Woodbury Divorce Decree Records
Divorce decree records for Woodbury go through the Washington County District Court in Stillwater. Woodbury is the largest city in Washington County, but the courthouse is in Stillwater, about 15 minutes north. The 10th Judicial District handles all family law cases for the area. You can look up case data for free through the state's online records system, or contact the Court Administrator in Stillwater for copies of the actual decree. Whether you are filing a new case or need a copy of an old one, the Washington County courthouse is where everything is processed.
Woodbury Overview
Where Woodbury Cases Are Filed
Woodbury is in Washington County. All divorce cases file at the Washington County District Court in Stillwater. There is no family court location in Woodbury itself. Residents drive to Stillwater for filings and hearings.
The courthouse sits at 14949 62nd Street North in Stillwater. The 10th Judicial District covers Washington County along with several other counties in the east metro area. The Court Administrator handles all records, filings, and copy requests.
| Court | Washington County District Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 14949 62nd Street North Stillwater, MN 55082 |
| Phone | (651) 413-8030 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | mncourts.gov - Washington County |
The drive from Woodbury to Stillwater is about 15 to 20 minutes. The courthouse has its own parking lot. Bring a photo ID for security. If you need to file papers, arrive at least an hour before closing to make sure staff can process your documents.
How to Search Records
Woodbury residents can search for divorce decree records in two ways. Online is quick. In person is more thorough.
The Minnesota Court Records Online portal covers Washington County cases. Search by name or case number. You get party names, case type, filing dates, and docket info. It is free. The system has cases from July 2015 on. Family cases may have some details hidden.
For the decree itself, contact the court at (651) 413-8030. Uncertified copies are free. Certified copies cost $14 each. You can request copies in person, by phone, or by mail. Have both party names and an approximate filing date ready to speed things up.
Older records that predate the MCRO system may not be online. Call the court to check on those. Staff can search internal records and pull old files, though it might take a day or two if the file is in storage.
Filing for Divorce
Woodbury residents file at the Washington County courthouse in Stillwater. Start by filing a Summons and Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. The filing fee is about $400.
Under § 518.06, Minnesota uses no-fault divorce. You state the marriage is irretrievably broken. That is the only ground. No one has to prove the other spouse did something wrong.
The 180-day residency rule means one spouse must have lived in Minnesota for at least six months. After you file, the other spouse must be served and has 30 days to respond. If both sides agree, the case can be wrapped up in a few months. Disputes over property or custody will stretch things out.
Property division follows § 518.58. The court divides assets in a way that is just and equitable. Child custody is guided by § 518.17 and the best interests of the child. Both parents must complete a parenting education class when children are involved.
Washington County offers a Family Legal Advice Clinic on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month from 1:00 to 3:30 PM. Call (651) 430-6330 for details.
Costs and Fees
The main costs for a Woodbury divorce case are standard across the state:
- Filing the petition: about $400
- Response fee: $300 to $350
- Certified copy: $14 per document
- Uncertified copy: free
- MCRO online search: free
- Process server: $50 to $100
Can not pay the fees? File an In Forma Pauperis petition. The form asks about your income and expenses. A judge reviews it and decides if you qualify for a waiver. The self-help center or the Minnesota Judicial Branch website has these forms.
Legal Resources for Woodbury
Woodbury residents have several options for help with a divorce case. The resources below range from free to low cost.
The 10th District Self-Help Center takes calls at (763) 760-6699. They can answer questions about forms and process. They do not give legal advice, but they help you figure out which forms to use and how to fill them out.
The Family Legal Advice Clinic runs twice a month at the Washington County courthouse. Call (651) 430-6330 for the schedule. A lawyer meets with you briefly to answer specific questions about your case. This is a good option if you just need some guidance on a particular issue.
The Washington County Law Library in Stillwater has legal reference materials and can help you find the right statutes and forms. The Minnesota State Law Library also keeps a list of legal referral services for Washington County residents.
For forms and step-by-step guides, the Minnesota Judicial Branch website has everything you need. All forms are free. The site includes instructions for every step of the divorce process.
Handling Your Own Divorce
Filing without a lawyer is common in Woodbury, especially for uncontested cases. The court has resources to help you through the process. All forms are free online.
Follow the steps in order. File the petition. Serve your spouse. Complete the financial disclosures. Show up for hearings. Under § 518.09, the final decree is only entered after a judge reviews all the terms. Even if both sides agree, the judge checks that everything is fair and follows the law.
If you have kids, you will need a detailed parenting plan. Both parents take a parenting class. Child support is calculated using the state worksheet. These forms and calculators are all on the Minnesota Judicial Branch website.
The City of Woodbury website has local resources and community services for residents.
View the City of Woodbury website
Check the city site for local support services and community programs available in Woodbury.
Washington County Divorce Records
Woodbury is in Washington County, and all divorce cases go through the Washington County District Court in Stillwater. For full details on the county court, local resources, and contact info, visit the Washington County page.
Nearby Cities
Other cities near Woodbury where residents search for divorce decree records: