Big Stone County Dissolution Of Marriage Records
This page provides information on dissolution of marriage records in Big Stone County, Minnesota, covering how to search cases through the state online portal, how to file a petition at the Ortonville courthouse, what the process involves under Minnesota law, and where to get legal help in the 8th Judicial District.
Big Stone County Overview
Big Stone County Dissolution of Marriage: District Court
The Big Stone County District Court, part of the 8th Judicial District, handles all dissolution of marriage filings in the county. Court administrator Amee Quigley manages court operations from the courthouse in Ortonville. If you live in Big Stone County and need to file for dissolution or look up an existing case, the courthouse in Ortonville is where you start.
Minnesota's residency rule is set by Minnesota Statute § 518.07. At least one spouse must have been a Minnesota resident for 180 days before the court will accept a dissolution petition. You file in the county where either party currently resides.
| Court | Big Stone County District Court |
|---|---|
| Address | Big Stone County Courthouse, 20 2nd Street SE, Ortonville, MN 56278 |
| Phone | (320) 839-2536 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Website | Court Page |
The Big Stone County court page on mncourts.gov has current contact details, local procedural notes, and relevant form links for dissolution cases filed in Ortonville.
Checking this page before your visit ensures you have the latest hours and contact information for the clerk's office.
Big Stone County is part of the 8th Judicial District, which covers the western Minnesota border region. The district provides shared administrative support and resources across its member counties.
The district page shows how courts are organized across this part of Minnesota and which judges handle family law cases in the region.
Courts can also issue temporary orders in dissolution cases while they are pending. Under Minnesota Statute § 518.131, either spouse can seek temporary relief addressing child custody, support, or property use. These orders are enforceable as soon as they are issued and remain in effect until the final decree or a subsequent modification.
Note: Big Stone County is a smaller rural county, so calling ahead at (320) 839-2536 before visiting the courthouse is recommended to confirm clerk availability.
Searching Big Stone County Dissolution Records Online
The free statewide search tool for Minnesota court records is Minnesota Court Records Online, known as MCRO. You can access it at publicaccess.courts.state.mn.us. More details about the system, including what types of records it holds and how access restrictions work, are available on the MCRO information page.
MCRO covers Big Stone County cases going back to 2005, with documents filed from 2015 onward often viewable online. Keep in mind that some family law records are sealed or restricted, especially cases involving minor children. If you search and do not find the case you are looking for, it may be restricted or filed before the system's coverage window. In that case, contact the court clerk at (320) 839-2536 for assistance.
The Big Stone County website at bigstonecounty.gov provides additional county contact information and links to local services that may be relevant during a dissolution case.
The county site is a good starting point for locating courthouse addresses, phone numbers, and office hours for various county departments.
Filing for Dissolution of Marriage in Big Stone County
Minnesota is a no-fault state under Minnesota Statute § 518.06. The law only requires that the marriage be irretrievably broken. You do not have to prove anything beyond that. Both contested and uncontested cases start with a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage filed at the Big Stone County District Court.
The filing fee runs about $400. If you cannot afford it, submit an In Forma Pauperis (IFP) application at the time of filing. The court reviews your finances and may waive some or all of the fee. Ask the clerk for the IFP form when you arrive.
Couples without children and with limited marital assets can choose summary dissolution under Minnesota Statute § 518.195. It is a faster option and involves less paperwork, but both parties must consent. If either spouse objects, the case proceeds as a regular dissolution.
Cases with minor children require more steps. Under Minnesota Statute § 518.157, both parents must complete a parenting education program before custody is finalized. Property is divided equitably under Minnesota Statute § 518.58. Custody decisions are based on the best-interest factors found in Minnesota Statute § 518.17. The Guide and File tool at mncourts.gov/getforms/divorce-dissolution helps you generate the correct forms for a Big Stone County filing.
Getting Copies of Big Stone County Dissolution of Marriage Records
Plain copies of dissolution records available in MCRO are free to access. If you need a certified copy for use in legal proceedings or official matters, the cost is $14 per document under Minnesota Statute § 357.021. Certified copies must be requested from the Big Stone County District Court.
You can request in person at the courthouse or by mailing a written request to Big Stone County Courthouse, 20 2nd Street SE, Ortonville, MN 56278. Include both parties' full names, the case number or year, and a check or money order for the fee. Allow additional time for mailed requests, particularly during busy periods.
The Big Stone County fee schedule on mncourts.gov lists current fees for certified copies and other court services.
Confirm the current fee before sending a mailed request, as amounts can change with court fee schedule updates.
Note: The Minnesota Department of Health does not issue dissolution of marriage records. Requests for decrees must go to the district court where the case was filed.
Legal Help for Big Stone County Dissolution Cases
Several organizations can help Big Stone County residents who need legal guidance on a dissolution case. LawHelp Minnesota at lawhelpmn.org offers free self-help articles, forms, and referral services. The Minnesota Courts Self-Help Center at mncourts.gov/selfhelp provides step-by-step guidance for people filing without an attorney.
The forms needed to start a dissolution case are listed at mncourts.gov/help-topics/divorce/forms-to-start.aspx. Use the Guide and File tool at mncourts.gov/getforms/divorce-dissolution to complete forms online before printing. The Minnesota State Law Library's dissolution guide is at mn.gov/law-library.
To find a family law attorney, use the Minnesota State Bar Association directory at mnbar.org/member-directory/find-a-lawyer. Attorneys licensed in Minnesota and familiar with 8th District courts may serve clients in Big Stone County remotely or from nearby offices.
Note: Ask the court clerk for an IFP application on the day you plan to file if you cannot cover the filing fee upfront.
Cities in Big Stone County
No cities in Big Stone County meet the population threshold for a dedicated records page on this site. All dissolution of marriage cases filed by county residents, including those in Ortonville and other communities, are handled through the Big Stone County District Court in Ortonville.
Nearby Counties
Big Stone County is located in the far western part of Minnesota, bordering South Dakota. Neighboring counties in Minnesota include several that are also in the 8th Judicial District.