Missouri Public Divorce Records

By Ben Kingsley


Out of three marriages in the United States, one usually ends up in divorce. The divorce rate in America in 2010 is 3.6 per 1,000 people according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The divorce rate in the US does not seem to be coming down in spite of premarital counselling efforts. Additionally, the Department of Human Development & Family Studies stated that divorces in Missouri were 3.9 for every 1,000 people in 2003. Divorce records are public records. This conveys that any member of the public in need can obtain a copy of a divorce record in the state. In getting records of divorce in Missouri, you can request access to such documents from the County Clerk's Office in the county where the divorce was filed.

In the State of Missouri, the central repository for divorce and other vital records is the Bureau of Vital Statistics. This operates under Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Records of divorces can also be requested from the Office of the County Clerk in the county where the divorce was filed and approved.

In requesting for a copy of a divorce record in any of the agencies aforementioned, you have to fill out an application form which be downloaded from the Department's website. Requirements needed are the complete names of the bride and groom, the date and county of the separation, your relationship to the individuals named on the divorce decree, and the reason for your request. In case you are not sure of the exact year the divorce occurred, the office can conduct a maximum of five-year search.

A copy of a divorce decree is worth $15. An additional of $15 is charged for an extra copy if requested at the same time. The payment must accompany all requests for copies of divorce records. Modes of payments accepted are check and money order made payable to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. For checks and money orders, they must be drawn on a United States bank or issued by the United States Postal Service. Please take note that the office does not accept payment made in cash and the search fee will not be refunded even if a record is located or not.

Copies of divorce decrees in Missouri can actually be acquired online, by mail, by fax, or in person. The processing time for divorce record requests usually depend on what method is utilized and the number of requests the Office of Vital Statistics is receiving. The average turnaround time takes days to weeks considering the factors that affect the delivery or procurement of such records. If you want to obtain the divorce record in an expedited manner, the Department proffers expedited services for an additional charge; or if you want to acquire the record you need in the comfort of your home, you can do it online.

Technological advancements have really made most of the transactions these days easier compared to how things were done before. Even obtaining public divorce records can be a total piece of cake with a computer and Internet handy. Simply hire the services of online records providers. These service providers also have databases which can be accessed anytime you need it. What's more, instead of the usual days to weeks processing, you get to obtain the results in just a matter of minutes; and these are all possible for only a minimal fee. With such providers, you get to save money, time, and effort.




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