Houston County Divorce Decree Search
Divorce decree records in Houston County are maintained by the District Court in Caledonia. The court is part of the 3rd Judicial District and handles all family law cases for the county. Brenda L. Hemker serves as Court Administrator. Houston County sits in the far southeast corner of Minnesota, bordering both Iowa and Wisconsin. The Caledonia courthouse is the only court location in the county. You can search for basic case info online through MCRO at no cost, or you can visit the courthouse to request certified copies. Certified copies of a divorce decree cost $14.
Houston County Overview
Houston County District Court
The courthouse sits at 304 S Marshall Street in Caledonia. All Houston County divorce filings, court hearings, and record requests go through this location. The staff can look up cases by name or case number. Walk-in visits are welcome during business hours.
Houston County is rural and has a small population. The courthouse is not busy compared to metro-area courts, which is an advantage if you need quick service. Caledonia is the county seat and the center of government business for Houston County. If you are driving in from the edges of the county, it helps to call ahead and make sure the records you need are ready. The court falls under the 3rd Judicial District, which also covers nearby Fillmore County and other southeast Minnesota counties.
| Court | Houston County District Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 304 S Marshall Street Caledonia, MN 55921 |
| Phone | (507) 725-4300 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | mncourts.gov - Houston County |
| Administrator | Brenda L. Hemker |
How to Search Houston County Divorce Records
Use MCRO first. Minnesota Court Records Online is free and covers Houston County cases filed after July 1, 2015. You search by party name or case number. Results show case type, filing date, and status. Go to publicaccess.courts.state.mn.us to begin.
MCRO does not show full decree text. Family law records have some details that are restricted online. If you need the actual divorce decree, you must request a copy from the court. Go to the Caledonia courthouse in person or send a written request by mail. The copy request page on mncourts.gov explains the mail process. Include the party names, approximate date of filing, and case number if you know it.
Note: Houston County divorce cases before July 2015 are not available in MCRO and must be requested from the Caledonia courthouse.
Houston County Divorce Decree Fees
The fee schedule in Houston County matches the state standard. Uncertified copies are free. Certified copies of a divorce decree cost $14. Exemplified copies cost $14 too. A copy that is both certified and exemplified runs $28.
Filing for divorce costs about $400 for the petitioner. The respondent pays a lower fee. Other costs like service fees and parenting class fees may add up during the case. Under Minn. Stat. § 518.06, irretrievable breakdown is the only ground for divorce. No fault must be shown. If you cannot afford the filing fee, ask about an IFP fee waiver at the Houston County court. You fill out an application that shows your income, and the judge decides if you qualify for a waiver.
Filing for Divorce in Houston County
One spouse must have lived in Minnesota for at least 180 days before filing. Under Minn. Stat. § 518.09, you file in the county where either spouse resides. If you live in Houston County, bring your Summons and Petition for Dissolution to the Caledonia courthouse. Pay the filing fee when you submit.
Serve the other party after filing. Personal service is the usual method. They have 30 days to file a response. Uncontested cases move quickly and may finish in a couple of months. Contested cases take longer because the judge must hold hearings on disputed issues. Property division follows Minn. Stat. § 518.58, which calls for a fair and equitable split of marital assets. The Judgment and Decree is the final order. Once the judge signs it, the marriage is over and the court keeps the original on file.
Divorce Decree Contents
A Houston County divorce decree shows both party names, the marriage date, and the dissolution date. It addresses property division, debt, custody and parenting time, child support, and spousal maintenance. This is the final order from the court.
The full case file may hold the original petition, financial affidavits, and any agreements. Most records are public in Houston County. Some documents with sensitive financial data or minor child information may be restricted. If kids are part of the case, custody is decided under Minn. Stat. § 518.17, using the best interests standard. The decree references the parenting plan.
Houston County Court Screenshot
The Houston County District Court page on the Minnesota Judicial Branch website lists courthouse info at mncourts.gov.
This page has the address, phone, and links to forms and resources for Houston County.
Legal Resources in Houston County
The 3rd Judicial District offers self-help resources for people going through divorce without a lawyer. The district website lists legal aid organizations and court forms. Legal aid groups in southeast Minnesota can assist with Houston County divorce paperwork if you meet their income criteria.
Staff at the Houston County courthouse will help you with process questions and point you to the correct forms. They cannot give legal advice or tell you what to write on your forms. If you need more help than that, try a legal aid office or consult a private attorney. The Minnesota State Bar Association referral service covers Houston County.
Nearby Counties
Houston County is in the far southeast corner of the state. Only two Minnesota counties border Houston County. File for divorce in the county where you live.