Search Woodbury Divorce Records
Woodbury divorce records are managed by the Washington County District Court in Stillwater. With a population around 75,000, Woodbury is the largest city in Washington County and one of the fastest growing suburbs in the Twin Cities metro. If you need to look up a divorce case or get a copy of a dissolution decree from Woodbury, you start at the courthouse in Stillwater or search online through the state system. The court keeps all case files, and records staff can pull documents for you. Online access is free for basic case info, while certified copies require a trip to the courthouse or a mail request.
Woodbury Overview
Woodbury Divorce Filing Location
Woodbury falls under Washington County for court purposes. The Washington County District Court handles all divorce cases for Woodbury residents. The courthouse is in Stillwater, about 10 miles north of Woodbury. The 10th Judicial District covers Washington County along with several other counties in east central Minnesota.
| Court | Washington County District Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 14949 62nd Street N Stillwater, MN 55082 |
| Phone | (651) 430-6265 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | mncourts.gov - Find Courts |
The court building is located off Highway 36 on the north side of Stillwater. Bring a valid photo ID when you visit. You go through security at the entrance. Parking is free at the courthouse lot. The Court Administrator's office on the main level is where you handle records requests and file new cases.
You can also see the Washington County court page on the state court website for directions and more detail.
The court locator at mncourts.gov shows contact info and office hours for the Washington County courthouse.
How to Find Woodbury Divorce Records
You can search for Woodbury divorce records in two ways. Online through the state system, or in person at the Stillwater courthouse. The online option is quick and free for basic case data. Going to the courthouse lets you see the full file.
Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) is the state's free public access portal. It covers every county in the state, including Washington County. Go to mncourts.gov/access-case-records/mcro to start a search. You can look up cases by name, case number, or case type. The system returns party names, case status, hearing dates, and docket entries. Documents filed after July 1, 2015 may be available to view or download. Some family law records are restricted from public view under court rules, but you can still see basic case info like the names of the parties and whether the case is open or closed.
Below is a look at the MCRO search page you can use to find Woodbury divorce cases.
Results load fast. You can narrow your search by case type to focus on family law cases only.
For in-person searches, go to the Washington County courthouse in Stillwater. Court staff can look up records by name or case number. They can make copies on the spot. Certified copies cost $14 per document. You can also request copies by mail using the county-specific form available on the Minnesota Judicial Branch copy request page.
Note: Washington County has its own copy request form, so check the state forms page for the right version.
Woodbury Divorce Filing Process
Woodbury residents file for divorce at the Washington County District Court. The process follows Minnesota Statutes Chapter 518, which governs all dissolution cases in the state. At least one spouse must have lived in Minnesota for 180 days before filing. That is the rule under Minn. Stat. § 518.07. If you have lived in Woodbury for at least six months, you meet this requirement.
Minnesota uses no-fault divorce. Under Minn. Stat. § 518.06, the only ground is that the marriage has broken down beyond repair. Neither side has to prove the other did something wrong. One spouse files the Petition for Dissolution and Summons. The other spouse gets served. If both agree on everything, they can submit a joint petition or a stipulated agreement that speeds things up. Contested cases take longer and may require mediation or a hearing before the judge.
When children are part of the case, both parents must complete a parenting education class. This is required by Minn. Stat. § 518.157. The court will also need a parenting plan that lays out custody and time with each parent. Child support gets calculated using the state worksheet.
Woodbury Divorce Fees and Costs
Filing fees in Washington County run about $400 for the petitioner. The responding spouse typically pays $300 to $350. These fees are set by the court and can change. Call (651) 430-6265 to confirm current amounts.
Copies of Woodbury divorce records have a separate fee. Certified copies are $14 each. You need a certified copy if you plan to use it for legal matters like changing your name on a driver's license or updating financial accounts. Plain copies are free when viewed through MCRO online. For older records not in the digital system, you pay the copy fee at the courthouse.
Other costs you might run into:
- Service of process: $45 to $100
- Parenting class fee: $40 to $75
- Mediation costs for contested cases
- Attorney fees if you hire one
If you can't afford the fees, you can ask for a fee waiver. File an In Forma Pauperis petition at the courthouse. The judge will look at your income and decide if you qualify.
Finding the Right Court for Woodbury
The Minnesota Judicial Branch has a court locator tool that helps you find the right courthouse for your area. Since Woodbury is in Washington County, the locator points you to the Stillwater courthouse. You can access this tool at mncourts.gov/find-courts.
The locator shows the courthouse address, phone number, hours, and a map. It also links to local court resources and forms.
Property division in Woodbury divorce cases follows Minn. Stat. § 518.58. Minnesota courts aim for a fair split of marital assets, not always a 50/50 split. The judge looks at things like how long the marriage lasted, each spouse's income, and what each person brought into the marriage. Spousal maintenance may be ordered under Minn. Stat. § 518.552 if one spouse needs support and the other can pay.
Legal Help for Woodbury Residents
If you need help with a divorce case in Woodbury, several resources are available. The Self-Help Center at the Washington County courthouse can guide you through the forms and process. They don't give legal advice, but they can show you which forms to fill out and how to file them.
Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services (SMRLS) covers the Woodbury and Washington County area for people who qualify based on income. The Minnesota State Bar Association lawyer referral service can connect you with a family law attorney. For those filing without a lawyer, the Minnesota Judicial Branch website has all official divorce forms and instructions. If the divorce is simple with no kids and few assets, check the summary dissolution process under Minn. Stat. § 518.195. It offers a shorter path for straightforward cases.
Washington County Divorce Records
Woodbury is in Washington County. All divorce filings from Woodbury go through the Washington County District Court in Stillwater. For more on the county court, fees, and records access, visit the full Washington County page.
Nearby Cities
Other cities near Woodbury where you can search for divorce records: