Search Putnam County Divorce Records
Putnam County divorce records are filed and stored at the Circuit Clerk's office in Unionville. Whether you need to look up a past divorce case, get a copy of a decree, or check the status of a filing, the clerk's office is the right place to start. The 3rd Judicial Circuit Court handles all family law matters in Putnam County, and the staff can help you find case files, pull copies, and point you to the right forms. You can search for records in person, by phone, or through the state's online Case.net system for basic case details.
Putnam County Quick Facts
Putnam County Circuit Clerk Office
The Putnam County Circuit Clerk manages all divorce records for the county. The office is at 1601 Main Street, Room 204, in Unionville. You can call them at (660) 947-2071 during regular business hours. Staff can help you look up a case, get copies of a divorce decree, or find out what fees apply. Walk-ins are welcome, but a quick call first can save time if you need a specific file pulled.
The Missouri Association of Counties page for Putnam County lists contact details for all county offices. The County Clerk sits at 1601 Main Street, Room 101, and can be reached at (660) 947-2674. The Recorder of Deeds is in Room 202 of the same building at (660) 947-3295. If you need property records or land documents tied to a divorce settlement, the Recorder's office is where those files are kept.
| Office | Putnam County Circuit Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 1601 Main St, Rm 204, Unionville, MO 63565 |
| Phone | (660) 947-2071 |
| County Clerk | (660) 947-2674 |
| Recorder | (660) 947-3295 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, standard business hours |
The clerk's office handles more than just divorce cases. They manage all circuit court records, including civil suits, criminal cases, and domestic relations matters. For divorce records, you will need to provide the full names of both spouses and the approximate date of the divorce. A case number speeds things up if you have one.
Putnam County Divorce Records Online
You can search for Putnam County divorce records online through Missouri Case.net. This free tool covers all 114 Missouri counties and has over 45 million case records. You can look up cases by name, case number, or filing date. Case.net shows the case type, status, parties, and docket entries. Divorce cases filed in the 3rd Judicial Circuit will appear in the results.
There are limits to what you can find online. Case.net does not show sealed records, juvenile cases, or expunged files. If a judge sealed a divorce case because of domestic violence or other safety concerns, it will not show up in search results. Older cases filed before 2006 may not appear in the system at all. For those older Putnam County divorce records, contact the clerk's office directly.
Putnam County is a small, rural county. Online record availability can be more limited compared to larger counties in Missouri. The clerk's office remains the most reliable source for complete divorce case files, especially for anything filed more than a decade ago.
Getting Divorce Records in Putnam County
There are a few ways to get copies of Putnam County divorce records. The most direct way is to visit the courthouse at 1601 Main Street in Unionville. You can also send a written request by mail. When you make a request, include the full names of both parties, the approximate date of the divorce, and your reason for the request. Bring valid photo ID if you go in person.
The Putnam County Circuit Court page notes that divorce records are available upon request with valid ID and a fee. Copy fees in Missouri typically run about $0.50 to $1.00 per page. Certified copies cost more because the clerk adds an official court seal. If you need the document for legal use, you will want a certified copy. For personal reference, a plain copy works fine.
If you want a certified copy of the actual divorce decree, the Putnam County Circuit Clerk is the only place to get that full document. The state vital records office in Jefferson City only provides a Certified Statement Relating to Divorce, which is a short summary showing names, date, and county. It does not include the full terms of the divorce. Under Missouri law (RSMo Chapter 193), vital records are not open to the general public. Only people with a direct and tangible interest can get a certified copy from the state level.
Note: Always call the clerk at (660) 947-2071 to confirm current fees before sending a mail request.
Putnam County Divorce Filing Process
To file for divorce in Putnam County, at least one spouse must have lived in Missouri for 90 days before filing. The petition goes to the 3rd Judicial Circuit Court. You file the paperwork with the Circuit Clerk in Unionville. The filing fee varies, so call ahead to get the current amount.
Missouri Courts provide free divorce forms you can download from the Missouri Courts family law forms page. The forms package has a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, an Income and Expense Statement, a Property Statement, and Parenting Plan forms if children are involved. Each circuit may have its own local rules, so check with the Putnam County clerk for any extra steps. Uncontested divorces with no children tend to move faster through the system. Cases with custody disputes or property disagreements can take considerably longer.
Legal Services of Missouri at 1-800-829-4128 provides free legal help for people who qualify based on income. The Missouri Bar also has a lawyer referral service if you want to hire an attorney but need help finding one in the area.
Vital Records and Putnam County Divorce Data
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services keeps records of divorces reported since July 1, 1948. Their Certified Statement Relating to Divorce can help when you don't know which county a divorce was filed in. You can order one by mail, in person in Jefferson City, or through VitalChek online. The fee 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 filed before August 28, 2009, the final decree section stays accessible, but all other parts of the case file are sealed for 72 years after filing. This means some older case details are restricted even though the final outcome is still public. Genealogy researchers should keep this in mind when looking into older Putnam County divorce cases.
The Missouri State Archives may also have historical court materials. The archives research room in Jefferson City is open to visitors, and staff can do limited research for people who can't visit. You can email archives@sos.mo.gov or call (573) 751-3280 to ask about specific Putnam County records.
Nearby Counties
If you need divorce records from areas near Putnam County, check these neighboring counties: