Washington County Public Records /Washington County Divorce Records

Washington County Divorce Records

How To Find a Divorce Record In Washington County in 2026

WashingtonMNRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Washington County, Minnesota. Members of the public may find dissolution of marriage case filings, final decrees, court docket entries, and related family law documents through this resource. Available record categories may include case numbers, party names, filing dates, judgment information, and court orders. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the case, filing date, and applicable privacy restrictions.

Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking Washington County divorce records.

Online Searches

1. Clerk of Court Case Search

The Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system is the primary online tool for searching Washington County divorce case information. As noted by the Minnesota Judicial Branch, "The information available on Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) is provided as a service and is not the official court case record." Basic case information is available at no charge; fees apply for document copies.

Access is available through the MCRO portal at any time
Search by party name, case number, or filing date
Free basic case information; document copies require payment
Results reflect case status as maintained by the court

2. State Court System Portal

The Minnesota Judicial Branch maintains a statewide court portal that allows searches across all Minnesota district courts, including Washington County District Court. This consolidated database is useful when the county of filing is uncertain.

Search across all Minnesota jurisdictions
Useful for locating cases filed in multiple counties
Accessible through the Washington County District Court page of the Minnesota Judicial Branch website

3. State Vital Records

Minnesota does not currently register divorce certificates through the Minnesota Department of Health in the same manner as birth or death records. The Minnesota State Law Library confirms that "[c]ertified copies of a divorce decree may be obtained from the county courthouse where the divorce was granted." Accordingly, the District Court Clerk's office is the authoritative source for certified divorce records in Washington County.

In-Person Searches

Clerk of Court — Washington County District Court

Washington County District Court
14949 62nd Street North, P.O. Box 3802
Stillwater, MN 55082
Phone: (651) 413-8030
Washington County District Court

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Services available in person:
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Staff assistance for locating records
- Payment of copy fees at the counter

Records Department:

Older and archived divorce case files may be stored separately from active case files. Members of the public seeking records from cases filed prior to electronic filing should inquire with the Clerk's office regarding retrieval timelines for archived materials. Historical records may not be digitized and may require additional processing time.

By Mail

Written Request:

Mail to: Washington County District Court, 14949 62nd Street North, P.O. Box 3802, Stillwater, MN 55082
Include the following with each request:
- Full legal names of both parties
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or filing
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Purpose of request, if required
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
Processing time: Requests are processed in the order received; allow one to two weeks for standard requests

By Phone

Limited Information:

Clerk of Court: (651) 413-8030
Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number and filing date
- Current case status
Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents by phone
- Copies of documents
- Confidential or restricted case information

Through Attorneys

Members of the public involved in complex matters, or those seeking access to sealed or restricted documents, may retain legal counsel. An attorney licensed in Minnesota may access case files, request sealed documents upon a proper showing to the court, and assist with obtaining certified copies. The Minnesota State Bar Association maintains a lawyer referral service for members of the public seeking legal representation.

Information Needed for Search

Essential Information:

Full legal names of both spouses at the time of filing
Maiden names, if applicable
Approximate date of divorce or date of filing
Case number, if known

Helpful Information:

Date and location of marriage
Previous addresses in Washington County
Names of children, if applicable
Names of attorneys of record, if known

Search in Correct County

Under Minnesota Statutes § 518.09, a petition for dissolution of marriage must be filed in the county where either spouse resides at the time of filing. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple counties using the MCRO statewide portal. Divorce records are not maintained in the county where the marriage occurred unless that county was also the county of residence at the time of filing.

Residency Requirement:

Minnesota law requires that at least one spouse have resided in the state for a minimum of 180 days immediately preceding the filing of the petition, pursuant to § 518.07. The petition is filed in the county of that spouse's residence.

Time Considerations

Recent Divorces:

Newly finalized cases may not appear in online systems immediately
Allow several business days to weeks after the final hearing for records to be processed and indexed
Contact the Clerk's office to confirm availability of a specific case

Older Divorces:

Cases predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format
Retrieval of archived records may require additional time
Some older records may not be digitized; in-person or mail requests are recommended

What If You Cannot Find a Record

Common Issues:

Incorrect county of filing
Name variations between married and maiden names
Spelling differences in party names
Case still pending and not yet finalized
Very old records held in off-site storage
Case sealed or subject to confidentiality order

Next Steps:

Contact the Clerk's office at (651) 413-8030
Attempt alternate name spellings
Search under both spouses' names
Use the MCRO statewide portal to search other Minnesota counties
Consult an attorney for assistance with sealed or restricted records

What Are Washington County Divorce Records?

Washington County divorce records are official court documents generated during dissolution of marriage proceedings filed with the Washington County District Court. These records are maintained by the Clerk of Court as part of the family law case file and constitute public records subject to applicable access laws and privacy restrictions.

Types of Divorce Records

Court Case Files

The complete case file for a dissolution of marriage proceeding in Washington County may include:

Petition for dissolution of marriage
Response or answer to the petition
Financial affidavits from both parties
Parenting plans and custody agreements
Marital settlement agreements
Motions, orders, and court hearing transcripts
Final judgment of dissolution

Final Decree

The final decree of dissolution is the official court order terminating the marriage. It is the primary document sought by individuals who need legal proof of divorce. The final decree establishes:

The date of dissolution
Division of marital property and debts
Spousal maintenance or alimony, if ordered
Child custody and parenting time arrangements, if applicable
Child support orders, if applicable
Restoration of a former name, if requested

Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Washington County District Court Clerk's office, as confirmed by the Minnesota State Law Library's guidance on obtaining a divorce decree.

Supporting Documents

Additional documents that may be part of the case file include financial disclosure statements, property inventories, appraisals, parenting plan details, and post-judgment modification orders.

Purpose of Divorce Records

Legal Purposes:

Proof of marital status for remarriage
Name change documentation
Property transfer and title recording
Estate planning and beneficiary designations
Immigration proceedings
Social Security benefit determinations

Personal Purposes:

Genealogical and family history research
Personal record-keeping
Verification of divorce terms and obligations

Legal Framework

Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Minnesota are governed by Minnesota Statutes Chapter 518, which establishes the grounds, procedures, and requirements for divorce in the state. Public access to court records, including family law files, is governed by the Minnesota Rules of Public Access to Records of the Judicial Branch, which presume that court records are open to the public unless a specific exception applies.

Are Washington County Divorce Records Public?

Divorce records filed with the Washington County District Court are public court records under Minnesota law. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents. However, certain categories of information within divorce case files are subject to restriction or redaction to protect sensitive personal and financial data.

Public Access Policy

What Is Public:

Case number and filing date
Names of parties to the proceeding
Names of attorneys of record
Court hearing dates and docket entries
Court orders and judgments, including the final decree
Property division orders
General case status information

What May Be Restricted

Financial Information:

Social Security numbers are redacted from all public filings pursuant to court rules
Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
Detailed financial statements may be subject to limited access
Tax returns filed with the court may be sealed or restricted

Children's Information:

Names and addresses of minor children may be redacted
Schools attended by children are not disclosed in public records
Medical and psychological evaluations of children may be sealed
Guardian ad litem reports are subject to restricted access
Child custody evaluations ordered by the court may be sealed

Sensitive Personal Information:

Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence may be sealed
Mental health and substance abuse records are restricted
Personal addresses of parties in domestic violence cases may be withheld
Medical records submitted as exhibits are restricted

Sealed Records:

A court may seal all or part of a divorce case file upon a showing of good cause. Sealed records are not accessible to the general public. Cases involving allegations of abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlement terms may be subject to sealing orders.

Who Can Access Records

Requestor Category	Level of Access
General public	Public documents and docket entries
Parties to the case	Full access to own case file
Attorneys of record	Full access; may petition for sealed records
Researchers and media	Public portions; court permission required for sealed records
Law enforcement	Statutory access to restricted records

Restrictions on Use

The Minnesota Rules of Public Access to Records of the Judicial Branch prohibit the use of court records for purposes of stalking, harassment, identity theft, or fraud. Permitted uses include legal proceedings, background research, genealogical research, news reporting protected by the First Amendment, and academic research.

Obtaining Confidential Records

Members of the public seeking access to sealed or restricted records must file a motion with the Washington County District Court demonstrating a legitimate legal basis for access. The court evaluates such requests on a case-by-case basis, applying a balancing test between the public interest in transparency and the privacy interests of the parties.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Washington County?

The Washington County District Court charges standard fees for copies and certified copies of divorce records. Current fees are established pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 357.021, which governs court filing and copy fees statewide.

Current Fee Structure

Service	Fee
Certified copy of final decree or court order	$14.00 per document
Plain (uncertified) copy of documents	$0.50 per page
Online case information (MCRO basic search)	Free
Online document copies (MCRO)	Varies by document

Additional Fee Information:

Inspection of case files at the courthouse is available at no charge during regular business hours
Certification of documents requires payment of the certification fee in addition to per-page copy fees
Electronic copies obtained through the MCRO portal may be subject to separate fee schedules established by the Minnesota Judicial Branch
Payment at the courthouse is accepted by cash, check, or money order payable to Washington County District Court; credit card acceptance should be confirmed with the Clerk's office prior to visiting

Fee Waivers:

Members of the public who are unable to pay copy fees due to financial hardship may apply for a fee waiver through the court. Fee waiver applications are available at the Clerk's office and must be submitted with supporting financial documentation. The court reviews waiver requests on an individual basis.

What Is Available at No Cost:

Basic case information through the MCRO online portal, including case number, party names, filing date, and case status, is available free of charge
In-person inspection of public case files at the courthouse does not require payment of a fee

What's Included in Divorce Records in Washington County

A Washington County divorce case file is a comprehensive collection of documents generated from the initiation of dissolution proceedings through final judgment and any post-judgment proceedings. The contents vary depending on whether the case was contested or uncontested, and whether children or significant assets were involved.

Basic Case Information:

Case number, court name, and division
Names of petitioner and respondent
Judge assigned to the case
Attorneys of record and their contact information
Filing date and case type designation

Initial Pleadings:

The petition for dissolution of marriage sets forth the petitioner's identifying information, the date and location of the marriage, the date of separation if applicable, the grounds for divorce (in Minnesota, irretrievable breakdown of the marriage relationship under § 518.06), information regarding minor children, and the relief requested. The respondent's answer or counterpetition, if filed, is also part of the case file.

Financial Affidavits:

Both parties are required to submit financial affidavits disclosing income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets including real property, vehicles, bank and investment accounts, and retirement accounts, as well as all liabilities. These affidavits form the basis for property division and support determinations.

Property-Related Documents:

Marital asset inventory with descriptions and values
Debt inventory including mortgages, loans, and credit obligations
Real property appraisals and business valuations
Expert reports on asset values

Children-Related Documents (if applicable):

Parenting plan establishing legal and physical custody
Timesharing schedule including regular, holiday, and summer provisions
Child support calculation worksheets
Income information for both parties
Health insurance and childcare cost documentation
Child support order specifying amount, payment method, and schedule
Custody evaluations, if ordered by the court (may be sealed)
Guardian ad litem reports, if a guardian was appointed (restricted access)

Settlement Documents:

Marital settlement agreement resolving all contested issues
Mediation agreement, if the case was mediated (mediation communications are confidential, but the resulting agreement may be filed)

Court Orders and Final Judgment:

Temporary orders for custody, support, and use of property during the proceedings
Final judgment of dissolution including findings of fact, conclusions of law, property division, support orders, custody and parenting time provisions, and name restoration if requested
Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) if retirement accounts were divided

Post-Judgment Documents (if applicable):

Petitions to modify custody or support
Court orders on modification requests
Contempt motions and enforcement actions
Income deduction orders

What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:

Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted)
Children's residential addresses and school information
Domestic violence details (may be sealed by court order)
Mental health and substance abuse evaluations
Mediation communications
Trade secrets in business valuations

How to Get Proof of Divorce in Washington County?

Proof of divorce in Washington County is obtained through a certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution issued by the Washington County District Court. A certified copy bears the court's official seal and the signature of the Clerk of Court, making it legally recognized for purposes such as remarriage, name changes, immigration proceedings, and benefit determinations.

Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy:

Identify the case. Locate the case number and filing date using the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) portal or by contacting the Clerk's office directly.
Submit a request. Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or through the MCRO portal where document ordering is available.
Provide required information. Include the full names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, and the case number if known.
Pay applicable fees. The current fee for a certified copy is $14.00 per document, plus $0.50 per page for copies, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 357.021.
Receive the certified copy. In-person requests are processed at the time of the visit when records are available. Mail requests are processed within one to two weeks.

Washington County District Court — Clerk of Court
14949 62nd Street North, P.O. Box 3802
Stillwater, MN 55082
Phone: (651) 413-8030
Washington County District Court

The Minnesota State Law Library confirms that certified copies of a divorce decree are obtained from the county courthouse where the divorce was granted, making the Washington County District Court the sole authoritative source for certified proof of divorce in cases filed in that county.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Washington County?

Divorce proceedings in Washington County are presumptively public, but Minnesota law and court rules permit certain cases or portions of case files to be treated as confidential under specific circumstances.

Circumstances Under Which Divorce Records May Be Confidential:

Court-ordered sealing: A party may petition the court to seal all or part of a case file. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in open proceedings against the privacy interests of the parties and any minor children involved.
Domestic violence cases: When a party has obtained or is seeking an order for protection, personal address information and certain case details may be withheld from public access to protect the safety of the victim.
Children's information: Under Minnesota court rules, information identifying the residential address, school, or medical condition of a minor child is subject to restricted access.
Mental health and substance abuse records: Records reflecting a party's mental health treatment or substance abuse history are restricted from public disclosure.
Mediation communications: Statements made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and are not part of the public case file, even if a mediation agreement is subsequently filed with the court.
Sealed financial records: Tax returns and detailed financial statements may be sealed upon motion when disclosure would cause undue harm.

Members of the public seeking access to sealed or confidential records must file a motion with the Washington County District Court demonstrating a legitimate legal basis, as governed by the Minnesota Rules of Public Access to Records of the Judicial Branch.

How Long Does Washington County Keep Divorce Records?

Washington County District Court retains divorce records in accordance with the Minnesota Judicial Branch records retention schedule, which establishes minimum retention periods for different categories of court records.

Retention Periods for Divorce Records:

Final judgments and decrees: Retained permanently. The final judgment of dissolution is a permanent court record and is not subject to destruction.
Complete case files (contested dissolution): Retained for a minimum of 10 years following the close of the case, after which non-permanent documents may be eligible for destruction pursuant to the judicial records retention schedule.
Complete case files (uncontested dissolution): Retention periods may be shorter for simple, uncontested cases with no minor children or significant assets; however, the final decree is retained permanently.
Post-judgment modification records: Retained as part of the original case file for the applicable retention period.
Electronic records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in the court's electronic case management system and are subject to the same retention schedules as paper records.

Members of the public seeking records from older cases should contact the Washington County District Court Clerk's office to confirm availability, as some older paper records may have been transferred to off-site storage or the Minnesota State Archives. The Minnesota Judicial Branch records retention policies are established under the authority of the Minnesota Supreme Court and applicable state law.