What are Missouri Divorce Records?

In Missouri, divorce records are referred to as vital or court records issued by the state for documentation. A divorce record summarizes details of divorce proceedings and how the divorce was finalized. Missouri has 9.2 divorces per 1,000 women above 15 years of age. Unlike some states where couples have to state justifiable reasons why they want a divorce, Missouri is a no-fault divorce state. This means that couples can file for a divorce without any tangible reason, such as infidelity or cruelty. However, both parties must reveal that the marriage has deteriorated beyond repair and irreconcilable differences exist. In Missouri, a marriage may end in any of these three ways:

• Dissolution of Marriage
• Legal Separation
• Separate Maintenance

Dissolution of marriage and legal separation involve similar processes, but a legal separation does not end the marriage. Some couples may decide to opt for a legal separation instead of a dissolution of marriage because of some reasons, such as religion. In both a dissolution of marriage and a legal separation, the judge decides custody, property division, and financial support matters. In separate maintenance, just like a legal separation, the court does not end all legal bonds between parties. The difference is that separate maintenance allows the court to make orders involving alimony and child support.

A divorce is finalized when a judge signs a formal judgment reflecting the date the marriage ends. The office of the Circuit Clerk of Court or the court's records management office documents and maintains a divorce record. In Missouri, a divorce takes a minimum of 30 days to finalize. The duration varies depending on the court's caseload and the availability of judges to sign the final decree of dissolution.

Are Divorce Records Public in Missouri?

In Missouri, all court records, including divorce records, are open to public access. The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) allows the public to view and obtain copies of divorce records. Following the finalization of a divorce, the court typically hands the divorce records to the state for record-keeping and maintenance. Eligible persons may then access the divorce records after this.

However, divorce records sealed from public access by a court order may not be available. Copies of unsealed divorce records may be obtained from the Circuit Clerk of the Court in the county where the divorce was filed.

What are the types of Divorce Records available in Missouri?

Missouri's two certified divorce records are a divorce decree and a divorce certificate. A divorce record may be available as a certified copy or an informational copy. A certified copy summarizes divorce details on security paper and is embossed with an official seal. It is issued by the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) and may be suitable for identification and other legal purposes. On the other hand, informational copies may not be used for identification and legal purposes, but are available to all members of the public.

A divorce decree is a document issued by the court indicating the final decree signed by a judge terminating a marriage. This copy elaborates on the terms and conditions of the divorce, including child custody, financial responsibilities, division of assets and debts, visitation, alimony, etc. A divorce decree is a certified divorce record that may only be accessed by the actual parties and the attorneys involved in the case.

A divorce certificate is a vital record maintained by the Bureau of Vital Records, Missouri, under the Department of Health and Senior Services. It is not as lengthy and detailed as a divorce decree and only contains basic and limited information on the divorce action. The information provided on a divorce certificate includes the names of the parties involved in the divorce, the filing date, the county where the divorce was filed, and the court case number.

How Do I Get Divorce Records in Missouri?

Divorce records in Missouri may be obtained in various ways, varying from county to county. In most of these procedures, the court may require the submission of a completed application form or a written request indicating the names of each party, the year of the divorce, and the court case file number. Eligible persons may obtain the original copy of a divorce decree in any of the following ways:

• In-person request from the County Circuit Court Clerk at the court where the divorce was granted.
• Mail-in request to the Circuit Clerk in the county where the divorce was granted.
• Online requests are made at county courts that provide such service on their websites.
• View the electronic version of accessible divorce records at the public access station at the court where the divorce was granted.

To obtain divorce records, a requester must pay $15 for the first copy and $15 for an additional copy if the requester seeks more than one original copy. Additional charges may apply depending on the mode of request. For example, a rush request typically costs more than a regular request. A request form and a self-addressed stamped envelope may be required to complete a mail-in request.

Requesters can use the 'Find A Court' directory on the Missouri courts website to determine the precise location and contact address of the court in Missouri where a divorce was granted.

The Missouri Bureau of Vital Records, under the Department of Health and Senior Services, also provides copies of Missouri divorce records. Copies provided by the DHSS may not contain comprehensive information on the divorce; instead, they only provide a divorce certificate.

To request a copy, download and complete the application form on the website of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. You may need to fill in the names of the parties involved, the date of marriage, and the date of divorce. A completed application form and check or money order for the search fee may be mailed to the address below:

Jefferson City Vital Record Lobby
930 Wildwood Drive
Jefferson City, MO 65109
(573) 751–6387

In most cases, requests are processed and mailed back to the requester on a later date. To contact the customer service or schedule an in-person appointment, a requestor may call the Bureau of Vital Records in Jefferson City 573–751–6387 or send an email to VitalRecordsInfo@health.mo.gov.

The Bureau of Vital Records provides records dating back to July 1, 1948. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 am—4 pm (excluding state and federal holidays).

While divorce and marriage records may be searched through government sources and organizations, the availability of these documents cannot be guaranteed. This is also true of their availability through third-party websites and companies, as these entities are not government-sponsored; therefore, record availability may vary further. Also note that marriage and divorce records are considered extremely private due to the information they contain and are often sealed. Hence, bearing in mind that these factors determine the availability of any marriage or divorce record.

Who Can Obtain Divorce Records in Missouri?

In Missouri, informational copies of divorce records are available to the public and may generally be accessed by anyone who wishes to view the records. Certified divorce records, such as a divorce decree, may only be accessed by specified persons, which include:

• Persons involved in the divorce case
• Legal representative involved in the case.

Are Missouri Divorce Records available online?

The Missouri Bureau of Vital Records has maintained a central registry of Divorce records in the state since July 1948. The Circuit Clerk of the Court of each county where divorce proceedings were completed also preserves divorce records.

Some courts provide divorce records on the local website's court case information portal. However, the divorce details provided on these portals are not comprehensive, which means they do not provide complete divorce records. Information such as the terms and conditions of the divorce and all other decisions made during the finalization of the divorce case may not be provided. Only information such as the case file number and date of divorce may be found.

Furthermore, courts in more populous counties like Springfield may provide access to the divorce records online.

How Do I Seal My Divorce Records in Missouri?

A court order is required to seal an available divorce record in Missouri. Individuals may appeal for divorce records maintained by the Missouri Bureau of Vital Records under the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) to be sealed from public access. When an application is accepted, the judge sends a written order to the DHSS to restrict the divorce record's public access.

Obtaining an order to seal a divorce record in Missouri involves explaining how not sealing the records may negatively affect the children (if any), their reputation, career, finances, and any other relevant aspect. For example, if a divorce record contains sensitive information on the children involved, both parties may appeal for it to be sealed. When the judge approves a record sealing, the part containing confidential or private information that should not be disclosed may be sealed.