Carlton County Divorce Decree Access

Divorce decree records in Carlton County are stored at the Justice Center in Carlton. The court is part of the 6th Judicial District, which covers northeastern Minnesota. Kathy McFarlane serves as Interim Court Administrator. Carlton County sits south of St. Louis County and includes the city of Cloquet. You can search for case records online through MCRO or contact the court for copies. The 6th District has its own copy request process through a Copy Center, which is something to know if you plan to request records by mail rather than visiting in person.

Carlton County Justice Center

The Carlton County Justice Center is at 1780 Justice Drive, Suite 2700, in Carlton. This is where all divorce cases are filed and where records are kept. The building has a public access computer on the second floor that you can use to look up cases.

Call (218) 673-5065 to reach the court. For copy requests by mail, the 6th Judicial District uses a Copy Center based in Lake County. The Copy Center phone number is (218) 595-5001, option 3. You can also learn more about the copy process at the 6th District copy requests page. Walk-in requests at the Justice Center are handled during normal business hours.

Search Carlton County Divorce Records

MCRO is the quickest way to search. Visit publicaccess.courts.state.mn.us and search by name or case number. The free tool covers Carlton County cases filed after July 1, 2015. You get case status, filing dates, and docket entries.

The Justice Center also has a public access computer on the second floor. You can use it to search records when you visit. For full document copies, talk to the clerk or use the 6th District Copy Center. The copy request page on mncourts.gov has general info on how to request records by mail from any Minnesota court.

Carlton County Decree Copy Costs

Fees match the state schedule. Uncertified copies are free. Certified copies of a divorce decree cost $14. Exemplified copies cost $14. Both together are $28 per document.

Filing for divorce in Carlton County runs about $400. The respondent pays less. You may also face costs for service of process and parenting education classes. Fee waivers are an option if you meet income guidelines. Under Minn. Stat. § 518.06, Minnesota uses no-fault divorce, so the process and fees are the same regardless of why the marriage ended.

Divorce Process in Carlton County

At least one spouse must live in Minnesota for 180 days before filing under Minn. Stat. § 518.09. You file in the county where you or your spouse lives. If that is Carlton County, you go to the Justice Center.

File a Petition for Dissolution and a Summons. Pay the fee and serve your spouse. Minnesota is no-fault. You just need to state the marriage is broken. If both sides agree, the case can be done in weeks. Contested cases take longer with hearings on custody, property, or support. Property is split under Minn. Stat. § 518.58. Custody follows Minn. Stat. § 518.17.

The judge signs the Judgment and Decree to end the marriage. The court keeps the original in Carlton County. You can request certified copies for your own records.

Carlton County Court Screenshot

The Carlton County page on the Minnesota Judicial Branch website shows court details at mncourts.gov.

This page lists the Justice Center address, phone number, and links to court resources for Carlton County.

Legal Resources in Carlton County

The 6th Judicial District provides self-help resources and court forms. Check the district page for links to legal aid and other services. Legal aid groups serving northeastern Minnesota may help with divorce if you qualify based on income.

You can also find legal referrals for Carlton County at mn.gov. This state page lists lawyers and legal services in the area. Court staff at the Justice Center can answer questions about the process but cannot provide legal advice about your specific case.

Nearby Counties

Check your address to see which county you live in. You must file your divorce case in the right county.