Reynolds County Divorce Decree
Reynolds County divorce decree records are available through the Circuit Clerk's office in Centerville, Missouri. This rural county in the Missouri Ozarks has a notable history when it comes to records. The courthouse burned three separate times, in 1863, 1871, and 1872, destroying all records each time. Court and divorce records here begin in 1872 as a result. You can search for divorce cases by name, date, or case number through the clerk or by using Missouri's online Case.net portal. This page covers how to find and obtain Reynolds County divorce records.
Quick Facts
Reynolds County Divorce Records History
Reynolds County was created in 1845 from Shannon County. The courthouse has a rough history. Confederate troops burned it in December 1863, destroying all records. A new courthouse was built, but it burned again in November 1871. Every record was lost a second time. Temporary quarters were set up, and those burned on May 27, 1872. Three fires in under a decade wiped out the entire county record collection. Court and divorce records only exist from 1872 forward. If you need a Reynolds County divorce decree from before that year, the original files simply do not exist.
For divorces after 1872, the Circuit Clerk in Centerville is the official record keeper. The clerk holds the petition, motions, and the final decree for each case. These are public records. You can request them in person, by mail, or by phone. Under Missouri's Sunshine Law, basic case information is available to anyone. Some details like financial statements may be restricted.
A Reynolds County divorce decree names both spouses, lists the case number, and states the grounds for dissolution. Missouri uses a no-fault system under RSMo 452.305. The decree also addresses custody, support, and property division.
Online Search for Reynolds County Divorce Decree
You can search Reynolds County divorce cases for free on Missouri's Case.net portal. This system covers all circuit courts in the state. Search by the name of a party, a case number, or a date range. Results show the case type, hearing schedule, parties, and status. The full text of the decree is not displayed. You use the case number to request copies from the clerk's office. Case.net is useful for a quick check, especially when you are not sure if a case exists or need the exact case number.
Older cases may not be in the electronic system. Reynolds County is a small jurisdiction, and the digitization of older paper records takes time. For anything that does not show up on Case.net, call the clerk at (573) 648-2494 to ask about a manual search.
Filing for Divorce in Reynolds County
The divorce process in Reynolds County starts with filing a petition for dissolution of marriage at the circuit court in Centerville. One spouse must have lived in Missouri for at least 90 days before filing. The petition states that the marriage is irretrievably broken. After filing, RSMo 452.320 imposes a 30-day waiting period. The court cannot grant the divorce before this period passes. The other spouse gets served with the papers and has time to respond.
If the couple has children, a parenting plan is required under RSMo 452.375. The plan spells out custody, visitation, and child support. Both parties must also disclose their financial situation. The court uses all of this information to make its final ruling. When the judge signs the decree, the case is done. The clerk records the decree as a permanent part of the court file.
Note: Filing fees vary, so call the Reynolds County clerk for the current amounts before submitting your petition.
State-Level Divorce Statements
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services provides certified statements relating to divorce. A certified statement is a brief document that lists the names of both spouses, the date of divorce, and the county where it was recorded. It does not include any of the terms from the decree. Each statement costs $15.00. You can get one by mail, in person at the Jefferson City office, or online through VitalChek.
The state has tracked divorces since July 1, 1948. For Reynolds County divorces before that date (but after the 1872 fire), the circuit clerk is the only source. The Missouri state portal explains how to request either a state certified statement or a county-level decree copy. If all you need is proof that a divorce took place, the state statement should be enough. If you need the full terms, go to the county clerk.
Reynolds County Divorce Decree Resources
The RAOGK genealogy guide for Reynolds County describes what records the courthouse holds and the history of the courthouse fires. It notes that probate records and court and divorce records both start in 1872. For family history researchers, this is a key fact. Any Reynolds County dissolution case before 1872 was lost in the fires, and no copies exist at the county level.
The genealogy guide provides courthouse contact details and lists the bordering counties, which is helpful if you are not sure where a case was filed.
The Missouri Association of Counties directory lists current phone numbers and addresses for all Reynolds County offices.
Nearby Counties
Reynolds County borders several other Ozark region counties. If you need records from a different jurisdiction: