Access Fillmore County Dissolution Of Marriage Records
Fillmore County Dissolution Of Marriage cases are filed at the Fillmore County Courthouse in Preston, which is part of Minnesota's 3rd Judicial District. This page walks you through how to search for dissolution records online, how to request copies from the court, what is required to file a case in Fillmore County, and what legal resources are available to residents in the area.
Fillmore County Overview
Fillmore County District Court
The Fillmore County Courthouse in Preston is where all Dissolution of Marriage cases in the county are filed. Court Administrator Debra J. Peterson leads the clerk's office, which handles filings, copy requests, and general case information. Preston is a small town in the bluff country of southeastern Minnesota, and the courthouse serves the entire county.
The clerk's office is open during regular business hours. If you plan to file in person, bring your completed forms and payment for the filing fee. Staff can answer questions about forms and procedure, though they are not able to give legal advice. For help with forms, the court's self-help resources are a good starting point before you arrive.
| Court | Fillmore County District Court |
|---|---|
| Address | Fillmore County Courthouse, 101 Fillmore Street, Preston, MN 55965 |
| Phone | (507) 765-6021 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Website | Court Page |
The Fillmore County court page on mncourts.gov has current judge assignments, local court rules, and contact information for the Preston courthouse.
Check the court page for any changes to local rules or procedures before making the drive to Preston.
Fillmore County operates within the 3rd Judicial District, which covers the southeastern corner of Minnesota including Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, and Winona counties. All dissolution cases in the district follow Minnesota Statutes Chapter 518.
The 3rd District administration handles appeals and district-wide procedural issues that are beyond the scope of the local clerk's office.
Searching Fillmore County Dissolution Of Marriage Records
Minnesota Courts Records Online (MCRO) is the best tool for searching Fillmore County dissolution records from home. It is free, requires no account, and is available 24 hours a day. You can search by either party's name or by a known case number. Results show the case type, filing date, docket entries, and current status.
Access MCRO at the MCRO access page. Most family court cases filed since 2005 appear in the system. For cases before that period, contact the Fillmore County clerk at (507) 765-6021. Staff can manually search paper archives for older dissolution records, but these requests may take more time depending on the age of the file and how records are stored.
The portal shows the index only, not actual documents. Once you have a case number, use it to request specific documents from the clerk. This cuts down on time and helps the clerk find the right file quickly.
Current fee information for copies and other court services is listed on the Fillmore County fee schedule and in the fee schedule screenshot below.
Statewide fee rules apply to Fillmore County, though the county fee schedule may reflect local variations or updates.
Note: Records involving minor children or sealed by court order may not appear in MCRO. If you cannot find a case you know was filed in Fillmore County, call the clerk at (507) 765-6021 for help.
Filing Dissolution Of Marriage in Fillmore County
Minnesota law uses a no-fault framework for dissolution. Under Minnesota Statute 518.06, the only required ground is that the marriage is irretrievably broken. You do not need to blame either party or show any specific conduct. Simply stating this fact in the petition satisfies the legal standard.
Residency is required. Under Minnesota Statute 518.07, at least one spouse must have resided in Minnesota for 180 days before filing. Fillmore County residents who meet this requirement can file at the Preston courthouse. If neither spouse currently lives in Fillmore County, file where either spouse currently resides in Minnesota.
Not all cases need to go through the full dissolution process. Under Minnesota Statute 518.195, couples who qualify can use Summary Dissolution. The criteria: marriage under eight years, no real estate, joint debts under $8,000, and total marital property under $25,000. If your situation meets all four requirements, the Summary Dissolution process is faster and involves fewer forms.
For contested property matters, Minnesota Statute 518.58 guides how marital assets and debts are divided. The law calls for equitable distribution, meaning fair based on all circumstances. The court considers each spouse's income, financial needs, length of the marriage, and other relevant factors. Non-marital property is generally excluded from the division.
If the parties cannot agree on custody or parenting time, Minnesota Statute 518.17 outlines the best-interest factors the court considers. Cases involving children also require both parties to complete a parenting education program under Minnesota Statute 518.157 before the dissolution is finalized.
Get forms from the Minnesota courts forms page or use the Guide and File tool to complete paperwork at home before filing in Preston.
Getting Copies of Your Case File
Dissolution records in Fillmore County are available to the public. You can request plain copies or certified copies at any time. Certified copies carry the court's official stamp and are needed for name changes, estate administration, and other legal or government purposes.
Certified copies cost approximately $14 per document, with additional per-page fees for longer records. Plain copies are less expensive. To request by mail, write to Fillmore County District Court, 101 Fillmore Street, Preston, MN 55965. Include the case number or full names of both parties, the approximate filing year, the specific documents you need, and payment for the estimated fee. Call (507) 765-6021 to confirm fees before sending your request.
The current fee schedule is listed on the Fillmore County court fee page.
Verify fees before submitting payment by mail to avoid processing delays.
If you cannot afford copy fees, the court's IFP program may help. Details are on the fee waiver page.
Legal Help in Fillmore County
Free and low-cost legal assistance is available for Fillmore County residents going through dissolution. Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services (SMRLS) provides civil legal help to qualifying individuals in the region. Call (651) 222-4731 or visit smrls.org to see if you qualify. SMRLS handles family law cases including dissolution and may offer advice, form help, or representation depending on your income level and case needs.
LawHelp Minnesota is a free online resource that explains dissolution law in plain language. The site has guides on starting a case, responding to a petition, going to hearings, and finalizing a decree. It also links to local legal aid providers. Use it before visiting the courthouse to get a clear picture of what to expect.
The Minnesota Judicial Branch Self-Help Center provides tools and forms for self-represented litigants. The Guide and File tool is free and walks you through each form field with plain-language explanations. After finishing online, you print the forms and file them at the Preston courthouse. No lawyer needed to use this tool.
For private legal representation, search the Minnesota State Bar Association lawyer directory. Family law attorneys in Preston, Rochester, or Caledonia may handle cases in Fillmore County. Many offer initial consultations at low cost to help you decide whether you need full representation.
Note: The Minnesota Department of Health does not issue dissolution records. All records are held by the district court in the county where the case was filed. For Fillmore County cases, that is the Preston courthouse.
Cities in Fillmore County
Fillmore County has no cities that meet the qualifying population threshold for individual city pages. Preston is the county seat and the location of the courthouse for all dissolution filings in the county.
Nearby Counties
Dissolution records for neighboring counties are kept at their respective courthouses. Use the links below for courthouse information and records access guidance.