Montgomery County Divorce Records Search
Montgomery County divorce records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk at the courthouse in Montgomery City. The 12th Judicial Circuit Court processes all divorce cases for this county, and the clerk's office stores both active and closed files. If you need to search for a divorce case, request a copy of a decree, or verify a filing, the Circuit Clerk's office is where to begin. You can also check basic case details online through Missouri's Case.net portal. The clerk's staff can help with copy requests and explain any fees that apply to getting documents.
Montgomery County Quick Facts
Montgomery County Circuit Clerk
The Montgomery County Circuit Clerk is the official keeper of all divorce records in the county. The office is at 211 E 3rd St, Suite 301, Montgomery City, MO 63361. Call (573) 564-3341 to ask about a case or start a records request. The office is open weekdays during normal business hours. You can walk in, but calling first saves time if you want to make sure the file you need is ready when you get there. The clerk's staff can pull divorce case files, make copies, and certify documents for legal use.
The Missouri Association of Counties page for Montgomery County lists all county office contacts. The County Clerk is at 211 E 3rd St, Suite 205, phone (573) 564-3357. The Recorder of Deeds is at 310 Salisbury St, Suite A, phone (573) 564-3157. These offices handle different types of records, but for divorce documents, the Circuit Clerk is the one to contact.
The Montgomery County Circuit Court page has more details on the court and clerk's office. Divorce records are available upon request with valid ID.
| Office | Montgomery County Circuit Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 211 E 3rd St, Suite 301, Montgomery City, MO 63361 |
| Phone | (573) 564-3341 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, standard business hours |
| Circuit | 12th Judicial Circuit |
Online Divorce Records for Montgomery County
You can search for Montgomery County divorce records through Missouri Case.net. This is the state's free court records search tool. It has over 45 million case records from all 114 Missouri counties. You can look up cases by name, case number, or date. Montgomery County cases in the 12th Judicial Circuit appear with case type, parties, attorneys, docket entries, and status information. The Family Court Division handles divorce cases.
Some things to keep in mind. Case.net does not show the full divorce decree. Sealed cases are not visible. Expunged and juvenile records are excluded too. Cases from before May 2006 might not be in the digital system. For those older Montgomery County divorce records, contact the clerk's office at (573) 564-3341.
Printouts from Case.net are not official court documents. They work for personal reference, but if you need records for legal purposes, get a certified copy from the Circuit Clerk.
Requesting Montgomery County Divorce Records
There are a few ways to get Montgomery County divorce records. Visit the Circuit Clerk's office in person at 211 E 3rd St, Suite 301 in Montgomery City. Bring a valid photo ID. You can also mail a request to the same address. Include the full names of both spouses, the approximate date of the divorce, and a case number if you have one. Put in a self-addressed stamped envelope and your payment for copy fees.
Only the Montgomery County Circuit Clerk can give you a certified copy of the divorce decree. The state vital records office in Jefferson City issues a Certified Statement Relating to Divorce, but that document just shows names, the date, and which county. It does not have the full decree. Missouri law (RSMo Chapter 193) restricts vital record access to people with a direct and tangible interest. You need valid ID for all requests, and mail orders to the state office must include a notarized signature.
Copy fees vary. Call (573) 564-3341 to check the current cost before you send any payment. Typical fees include a per-page charge for copies and an extra fee for certification.
Montgomery County Divorce Filing Steps
To file for divorce in Montgomery County, one spouse must have been a Missouri resident for at least 90 days. The petition is filed with the Circuit Clerk in Montgomery City. The 12th Judicial Circuit handles the case. Montgomery County shares this circuit with Audrain, Monroe, Pike, Ralls, and Warren counties.
Free divorce forms are on the Missouri Courts family law forms page. The packet has a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, Income and Expense Statement, Property Statement, and Parenting Plan forms if children are involved. The 12th Circuit may have local rules that add extra steps, so check with the clerk's office. Filing fees change over time, so call ahead for the current amount.
Legal Services of Missouri at 1-800-829-4128 offers free legal help for people who meet income requirements. The Missouri Bar also has a lawyer referral service.
Vital Records and Montgomery County
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has divorce records from July 1, 1948 forward. A Certified Statement costs $15 and can be ordered by mail, in person in Jefferson City, or through VitalChek online. Mail requests go to Bureau of Vital Records, 930 Wildwood Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65109. Allow 4 to 8 weeks for mail processing.
For historical Montgomery County divorce records, the Missouri State Archives may have materials on microfilm. Contact the archives at (573) 751-3280 or email archives@sos.mo.gov. Court records in Montgomery County are public under the Sunshine Law (Mo. Rev. Stat. Section 610.010), but some files can be sealed by a judge in sensitive cases.
Note: For divorce cases filed before August 28, 2009, the final decree is accessible but other file sections may be sealed for 72 years.
Nearby Counties
If you need divorce records from areas near Montgomery County, check these neighboring counties: