Ste. Genevieve County Divorce Decree Records
Ste. Genevieve County divorce decree records are held at the Circuit Clerk's Office in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri. As one of the oldest settled areas in the state, this county has deep records going back to the early 1800s. The Circuit Clerk handles all divorce filings and decree copies for the county. This page explains how to find and request Ste. Genevieve County divorce decree copies, how to search online, and what the state provides for basic divorce information.
Ste. Genevieve County Quick Facts
Ste. Genevieve County Circuit Clerk Divorce Records
The Ste. Genevieve County Courthouse is at 55 South Third Street, Ste. Genevieve, MO 63670. Call (573) 883-2705 for questions about divorce records. Fax is (573) 883-2720. The Circuit Clerk manages all court filings including civil, criminal, and family law cases.
Ste. Genevieve is the oldest permanent European settlement west of the Mississippi River. The county's records stretch back much further than many other Missouri counties. If you need a divorce decree from Ste. Genevieve County, the clerk's office is the only source for the complete document. Under Missouri law, the circuit court that granted the divorce maintains the original file.
Provide both spouse names when requesting a copy. The case number and date help speed the search. Certified copies carry the clerk's seal and are valid for legal purposes. Plain copies work for personal reference.
How to Request Ste. Genevieve Divorce Decree Copies
Visit the courthouse on South Third Street during business hours, or mail a written request. Include both spouse names, the approximate date of the divorce, and your contact info. Enclose a check or money order for the fee. Call (573) 883-2705 to confirm current pricing before sending a mail request.
Certified copies are needed for name changes, remarriage, property transfers, or court proceedings in other jurisdictions. Plain copies cost less. In-person requests are usually processed faster than mail requests, especially for a smaller county like Ste. Genevieve where the clerk can often pull files the same day.
The Missouri Association of Counties website can help verify contact details for the Ste. Genevieve County Circuit Clerk.
Search Ste. Genevieve County Divorce Cases Online
Missouri Case.net is free and covers all Missouri circuit courts. Search Ste. Genevieve County cases by name, case number, or filing date. Results show case type, parties, and hearing info.
The system does not provide the actual decree. It confirms a case exists and gives you the case number to use when requesting copies from the clerk. This is the best tool if you are not sure about the exact details of a case.
Note: Very old cases from before the digital system may not appear in Case.net results.
State Vital Records for Ste. Genevieve County Divorces
The Missouri Bureau of Vital Records issues certified statements for divorces since July 1948. A statement lists both names, the divorce date, and the county. No terms or property details. The cost is $15.00.
Order from the Department of Health by mail or online. This is helpful when you are unsure which county the divorce was filed in. For a full Ste. Genevieve County divorce decree, you must go through the Circuit Clerk. RSMo Chapter 452 requires that the issuing court maintain the full file. The Missouri state portal explains the difference between these two record types.
Ste. Genevieve County Dissolution Filing Rules
Missouri uses "dissolution of marriage" as the legal term for divorce. Under RSMo 452.305, one spouse must have lived in Missouri for at least 90 days. The petition is filed in the county where either spouse resides. RSMo 452.330 requires a 30-day wait after filing.
The judge reviews property division, support, and child custody under RSMo 452.375 before signing the decree. Once signed, the decree goes on file with the Ste. Genevieve County Circuit Clerk and becomes a public record. Anyone can get a copy for a fee.
The Missouri Association of Counties website maintains a directory of all county officials. Use it to verify contact details for the Ste. Genevieve County clerk or other offices.
What a Ste. Genevieve Divorce Decree Contains
The divorce decree is the final court order. It includes property division, child custody, support terms, and all other rulings. This document legally ends the marriage. The Ste. Genevieve County Circuit Clerk stores the original on file.
The state certified statement from the Bureau of Vital Records is just a summary. It lists names, date, and county. Nothing more. If you need the full details of a Ste. Genevieve County dissolution, the decree is what you want. Check what is required before ordering copies from either the clerk or the state office.
Nearby Counties
Check these neighboring counties if the divorce might have been filed in a different area.