Access Jefferson County Divorce Decree
Jefferson County divorce decree records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk in Hillsboro. The clerk holds all civil, criminal, and family court case records for this jurisdiction. Jefferson County is one of the larger counties in the St. Louis metro area, and its circuit court handles a significant volume of dissolution cases each year. You can request records in person, by mail, or by phone. Missouri's Case.net also provides free online access to basic case info. This page walks you through the process.
Quick Facts
Jefferson County Divorce Decree Records
The Jefferson 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 from the case. When a judge signs the final judgment, the clerk records it permanently. These records are public under Missouri's Sunshine Law. Anyone can request basic case information without needing to be a party to the case.
A divorce decree ends a marriage. It names both spouses, lists the case number and court, and states the filing date. The grounds for the divorce are spelled out in the document. Missouri is a no-fault state under RSMo 452.305. Either spouse can file by stating the marriage is irretrievably broken. The decree addresses custody, visitation, child support, property division per RSMo 452.330, and spousal maintenance when those issues are part of the case.
Jefferson County has a large population. The circuit court processes many family law cases. Wait times for record requests may be longer than in smaller counties. Call ahead for current turnaround times.
How to Get Jefferson County Divorce Records
Contact the Jefferson County Circuit Clerk at 300 Main Street, Hillsboro, MO 63050. Phone: (636) 797-5443. Fax: (636) 797-5126. Provide both parties' names and the approximate date of the divorce. You can visit in person, call, or send a written request by mail.
Uncertified copies cost about $1 per page. Certified copies are more. The clerk can give you exact pricing. If you need the record for a legal purpose, request a certified copy. Bring valid photo ID if you are going to the courthouse. For mail requests, include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
The screenshot below shows the Jefferson County Circuit Clerk office information.
This resource shows the location and contact details for the Jefferson County Circuit Clerk's office where divorce decrees are kept and copies can be requested.
Online Search for Jefferson County Divorce Cases
Missouri's Case.net is a free online tool. Search for Jefferson County divorce cases by party name, case number, or filing date. Results show basic info: parties, case type, hearing dates, and status. The full decree is not available online. You need the circuit clerk for copies.
Case.net covers all 114 Missouri counties and 46 judicial circuits. It runs all the time and data updates regularly. If a case does not show, it may be sealed or not yet entered. For sealed records, appear in person at the Hillsboro courthouse with photo ID.
Note: Case.net results are for reference only and do not replace certified copies from the clerk.
Divorce Filing in Jefferson County
Filing starts with a petition for dissolution at the Jefferson County Circuit Court. Missouri requires 90 days of state residency under RSMo 452.310. The petition must state the marriage is irretrievably broken. A 30-day waiting period applies per RSMo 452.320.
Self-represented parties use Missouri Supreme Court approved forms. The clerk's office can help you find the right ones. Filing fees vary. Call (636) 797-5443 for the current amount. After agreement or a ruling, the judge signs the decree. The clerk records it. Custody follows RSMo 452.375 and property division follows RSMo 452.330. To modify custody or support later, file a motion under RSMo 452.370 in the same court.
Both parents must submit a parenting plan when children are involved. The plan covers custody, visitation, and how decisions about schooling and health care get made. Child support is based on Missouri guidelines using both parents' income. The judge reviews the plan and either approves it or makes changes. The final plan becomes part of the decree. Jefferson County's family court division handles these matters along with all other dissolution cases.
State-Level Divorce Records
The Missouri Department of Health issues certified statements for divorces. These list names, date, and county only. Each costs $15.00. Order at 930 Wildwood Drive in Jefferson City, by mail, or via VitalChek. Missouri has tracked divorces since July 1, 1948.
For older records, contact the Jefferson County Circuit Clerk directly. The Missouri state portal explains what certified statements include and how they differ from full decrees. For the complete document with all terms, the county is the only source. The Missouri Association of Counties can help you find any county's clerk if you are unsure where a case was filed.
Nearby Counties
If the divorce was filed in a county near Jefferson, contact that county's circuit clerk. Neighboring counties include: