St. One County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In St. One County in 2026
StOneRecords.us provides access to publicly available data related to divorce records in St. One County, Missouri. Members of the public may find case numbers, filing dates, party names, final decrees, and related court documents. Available record categories may include dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, property division orders, custody arrangements, and post-judgment modifications. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the case and applicable confidentiality provisions.
Records may be searched through the Stone County Circuit Court, state vital records resources, public access terminals at the courthouse, and authorized online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking divorce records.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Stone County Circuit Court maintains case records that may be accessible through the court's public access system. Basic case information is available at no charge; fees apply for obtaining copies of documents.
2. State Vital Records
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services maintains a statewide vital records system. Members of the public may order a copy of a vital record, including divorce certificates, through the state office. Fees apply, and the state's records reflect information reported by the Circuit Clerk in the county where the decree was granted.
3. Missouri Residents Portal
The MO.gov residents portal provides a consolidated directory of state services, including links to vital records, marriage and divorce record requests, and related government resources.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Stone County Circuit Court:
Stone County Circuit Court
108 E. 4th Street, Galena, MO 65656
Phone: (417) 357-6127
Stone County Circuit Court
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 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
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Stone County Circuit Clerk, 108 E. 4th Street, Galena, MO 65656
- Include the following with each request:
- Full names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's contact information
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
- Processing time: Requests are processed within approximately one to two weeks, subject to volume and record availability.
By Phone
Limited Information Available:
- Stone County Circuit Clerk: (417) 357-6127
- 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 filed documents
- Confidential or restricted information
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Missouri may access court records on behalf of a client, request sealed documents upon a proper showing of cause, and assist with complex or older cases where records may be archived or partially digitized. The Missouri Bar's lawyer referral service may assist members of the public in locating qualified legal counsel.
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 filing
- Case number, if previously obtained
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Prior addresses in Stone County
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Under Missouri law, a petition for dissolution of marriage is 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. The county where the marriage ceremony occurred is not necessarily the county where the divorce was filed.
Residency Requirement: Pursuant to § 452.300 RSMo, at least one spouse must have been a Missouri resident for 90 days immediately preceding the filing of the petition.
Time Considerations
- Recent divorces: Records may not appear in the online system immediately following a final hearing. Members of the public should allow several days to a few weeks for processing after the final decree is entered.
- Older divorces: Cases predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format and may require additional retrieval time. Not all historical records have been digitized.
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common reasons a record may not be located include:
- The divorce was filed in a different county
- Name variations between maiden and married names
- Spelling differences in party names
- The case remains pending and has not been finalized
- The record is sealed by court order
- Very old records may be stored in off-site archives
Members of the public experiencing difficulty locating a record may contact the Stone County Circuit Clerk at (417) 357-6127, attempt alternate name spellings, search under both spouses' names, or consult the Missouri vital records office for statewide divorce certificate information.
What Are St. One County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Stone County, Missouri are official court documents generated during and after dissolution of marriage proceedings, maintained by the Circuit Clerk as part of the family law case file.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files
The complete case file includes all documents filed with the court from initiation through final judgment, including:
- 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 hearing notices
- Transcripts of court proceedings (if ordered)
- Final judgment of dissolution of marriage
Final Decree
The final decree is the official court order that legally dissolves the marriage. It establishes:
- The date the marriage is legally dissolved
- Division of marital property and debts
- Spousal support or alimony terms, if any
- Child custody and timesharing 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 Stone County Circuit Clerk.
Supporting Documents
Supporting documents filed in the case may include financial disclosure statements, property appraisals, business valuations, parenting plan worksheets, child support calculation worksheets, and post-judgment modification orders.
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
The Stone County Circuit Clerk is the primary custodian of all divorce case files and provides certified copies to authorized requestors. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services maintains statewide divorce certificate data reported by county circuit clerks, accessible through the vital records order page.
Legal Framework:
Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Missouri are governed by § 452.300 through § 452.415 RSMo, which establish grounds, residency requirements, property division standards, and child-related provisions. Missouri's Sunshine Law, § 610.010 RSMo, governs public access to court records and establishes the presumption that government records are open to inspection.
Are St. One County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed with the Stone County Circuit Court are public court records subject to Missouri's Sunshine Law. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents. Certain categories of information are restricted or redacted under state and federal law.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of both parties
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and outcomes
- Final divorce decree and property division orders
- General case status and docket entries
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers are redacted from all public filings
- Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
- Detailed tax returns may be filed under seal or with restricted access
Children's Information:
- Names and addresses of minor children may be partially redacted
- Schools attended by children are not disclosed in public records
- Child custody evaluations and guardian ad litem reports may be sealed by court order
- Psychological evaluations of children are restricted
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence may be sealed
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records are restricted under HIPAA and state law
- Personal addresses of domestic violence victims are protected
Sealed Records:
A court may seal all or part of a case file upon a showing of good cause. Cases involving allegations of abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlement terms may be subject to sealing orders. Mediation communications are confidential under Missouri law and are not part of the public record.
Who Can Access Records:
| Requestor | Access Level |
|---|---|
| General public | Public documents, docket entries, final decree |
| Parties to the case | Full access to own case file |
| Attorneys of record | Full access; may petition for sealed records |
| Law enforcement | Statutory access to restricted records |
| Researchers and media | Public portions; court permission required for sealed records |
Prohibited Uses:
Members of the public who obtain divorce records may not use them for stalking, harassment, identity theft, or any purpose that violates a protective order. Permitted uses include legal proceedings, background research, genealogical research, news reporting, and personal verification of marital status.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in St. One County?
Current fees for obtaining divorce records from the Stone County Circuit Court are established under Missouri court rules and are subject to change. Members of the public should confirm current fees directly with the Circuit Clerk's office prior to submitting a request.
Standard Copy Fees:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy (per page) | $0.10–$0.25 per page (standard court copy rate) |
| Certified copy of final decree | Approximately $1.00–$2.00 per page plus certification fee |
| Certification fee | Approximately $1.00–$3.00 per document |
| Search fee | No separate search fee at the courthouse window |
| Electronic copies (if available) | Varies; confirm with clerk |
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash
- Check or money order payable to Stone County Circuit Clerk
- Credit or debit card (confirm availability with clerk's office)
Fee Waivers:
Members of the public who are unable to pay copy fees may petition the court for a fee waiver based on demonstrated financial hardship. The court reviews waiver requests on a case-by-case basis.
What Is Available at No Charge:
- Viewing case docket entries at a public access terminal in the courthouse
- Confirming whether a case exists by case number or party name
- Reviewing documents in person without requesting copies
The Missouri vital records office charges a separate fee for divorce certificates ordered through the state. Current fee schedules are posted on the vital records order page.
What's Included in Divorce Records in St. One County
A complete divorce case file maintained by the Stone County Circuit Clerk contains all documents filed from the date of initial petition through final judgment and any post-judgment proceedings.
Basic Case Information:
- Case number, court name, and division
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Judge and attorneys of record
- Filing date and case type
Initial Pleadings:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage, including marriage date and location, grounds for dissolution, children's information, and relief requested
- Response or answer filed by the respondent
- Counterpetition, if filed
- Financial affidavits from both parties detailing income, expenses, assets, and liabilities
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory covering real property, vehicles, bank and investment accounts, retirement accounts, business interests, and personal property
- Debt inventory including mortgages, loans, and credit obligations
- Appraisals and expert valuations
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting plan establishing legal and physical custody, timesharing schedule, holiday provisions, and decision-making responsibilities
- Child support calculation worksheet
- 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 issues by consent
- Mediation agreement, if the case was mediated (terms may be incorporated into the final order)
Court Orders and Judgments:
- Temporary orders for custody, support, or use of property
- Final judgment of dissolution of marriage, including all property, support, and custody provisions
- 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 Redacted:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence details that are subject to a sealing order
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluation records
- Mediation communications
How to Get Proof of Divorce in St. One County?
Proof of divorce in Stone County is obtained through a certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution of marriage, issued by the Stone County Circuit Clerk. A certified copy bears the court's official seal and the clerk's signature, making it legally acceptable for remarriage, name change, immigration, Social Security, and other official purposes.
Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy:
- Identify the case by confirming the case number and filing county through the Stone County Circuit Court.
- Submit a written request to the Circuit Clerk in person, by mail, or as directed by the clerk's office.
- Provide the full names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, and the case number if known.
- Pay the applicable certification and copy fees at the time of the request.
- Receive the certified copy in person or by mail, depending on the method of request.
Members of the public who need a statewide divorce certificate rather than a full certified decree may submit a request through the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services by following the instructions on the order a vital record page. As noted by the Missouri Department of Health, "certified copies of divorce records are obtained from the Circuit Clerk in the county where the decree was granted."
Stone County Circuit Court
108 E. 4th Street, Galena, MO 65656
Phone: (417) 357-6127
Stone County Circuit Court
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services — Vital Records
930 Wildwood Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65109
Phone: (573) 751-6387
Missouri Vital Records
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in St. One County?
A divorce proceeding in Stone County may be partially or fully confidential under specific legal circumstances, though the default presumption under Missouri's Sunshine Law is that court records are open to public inspection.
- Sealed by court order: A judge may seal all or part of a case file upon a written motion and a showing of good cause. Sealing is not automatic and requires a judicial determination that privacy interests outweigh the public's right of access.
- Domestic violence cases: Cases involving allegations of domestic violence or stalking may have victim addresses, contact information, and certain evidence sealed to protect the safety of the parties involved.
- Children's information: Pursuant to Missouri court rules, identifying information about minor children, including residential addresses and school records, may be redacted from publicly accessible filings.
- Mental health and medical records: Records pertaining to mental health evaluations, substance abuse treatment, and medical conditions are restricted under both state law and federal HIPAA protections.
- Mediation communications: Under Missouri law, all communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and are not filed with the court or made part of the public record.
- Confidential settlements: Terms of settlement that the parties designate as confidential may be incorporated by reference into the final order without being disclosed in the public record, subject to court approval.
Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for disclosure under § 610.021 RSMo.
How Long Does St. One County Keep Divorce Records?
Stone County Circuit Court retains divorce records in accordance with Missouri court record retention schedules established by the Missouri Supreme Court and applicable state statutes.
- Permanent retention: Final judgments of dissolution of marriage, including the final decree and all orders incorporated therein, are retained permanently as part of the official court record.
- Complete case files: The full case file, including all pleadings, financial affidavits, and supporting documents, is retained for a minimum period established by Missouri court rules, which at present requires retention of civil case files for a substantial number of years following the close of the case.
- Post-judgment records: Modification orders, contempt proceedings, and enforcement actions are retained as part of the original case file and are subject to the same retention schedule.
- Archived records: Older case files that predate electronic filing may be stored in physical archives at the courthouse or an off-site facility. Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time.
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in the court's case management system and are accessible through the clerk's office.
- Vital records data: The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services retains statewide divorce certificate data reported by county circuit clerks on a permanent basis, as reflected in the vital records retention policies.
Members of the public seeking records from older cases should contact the Stone County Circuit Clerk directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures.