Edina Divorce Decree Search
Divorce decree records for Edina go through the Hennepin County District Court. Edina is a suburb just south of Minneapolis and falls under the 4th Judicial District. The Family Justice Center in downtown Minneapolis handles all family law filings for Hennepin County, including divorce cases from Edina. You can look up basic divorce case information online at no cost through the state's court records portal. For the full divorce decree document or a certified copy, you need to contact the court directly or visit in person. Hennepin County processes more family law cases than any other county in the state.
Edina Overview
Where Edina Cases Are Filed
Edina residents file divorce cases at the Hennepin County Family Justice Center in Minneapolis. There is no local family court in Edina. All divorce petitions, responses, and records requests for Edina residents go through this one courthouse. The building also has a self-help center with staff who can help you find the right forms and explain the filing steps.
| Court | Hennepin County 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 Family Court |
Edina sits close to Minneapolis. The drive to the Family Justice Center takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Parking ramps are available nearby. Bring your photo ID since security checks everyone at the door. If you prefer not to drive in, the self-help center also offers phone and Zoom support for some services.
Search Edina Divorce Records
The first place to look is Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO). It is free. The system covers Hennepin County cases filed after July 2015. Search by the name of either party or by case number. You get back party names, case type, filing date, and docket entries. The full divorce decree is not available on the site. What you see is basic case information and status updates.
MCRO charges nothing. If you need the actual decree, go to the courthouse or call. Uncertified copies are free in some cases. Certified copies cost $14 per document. A certified copy carries the court's official seal, which is what you need for most legal purposes. Call (612) 348-6000 to ask about mail requests if you prefer not to visit.
For cases filed before MCRO went live, you may need to search at the courthouse in person. Court staff can look up older files by name or case number. The Hennepin County Self-Help Center can point you in the right direction if you're not sure where to start. Having the approximate year the divorce was filed makes the search go faster.
How to File for Divorce
To file for divorce as an Edina resident, one spouse must have lived in Minnesota for 180 days. That is the state's residency threshold. If you've lived in Edina for six months, you can file in Hennepin County.
Minnesota only allows no-fault divorce. Under Minn. Stat. § 518.06, the sole ground is irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. Neither spouse has to prove fault. One person states the marriage can't be saved, and that satisfies the court's requirement.
You file a Petition for Dissolution and a Summons at the Family Justice Center. The other spouse is served. When both sides agree on all the terms, a joint petition or stipulated agreement speeds things along. The judge reviews the agreement and signs the decree. Contested cases take more time. Hennepin County often sends contested cases to mediation first. If mediation doesn't resolve the issues, the case may go to trial. Property division follows Minn. Stat. § 518.58. Custody matters are decided under Minn. Stat. § 518.17.
When children are involved, both parents must complete a parenting education class. The court lists approved providers. Child support follows Minnesota's state guidelines, which factor in both parents' incomes and the parenting time arrangement. These rules apply no matter what city in Hennepin County you live in.
The Family Justice Center self-help center offers assistance in person, by phone, email, and Zoom. If making the drive to Minneapolis is difficult, try the remote options first.
Edina Divorce Fees
The filing fee in Hennepin County is about $400 for the petitioner. A response costs the other spouse around $300 to $350. These are court fees. Lawyer costs are on top of that.
Fees for records and copies:
- MCRO online case search is free
- Certified copy of a divorce decree is $14
- Uncertified copies may be free
- Service of process by sheriff costs $45 to $65
If the filing fee is a hardship, ask the court about a fee waiver. You file an In Forma Pauperis petition with information about your income and expenses. The judge reviews it and makes a decision. The self-help center has those forms and can explain how the waiver process works.
Legal Help Near Edina
Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid serves Hennepin County residents who qualify based on income. They handle family law cases including divorce. Call (612) 334-5970. Volunteer Lawyers Network runs free family law clinics in the metro. Call (612) 752-6677 for details. The Minnesota State Bar Association lawyer referral service is at (612) 752-6699 if you want a private attorney.
The Hennepin County Self-Help Center at the Family Justice Center is available to all Edina residents. Staff speak multiple languages and can help with forms, filing procedures, and general questions about how the court process works. All official court forms are free on the Minnesota Judicial Branch website. Many Edina residents file for divorce without hiring an attorney. The court handles pro se cases regularly and has systems in place to support people who represent themselves.
City of Edina website.
Hennepin County Divorce Records
Edina is part of Hennepin County, and all divorce decree filings go through the county district court. Hennepin is the most populous county in the state and handles the highest volume of family law cases. For the full rundown on Hennepin County court procedures and resources, check the county page.
Nearby Cities
Cities close to Edina with their own divorce decree information pages.