Franklin County Divorce Decree Search
Franklin County divorce decree records are managed by the Circuit Clerk in Union. This office maintains all civil, criminal, and family court case records for the county. You can request divorce records in person, by mail, or by phone. Missouri's Case.net system provides free online access to basic case data from every circuit court. This guide covers how to search for, request, and get Franklin County divorce decree records and what to expect from the process.
Quick Facts
Franklin County Divorce Decree Records
The Franklin County Circuit Clerk is the official custodian of all divorce records in this jurisdiction. The office holds the original decree, the petition for dissolution, and any court orders tied to the case. When a judge signs the final judgment, the clerk records it permanently. These documents are public under Missouri's Sunshine Law. Anyone can request basic case info.
A divorce decree is the court order that ends a marriage. It lists both spouses, the case number, the court, and the filing date. The grounds for divorce are stated. Missouri uses a no-fault system under RSMo 452.305, where either spouse can file by saying the marriage is irretrievably broken. The decree addresses custody, child support, property division, and spousal maintenance. Some parts of the file are restricted, including financial affidavits and records about minor children.
Franklin County is one of the more populated counties in the eastern part of the state. The office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It handles a steady volume of family court cases each year.
Getting a Franklin County Divorce Decree Copy
Contact the Franklin County Circuit Clerk at 401 East Main Street, Union, MO 63084. Phone: (636) 583-6355. Fax: (636) 583-4610. Provide the names of both parties and the approximate date of the divorce. You can visit in person, call, or mail a written request. For mail requests, include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Uncertified copies are generally $1 per page. Certified copies cost more. The clerk can tell you the exact fees when you call. If you need records for legal purposes such as remarriage, property transfers, or immigration, ask for a certified copy. Bring valid photo ID for in-person requests.
The screenshot below shows the Missouri state portal with information about where to obtain divorce records at the state and county levels.
This official page confirms that divorce decrees must be obtained from the circuit clerk in the county where the divorce was granted. Certified statements from the state provide limited information only.
Online Search for Franklin County Divorce Cases
Missouri's Case.net is a free online tool for searching court records. Look up Franklin County divorce cases by party name, case number, or filing date. The results show basic details: parties involved, case type, hearing dates, and current status. The actual decree document is not online. For copies, contact the clerk.
Case.net covers all 114 Missouri counties and 46 judicial circuits. The system is maintained by the Office of State Courts Administrator. Data updates on a regular basis. If a case does not show up, it may be sealed or not yet entered into the system.
Note: Case.net results are for reference and cannot be used as certified copies.
Divorce Filing in Franklin County
Filing begins with a petition for dissolution filed with the Franklin County Circuit Court. Missouri requires at least 90 days of state residency under RSMo 452.310. The petition must state the marriage is irretrievably broken. A 30-day waiting period under RSMo 452.320 applies before the court can finalize the divorce.
Parties without an attorney must use Missouri Supreme Court approved forms. These include the petition, parenting plan, and financial disclosures. The clerk's office in Union can help you find the right forms. Filing fees apply. Call (636) 583-6355 for current amounts. After both sides agree or the court rules, the judge signs the decree. The clerk records it. Property is divided per RSMo 452.330 and custody follows RSMo 452.375.
When children are part of the case, a parenting plan must be submitted. Both parents provide details about custody, visitation, and how major decisions about the children will be made. Child support amounts follow Missouri guidelines based on both parents' incomes. The judge reviews the plan and can accept it or modify it. The final plan becomes a binding part of the decree. To change custody or support terms later, file a motion to modify under RSMo 452.370 in the same court.
State Divorce Statements
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services issues certified statements for divorces. A statement only lists names, date, and county. No custody, property, or support info. Each costs $15.00. Order at 930 Wildwood Drive in Jefferson City, by mail, or via VitalChek online.
Missouri started recording divorces July 1, 1948. For older records, contact the Franklin County Circuit Clerk. The Missouri state portal explains the difference between a state statement and a county decree. The Missouri Association of Counties can help locate the right circuit clerk if you are unsure which county handled a divorce.
Nearby Counties
If your divorce was filed in a county near Franklin, contact that county's clerk. Neighboring counties include: