Franklin County Dissolution Of Marriage Search
Dissolution of marriage records for Franklin County are kept by the Circuit Clerk at the courthouse in Union. The 20th Judicial Circuit covers Franklin, Gasconade, and Osage counties west of the St. Louis metro area. You can search dissolution cases through Case.net online, visit the clerk at the courthouse, or send a written request by mail. Franklin County was organized in 1818, making it one of Missouri's oldest counties. This page covers how to search for, file, and get copies of dissolution of marriage records in Franklin County.
Franklin County Quick Facts
Franklin County Dissolution Of Marriage Court
The Franklin County Circuit Clerk maintains all court records, including dissolution of marriage case files. The office is at 401 E. Main Street, Union, MO 63084. Phone: (636) 583-6351. The 20th Circuit covers Franklin, Gasconade, and Osage counties.
The clerk holds every document in a dissolution file. The petition, response, temporary orders, settlement agreements, parenting plans, and the final judgment are all there. Standard copies cost a per-page fee. Certified copies of court records may be obtained for an additional charge.
The Franklin County government website provides information about county departments and services.
The Franklin County government page is shown below. It links to county offices including the Circuit Clerk.
Use this site for office hours, phone numbers, and directions to the Franklin County Courthouse.
Search Dissolution Of Marriage in Franklin County
Search Franklin County dissolution records at Missouri Case.net. It is free. Search by party name, case number, or date. Case.net shows docket entries, parties, attorneys, and case outcomes for the 20th Circuit. Records go back to the mid-1990s. Older records need a trip to the clerk.
In-person searches are at the courthouse at 401 E. Main Street in Union. Staff can help locate a case. Bring party names or a case number. You can review the file and request copies.
Case.net shows case details only. It does not have the actual court documents. For copies of papers from a dissolution file, contact the clerk's office.
Filing for Dissolution Of Marriage in Franklin County
At least one spouse must be a Missouri resident for 90 days. Under RSMo 452.305, you file in the county where either spouse lives. Franklin County residents file at the courthouse in Union.
Per RSMo 452.310, the petition must include party residences, marriage date and place, separation date, children's names and ages, and the last four of Social Security numbers. Missouri is no-fault. You state the marriage is irretrievably broken.
A 30-day waiting period applies after filing. Parents with minor children may need to complete a parent education class. Ask the clerk for current filing fees. Fee waivers are available if you qualify.
Copies of Franklin County Dissolution Records
Call the Circuit Clerk at (636) 583-6351. Visit the courthouse at 401 E. Main Street in Union. Provide party names or a case number. The clerk will pull the file and make copies.
The Missouri Bureau of Vital Records can send a verification statement. Mail $15 to 930 Wildwood Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65109. Records from July 1948 forward are on file. VitalChek: 1-877-817-7363.
The Missouri State Archives holds historical court files from Franklin County and other Missouri counties.
Franklin County Legal Resources
Legal Services of Missouri helps qualifying low-income Franklin County residents with dissolution of marriage cases. The Missouri Bar can refer you to family law attorneys in the area.
Free self-help guides are at Missouri Legal Help. The Missouri Courts website has standard forms. Franklin County is close to the St. Louis area, so there are many legal resources nearby. Under RSMo 452.320, the court considers various factors when dividing property. 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.
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.