Find Burnsville Divorce Records
Burnsville divorce records are managed by the Dakota County District Court. The main courthouse is in Hastings, though the Western Service Center in nearby Apple Valley offers a closer option for some court services. Around 64,000 people live in Burnsville, which sits in the northwest corner of Dakota County. If you need to search for a divorce case or get a certified copy of a judgment, the Dakota County Court Administrator can help. You can also look up basic case information online for free through Minnesota Court Records Online. This page covers the search process, fees, filing steps, and legal resources for divorce in Burnsville.
Burnsville Overview
Where Burnsville Divorce Cases Are Filed
Burnsville falls in Dakota County. All divorce cases for Burnsville residents are filed at the Dakota County District Court, which is part of the 1st Judicial District. The main courthouse is at 1560 Highway 55 in Hastings. That is about a 25-minute drive from Burnsville. Dakota County also has a Western Service Center in Apple Valley, which is closer and handles some court functions. Not all services are available there, so call first.
The Court Administrator manages all court records and processes requests for copies. You can reach them at (651) 438-8100. Staff can tell you what the Western Service Center can handle versus what requires a trip to Hastings. Filing a new divorce petition, for example, may need to be done at the main courthouse.
| Court | Dakota County District Court - 1st Judicial District |
|---|---|
| Main Address | 1560 Highway 55 Hastings, MN 55033 |
| Phone | (651) 438-8100 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | dakotacountycourts.org |
Both locations require photo ID and security screening at the door.
Searching Burnsville Divorce Records
There are two main ways to search for Burnsville divorce records. You can use the state's online system or visit the courthouse. Online searches are free and give you basic case data. Going in person lets you see the full case file and get certified copies right away.
Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) covers Dakota County District Court cases. You can search by party name, case number, or case type. Results show party names, case status, docket entries, and hearing dates. Family law cases sometimes have limited online access because of privacy protections under Minnesota law, but basic case information is usually visible for most Burnsville divorce cases.
The MCRO search portal is shown here. You can look up Burnsville divorce records by name or case number.
The search results will show you docket entries and current case status for matching records.
For in-person searches, the Court Administrator at the Hastings courthouse can pull up any case by name or number. Bring at least one spouse's name and the approximate filing year. Certified copies cost $14 per document. The court takes cash, check, or money order. You can also request copies by mail by sending a written request with payment to the courthouse address.
Dakota County Court Resources
The Dakota County Courts website has details on court procedures, family law forms, and office hours for the court that serves Burnsville.
This site covers all the basics you need to know before visiting the courthouse for a divorce case.
The Minnesota court locator can also help you find the right courthouse location and confirm hours.
Use the locator to check which services are available at each Dakota County courthouse location.
Burnsville Divorce Filing Process
Filing for divorce in Burnsville follows Minnesota Statutes Chapter 518. The process begins when one spouse files a Summons and Petition for Dissolution at the Dakota County District Court. The other spouse must be served with the papers. Both spouses can also file a joint petition if they agree on all terms, which makes the whole process simpler and faster.
Before filing, at least one spouse must have lived in Minnesota for 180 days under Minn. Stat. § 518.07. If you have lived in Burnsville for six months, you meet this requirement. Minnesota only allows no-fault divorce. Under Minn. Stat. § 518.06, the only ground for divorce is that the marriage is irretrievably broken. You don't need to prove your spouse did anything wrong.
Cases with children have extra steps. Both parents must take a parenting education class under Minn. Stat. § 518.157. A parenting plan is also required. Child support is calculated using the state guidelines. Contested cases may need mediation. The court wants to see that both sides made an effort to resolve disputes before going to trial.
Note: Dakota County offers self-help resources at the courthouse for people who are filing without an attorney.
Burnsville Divorce Fees
Divorce fees in Burnsville are set by the Dakota County District Court. The filing fee for the initial petition is around $400. Responding to a divorce petition costs about $300 to $350. These fees can change, so check with the court at (651) 438-8100 for current amounts.
Certified copies of Burnsville divorce records cost $14 per document. Other costs that come up during the process include:
- Service of process by sheriff: $45 to $65
- Private process server: $50 to $100
- Parenting education class: $40 to $75
- Mediation fees: varies
Fee waivers are available for people who can't afford the costs. File an In Forma Pauperis petition with the court showing your income and expenses. A judge will review it and decide. The waiver forms are free at mncourts.gov.
Legal Help in Burnsville
Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services (SMRLS) serves the Dakota County area and handles family law cases for people who qualify based on income. They can help with divorce filings, custody matters, and protection orders. The Minnesota State Bar Association also has a lawyer referral service at (612) 752-6699 that connects you with family law attorneys near Burnsville.
If you are handling your divorce without a lawyer, LawHelpMN has free guides, forms, and instructions. The Minnesota Judicial Branch Self-Help Center at mncourts.gov has everything you need, including petition forms, financial affidavits, and parenting plan templates. The Dakota County courthouse also has self-help staff who can point you to the right forms, though they cannot give legal advice.
Dakota County Divorce Records
Burnsville is in Dakota County. All divorce filings go through the Dakota County District Court. For more details on the county court system, filing procedures, and resources, visit the full Dakota County divorce records page.
Nearby Cities
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