Perry County Divorce Decree Search
Perry County divorce decree records are managed by the Circuit Clerk in Perryville, Missouri. The county was established in 1820 from Ste. Genevieve County and has kept court and divorce records since 1821. That gives Perry County one of the longer record collections in the state. If you are looking for a divorce decree, the clerk's office can provide certified copies. You can also search basic case information online through Missouri's Case.net portal. This guide explains the process for searching and getting Perry County divorce records.
Quick Facts
Perry County Divorce Decree Records
The Perry County Circuit Clerk keeps all divorce decrees filed in this jurisdiction. Court and divorce records date back to 1821, making them some of the oldest continuous records in Missouri. The Recorder of Deeds also has marriage records from 1821. Perry County was named for Oliver Hazard Perry, the naval officer from the War of 1812. The courthouse is in Perryville.
A divorce decree is the court's final order dissolving a marriage. It lists both parties, the case number, and the judgment date. The decree also sets out the terms for child custody, child support, visitation, property division, and spousal maintenance if applicable. Under Missouri law per RSMo 452.305, divorce is granted on no-fault grounds when the marriage is found to be irretrievably broken. These are public records, and anyone can request basic case information from the clerk.
To request a copy, contact the Perry County Circuit Clerk at PO Box 621, Perryville, MO 63775, or call (573) 547-6581.
Searching Perry County Divorce Cases Online
The Missouri Case.net system lets you search court records from every circuit in the state for free. Select Perry County as the court and enter a party name, case number, or filing date. Pick "Family/Domestic" to limit results to divorce and family cases. The system shows party names, case status, and hearing dates. It does not display the full decree, but it gives you the case number and confirms that a case was filed.
Once you have the case number, contact the clerk to request a certified copy. The clerk takes requests in person, by mail, and by phone. Include the names of both parties and the case number when you call or write. The genealogy guide for Perry County has details about the types of records held at the courthouse, which is helpful for historical or family research.
Note: Case.net results are not certified documents and cannot be used for legal purposes.
Filing for Divorce in Perry County
To file for divorce in Perry County, at least one spouse must have lived in Missouri for 90 days. The petition for dissolution goes to the circuit court in Perryville. Missouri's no-fault system means the petition only needs to state the marriage is irretrievably broken. After filing, there is a mandatory 30-day waiting period under RSMo 452.320 before the court can grant the decree.
Self-represented filers must use Missouri Supreme Court approved forms. These include the petition, a parenting plan if children are involved, and financial statements. The clerk can direct you to the right forms but cannot offer legal advice. Filing fees vary. Call (573) 547-6581 for the current cost. Once the judge signs the decree, the clerk files it permanently. Perry County sits near St. Francois County, Cape Girardeau County, Bollinger County, and Madison County, so make sure you are filing in the correct jurisdiction based on where you live.
This genealogy resource shows the record types available at the Perry County courthouse, with court and divorce records going all the way back to 1821.
State Certified Statements vs. Perry County Decree
The Missouri Bureau of Vital Records issues certified statements relating to divorce. A certified statement lists the names of both spouses, the date of the divorce, and the county. It does not contain any terms from the decree. For custody, support, or property information, you need the actual decree from the Perry County Circuit Clerk.
Certified statements cost $15.00 each. They are available by mail, in person at 930 Wildwood Drive in Jefferson City, or online through VitalChek. The state started recording divorces on July 1, 1948. For Perry County divorces before that date, the county clerk has records dating to 1821. The Missouri state portal explains which document is right for your needs.
The Missouri Association of Counties directory shown above has contact details for the Perry County Circuit Clerk and related offices.
Nearby Counties
If the divorce was filed in a nearby county, contact that county's circuit clerk. Counties bordering Perry include: