Access Brown County Divorce Records
Brown County divorce records are kept at the District Court in New Ulm. The court is part of the 5th Judicial District and handles all dissolution of marriage cases for Brown County. You can search for past divorce filings, get copies of court judgments, and check case status through the Court Administrator. New Ulm is the county seat and the location of the only courthouse that manages these records. People look up Brown County divorce records for legal proceedings, name changes, remarriage paperwork, and other personal reasons. The court offers both in-person and mail-based copy services, and the state's online search tool gives you a way to check basic case data from any computer.
Brown County Overview
Brown County District Court Records
The Brown County District Court stores all divorce records for the county. It is located at 14 State Street in New Ulm. The court belongs to the 5th Judicial District, which spans much of southern Minnesota. If you or your spouse lived in Brown County at the time of filing, your divorce case is at this courthouse. The Court Administrator runs the records side of things.
Reach the court at (507) 233-6600. The staff can answer questions about records, help you figure out what forms to use, and confirm whether a case is on file. You are welcome to walk in during business hours. Bring the case number if you have it. A name search is also possible but takes a bit more time.
| Court | Brown County District Court |
|---|---|
| Address |
14 State Street New Ulm, MN 56073 |
| Phone | (507) 233-6600 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Judicial District | 5th Judicial District |
Search Brown County Divorce Cases
You can search for Brown County divorce records online or in person. Both methods have their advantages.
The Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system is a free tool that covers Brown County. It has public case records filed on or after July 1, 2015. Search by the name of either party or by case number. You will see the case type, filing date, party names, and case status in the results. Some family law documents are restricted from online viewing, but MCRO gives you enough info to confirm a divorce and get the case number for a formal copy request.
The Minnesota Judicial Branch court locator page has all the contact details for the Brown County courthouse in New Ulm.
The court locator page for Brown County shows the key details you need to plan a visit.
Check the address and hours on this page before heading to the New Ulm courthouse.
Brown County Divorce Record Copies
Getting copies of Brown County divorce records is a simple process. Each certified copy costs $14, the standard state rate. Certified copies have the court seal and are accepted as legal documentation of the divorce. Request copies in person or by mail.
For in-person requests, go to the Court Administrator's office at 14 State Street in New Ulm. Provide the names of both spouses. The date of the divorce and the case number are helpful too. The clerk will search the records and print copies for you on the spot. Pay by check or money order made out to the District Court Administrator.
Brown County uses a county-specific copy request form for mail orders. Call (507) 233-6600 to ask about the form, or check the Minnesota Judicial Branch copy request page. Fill in the form with party names and what documents you want, then mail it with payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope to the courthouse. Allow a few business days for processing.
Finding the case number on MCRO first makes your copy request go much smoother.
Filter by Brown County and dissolution case type on the MCRO search page to find your case quickly.
Note: Certified copies are $14 each at the Brown County District Court. Verify the current fee with the court before mailing your request.
Filing for Divorce in Brown County
To file for divorce in Brown County, at least one spouse must have lived in Minnesota for 180 days. That is the residency rule from Minn. Stat. 518.07. Filing takes place at the District Court in New Ulm. The filing fee for the petitioner is about $400. The responding spouse pays around $300 to $350 to file an answer.
Minnesota follows a no-fault approach to divorce. Under Minn. Stat. 518.06, you only need to state that the marriage has broken down and cannot be repaired. No one must prove fault. The petitioner files a Petition for Dissolution and a Summons, then serves the other spouse. When both sides agree, the case can move along quickly. If there are disputes, mediation or a trial may be needed.
Marital property is divided fairly under Minn. Stat. 518.58. The split does not have to be equal, just equitable. Spousal maintenance is governed by Minn. Stat. 518.552. If children are part of the case, both parents must attend a parenting education class per Minn. Stat. 518.157. Every filing becomes part of the Brown County divorce record.
What Brown County Divorce Records Show
Brown County divorce records contain a set of important documents. The Judgment and Decree of Dissolution is the central piece. It is the court order that officially ends the marriage. The decree addresses property division, custody, parenting time, child support, and spousal maintenance if awarded.
Beyond the decree, the case file includes the petition, summons, financial disclosures required by Minn. Stat. 518.195, motions, agreements, and any other court orders entered during the case. Most of these documents are public. Anyone can request copies. Sensitive items like detailed financial records or information about children may have restricted access. The Minnesota State Law Library can help with research questions about older Brown County divorce records.
Note: Brown County divorce records are public by default. Certain sensitive documents may be sealed by the court.
Legal Help in Brown County
Legal help is available in Brown County for people who need it. Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services offers free legal aid to low-income residents dealing with family law issues like divorce, custody, and child support.
The Minnesota State Bar Association can refer you to a family law attorney in the New Ulm area. Free divorce forms and filing guides are posted at the Minnesota Judicial Branch self-help center. If you cannot pay the filing fee, you can request a waiver by filing an In Forma Pauperis petition with the Brown County court. The court staff can point you to the right form.
Cities in Brown County
Brown County includes New Ulm, Sleepy Eye, Springfield, and other small communities. All divorce cases go through the District Court in New Ulm. None of the cities in Brown County have populations over 100,000, so all filings are managed at the county level.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Brown County. Make sure your case is filed in the right county based on where you or your spouse lives.