Mississippi County Divorce Decree Records
Mississippi County divorce decree records are on file at the Circuit Clerk's Office in Charleston, Missouri. Located in the Bootheel region along the Mississippi River, this county has kept court and divorce records since 1858. If you need a copy of a divorce decree from Mississippi County, the clerk in Charleston is the place to go. This page covers the process for requesting copies, searching for cases online, and understanding what options the state provides for basic divorce information.
Mississippi County Quick Facts
Mississippi County Circuit Clerk Divorce Records
The Mississippi County Circuit Clerk is located at PO Box 304, Charleston, MO 63834. The phone number is (573) 683-2149. The clerk's office handles all civil, criminal, and family law filings for the 33rd Judicial Circuit as it applies to Mississippi County.
The Mississippi County genealogy guide confirms that the Circuit Court Clerk has probate records from 1845 and court and divorce records from 1858. Marriage and land records also go back to 1845 through the Recorder of Deeds. The county was created from Scott County in 1845, though some early court records were not filed until a few years later.
When you request a divorce decree, provide both spouse names and the year of the divorce if you can. Certified copies carry the official seal and are accepted for legal purposes. Plain copies work for personal reference only.
This genealogy resource shows the types of court records available in Mississippi County, including divorce records from 1858.
Search Mississippi County Divorce Cases Online
Missouri Case.net is the free statewide tool for looking up court cases. You can search Mississippi County cases by name, case number, or filing date. Results include case type, parties involved, and hearing schedules.
The tool does not provide the actual decree document. It confirms a case exists and gives you the details to request the full file from the Circuit Clerk. This is the fastest way to find case information without visiting Charleston in person.
The Missouri Association of Counties directory shows current contact details for the Mississippi County Circuit Clerk.
Missouri Vital Records for Mississippi County Divorces
The Missouri Bureau of Vital Records can issue a certified statement for any divorce in the state since July 1948. This is a basic document. It shows both names, the divorce date, and the county. No terms or property details are included. The cost is $15.00.
You can order this from the Department of Health and Senior Services by mail or online. It is useful when you need proof of divorce quickly or when you are not sure which county handled the case. For a full Mississippi County divorce decree with all settlement terms, custody orders, and property division, you must go through the Circuit Clerk in Charleston.
Under RSMo Chapter 452, the court that granted the divorce is the only source for the complete decree file. The Missouri state portal explains this distinction clearly.
Mississippi County Divorce Decree Filing Process
Missouri uses the term "dissolution of marriage." RSMo 452.305 requires at least 90 days of state residency before a person can file. The petition goes to the circuit court in the county where either spouse resides.
After filing in Mississippi County, RSMo 452.330 requires a 30-day wait before the court can finalize the decree. The judge reviews property division and child custody terms under RSMo 452.375. Once everything is resolved and signed, the decree is filed with the Circuit Clerk and becomes a public record.
Note: Mississippi County shares borders with Illinois and Kentucky across the river, so some residents may have filed in those states instead of Missouri.
Requesting Divorce Decree Copies from Mississippi County
You can visit the courthouse in Charleston during business hours or mail a written request to PO Box 304, Charleston, MO 63834. Include both spouse names, the approximate date, and a check or money order for the copy fee. Call (573) 683-2149 to confirm current fees before sending a request.
The Missouri Association of Counties website can help you verify addresses and phone numbers for the Mississippi County clerk's office or any other county office in the state. Mail requests generally take two to three weeks to process and return.
Nearby Counties
Check these neighboring counties if the divorce might have been filed in a different area.