcome, but supporting documents might be off limits.
Nearby Counties
If you need divorce records from areas near Mississippi County, check these neighboring counties: