Search Stone County Divorce Records
Stone County divorce records are held by the Circuit Clerk in Galena, Missouri. Whether you need a copy of a divorce decree, want to check the status of a case, or are looking for older filings, the clerk's office is the main source. Records in Stone County go back to 1851, and you can search for cases online through Case.net or visit the courthouse in person. The clerk's staff can help you pull case files, get copies, and explain what fees apply for the documents you need.
Stone County Quick Facts
Stone County Circuit Clerk Office
The Stone County Circuit Clerk is the official custodian of all divorce records in the county. This office sits in Galena and handles every divorce case that comes through the local circuit court. The clerk processes new filings, keeps case files in order, and issues copies when people ask. You can reach the office by phone at (417) 357-6115. The mailing address is PO Box 18, Galena, MO 65656-0018.
The Missouri Association of Counties page for Stone County lists the Circuit Clerk along with other county offices. You can also find contact info for the County Clerk at PO Box 45, Galena, MO 65656-0045 (phone: 417-357-6127) and the Recorder of Deeds at PO Box 186, Galena, MO 65656 (phone: 417-357-6362). The Recorder handles marriage and land records from 1851, which can be useful if your divorce case involves property questions or you need a marriage record to go with the divorce file.
| Office | Stone County Circuit Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | PO Box 18, Galena, MO 65656-0018 |
| Courthouse | 110 South Main Street, Galena, MO 65656 |
| Phone | (417) 357-6115 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, standard business hours |
The Stone County Courthouse at 110 South Main Street in Galena is where you go for in-person visits. Staff can pull divorce files for you to look at, make plain or certified copies, and tell you what it costs. Walk-ins are welcome, but a quick call first can save a trip if the file you want is hard to find or in storage.
Stone County Divorce Records Online
You can search for Stone County divorce records online through Missouri Case.net. This is the state court system's free public search tool. It covers all 114 Missouri counties, including Stone County. You can look up cases by the name of either spouse, by case number, or by the date it was filed. Case.net shows party names, attorneys, the docket, and the current status of each case.
There are some limits. Case.net does not display sealed or expunged records. Juvenile cases are hidden. Older Stone County divorce records from before the system went digital may not show up at all. For those, call the clerk at (417) 357-6115 and ask. They can check the paper files for you.
Certified copies of a Stone County divorce decree can only come from the Circuit Clerk's office. Case.net gives you information about the case, but it does not replace an official certified copy. If you need one for legal reasons, such as remarrying, changing your name, or dealing with property, you need the real thing from the clerk.
How to Get Stone County Divorce Records
There are a few ways to get copies. You can visit the courthouse in Galena in person. You can also send a written request by mail to the Circuit Clerk at PO Box 18, Galena, MO 65656-0018. Include the full names of both spouses and an approximate date of the divorce. This helps staff find the right file fast. A phone number where they can reach you is a good idea too.
The Stone County Circuit Clerk has divorce and court records from 1851. That is a very long record history. The Probate Judge also has records going back to that same year. If you need older records for genealogy research or legal purposes, the clerk can try to locate them. Very old files may be in storage or on microfilm, so give extra time for those requests.
For a Certified Statement Relating to Divorce from the state level, you can order through the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. The state fee is $15 per record. State records go back to July 1, 1948. Mail requests go to: Bureau of Vital Records, 930 Wildwood Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65109. Processing takes about 4 to 8 weeks.
Note: The state Certified Statement only shows names, date, and county of the divorce, not the full decree terms.
Filing for Divorce in Stone County
To file for divorce in Stone County, at least one spouse must have been a Missouri resident for 90 days before filing. You file the petition with the Circuit Clerk in Galena. Missouri is a no-fault state, which means you only need to state that the marriage is "irretrievably broken." You do not have to prove wrongdoing by either spouse. Under RSMo Section 452.310, the petition must include the date of marriage, date of separation, and a statement about any children of the marriage.
Free divorce forms are available on the Missouri Courts family law forms page. The packet includes a petition, income and expense statement, property statement, and parenting plan forms if children are part of the case. Some Stone County filers also use forms from the clerk's office or get help from an attorney.
After you file, the other spouse must be served with the papers. Service can happen through a process server, the sheriff, or certified mail in some situations. Once served, the other party has 30 days to respond. Missouri requires a 30-day waiting period before any divorce can be finalized. If both sides agree on everything, an uncontested divorce in Stone County can wrap up fairly quickly once that waiting period ends.
Stone County Divorce Record Contents
A Stone County divorce file usually contains several types of documents. The petition for dissolution is the first filing. It lays out the basic facts and what the person filing wants in terms of property, custody, and support. The response from the other spouse may agree with some or all of those requests, or it may raise different issues.
Other documents in a typical Stone County divorce record include:
- Income and expense statements from both parties
- Property and debt division agreements
- Parenting plan if minor children are involved
- Settlement agreement or trial findings
- Final decree of dissolution signed by the judge
The final decree is the document most people ask for. It is the court order that ends the marriage. Certified copies of the decree are often needed for changing your name, updating records with Social Security, selling or buying property, and getting remarried. The Stone County Circuit Clerk can make certified copies of any document in the case file.
Genealogy and Historical Divorce Records
Stone County has a strong record history. The FamilySearch Wiki for Stone County notes that the Circuit Clerk has divorce and court records from 1851. The Recorder of Deeds has marriage and land records from the same year. Probate records also go back to 1851. Birth records from 1883 to 1886 are on file with the County Clerk.
For genealogy researchers, these older Stone County records can fill in gaps about family connections and property. The Stone County government website has contact info for all offices. The Missouri State Archives in Jefferson City may also have relevant materials. Staff there can check for microfilmed Stone County court records. You can email archives@sos.mo.gov or call (573) 751-3280.
Note: Divorce records filed before August 28, 2009 have some sections sealed for 72 years after filing, though the final decree portion stays accessible.
Nearby Counties
If you need divorce records from areas near Stone County, check these neighboring counties: