Phelps County Divorce Records
Phelps County divorce records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk at the courthouse in Rolla. The 25th Judicial Circuit Court handles all divorce cases filed in this county, and the clerk keeps both active cases and closed files on site. If you need to search for a divorce record, request a copy of a decree, or check on a case, the clerk's office on North Main Street is where to start. You can look up basic case information through Missouri's Case.net online portal, or visit the office in person for full documents. E-filing is also available for attorneys who handle divorce cases here.
Phelps County Quick Facts
Phelps County Circuit Clerk
The Phelps County Circuit Clerk is the official keeper of all divorce records in the county. The office is at 200 N Main St, Suite 201, Rolla, MO 65401. Call (573) 458-6201 to ask about a case or to start a request for copies. Hours are typically 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. You can walk in during those hours, but calling first helps the staff prepare. The clerk can pull divorce case files, make copies, and certify documents you may need for legal use or personal records.
The Missouri Association of Counties page for Phelps County lists contact information for all county offices. The County Clerk is at 200 N Main St, Suite 102, phone (573) 458-6101. The Recorder is at Suite 133, phone (573) 458-6090. These offices are all in the same building in Rolla, so you can handle multiple record requests in one trip if needed.
The Phelps County Circuit Court page provides details on the court and clerk operations. E-filing is available for attorneys, which can speed up the filing process for divorce cases in the 25th Circuit.
| Office | Phelps County Circuit Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 200 N Main St, Suite 201, Rolla, MO 65401 |
| Phone | (573) 458-6201 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Circuit | 25th Judicial Circuit |
Phelps County Divorce Records Online
Search for Phelps County divorce records on Missouri Case.net. This free state system covers all 114 Missouri counties and holds more than 45 million case records. You can search by name, case number, or date. Phelps County cases in the 25th Judicial Circuit will appear with case type, parties, attorneys, docket entries, and current status.
The system shows basic case details but does not provide the full divorce decree for download. Sealed cases, juvenile records, and expunged files are excluded from search results. Cases from before May 2006 may not be in the database. For older Phelps County divorce records, contact the clerk at (573) 458-6201. Case.net printouts are not official court documents. You will need a certified copy from the clerk for anything with legal standing.
Requesting Phelps County Divorce Records
You can request Phelps County divorce records in person, by mail, or by phone. For in-person requests, visit 200 N Main St, Suite 201 in Rolla and bring valid photo ID. For mail requests, send a letter to the same address with the full names of both spouses, the approximate date of the divorce, and a case number if you have one. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment for copy fees. Call (573) 458-6201 first to find out the current fee schedule.
Certified copies of divorce decrees come from the Phelps County Circuit Clerk only. The state vital records office in Jefferson City issues a Certified Statement Relating to Divorce, but that document is limited to names, date, and county. It does not have the full text of the decree. Missouri law (RSMo Chapter 193) restricts vital records access to those with a direct and tangible interest. ID is required for all requests. Mail orders to the state office must be notarized.
Copy fees typically include a per-page charge plus an additional fee for certification. Call ahead so you know how much to send.
Filing for Divorce in Phelps County
To file for divorce in Phelps County, one spouse must have been a Missouri resident for at least 90 days. File the petition with the Circuit Clerk in Rolla. The 25th Judicial Circuit handles the case. Phelps County shares this circuit with Pulaski, Maries, and Texas counties. Free forms are on the Missouri Courts family law forms page. The forms cover the Petition for Dissolution, financial statements, and a Parenting Plan if children are involved.
The 25th Circuit may have local rules that add requirements beyond the state forms. Check with the clerk's office for specifics. Filing fees change over time. Legal Services of Missouri at 1-800-829-4128 can help people who qualify for free legal assistance.
Note: Attorneys can use e-filing for Phelps County divorce cases, which may speed up the process.
State Resources for Phelps County Divorce Records
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has a central divorce index from July 1, 1948 forward. A Certified Statement costs $15. Order by mail at Bureau of Vital Records, 930 Wildwood Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65109. In-person and VitalChek online orders are also available. Mail takes about 4 to 8 weeks.
The Missouri State Archives may have historical Phelps County court records. Contact them at (573) 751-3280 or archives@sos.mo.gov. Court records in Phelps County are public under the Sunshine Law (Mo. Rev. Stat. Section 610.010), with exceptions for sealed cases. For divorces filed before August 28, 2009, the final decree remains accessible while other parts may be sealed for 72 years.
Nearby Counties
If you need divorce records from areas near Phelps County, check these neighboring counties: