Redwood County Divorce Records Search
Redwood County divorce records are stored at the District Court in Redwood Falls. The 5th Judicial District covers this county and handles all dissolution of marriage cases filed here. You can search for divorce filings through the free state online system or visit the courthouse to request copies and look up case details. The Court Administrator's office manages records requests and can pull files by name or case number. Whether you need a certified copy for legal use or just want to confirm that a case exists, the Redwood Falls courthouse is the place to go for anything related to Redwood County divorce records.
Redwood County Overview
Redwood County District Court Records
The Redwood County District Court stores all divorce records for the county. It sits at 250 South Jefferson Street in Redwood Falls. The court is part of the 5th Judicial District, which covers a stretch of southwestern Minnesota. If you or your spouse lived in Redwood County when the case was filed, the divorce record is on file here. You can reach the court at (507) 637-4050 during weekday business hours.
Walk-ins are welcome at the courthouse. The staff can search for a case by name or number and pull copies while you wait in most situations. Redwood Falls is a small county seat, so the office is typically not crowded. That means shorter wait times compared to larger metro courts. Bring any details you have about the case, like the year it was filed or the names of both spouses.
| Court | Redwood County District Court |
|---|---|
| Address |
250 South Jefferson Street Redwood Falls, MN 56283 |
| Phone | (507) 637-4050 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Judicial District | 5th Judicial District |
Search Redwood County Divorce Cases
Two methods work for searching Redwood County divorce records. You can use the free online system or go to the courthouse and ask in person.
The Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system lets you look up Redwood County divorce cases from any computer. It covers public records filed on or after July 1, 2015. Search by name of either spouse or by case number to find what you need. Results show party names, filing dates, and the current status of the case. Some family court documents have restricted access online, but MCRO still gives you a solid starting point. You can confirm a case exists and get the case number before you request a certified copy from the court.
The court locator on the Minnesota Judicial Branch website shows contact details for the Redwood County courthouse.
That page gives you the phone number, address, and hours for the Redwood County court office. Call ahead to ask about a specific case before you make the trip.
Redwood County Divorce Record Copies
Copies of Redwood County divorce records cost $14 each for certified copies. That rate is set by the state and applies in every Minnesota county. A certified copy carries the court seal and works as legal proof of the divorce for court proceedings, name changes, or other official uses.
In-person requests are handled at the courthouse in Redwood Falls. Go to the Court Administrator's office at 250 South Jefferson Street during business hours. Bring the names of both parties and the date of the divorce if you know it. The case number helps too. Staff will search for and print copies on the spot. Redwood County has a county-specific copy request form, so you can also get the form at the counter and fill it out right there.
For mail requests, use the copy request form available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Redwood County has its own version. Fill it out with all the details you have and include your payment by check or money order payable to the District Court Administrator. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope. Processing usually takes a few business days after the court gets your letter.
The MCRO search screen above lets you narrow results by county and case type. Use it to find the case number before you send in a copy request.
Note: Redwood County has a county-specific request form, so check with the court to make sure you use the right one when ordering by mail.
Filing for Divorce in Redwood County
You can file for divorce in Redwood County if one spouse has lived in Minnesota for at least 180 days. That requirement comes from Minn. Stat. 518.07. The filing goes to the District Court in Redwood Falls. Expect the petitioner's filing fee to be around $400, with the responding party paying about $300 to $350.
Minnesota is a no-fault state. Under Minn. Stat. 518.06, the only ground for divorce is irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. You don't need to prove fault. One spouse files a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and a Summons. The other spouse gets served. Uncontested cases where both sides agree can wrap up fairly fast. If there are disputes over property, kids, or support, the case takes longer and may go to mediation or trial.
Marital property is divided under Minn. Stat. 518.58. The court aims for a fair split, though not always a 50/50 one. When children are part of the case, both parents must complete a parenting education program per Minn. Stat. 518.157. All filings go into the Redwood County divorce record at the courthouse.
What Redwood County Records Include
A Redwood County divorce record includes the Judgment and Decree of Dissolution. That is the final court order that ends the marriage. It covers property division, child custody, spousal support, and any other conditions set by the judge or agreed on by the parties.
The case file also has the petition, summons, financial disclosures, and motions. Most documents are public and anyone can get copies. Some items, like detailed financial records or info about children, may be restricted. The Minnesota State Law Library can help with reference questions if you need to track down older Redwood County divorce records or are unsure where to start looking.
Note: Public access to Redwood County divorce records is the default, but certain sensitive documents may be sealed by court order.
Legal Help in Redwood County
If you need help with a divorce in Redwood County, free legal services may be available. Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services covers this area and helps people with low income on family law cases. They handle divorce, custody, and support matters.
The Minnesota State Bar Association can connect you with a family law attorney through their referral service. Free court forms for divorce are posted at mncourts.gov. The self-help center has guides and paperwork for people filing on their own. Fee waivers are available for those who cannot afford court costs. Submit an In Forma Pauperis petition to the Redwood County court for review.
Cities in Redwood County
Redwood County includes Redwood Falls, Morgan, Lamberton, and other small towns. All divorce cases in the county go through the District Court in Redwood Falls. None of the cities in Redwood County have populations over 100,000, so all filings are handled at the county courthouse.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Redwood County. File in the county where you or your spouse lives at the time of filing.