Dunklin County Dissolution Of Marriage Records
Dissolution of marriage records in Dunklin County are filed at the Circuit Clerk's office in Kennett. The 35th Judicial Circuit serves Dunklin and Stoddard counties in the Missouri Bootheel region. You can search dissolution cases through Case.net, visit the clerk in person, or mail a request for records. Dunklin County was organized in 1845 and was created from Stoddard County. This page explains how to search for, file, and get copies of dissolution of marriage records in Dunklin County.
Dunklin County Quick Facts
Dunklin County Circuit Clerk
The Dunklin County Circuit Clerk holds all court records. This includes dissolution of marriage files. The office is at 1175 Floyd Street, Kennett, MO 63857. Phone: (573) 888-2590. The 35th Circuit serves Dunklin and Stoddard counties.
Every dissolution file has the petition, response, temporary orders, property settlement, parenting plan, and the final decree. Standard copies cost a per-page fee. Certified copies are more. Records have been well preserved over the years.
The Missouri Courts website has information about all judicial circuits, including the 35th Circuit serving Dunklin County.
This site links to court directories and contact information for the 35th Circuit.
Search Dissolution Of Marriage in Dunklin County
Search Dunklin County dissolution records at Missouri Case.net. It is free. Search by name, case number, or date. Case.net shows docket entries, parties, and outcomes for the 35th Circuit. Records go back to the mid-1990s.
For in-person searches, go to 1175 Floyd Street in Kennett. Staff can help you look up a case. Bring party names or a case number. You can review the file and ask for copies there.
Case.net shows case information only. It does not have the actual court documents. For copies, contact the clerk.
Filing for Dissolution Of Marriage in Dunklin County
Under RSMo 452.305, one spouse needs 90 days of Missouri residency. File in the county where you or your spouse lives. Dunklin County residents file at the courthouse in Kennett.
The petition must follow RSMo 452.310. Include residences, marriage date and place, separation date, children's names and ages, and last four of Social Security numbers. Missouri is no-fault. State the marriage is irretrievably broken.
A 30-day waiting period applies. Parents with kids may need a parent class. Ask the clerk about fees. Fee waivers may be available.
Copies of Dunklin County Dissolution Records
Call (573) 888-2590. Visit the courthouse at 1175 Floyd Street in Kennett. Give the clerk party names or a case number.
The Missouri Bureau of Vital Records has verification statements. Send $15 to 930 Wildwood Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65109. Records from July 1948 forward. VitalChek: 1-877-817-7363.
The Missouri State Archives may have historical Dunklin County court records.
Dunklin County Legal Resources
Legal Services of Missouri helps qualifying residents with dissolution cases. The Missouri Bar has a referral service for family law attorneys in the Bootheel area.
Free forms and guides are at Missouri Legal Help. The Missouri Courts site has standard forms. Under RSMo 452.330, the court considers multiple factors in property division. Dissolution records are public under the Sunshine Law.
The 30-day waiting period in Missouri is one of the shortest in the country. During this time, the other spouse can file a response to the petition. If the case is uncontested and both parties agree on all issues, the court can finalize it soon after the 30 days pass. Contested cases take longer. They may go to trial if the spouses cannot settle on property division, custody, or support.
Missouri courts can issue temporary orders during a dissolution case. These orders may cover who stays in the home, temporary child custody, temporary support, and restraining orders. Temporary orders remain in place until the judge signs the final decree. Either party can ask for temporary orders at any time during the case.
Visiting the Courthouse
When you go to the courthouse in person, bring a valid photo ID. If you are looking for a specific case, have the names of the parties or the case number ready. The clerk can search for the case in the system. Once they find it, you can ask to see the file. You can also ask for copies right then. The clerk will tell you the cost. You can pay by cash or check at most courthouses. Some may take credit cards.
If you are filing a new dissolution case, bring your completed petition and any other forms the court needs. You will need to pay the filing fee at the time you file. The clerk will stamp your petition with the date and assign a case number. You will get a copy of the filed petition to keep for your records. The clerk can also tell you the next steps in the process and when to expect your first court date.
Understanding Dissolution Of Marriage Process
Missouri uses the term "dissolution of marriage" instead of divorce. The legal effect is the same. A dissolution ends the marriage and divides property, assigns custody, and sets support amounts. The court looks at what is fair for both sides. Either spouse can file. You do not need the other person to agree before you file the petition.
There are two main types of dissolution cases. An uncontested case is when both spouses agree on everything: property, custody, and support. These cases move faster and cost less. A contested case is when the parties cannot agree on one or more issues. The judge will hold hearings and make the final decisions. Most cases start out contested but settle before trial.
If children are involved, the court must approve a parenting plan. This plan covers custody, visitation schedules, and decision-making for the children. Both parents can submit their own plan. If they agree, the court usually approves it. If they disagree, the court may appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the children and make a recommendation to the judge.