Monroe County Divorce Decree Records
Monroe County divorce decree records are kept at the Circuit Clerk's office in Paris, Missouri. The clerk has maintained court and divorce records since 1831, making this one of the longer-running record collections in the state. If you need to search for a dissolution of marriage filing, you can reach the office by phone, mail, or in person. The Missouri Case.net system also lets you look up basic divorce case data from home. This page covers the steps for getting Monroe County divorce records and what to expect from the process.
Quick Facts
Monroe County Divorce Decree Overview
The Monroe County Circuit Clerk holds all divorce decrees filed in this jurisdiction. The office has court and divorce records going back to 1831, the same year the county was formed from Ralls County. A divorce decree is the final court order that ends a marriage. It lists both spouses by name, the case number, and the date the judge signed it. The decree also covers child custody, support, property division, and any spousal maintenance. These are public records, and you do not need to be a party to the case to get basic information about it.
Missouri law allows no-fault divorce. Under RSMo Chapter 452, either spouse can file by stating the marriage is irretrievably broken. The court does not need to find fault with either party. This makes the process simpler for most people filing in Monroe County. The 30-day waiting period still applies after the petition is filed before any decree can be granted.
To get a copy of a Monroe County divorce decree, contact the Monroe County Circuit Clerk at PO Box 227, Paris, MO 65275. Call (660) 327-5104 for current fees and processing times.
Searching Divorce Records in Monroe County
There are a few ways to search for divorce records in Monroe County. The quickest option for a basic check is Missouri Case.net, the state's free online court records system. You can look up cases by name, case number, or date. Select Monroe County as the court location and choose "Family/Domestic" as the case type. The results show party names, hearing dates, and case status. Case.net does not display the full text of the decree, but it gives you the case number you need to request a copy.
For the actual document, you need to go through the circuit clerk. You can visit the courthouse in Paris during business hours. Mail requests are also accepted. Include the names of both parties, the approximate year of the divorce, and a check or money order for the copy fee. The clerk will search the records and send you the document.
The Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness page for Monroe County also has details about what records the clerk's office keeps. It lists probate records from 1831 and marriage records through the Recorder of Deeds from the same year.
Note: Online results are not certified copies and cannot be used for legal purposes.
State Divorce Records and Monroe County
The Missouri Bureau of Vital Records keeps certified statements relating to divorce. These statements are not the same thing as a divorce decree. A certified statement only shows the names of both spouses, the date of the divorce, and the county where it took place. It does not include terms of custody, support, or property division. If you need the full decree, the Monroe County Circuit Clerk is the only source.
Certified statements from the state cost $15.00 per copy. You can order by mail, in person at 930 Wildwood Drive in Jefferson City, or through VitalChek online. The state has kept divorce records since July 1, 1948. For divorces in Monroe County before that date, you must contact the clerk directly in Paris. The Missouri state portal explains the difference between these two types of documents and when each one is the right choice.
What a Monroe County Divorce Decree Contains
Every divorce decree from Monroe County follows a standard format, though the details change from case to case. The document names the petitioner and the respondent. It gives the case number and the name of the presiding judge. The date of the final judgment is included.
If children are part of the case, the decree spells out a parenting plan. This covers custody arrangements, visitation times, and the amount of child support. Under RSMo 452.340, child support follows guidelines set by the Missouri Supreme Court. Property division is another core part of the decree. The court splits marital assets and debts based on factors listed in RSMo 452.330. Spousal maintenance may also be included if one party needs financial help after the split. Each decree is different because each case has its own set of facts and circumstances.
This genealogy resource provides more context on the types of records held at the Monroe County courthouse, including divorce filings dating back to 1831.
How to File for Divorce in Monroe County
Filing for divorce in Monroe County begins with a petition for dissolution of marriage. At least one spouse must have lived in Missouri for 90 days before filing, as required by RSMo 452.305. The petition is filed with the Monroe County Circuit Court in Paris. Filing fees apply, and you should contact the clerk at (660) 327-5104 for the current amount.
Pro se filers, meaning people without a lawyer, must use forms approved by the Missouri Supreme Court. These forms include the petition, a parenting plan if there are children, and financial disclosure statements. The clerk's office can point you to the right forms. After filing, there is a 30-day waiting period before the court can grant the divorce. If both parties agree on all terms, the process can go faster. Contested cases take longer because the judge has to make decisions on disputed issues like custody or property.
The Missouri Association of Counties page above shows contact details for the Monroe County Circuit Clerk, which handles all divorce decree filings and requests.
Nearby Counties
If your divorce was filed in a different county, contact that county's circuit clerk. Counties near Monroe include: