Putnam County Divorce Decree Records
Putnam County divorce decree records are managed by the Circuit Clerk in Unionville. This small county in northern Missouri sits near the Iowa border and has one of the more complete historical record collections in the region. The clerk handles all divorce filings and keeps copies of every final decree. You can search for records by visiting the courthouse, sending a mail request, or using the state's online Case.net tool. Whether you need a certified copy for a legal matter or just want to confirm a case exists, the circuit clerk's office is the place to start. This page explains the steps for getting Putnam County divorce records.
Quick Facts
Putnam County Divorce Decree Overview
The Putnam County Circuit Clerk is the official keeper of all divorce records in this jurisdiction. Court and divorce records here date back to 1857, when the county was formally organized. Unlike some Missouri counties that lost records to courthouse fires, Putnam County has maintained a fairly continuous collection. The clerk holds the original petition, all motions and orders, and the final decree for each case. These are public records under Missouri's Sunshine Law, which means anyone can request basic case information.
A divorce decree in Putnam County follows the same format as any Missouri dissolution order. It names both spouses. It lists the case number and the court. The judge signs it once all issues are resolved. Under RSMo 452.305, Missouri uses a no-fault standard. Either spouse can file by saying the marriage is irretrievably broken. The decree spells out custody, support, and property division if those apply.
To request a copy, write to the Putnam County Circuit Clerk at PO Box 67, Unionville, MO 63565, or call (660) 947-2071.
Online Divorce Case Search for Putnam County
Missouri's Case.net system is the main way to search Putnam County divorce cases online. It is free to use. You can search by party name, case number, or filing date. The tool shows case type, hearing dates, and status. It does not show the full decree text, but it gives you the information you need to request a copy from the clerk. Case.net covers all Missouri circuits, so it works for Putnam County cases as well as any other county in the state.
Older cases may not be in the online system. If you are looking for a divorce from several decades ago, you might need to contact the clerk directly. The electronic records go back further in some counties than others. For Putnam County, calling the clerk is the best way to find out if a specific older case is available online or only in paper form.
Note: Online results do not serve as certified copies and should be used for reference only.
Filing for Divorce in Putnam County
The divorce process in Putnam County begins when one spouse files a petition for dissolution. Missouri law requires 90 days of state residency before filing. The petition goes to the circuit court in Unionville. It must state that the marriage is irretrievably broken. After filing, RSMo 452.320 sets a 30-day waiting period before the court can issue a final decree. During this time, the other spouse is served with papers and has a chance to respond.
If children are part of the case, both parents must submit a parenting plan under RSMo 452.375. This plan addresses custody, visitation, and decision-making for the children. Financial disclosures are also required from both sides. The court reviews all of this before making its ruling. Once the judge signs the decree, it becomes final. The clerk records it, and the case is closed.
Filing fees vary. Call the clerk at (660) 947-2071 for the current fee schedule. If you cannot afford the fees, you can ask the court about a fee waiver.
State Divorce Records in Missouri
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services keeps certified statements relating to divorce. A certified statement is a short document. It lists the names of both spouses, the date of divorce, and the county where it was recorded. It does not have the details of the decree itself. These statements cost $15.00 each and can be ordered by mail, in person at the Jefferson City office, or through VitalChek online.
The state has divorce records going back to July 1, 1948. Anything before that date is only available from the county clerk. The Missouri state portal has more information about how to get these records. If you just need proof that a divorce happened in Putnam County, the state certified statement may be all you need. For the full terms of the decree, go through the circuit clerk.
Putnam County Divorce Decree Research
The RAOGK genealogy guide for Putnam County provides details about the courthouse and what types of records are available. According to this guide, the circuit clerk has probate records from 1857 and court and divorce records from the same year. The Recorder of Deeds holds marriage records from 1857 and land records from the same date. This makes Putnam County a solid resource for family history research in northern Missouri.
The screenshot below shows the RAOGK page for Putnam County with courthouse and records information.
This resource is especially useful for genealogists who need to trace family lines through court records. Putnam County borders Iowa to the north, so some families had connections across the state line.
The Missouri Association of Counties directory lists current contact information for the Putnam County Circuit Clerk and other county offices.
Nearby Counties
Putnam County borders several other Missouri counties and Iowa. If you need divorce records from a neighboring jurisdiction, contact that county's clerk: