Search Boone County Divorce Decree Records
Boone County divorce decree records are managed by the 13th Judicial Circuit Court in Columbia, Missouri. The Circuit Clerk's office holds all dissolution of marriage filings and family court records for this county. With Columbia being the county seat and a major university city, the court processes a large volume of cases each year. You can search for divorce cases online, visit the courthouse in person, or submit requests by mail or fax. This guide explains how to find and get Boone County divorce records.
Quick Facts
Boone County Family Court and Divorce Records
Boone County has one primary court, the 13th Judicial Circuit Court of Missouri. Cases about family law matters fall under the Boone County Family Court Division. This division handles dissolution of marriage, legal separations, paternity actions, motions to modify, protection orders, juvenile cases, child support, and name changes. If you are looking for a divorce decree, the family court division is the specific part of the circuit court you need.
Boone County Family Court records are accessible by visiting the courthouse to search for and inspect records in person. You can also request copies by completing a Family Court Copy Request form. This form can be submitted in person, by mail, or by fax to (573) 886-4045. The courthouse is at 705 E. Walnut Street in Columbia. The Court Administration Office can be reached at (573) 886-4060.
Requesters may be charged 20 cents per minute for clerical time spent on their search. Photocopies of court records cost $1 per page, and certified copies are $2.50 per page. These fees apply to all court record requests, not just divorce cases.
Searching Boone County Divorce Cases
Missouri's Case.net system gives you free online access to search Boone County divorce cases. Type in a party's name or the case number. The results show the case type, filing date, parties, scheduled hearings, and status. This tool covers all Missouri circuit courts, so you can use it to search Boone County records from anywhere.
Case.net is a search tool, not a document source. It does not show the full text of a divorce decree. What it does is confirm a case exists and give you the case number. With that number, you can contact the circuit clerk at (573) 886-4000 and ask for copies. For people who are not sure if a case was filed in Boone County, Case.net can help confirm the right jurisdiction.
The screenshot below shows the Boone County Circuit Court contact page.
This resource lists the phone numbers, address, and fax for the court offices that handle divorce records in Boone County.
Boone County Divorce Decree Process
Filing for divorce in Boone County starts with a petition for dissolution of marriage filed at the circuit court in Columbia. Under RSMo 452.305, the petitioner states that the marriage is irretrievably broken. At least one spouse must have lived in Missouri for 90 days. The case goes to the Family Court Division, which specializes in these matters.
After filing, RSMo 452.320 requires a 30-day waiting period. The court cannot grant the divorce until this time passes. Uncontested cases where both parties agree move faster. Contested cases go to hearings. The Family Court Division in Boone County handles a high volume of cases given the county's population, so scheduling can take time in contested matters.
Once the judge signs the decree, the clerk records it. The case is closed. The decree becomes part of the permanent court record. If either party needs to modify custody or support later, they file a motion to modify in the same court.
What Boone County Divorce Decrees Include
A Boone County divorce decree is the final court order that dissolves the marriage. It names both parties, lists the case number and court, and states the grounds. The decree covers all terms of the split. For families with children, this includes a parenting plan with custody, visitation, and child support. Spousal maintenance terms are included if awarded.
Property division is a major part of most decrees. Real estate, bank accounts, retirement funds, vehicles, and personal property are divided between the parties. Debts are assigned too. Some decrees address specific matters like the family home in Columbia, university-related benefits, or health insurance. Each decree is unique to the case. The clerk's office keeps the original on file and can provide copies as needed.
The image above shows the comprehensive Boone County court records page with details about accessing family court records including divorce cases.
State Certified Statements
The Missouri Department of Health provides certified statements for divorces. These are limited to the names of both spouses, the date, and the county. They cost $15.00. For the full decree with all terms, you need the Boone County Circuit Clerk.
The state portal explains the difference between certified statements and divorce decrees. Statements are good for basic proof. Decrees have the full legal details. The state has recorded divorces since July 1, 1948.
Note: Boone County charges 20 cents per minute for clerical search time plus $1 per page for standard copies and $2.50 per page for certified copies.
Qualifying City in Boone County
Columbia is the county seat and the largest city in Boone County. For city-specific divorce record information, see the Columbia divorce records page.
Nearby Counties
If the divorce was filed in a county near Boone, try these offices: