Records of divorce in Laclede County, Missouri, are available through several channels. LacledeCourt.us allows quick access to publicly available divorce information related to this county. Additionally, you can contact the Circuit Court that issued the decree, the county clerk's office, or the Missouri Bureau of Vital Records. Online tools, in-person visits, and mail requests are all viable ways to obtain the necessary document.
Laclede Divorce Records Search
In Laclede County, divorce records are maintained by two main institutions. The Laclede County Circuit Court maintains complete court cases: petitions, decree of dissolution, property settlement agreements, child custody orders, and all accompanying documents. The Bureau of Vital Records at the Missouri Department of Health maintains a central registry of divorces filed after July 1, 1948, and issues divorce certificates.
If you need a full copy of the court decree with property settlement details, contact the Circuit Court clerk. For confirmation of the divorce itself—such as for remarriage—a certificate from the Bureau is usually sufficient.
Laclede County Circuit Court — Office of the Circuit Clerk
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Laclede
In Missouri, divorce cases are handled by the Circuit Court, the court of general jurisdiction. In Laclede County, this is the 26th Judicial Circuit. Once a judge signs the decree of dissolution, the original decree remains on file in the Circuit Clerk's office, and notification is sent to the state Bureau of Vital Records.
Where to contact depends on the document you need:
- Full court decree, custody agreement, financial settlements — Laclede County Circuit Clerk (address above).
- Divorce certificate (confirmation of fact) — Missouri Bureau of Vital Records.
Missouri Bureau of Vital Records
You can order a certificate by mail, in person, or online through the Bureau's website. Some historical county court records are also stored in the Missouri State Archives—useful if the divorce occurred decades ago and the local court has already transferred the case for storage.
The Missouri Courts portal allows you to check for a case in the Case.net system—a search by last name will show basic case information, although access to individual documents may be restricted.
According to the Sunshine Law, court records in Missouri are generally public, but the court may restrict access to certain materials—such as financial affidavits or documents concerning minor children.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Laclede
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Divorce certificate (Bureau of Vital Records, state) | $15.00 | 4–6 weeks (by mail) |
| Expedited certificate processing (Bureau of Vital Records) | $15.00 + additional delivery fee | 5–7 business days |
| Copy of court decree (Circuit Clerk, per page) | $0.50–$1.00 | Usually same day for in-person visits |
| Certified copy of court decree (Circuit Clerk) | Depends on number of pages; check with the clerk | 1–5 business days |