Sullivan County Divorce Records
Sullivan County divorce records are managed by the Circuit Clerk at the courthouse in Milan, Missouri. The clerk's office keeps all divorce filings, decrees, and related court documents. Records in Sullivan County go back to 1845, though a courthouse fire on June 26, 1908 destroyed some older files. If you need to search for a divorce case, get a copy of a decree, or look into historical filings, the clerk's office in Milan is where to begin. You can also search online through Case.net or send a written request by mail.
Sullivan County Quick Facts
Sullivan County Circuit Clerk
The Sullivan County Circuit Clerk is the official keeper of all divorce records filed in the county. This office is located at 109 N Main St, Suite 20, in Milan. You can call them at (660) 265-4717 with questions about records. The clerk handles new divorce filings, maintains case files, and produces copies of court documents when requested. Staff can search for a case by the name of either party or by case number.
The Missouri Association of Counties directory for Sullivan County lists the Circuit Clerk along with other county offices. The County Clerk is at 109 N Main St, Suite 5, Milan (phone: 660-265-3786). The Recorder of Deeds is at 109 N Main St, Suite 20 (phone: 660-265-3630). Both offices share the same building, which makes it easy to visit multiple offices in one trip if you need related records.
| Office | Sullivan County Circuit Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 109 N Main St, Suite 20, Milan, MO 63556-1369 |
| Phone | (660) 265-4717 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, standard business hours |
Note: Documents received by the Recorder after 3:30 p.m. are recorded the next business day, per the Sullivan County Recorder's office policy.
Searching Sullivan County Divorce Records
You can search for Sullivan County divorce records through Missouri Case.net. This free tool covers all Missouri counties. Type in a name or case number and the system shows you case type, parties, docket entries, and the current status. It works well for recent Sullivan County cases. Sealed, expunged, and juvenile cases will not appear.
For in-person searches, go to the courthouse at 109 N Main St in Milan. The clerk can pull files and let you review them. Bring a valid photo ID. If you know the approximate year the divorce took place, that speeds things up. Older records may take more time to locate since they could be in storage or on microfilm.
The Sullivan County MOGenWeb courthouse page notes that circuit court records going back to 1845 and an index to those records are available. This is helpful for researchers trying to trace very old Sullivan County divorce filings. Keep in mind the 1908 courthouse fire did destroy some records, so there may be gaps in the early files.
Getting Copies of Sullivan County Divorce Records
To get copies, you can visit the courthouse in Milan or send a request by mail to 109 N Main St, Suite 20, Milan, MO 63556-1369. Include the full names of both spouses, the approximate date of the divorce, and your contact info. The clerk charges per-page fees for plain copies and a higher fee for certified copies. Call (660) 265-4717 to check current rates before sending your request.
If you need a Certified Statement Relating to Divorce from the state, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services handles those. The fee is $15. State records cover divorces from July 1, 1948 forward. Mail your request to Bureau of Vital Records, 930 Wildwood Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65109. It takes about 4 to 8 weeks to process.
The state certificate only shows the names, date, and county. For the full decree with property terms, custody orders, and support details, you must go through the Sullivan County Circuit Clerk. Most legal matters require the complete decree rather than just the certificate.
Divorce Filing Process in Sullivan County
Filing for divorce in Sullivan County starts with submitting a petition for dissolution of marriage to the Circuit Clerk in Milan. At least one spouse has to have lived in Missouri for 90 days. Missouri only allows no-fault divorce, so you state the marriage is irretrievably broken. Under RSMo Section 452.310, the petition must list the marriage date, separation date, and information about any children.
The Missouri Courts family law forms page has free downloadable forms you can use. The forms include a petition, income and expense statement, property statement, and parenting plan if kids are involved. Sullivan County may have local rules that add small requirements on top of the state forms, so check with the clerk.
After you file, you must serve the other spouse. Missouri requires a 30-day waiting period from the date of service before the court can finalize anything. If both sides agree on all terms, an uncontested divorce in Sullivan County can move quickly once that 30 days is up. If there are disagreements, the case may go to mediation or trial, which adds time.
Historical Records and Genealogy Research
Sullivan County has divorce and court records from 1845, making it one of the older record collections in the state. The FamilySearch Wiki for Sullivan County documents that the Recorder of Deeds has marriage and land records from 1845 as well, along with incomplete birth records from 1867 to 1895 and death records from 1883 to 1896. Probate records also go back to 1845.
The 1908 courthouse fire is an important detail. It damaged some records, so there are gaps in certain early Sullivan County files. If you are searching for a divorce from the 1800s and can not find it, the fire may be the reason. The MOGenWeb project for Sullivan County has been working to index and preserve surviving records.
The Sullivan County Recorder of Deeds website lists Susie Gardner as the current Recorder. This office has land and marriage records that often relate to divorce cases. If a divorce split property, the deed records may show the transfer. The Recorder is at 109 N Main Street, Suite 20, Milan (phone: 660-265-3630).
Note: Divorce records filed before August 28, 2009 have portions sealed for 72 years, though the final decree section remains accessible.
Nearby Counties
If you need divorce records from areas near Sullivan County, these neighboring counties may help: