Carver County Divorce Decree Records
Divorce decree records in Carver County are on file at the Justice Center in Chaska. The court is part of the 1st Judicial District and handles all family law cases for the county. Mary Dalbec serves as Court Administrator. Carver County sits southwest of the Twin Cities and is one of the faster-growing counties in the state. You can search for divorce cases online or visit the courthouse to get copies. The court accepts credit and debit cards (Visa, Discover, MasterCard), which is handy if you are picking up copies in person.
Carver County Overview
Carver County Justice Center
The Carver County Justice Center is at 604 East 4th Street in Chaska. All divorce records are filed and stored here. The clerk's office handles walk-in visits, phone calls, and mail requests. You can also fax the court at (952) 361-1491.
Call (952) 361-1420 to reach the court. Carver County is in the 1st Judicial District. The court takes credit and debit cards for fees, which makes paying for copies easier if you visit in person. Staff can look up cases by name or case number and make copies while you are there. The copy request page for Carver County explains how to request records.
| Court | Carver County District Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 604 East 4th Street Chaska, MN 55318 |
| Phone | (952) 361-1420 |
| Fax | (952) 361-1491 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | mncourts.gov - Carver County |
| Administrator | Mary Dalbec |
| Payment | Cash, check, Visa, Discover, MasterCard |
Search Carver County Divorce Decree Records
Search online first. MCRO at publicaccess.courts.state.mn.us is free. It covers Carver County cases filed after July 1, 2015. Enter a name or case number to see case status and docket entries. The search takes just a few seconds.
For the actual decree or other documents, you need copies from the court. The Carver County copy requests page has instructions for requesting records by mail or in person. Carver County also has a fee schedule at mncourts.gov where you can check current costs before visiting.
Note: Carver County accepts Visa, Discover, and MasterCard for copy fees, making in-person requests more convenient.
Carver County Divorce Fees
Uncertified copies are free. Certified copies cost $14 per document. Exemplified copies run $14. Both on one document is $28. You can pay with cash, check, or card at the courthouse.
Filing a new divorce costs about $400 for the petitioner. Other expenses include service of process, parenting classes if kids are involved, and possibly mediation fees. If paying is a problem, ask the court about an IFP fee waiver. You show your income and a judge decides if you qualify. Under Minn. Stat. § 518.552, the court may order one spouse to help cover the other's fees in some cases.
Divorce Filing Process in Carver County
One spouse must have lived in Minnesota for 180 days before filing. That is the rule under Minn. Stat. § 518.09. You file in the county where you or your spouse lives.
Minnesota is no-fault. Under Minn. Stat. § 518.06, the only ground is irretrievable breakdown. File a Petition for Dissolution at the Justice Center in Chaska. Pay the fee and serve the other spouse. Agreed cases can move fast. Contested cases may need hearings on property, custody, or maintenance.
The court divides marital property under Minn. Stat. § 518.58. Custody follows Minn. Stat. § 518.17 and focuses on what is best for the child. When everything is resolved, the judge signs the Judgment and Decree. That ends the marriage. The court files the original and you can get certified copies.
Carver County Court Screenshots
The Carver County District Court page on the state court website shows court info at mncourts.gov.
This page lists the Chaska Justice Center address, phone, and links to court services.
Carver County also has a dedicated copy requests page at mncourts.gov with details on how to get divorce decree copies.
The copy requests page explains what you need to include with your request and the fees involved.
Legal Help in Carver County
The 1st Judicial District has resources for Carver County residents. Check the district page for self-help centers, forms, and referrals. Legal aid groups in the metro area may serve Carver County for people who meet income limits.
Court staff at the Justice Center can answer process questions and point you to the right forms. For legal advice about your specific case, you need a lawyer. The Minnesota State Bar Association has a referral service. The state court website has all the forms you need to file for divorce on your own.
Nearby Counties
Confirm which county you live in before filing your case. These counties border Carver County.