Cook County Divorce Decree Records
Divorce decree records for Cook County are kept at the courthouse in Grand Marais. The District Court is part of the 6th Judicial District and handles all dissolution filings for the county. Kathy McFarlane serves as Court Administrator. Cook County is the least populated county in Minnesota and sits on the North Shore of Lake Superior in the far northeast corner of the state. Despite its small size, the court follows all state rules and fee schedules. You can look up case info online or contact the courthouse for copies of a decree.
Cook County Overview
Cook County Courthouse
The Cook County Courthouse is at 411 2nd Street West in Grand Marais. All divorce records are filed and stored here. The clerk handles records requests, new filings, and case searches. Because Cook County has such a small population, the court volume is low and staff can often give you quick help.
The phone number is (218) 387-1810. Cook County is in the 6th Judicial District along with St. Louis County and other northeastern Minnesota counties. If you are up on the North Shore and need a divorce decree, this is your court. Mail requests are a practical option since Grand Marais is far from major population centers.
| Court | Cook County District Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 411 2nd Street West Grand Marais, MN 55604 |
| Phone | (218) 387-1810 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | mncourts.gov - Cook County |
| Administrator | Kathy McFarlane |
Search Cook County Divorce Decree Records
MCRO at publicaccess.courts.state.mn.us is the free online search tool. It covers Cook County cases filed after July 1, 2015. Enter a name or case number and you can see case status, docket info, and filing dates.
For copies of the actual divorce decree, contact the court. Visit the courthouse in Grand Marais or send a mail request. The copy request page explains how to request records by mail. Since Cook County is in the 6th Judicial District, you may also use the district's resources for help with the process.
Cook County Divorce Fees
Uncertified copies are free. Certified copies cost $14. Exemplified copies are $14. Both together run $28 per document. These are the same fees used across the state.
Filing for divorce costs about $400 for the petitioner. Respondents pay less. Other costs may include service of process and parenting classes. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court about a fee waiver. You fill out an IFP petition, and the judge reviews your finances to decide if you qualify.
Note: Cook County follows the same state fee schedule as all 87 Minnesota counties for divorce decree copies.
Filing for Divorce in Cook County
One spouse must have lived in Minnesota for 180 days before filing. Under Minn. Stat. § 518.09, you file in the county where either spouse lives. If that is Cook County, you go to the courthouse in Grand Marais.
Minnesota uses no-fault divorce. Under Minn. Stat. § 518.06, the only ground is irretrievable breakdown. File a Petition for Dissolution and serve the other spouse. If both agree, the process can be quick. Contested cases involve hearings. Property is split under Minn. Stat. § 518.58. Custody is decided under Minn. Stat. § 518.17.
The judge signs the Judgment and Decree to end the marriage. The court files the original. You can get certified copies for your own use.
Cook County Court Screenshot
The Cook County page on the Minnesota Judicial Branch website shows court info at mncourts.gov.
This page lists the Grand Marais courthouse address, phone, and links to court resources and forms.
What a Cook County Decree Contains
The Judgment and Decree has both party names, the marriage date, and the date the divorce was granted. It sets the terms for property division, custody, parenting time, child support, and spousal maintenance if any was ordered.
The full case file at the courthouse includes more. You may find the petition, financial affidavits, motions, and hearing transcripts. Most records are public. Some financial documents have restricted access. Anyone can request copies of a divorce decree from Cook County.
Legal Help for Cook County
The 6th Judicial District has self-help resources for Cook County. The district page lists court forms, guides, and referral info. Legal aid organizations in northeastern Minnesota may help with family law cases for people who meet income rules.
Court staff in Grand Marais can answer basic questions about filing and records. They cannot give legal advice. For a lawyer referral, contact the Minnesota State Bar Association. The state court website has all divorce forms available for free download.
Nearby Counties
Cook County only borders two other counties. Check where you live to make sure you file in the right place.