Find Divorce Records in Bloomington
Bloomington divorce records are handled by the Hennepin County District Court in Minneapolis. Bloomington is in Hennepin County, so there is no separate courthouse in the city itself. All divorce filings and records requests go through the 4th Judicial District courthouse in downtown Minneapolis. You can search for Bloomington divorce case info online for free through the MCRO system. It shows party names, case type, and docket entries. To get a certified copy of a divorce judgment and decree, you visit the Records Center at 300 South 6th Street in Minneapolis or send a written request. About 90,000 people live in Bloomington, and the city sits on the south side of the metro area near the Mall of America.
Bloomington Overview
Where Bloomington Residents File for Divorce
Bloomington does not have its own courthouse. All family law cases go to the Hennepin County District Court in Minneapolis. The Family Justice Center is at 110 South 4th Street in Minneapolis. The Records Center is at 300 South 6th Street. Both are in downtown Minneapolis, about 10 miles north of Bloomington.
The 4th Judicial District is the largest in Minnesota. It covers Hennepin County, which includes Minneapolis, Bloomington, and many other suburbs. The Court Administrator's office at the Records Center handles all records requests. You can get copies of divorce judgments, look up case files, and check case status there.
| Court | Hennepin County District Court - 4th Judicial District |
|---|---|
| Family Justice Center | 110 South 4th Street Minneapolis, MN 55401 |
| Records Center | 300 South 6th Street Minneapolis, MN 55487 |
| Phone | (612) 348-2040 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | mncourts.gov - Hennepin County |
Bloomington residents drive to Minneapolis for court matters. The courthouse is near the light rail line, so you can take transit from Bloomington if you prefer. Plan for security screening at the entrance. Bring your ID. Leave anything you don't need in the car.
Note: The Family Justice Center handles new filings while the Records Center handles copies of existing records.
How to Search Bloomington Divorce Records
There are a few ways to search for Bloomington divorce records. The fastest is online. You can also call the courthouse or go in person.
The Hennepin County court page on the state courts website has contact details and links to services. The image below shows that page.
This page lists all Hennepin County court locations, phone numbers, and hours. Start here if you need to know where to go or who to call about Bloomington divorce records.
Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) lets you search Hennepin County divorce cases for free. Type in a name or case number. The system shows matching cases with party names, docket entries, and case status. Some family court records have limits on what displays online. Under Minn. Stat. § 518.195, certain dissolution records have restricted public access.
The MCRO system covers all Minnesota courts. Search results show up right away. You can click into any case for the full docket and party info. The system is free to use and does not need an account.
The search fee for in-person requests at the courthouse is $5 per name. Certified copies cost $14 each. You can get plain copies for less. The Records Center copy request page has full details on fees and how to submit requests.
Bloomington Divorce Filing Process
Bloomington residents file for divorce under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 518. The process is the same as anywhere else in the state. You file at the Hennepin County District Court in Minneapolis.
The residency rule under Minn. Stat. § 518.07 requires one spouse to have lived in Minnesota for 180 days. If you have been in Bloomington for six months, you can file. Minnesota only allows no-fault divorce. Under Minn. Stat. § 518.06, you say the marriage has broken down and cannot be saved. That's the only ground the court needs.
You start by filing a Summons and Petition for Dissolution. The other spouse must be served. If both parties agree on all issues, a joint petition or stipulated agreement can speed things up. Contested cases may need mediation, evaluations, or a trial. Property gets split under Minn. Stat. § 518.58. If one spouse asks for maintenance, the court uses the factors in Minn. Stat. § 518.552 to decide the amount and length.
- File the petition at the Hennepin County Family Justice Center
- Pay the filing fee (about $400)
- Serve the other spouse
- Exchange financial disclosures
- Attend hearings or mediation as needed
The filing fee for the petitioner is around $400. The response fee for the other side is about $300 to $350. These can change. Call (612) 348-2040 to check the latest amounts.
Hennepin County Court Resources for Bloomington
The Hennepin County Courts website has info about court services, forms, and self-help tools. The screenshot below shows the site.
This site covers general court info and has links to family law resources. It is run by the court itself and has information that applies to Bloomington residents filing for divorce in Hennepin County. The self-help center at the courthouse can help you find the right forms and explain the steps. They can't give legal advice, but they can point you to what you need.
Hennepin County also offers family law clinics where volunteer lawyers answer questions. These clinics are free. Check the court website or call for the schedule. The Minnesota Judicial Branch website has all the official forms for dissolution cases. LawHelpMN.org has guides and tools for people filing on their own.
Legal Help for Divorce in Bloomington
Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid serves the Bloomington area. They handle family law cases for people who qualify based on income. Call (612) 334-5970 to ask about their services. The Volunteer Lawyers Network in Minneapolis offers free legal clinics for family law matters. Call (612) 752-6677 for details.
The Minnesota State Bar Association has a lawyer referral service at (612) 752-6699. They can match you with a family law attorney near Bloomington. Whether you hire a lawyer or file on your own, the Court Administrator at (612) 348-2040 can answer questions about procedures and forms.
Hennepin County Divorce Records
Bloomington is in Hennepin County. All divorce filings for Bloomington go through the Hennepin County District Court in Minneapolis. For more details on the county court system, see the full Hennepin County page.
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