Find Bloomington Divorce Decree Records
Divorce decree records for Bloomington are managed by the Hennepin County District Court, since Bloomington is part of Hennepin County. The court is not in Bloomington itself but in downtown Minneapolis at the Family Justice Center, 110 South 4th Street. Bloomington residents file their divorce cases there, and that is also where you go to get copies of a decree. You can search case information for free online through the Minnesota Court Records Online system, which covers all Hennepin County cases. For the actual decree document or a certified copy, you need to contact the Court Administrator directly.
Bloomington Overview
Where Bloomington Cases Are Filed
Bloomington sits in Hennepin County. All divorce filings go through the Hennepin County District Court in Minneapolis. There is no separate courthouse in Bloomington for family law matters. You drive about 15 minutes north to the Family Justice Center in downtown Minneapolis.
The 4th Judicial District covers Hennepin County. It is the busiest court in the state because Hennepin County has the largest population. The family court division handles divorce, custody, child support, and other family matters. Staff at the court can process records requests and help you find the right forms.
| Court | Hennepin County District Court - Family Justice Center |
|---|---|
| Address | 110 South 4th Street Minneapolis, MN 55401 |
| Phone | (612) 348-6000 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | mncourts.gov - Hennepin County |
If you live in Bloomington and your spouse lives in another Hennepin County city, you still file at this same courthouse. It covers Minneapolis, Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, and all other Hennepin County communities.
How to Search Records
There are two ways to find Bloomington divorce decree records. Online or in person. The online method is fast but limited. In person gets you the full file.
The Minnesota Court Records Online system is free. Search by name or case number to see party names, case type, filing dates, and docket entries. It covers Hennepin County cases filed after July 2015. Some family case details are restricted for privacy reasons. You will not see the full text of the decree online.
For the actual document, contact the Hennepin County Court Administrator at (612) 348-6000. Uncertified copies are free. A certified copy costs $14 per document. You can request copies in person at the Family Justice Center, by phone, or by mail. Have the names of both parties ready when you call.
Older cases that predate the MCRO system may not show up online. For those, you need to call the court or visit in person. Staff can search their internal system and pull files from storage if needed.
Divorce Filing Steps
To file for divorce as a Bloomington resident, you go to the Hennepin County District Court. The first step is filing a Summons and Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. The filing fee is about $400.
Minnesota is a no-fault state. Under § 518.06, the only ground is that the marriage is irretrievably broken. You do not have to prove fault. One spouse just needs to say the marriage can not be saved.
You must meet the 180-day residency requirement. At least one spouse needs to have lived in Minnesota for six months before filing. After filing, the other spouse must be served with the papers and has 30 days to respond.
If there are kids, both parents need to complete a parenting education class. Custody gets decided under § 518.17, which focuses on the child's best interests. Property division follows § 518.58. The court aims for a just and equitable split. That is not always 50/50.
The Hennepin County Self-Help Center at (651) 435-6535 can help Bloomington residents with forms and basic questions about the divorce process.
Costs and Fees
Divorce costs for Bloomington residents are the same as anywhere in Hennepin County. The court sets these fees, and they apply to all filings at the district court.
- Petition filing fee: about $400
- Response fee: around $300 to $350
- Certified copy: $14 per document
- Uncertified copy: free
- Process server: $50 to $100
- Parenting class: $40 to $75
If you can not pay the filing fee, ask for a fee waiver. You file an In Forma Pauperis petition showing your income and expenses. The judge decides if you qualify. Forms are at the self-help center or online at the Minnesota Judicial Branch website.
Legal Help Near Bloomington
Bloomington residents have access to several legal resources for divorce cases. Some are right in the city, while others are in nearby Minneapolis.
Cornerstone provides support for people in domestic violence situations. They are at 1000 E 80th Street in Bloomington. Call (952) 884-0376 for help. They can connect you with legal services and safety planning if your divorce involves domestic violence.
The Hennepin County Self-Help Center is at the Family Justice Center in Minneapolis. They help with forms, filing questions, and basic procedure. Call (651) 435-6535 to ask about walk-in hours or phone consultations.
The City of Bloomington Community Resource Catalog lists local services including legal help options. It covers everything from housing to family support programs. The city updates it regularly.
For statewide resources, LawHelpMN has free guides and forms for people filing on their own. The Minnesota Judicial Branch website also has all the dissolution forms and step-by-step instructions. Both are free to use.
Handling Your Own Case
You can file for divorce without a lawyer. Bloomington residents do this more often than you might think, especially in cases where both spouses agree on the terms. The court has forms and guides designed for people who represent themselves.
All forms are free on the Minnesota Judicial Branch website. You can also get them at the Hennepin County Self-Help Center. The key is to follow the steps in order: file the petition, serve the other spouse, complete all disclosures, and attend any required hearings. Under § 518.09, the court has rules about how the final decree is entered. A judge reviews everything before signing off, even in an uncontested case.
The City of Bloomington website includes a community resource catalog with local services and legal help options for residents.
View the City of Bloomington website
The catalog covers legal aid, family services, and other support programs available to Bloomington residents.
Hennepin County Divorce Records
Bloomington is in Hennepin County, and all divorce filings go through the Hennepin County District Court in Minneapolis. For full details on the county court system, available records, and contact info, see the Hennepin County page.
Nearby Cities
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