Andrew County Dissolution Of Marriage
Andrew County dissolution of marriage records are filed and stored at the Circuit Clerk office in Savannah. The 5th Judicial Circuit handles all family law cases for Andrew County, and you can search case records online or in person at the courthouse. Whether you need to look up a past dissolution case, get copies of a decree, or check the status of a pending filing, the Andrew County Circuit Clerk staff at 411 Court Street can help. This page covers how to find and get Andrew County dissolution of marriage records.
Andrew County Quick Facts
Andrew County Dissolution Court Records
The Andrew County Circuit Clerk keeps all court records for the county. This includes dissolution of marriage case files. The office is at the Andrew County Courthouse, 411 Court Street, Savannah, MO 64485. Call (816) 324-3624 for help with any dissolution case.
Andrew County is part of the 5th Judicial Circuit along with Buchanan County. The circuit serves the northwestern Missouri region, including the cities of Savannah and St. Joseph. Associate Circuit Judges handle domestic relations cases such as dissolution of marriage, paternity, and child custody matters. The clerk keeps the full file for each case, from the initial petition through the final judgment.
The clerk staff can pull a case file for you during regular business hours. You can look at the documents and ask for copies on the spot. Standard copies have a per-page fee, and certified copies cost a bit more. The Recorder of Deeds at (816) 324-3221 handles marriage records, but divorce records stay with the Circuit Clerk.
Note: The Recorder of Deeds does not maintain dissolution of marriage records. Contact the Circuit Clerk for all divorce-related records.
Search Andrew County Dissolution Cases
You can search Andrew County dissolution of marriage records online through Missouri Case.net. This free tool lets you look up cases by party name, case number, or filing date. Case.net shows docket entries, party details, hearing dates, and case outcomes. It covers cases from the mid-1990s forward.
For older records, you need to contact the clerk office in Savannah. Cases filed before the system went online are only on file at the courthouse. Walk in during business hours or call ahead. Bring the names of the parties or the case number if you have it.
Historical dissolution records from Andrew County may also be on file at the Missouri State Archives in Jefferson City. The Archives has microfilm of circuit court case files from many counties going back to the 1800s. Andrew County has not lost records in any courthouse disasters, so the records are complete.
Filing Dissolution Of Marriage in Andrew County
To file for dissolution of marriage in Andrew County, at least one spouse must have lived in Missouri for 90 days. Under RSMo 452.305, you file in the county where you or your spouse lives. The petition has to include the information set out in RSMo 452.310. That means each party's residence, the date and place of the marriage, when you separated, and names and ages of any children.
Missouri is a no-fault state. You can file on the ground that the marriage is irretrievably broken. There is a 30-day waiting period after filing before the court can enter a final judgment. Parents with minor children must complete a parent education program as well.
The Missouri Courts website has standardized forms you can use to file. Filing fees are set by the circuit court and vary based on the type of case.
Copies of Andrew County Dissolution Records
For copies of a dissolution judgment or other case documents, contact the Andrew County Circuit Clerk at (816) 324-3624. You can visit the courthouse at 411 Court Street in Savannah. Give the clerk the party names or case number, and they will pull the file.
For a dissolution verification statement, order from the Missouri Bureau of Vital Records. Mail your request to 930 Wildwood Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65109 with $15 payable to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. You can also call VitalChek at 1-877-817-7363 to order by phone. The Bureau has records from July 1948 forward.
Under the Missouri Sunshine Law, Chapter 610 RSMo, dissolution records at the circuit court are generally open to the public. You do not need to be a party to the case. Some personal details like Social Security numbers may be redacted.
Andrew County Legal Aid Resources
Legal Services of Missouri offers free legal help to qualifying low-income residents in Andrew County. They handle family law cases including dissolution of marriage. The Missouri Bar has a lawyer referral service for people who need an attorney in the Savannah or St. Joseph area.
Missouri Legal Help has free guides for self-represented filers. These guides walk you through each step of a dissolution case, from filling out the petition to finishing the process.
Property in an Andrew County dissolution of marriage is divided under RSMo 452.330, the equitable distribution rule. Child support uses the Form 14 worksheet. If you cannot afford the filing fee, you may ask for an In Forma Pauperis waiver. The clerk can give you the form you need.
Cities in Andrew County
Andrew County includes several small communities. No cities in Andrew County meet the population threshold for a separate page. Residents file for dissolution of marriage at the 5th Circuit Court in Savannah.