Search Clay County Divorce Decrees
Divorce decree records in Clay County are on file at the courthouse in Moorhead. The District Court is part of the 7th Judicial District and handles all dissolution filings for the county. Renelle Fenno serves as Court Administrator. Clay County sits on the western border of Minnesota across the Red River from Fargo, North Dakota. Moorhead is the county seat and where all family law cases are processed. You can search for cases online through MCRO or go to the courthouse to request copies of a divorce decree.
Clay County Overview
Clay County District Court
The Clay County Courthouse is at 807 N. 11th Street in Moorhead. This is where all divorce decree records are kept. The court handles filings, stores case files, and provides copies. Visit in person or call for help.
The phone number is (218) 227-7040. Clay County shares the 7th Judicial District with Becker County and others in west-central Minnesota. Moorhead is a mid-sized city, so the court handles a steady flow of family law cases. Staff can search records by name or case number. If you live in the Fargo-Moorhead area and need a divorce decree, this is the court that has your file (assuming the case was filed in Minnesota).
| Court | Clay County District Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 807 N. 11th Street Moorhead, MN 56560 |
| Phone | (218) 227-7040 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | mncourts.gov - Clay County |
| Administrator | Renelle Fenno |
How to Search Clay County Divorce Records
Start online with MCRO. Go to publicaccess.courts.state.mn.us and search for free. The system covers Clay County cases filed after July 1, 2015. Enter a name or case number. You get case status, filing dates, and docket info.
For the actual decree, you need a copy from the court. Visit the Moorhead courthouse or send a mail request. The copy request page on mncourts.gov explains how to request records by mail. Include the case number or full names of both parties. The clerk will confirm costs before processing your request.
Note: If the divorce was filed in North Dakota, you will need to contact the North Dakota court system, not Clay County.
Clay County Decree Copy Costs
Fees are the same as everywhere in Minnesota. Uncertified copies are free. Certified copies cost $14 each. Exemplified copies are $14. Both on one document is $28.
Filing for divorce costs about $400. The respondent pays a lower fee. Other costs may include service of process and parenting classes. Fee waivers are available for people who cannot afford it. Under Minn. Stat. § 518.552, the court can sometimes order one spouse to pay the other's attorney fees and costs.
Divorce Filing in Clay County
You need to live in Minnesota for at least 180 days before filing under Minn. Stat. § 518.09. This is important in the Fargo-Moorhead area since some people live on the North Dakota side. If you live in Moorhead or elsewhere in Clay County, you file here.
Minnesota is a no-fault state. Under Minn. Stat. § 518.06, the sole ground is irretrievable breakdown. File a Petition for Dissolution and serve the other spouse. Agreed cases are faster. Contested cases involve hearings on disputed issues. Property division follows Minn. Stat. § 518.58. Custody decisions use the best interests standard in Minn. Stat. § 518.17.
The Judgment and Decree is the final court order. It ends the marriage and sets all terms. The court files the original at the Clay County courthouse.
Clay County Court Screenshot
The Clay County District Court page on the state court site shows court details at mncourts.gov.
This page lists the Moorhead courthouse address, phone, and links to court services and forms.
What Clay County Divorce Decrees Contain
A Clay County divorce decree shows both party names, marriage date, and the date the court ended the marriage. It includes the terms for property and debt division, custody arrangements, child support, and spousal maintenance if any was ordered.
The broader case file at the courthouse has more documents. These include the petition, financial disclosures, and any orders or motions from the case. Most records are public. Some financial source documents have restricted access. You do not have to be a party in the case to request copies of the decree.
Legal Resources for Clay County
The 7th Judicial District has resources that serve Clay County. Check the district page for self-help info and court forms. Legal aid organizations in western Minnesota may help with family law cases for people who qualify by income.
Court staff in Moorhead can answer questions about the filing process and help you find the right forms. They cannot give legal advice. If you need a lawyer, the Minnesota State Bar Association has a referral service. The state court website also has all the forms you need to file for divorce on your own.
Nearby Counties
Make sure you are filing in the right county. These counties border Clay County.