Search Jefferson County Dissolution Of Marriage
Jefferson County dissolution of marriage records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk at the courthouse in Hillsboro. The 23rd Judicial Circuit handles all family law matters for this county, which sits just south of St. Louis along the Mississippi River corridor. You can search for dissolution cases through Missouri Case.net, visit the clerk in person, or send a written request by mail. Jefferson County is one of the larger counties in the state by population, so the court sees a high volume of family law filings each year. This page explains where to find dissolution of marriage records, how to get copies, and what to expect when you file or search for a case in Jefferson County.
Jefferson County Quick Facts
Jefferson County Circuit Clerk Office
The Circuit Clerk is the official record keeper for all court filings in Jefferson County, and that includes every dissolution of marriage case. The office is at the Jefferson County Courthouse, 729 Maple St, Hillsboro, MO 63050. You can call them at (636) 797-5443. The 23rd Judicial Circuit covers only Jefferson County, so all dissolution cases filed here stay within this single circuit.
The clerk keeps the full case file for each dissolution. That means the petition, the response from the other spouse, any temporary orders for custody or support, the settlement agreement if there is one, parenting plans, and the final judgment. You can ask for copies of any of these documents. Standard copies have a per-page fee. Certified copies cost a bit more but carry the court seal.
The Jefferson County courthouse can get busy. It is a good idea to call ahead and confirm hours before making the trip. The clerk staff can tell you what documents are on file for a specific case if you give them the names or case number.
You can view details about the Jefferson County government and its court services on the county website.
The 23rd Circuit Court handles all types of civil cases, criminal matters, and family law proceedings. Dissolution of marriage falls under the family law division.
Search Dissolution Of Marriage Records in Jefferson County
The best way to search Jefferson County dissolution of marriage records online is through Missouri Case.net. This free tool from the Missouri courts lets you look up cases by party name, case number, or filing date. Case.net shows docket entries, party names, attorneys of record, and case outcomes. It covers dissolution cases from the mid-1990s forward. For older records, you will need to contact the clerk directly.
To search in person, go to the Jefferson County Courthouse at 729 Maple St in Hillsboro. Bring the names of both parties or a case number if you have one. Court staff can help you find the right file. You can review the case file and ask for copies on the spot.
Keep in mind that Case.net shows case information but does not let you download the actual court documents. For the full petition, settlement agreement, or final decree, you need to get copies from the clerk.
Filing for Dissolution in Jefferson County
To file for dissolution of marriage in Jefferson County, at least one spouse must have lived in Missouri for 90 days before filing. This is set out in RSMo 452.305. You file at the 23rd Circuit Court in Hillsboro if you or your spouse lives in Jefferson County.
The petition needs certain details under RSMo 452.310. You must include the residence of each party, the date and place of the marriage, when you separated, names and ages of any children, whether the wife is pregnant, and the last four digits of each party's Social Security number. Missouri uses a no-fault ground for dissolution. You state that the marriage is irretrievably broken.
After filing, there is a mandatory 30-day waiting period before a judge can enter the final judgment. Parents with minor children must complete a parent education program. The court may also require a litigant awareness program for people who represent themselves. Filing fees are set by the circuit and depend on whether children are part of the case.
Copies of Dissolution Of Marriage Records
For copies of a Jefferson County dissolution judgment or any other document in a case file, contact the Circuit Clerk at (636) 797-5443. You can go to the courthouse at 729 Maple St in Hillsboro and request copies in person. Give the clerk the names of the parties or the case number. They will pull the file and make copies for a fee.
If you just need a verification statement that confirms a dissolution took place, you can order one from the Missouri Bureau of Vital Records. Mail your request to 930 Wildwood Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65109, with a $15 fee payable to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. You can also call VitalChek at 1-877-817-7363. The Bureau has dissolution records from July 1948 forward.
For older or historical dissolution records from Jefferson County, check the Missouri State Archives in Jefferson City. The Archives holds circuit court case files from many Missouri counties going back to the 1800s. Jefferson County was organized in 1818, so there could be very early records on file there.
Jefferson County Legal Resources
Legal Services of Missouri offers free legal help to low-income residents of Jefferson County. They handle family law cases, including dissolution of marriage. The Missouri Bar has a lawyer referral service if you need to find a family law attorney in the area.
Missouri Legal Help provides free self-help guides for people who want to handle their own dissolution. The Missouri Courts website has downloadable forms you can use for filing. The 23rd Circuit also has self-help resources at the courthouse for people without an attorney.
Dissolution of marriage records in Missouri circuit courts are generally open to the public under the Sunshine Law, Chapter 610 RSMo. You do not need to be a party to the case to request access. Certain sensitive details like Social Security numbers and financial account numbers will be redacted from public copies.