Morgan County Divorce Records
Morgan County divorce records are kept by the Circuit Clerk at the courthouse in Versailles. The 26th Judicial Circuit Court handles all divorce cases here, and the clerk maintains files going back over a century. If you need to look up a divorce case, get a copy of a decree, or verify a filing, the clerk's office is the right place. Morgan County also has historical court records dating to 1833 that are held at the Missouri State Archives. You can search for recent cases on Case.net or visit the courthouse for full documents and certified copies.
Morgan County Quick Facts
Morgan County Circuit Clerk Office
The Morgan County Circuit Clerk is the official custodian of all divorce records in the county. The office is at 211 E Newton St, Versailles, MO 65084. Call (573) 378-4413 to ask about a case or request copies. The office is open Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Walk-in visits are fine, but a phone call first can help make sure the staff has your file ready. The clerk can pull case files, make copies, and certify documents for legal use.
The Missouri Association of Counties page for Morgan County has contact details for all county offices. The County Clerk is at 100 E Newton St, Room 23, phone (573) 378-5436. The Recorder of Deeds is at 100 E Newton St, phone (573) 378-4029. For property records related to a divorce settlement, the Recorder's office is where to go. But for the divorce case itself, the Circuit Clerk handles it.
| Office | Morgan County Circuit Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 211 E Newton St, Versailles, MO 65084 |
| Phone | (573) 378-4413 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, standard business hours |
| Circuit | 26th Judicial Circuit |
Searching Morgan County Divorce Records Online
The fastest way to look up a Morgan County divorce case is through Missouri Case.net. This is Missouri's free online court records system. It has over 45 million records from all 114 counties. Search by name, case number, or date. Morgan County cases in the 26th Judicial Circuit will appear with case type, parties, attorneys, and docket details.
Case.net does not provide the full divorce decree for download. Sealed, juvenile, and expunged cases are hidden. Cases filed before May 2006 might not be in the online system. For those older Morgan County records, call the clerk's office at (573) 378-4413. Case.net printouts are informational only and not official court documents.
Historical Morgan County Divorce Records
Morgan County has some of the oldest court records in the region. The Missouri State Archives holds the Morgan County Circuit Court Record Book covering 1833 to 1867. This collection is valuable for genealogists and researchers looking into early divorce cases and other court matters from Morgan County's first decades. You can access these records at the state archives research room in Jefferson City, or request research help by phone at (573) 751-3280 or by email at archives@sos.mo.gov.
For divorce records from after 1867 but before the digital era, the Morgan County Circuit Clerk's office in Versailles is the best source. Staff can search through physical case files and pull documents you need. Older records may take more time to locate, so be patient and provide as much detail as you can about the case you are looking for.
Note: Historical divorce records may be available for genealogical research even when newer records have access restrictions.
How to Get Morgan County Divorce Records
You can request Morgan County divorce records in person at the courthouse in Versailles, by mail to 211 E Newton St, Versailles, MO 65084, or by phone at (573) 378-4413. When making a request, provide the full names of both spouses and the approximate date of the divorce. A case number is helpful if you have it. Bring valid photo ID for in-person visits. Mail requests should include a copy of your ID, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and payment for copy fees.
The Morgan County Circuit Clerk is the only office that can provide a certified copy of the full divorce decree. The state vital records office issues a Certified Statement Relating to Divorce, which just shows names, date, and county. Under RSMo Chapter 193, access to vital records is restricted. You must have a direct and tangible interest in the record to get a certified copy from the state. Mail requests to the state office need a notarized signature.
State Resources for Morgan County Divorce Records
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services maintains a divorce index from July 1, 1948 to the present. A Certified Statement costs $15. Order by mail at Bureau of Vital Records, 930 Wildwood Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65109. In-person and online ordering (through VitalChek) are also options. Mail processing takes about 4 to 8 weeks.
To file for divorce in Morgan County, one spouse must have lived in Missouri for 90 days. File the petition with the Circuit Clerk in Versailles. Free forms are on the Missouri Courts family law forms page. Legal Services of Missouri at 1-800-829-4128 can help people who qualify for free legal aid. Filing fees change, so call (573) 378-4413 for current amounts.
Court records in Morgan County are public under the Sunshine Law (Mo. Rev. Stat. Section 610.010). Some files may be sealed in cases involving domestic violence or child safety. For cases filed before August 28, 2009, the final decree stays accessible, but other parts may be restricted for 72 years.
Nearby Counties
If you need divorce records from areas near Morgan County, check these neighboring counties: