Search Ramsey County Divorce Decree

Ramsey County divorce decree records are managed by the District Court in St. Paul. As the county seat and state capital, St. Paul is home to one of Minnesota's busiest courthouses. Ramsey County is in the 2nd Judicial District and handles a high volume of divorce filings each year. The court offers several ways to search for and get copies of divorce decree records, including online access, in-person visits, and mail requests.

Ramsey County Court Info

The Ramsey County District Court is located at 15 W Kellogg Blvd in St. Paul. This is a large courthouse that handles thousands of cases each year. For court records, call (651) 266-8237. The Family Court division has its own line at (651) 266-5125. Ramsey County is the only county in the 2nd Judicial District, which means the district court and Ramsey County court are one and the same.

The Ramsey County courthouse can be busy. If you plan to visit for a divorce decree search, expect some wait time, especially during peak hours. Parking is available nearby, and the building is accessible by public transit.

How to Search Records

Ramsey County offers multiple ways to look up divorce decree records. The fastest starting point is Ramsey County Court Records on the state courts website. This page explains how to request records and what is available. For a direct online search, use Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO). This free tool covers cases from July 2015 onward. Search by name or case number to find divorce decree filings.

For records older than what MCRO covers, you will need to contact the Ramsey County clerk's office at (651) 266-8237. Staff can look up cases in the court's archives. You can also visit the courthouse in person and request records at the counter. The Ramsey County court page has contact info, directions, and links to local court services.

Mail-in requests work as well. Send a written request with the case details and your payment to the Ramsey County District Court. Include both parties' names and any case number you have. The court will process the request and mail copies back to you.

Family Court Services

Ramsey County has a dedicated Family Court division that handles divorce decree cases and related matters. This includes custody disputes, parenting time issues, and child support modifications. The family court has its own phone line at (651) 266-5125.

One resource that sets Ramsey County apart is the Family Court Self-Help Center. This center offers a free legal clinic on Mondays and Wednesdays from noon to 2:00 p.m. by appointment. The clinic is designed for people who are handling their own divorce decree filings and need guidance on forms, procedures, or what to expect at a hearing. The Ramsey County Self-Help page has details on how to sign up.

Fees for Divorce Records

Ramsey County follows the statewide fee schedule. Viewing divorce decree records through MCRO is free. Uncertified copies are also free when you view them at the courthouse. Certified copies cost $14 per document. A certified copy has the court's official seal and works as legal proof. Filing a new divorce case in Ramsey County costs about $400. Fee waivers are available for people who cannot afford the filing cost. Ask the clerk's office about the waiver form.

Because Ramsey County processes a lot of requests, mail-in orders may take a bit longer than they would in a smaller county. Budget two to three weeks for processing if you are ordering by mail.

Divorce Law Basics

Minnesota is a no-fault state. Under § 518.06, the only ground for a divorce decree is irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. You do not need to prove fault. One spouse must have been a Minnesota resident for at least 180 days. The case is filed in the county where one of the spouses lives, which is why Ramsey County handles divorce decree cases for people in St. Paul and surrounding communities.

The filing starts with a petition and summons. After the other spouse is served, the case can proceed. If both parties agree on all issues, the court can enter a divorce decree without a trial. Contested cases require hearings. § 518.58 guides property and debt division. Custody is decided under § 518.17. Default cases, where one party does not respond, follow § 518.09.

What a Decree Includes

A Ramsey County divorce decree is the final judgment that ends a marriage. It lists both spouses' names, marriage date, and the date the court granted the dissolution. The decree sets out all terms. Property and debts are divided. Any spousal maintenance is specified. When children are part of the case, custody, parenting time, and child support are included as well. The length of the decree depends on how much was disputed. Uncontested cases produce shorter documents. Contested matters with trial findings create longer ones.

Legal Help in Ramsey County

Ramsey County has more legal resources than most Minnesota counties. The Ramsey County legal referral page on the Minnesota Law Library site lists organizations that offer free or low-cost legal help. Legal aid programs serve people who qualify based on income. The courthouse law library at (651) 266-8391 has legal materials you can use for research. And the Self-Help Center, as mentioned, provides free clinics twice a week for people managing their own divorce decree cases.

Private attorneys in St. Paul handle family law cases at all levels. Some offer free initial consultations. If your case involves complex property, contested custody, or other tricky issues, professional help may be worth the cost.

The Ramsey County court page provides an overview of services and contact details for divorce decree filings at the St. Paul courthouse.

You can also view the court records page for more details on how to request Ramsey County divorce decree copies.

The Ramsey County court records page explains how to request copies of divorce decree documents and other case filings from the 2nd Judicial District.

This page outlines the steps for both in-person and mail-in record requests.

The Ramsey County Self-Help Center page has information about the free legal clinic available for people filing their own divorce decree cases.

This clinic is a helpful option for anyone navigating a Ramsey County divorce decree filing without a lawyer.

Cities in Ramsey County

St. Paul is the largest city in Ramsey County. All divorce decree filings for St. Paul residents go through the Ramsey County District Court.

Nearby Counties

Divorce decree records from counties bordering Ramsey are filed in those counties' own district courts. Contact the correct county to get the records you need.