Find Benton County Divorce Decrees
Divorce decree records in Benton County are held at the Government Center in Foley. The District Court is part of the 7th Judicial District and manages all dissolution cases for the county. Paul J. Iverson serves as Court Administrator. Benton County is a smaller county in central Minnesota, located just west of Mille Lacs County and south of Morrison County. You can search for case records online using the state's public access system or contact the court to get copies of a decree. The courthouse staff handle records requests during regular business hours.
Benton County Overview
Benton County Court Information
The Benton County Government Center is at 531 Dewey Street in Foley. The District Court operates from this building and keeps all divorce case records on file. Walk-in visits are welcome during court hours. You can also call (320) 968-5030 for help.
Benton County is in the 7th Judicial District along with several other central Minnesota counties. The district shares some resources, but each county has its own courthouse and staff. For divorce decree records in Benton County, you deal with the clerk's office in Foley. They can look up your case and make copies while you wait.
| Court | Benton County District Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 531 Dewey Street Foley, MN 56329 |
| Phone | (320) 968-5030 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | mncourts.gov - Benton County |
| Administrator | Paul J. Iverson |
Searching Benton County Divorce Decree Records
The state runs a free online tool called MCRO. You can use it at publicaccess.courts.state.mn.us. It covers Benton County cases filed after July 1, 2015. Search by name or case number to see case status and docket info. There is no cost to search.
For the full decree or other case documents, contact the court directly. You can visit the Government Center in Foley or send a written request by mail. The copy request page on the state court website explains how to do this. Mail requests take a bit longer, so plan ahead if you need the records by a certain date.
Note: MCRO is free and shows Benton County cases filed after July 1, 2015, but you need the court for full document copies.
Benton County Divorce Fees
Copy fees are set by the state. Uncertified copies are free. Certified copies cost $14. Exemplified copies cost $14 too. If you want both on one document, it is $28.
Filing a divorce case in Benton County costs about $400 for the petitioner. That is the standard fee across Minnesota. The respondent pays less to answer. Other costs include process service fees and possibly parenting class fees if children are part of the case. Under Minn. Stat. § 518.06, Minnesota uses a no-fault system, so the filing process is the same for everyone regardless of the reason for the split.
Cannot afford it? Ask for a fee waiver. The court has forms for that. You show your income and the judge decides.
Divorce Process in Benton County
You start by filing a Petition for Dissolution at the Government Center in Foley. At least one spouse must have lived in Minnesota for 180 days under Minn. Stat. § 518.09. You pay the filing fee and serve the other spouse with the papers.
If both sides agree on terms, the case can be resolved without a trial. You submit a stipulated agreement and the judge reviews it. Contested cases take longer. The court may order mediation or hold hearings on property division, custody, or support. Property is divided fairly under Minn. Stat. § 518.58. The judge considers each spouse's contributions, the length of the marriage, and other factors.
When everything is settled, the judge signs the Judgment and Decree. That is the final divorce order. The court files the original and you can get copies. Certified copies of the Benton County divorce decree cost $14 each.
What Benton County Decree Records Include
The Judgment and Decree is the main document. It ends the marriage and sets all the terms. Party names, marriage date, and divorce date are on it. Property and debt division, custody, parenting time, child support, and maintenance are all covered if they apply.
The full court file includes more. You might find the petition, summons, financial affidavits, and any motions filed. Most of these records are public in Benton County. Some financial source documents may have restricted access. Under Minn. Stat. § 518.17, custody orders reflect the court's best-interests analysis, and the decree will show the findings.
Benton County Court Screenshot
The Benton County page on the Minnesota Judicial Branch website lists court info and services at mncourts.gov.
This page shows the Foley courthouse address, phone number, and links to court forms and resources.
Legal Help for Benton County
The 7th Judicial District provides resources through its district page. You can find forms, self-help info, and links to legal aid. Central Minnesota Legal Services may offer help with divorce cases for people who meet income limits.
The state court system has all the forms you need to file for divorce on your own. Staff at the Benton County courthouse can explain procedures and help with paperwork questions, though they are not able to give legal advice. If you need a family law attorney, the Minnesota State Bar Association can connect you with one.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Benton County. Check your address to make sure you file in the right place.