Search Fillmore County Divorce Records

Fillmore County divorce records are on file at the District Court in Preston. The court handles all dissolution cases filed in the county and keeps the case files on record. You can search for divorce cases through the state's online system or visit the courthouse to check records in person. Fillmore County is in the southeast corner of Minnesota and is part of the 3rd Judicial District. The Court Administrator manages court files and helps with copies and searches. Whether you need a divorce decree for legal purposes or just want to look up a case, the court can help you get what you need.

Fillmore County District Court

The District Court at 101 Fillmore Street in Preston holds all divorce records for the county. This court sits in the 3rd Judicial District, which covers several counties in southeastern Minnesota. The Court Administrator runs the clerk office and handles records requests.

Fillmore County is a rural county with a small population, so the courthouse sees fewer cases than urban courts. That usually means shorter wait times when you go in person. Staff can search for any divorce case by name or case number. They can pull files, make copies, and answer questions about how to get records. If you want to call first, the phone number is (507) 765-3355. You can check hours and confirm what you need to bring before making the trip.

How to Search Fillmore County Cases

You can search Fillmore County divorce records online for free. The state runs Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO), which covers all 87 counties. Enter a name or case number and the system pulls up matching records from the Fillmore County District Court. Results include party names, case type, and filing dates.

The court locator on the Minnesota Courts website shows you how to reach the Fillmore County courthouse. Below is a screenshot of that tool.

When searching for divorce records, look for the "DM" case type code. That stands for dissolution of marriage. If you search by name and see several results, check the filing date to narrow it down. Not all case details show up online. Some family law records have privacy limits, so you may need to go to the courthouse for the full file.

In-person searches at the Fillmore County courthouse give you access to more detail. The clerk can pull the entire case file for you to review. This is especially useful for older divorces that may not be in the online system yet. Bring a form of ID when you visit, and be ready to pay if you want any copies.

The MCRO results page shows Fillmore County case listings with basic docket info. Click any case to see more details.

Fillmore County Record Copies

Getting copies of divorce records from Fillmore County is straightforward. Certified copies cost $14 per document. You can pick them up at the courthouse or request them by mail using the statewide copy request form.

A certified copy carries the court seal and the clerk's signature. This is the version you need for legal use. Things like name changes, remarriage, real estate transactions, or government forms often call for a certified copy. A plain copy is cheaper and works when you just want the information for your own reference. Mail requests take about one to two weeks to process, depending on the court's workload at the time. In-person requests are usually handled the same day you visit.

Under Minnesota law, most court records are public. That means anyone can ask for copies of a divorce case file. Some records are restricted, like financial source documents, sealed files, or details about children. If something in the file is sealed, you won't be able to see it without a court order.

Filing for Divorce in Fillmore County

To start a divorce in Fillmore County, you file at the courthouse in Preston. At least one spouse must have lived in Minnesota for 180 days, as stated in Minn. Stat. 518.07. The filing fee is around $400 for the person starting the case.

Minnesota is a no-fault state for divorce. Under Minn. Stat. 518.06, the only reason you can give is that the marriage has broken down beyond repair. You don't have to show that your spouse did anything wrong. If both spouses agree on everything, the process goes much faster. Uncontested cases in a smaller county like Fillmore can sometimes wrap up in a few months.

Marital property is split under Minn. Stat. 518.58. The court divides assets in a way that is fair, though not always 50/50. Factors like the length of the marriage and each person's earnings play a role. When children are involved, Minn. Stat. 518.157 requires both parents to complete a parenting education class. All these filings become part of the Fillmore County divorce record kept at the courthouse.

Fillmore County Legal Resources

Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services provides free legal help for people with low income in Fillmore County. They handle divorce, custody, and other family law cases. The Minnesota State Bar Association referral line at (612) 752-6699 can match you with a family law attorney. You can also look for lawyers at mnbar.org.

Free divorce forms are posted at mncourts.gov. The LawHelpMN.org website has self-help guides that explain each step. Staff at the Fillmore County courthouse can help you figure out which forms to use, though they cannot give you legal advice on your case.

Cities in Fillmore County

Fillmore County includes Preston, Harmony, Rushford, Lanesboro, Spring Valley, and other small communities. All divorce filings go through the Fillmore County District Court in Preston. None of these cities have a separate page on this site.

Nearby Counties

Fillmore County shares borders with these counties. Verify your address is in Fillmore County before filing here.