Search Ramsey County Dissolution Of Marriage Records
Ramsey County Dissolution Of Marriage records are filed at the 2nd Judicial District Court in Saint Paul, the state capital and county seat. This page explains how to find case records, request certified copies of decrees, and understand what is involved in filing a dissolution of marriage in Ramsey County.
Ramsey County Overview
Ramsey County District Court
Ramsey County is the second most populous county in Minnesota and the home of Saint Paul, the state capital. The 2nd Judicial District Court handles all family law matters here, including dissolution of marriage cases. It is one of the busiest family law courts in the state, and the court administrator's office processes a high volume of petitions, documents, and record requests throughout the year. Three courthouse locations serve county residents, so knowing which one handles your case matters before you make a trip.
Under Minnesota Statutes § 518.07, at least one spouse must have lived in Minnesota for 180 days before filing a dissolution petition. You file in the county where either you or your spouse currently lives. For Ramsey County residents, that means filing at one of the three court locations listed below. The main courthouse handles most family law filings, but the Juvenile and Family Justice Center and the Maplewood suburban location are also available.
| Court | Ramsey County District Court |
|---|---|
| Main Address | Ramsey County Courthouse, 15 West Kellogg Boulevard Saint Paul, MN 55102 |
| Family Justice Center | 25 West 7th Street, Saint Paul, MN 55102 |
| Suburban Court | 2050 White Bear Avenue, Maplewood, MN 55109 |
| Phone | (651) 266-8266 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Website | Court Page |
Given the multiple locations, check the court website before your visit to confirm which location accepts your type of filing and whether you need an appointment.
The Ramsey County District Court page on the MN Judicial Branch site lists current contact details for all three locations, hours, and filing instructions for dissolution of marriage proceedings.
The court page is your first stop for location details, hours, and current information about how the court handles dissolution of marriage cases in Ramsey County.
The court records section of the Ramsey County court site gives you direct access to case lookup tools, information on what documents are available, and guidance on certified copy requests. It is worth reviewing before you contact the administrator's office directly.
The Ramsey County court records page outlines how to access case files, what restrictions apply, and how to request documents not available through the online portal.
This page covers how to use the court records system for Ramsey County, including what you can search online and what requires an in-person or mail request at the courthouse.
Ramsey County also maintains a dedicated divorce records page through the county government site. This is a separate resource from the state court portal. It covers how to request certified copies directly through county channels and what identification may be needed.
The Ramsey County divorce records page provides guidance for residents who want to request dissolution records through the county rather than through the state court system.
This county-level resource is useful when the MCRO portal does not have the specific document you need or when you want to confirm what records are stored locally in Saint Paul.
The broader Ramsey County government website links to all county departments and services, including licensing, public records offices, and local government contacts for residents who need additional help.
Visit the Ramsey County website for a full directory of county services and contact information for departments that may assist with record requests.
The Ramsey County government site covers licensing, records access, and government services, making it a useful reference alongside the state court tools.
Searching Dissolution Records Online
Minnesota's public court records system is called Minnesota Court Records Online, or MCRO. It is free to use and requires no account. You can search by party name or case number. Most dissolution cases filed after 2005 show up in results, and documents from 2015 onward are often available to view directly at no cost. Because Ramsey County is a high-volume court, MCRO is well-populated with records going back many years.
The MCRO information page explains what is searchable, what may be restricted, and how to read results. Some records are sealed or have limited access due to minor children or protective orders. Plain copies of accessible documents are free to download through the portal.
Use the MCRO search portal to look up Ramsey County dissolution of marriage cases without visiting a courthouse. It is the fastest option for most record searches in this county.
Filing a Dissolution of Marriage in Ramsey County
Minnesota does not require proof of fault to end a marriage. Under Minn. Stat. § 518.06, the only ground is an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. You don't need to show the other spouse did anything wrong. You don't need their agreement to file. You simply need to show the marriage has ended with no real chance of recovery.
To start a case in Ramsey County, you file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage along with a summons and required attachments with the court administrator at one of the three courthouse locations. The filing fee runs about $400 for the petitioner. The respondent pays roughly $300 to $350 when filing a response. If the fee is a hardship, you can apply for a waiver through the In Forma Pauperis (IFP) process.
Short marriages with limited assets may qualify for summary dissolution under Minn. Stat. § 518.195. To use this track, the marriage must have lasted under 8 years, involve no real estate, and have no more than $8,000 in shared debt. Domestic abuse history also disqualifies a case. Most Ramsey County filings go through the standard dissolution path. The MN Judicial Branch divorce help page walks through both options in plain language.
When minor children are involved, both parents are generally required to complete a parenting education course before the court enters a final order. This comes from Minn. Stat. § 518.157. The court can waive it in limited circumstances, but most cases with kids include it. The Saint Paul and Maplewood areas have many approved providers. The court administrator can give you a current list.
Property division in Ramsey County follows the equitable distribution rule in Minn. Stat. § 518.58. The court considers the length of the marriage, each spouse's income and financial situation, and contributions made during the relationship. Fair does not always mean equal. Use the Guide and File tool to prepare the right forms for your situation.
Getting Certified Copies of Dissolution Records
Plain copies of dissolution documents can often be downloaded through MCRO at no cost. If you need a certified copy of a decree, you must request it from the Ramsey County court administrator directly. Certified copies are legally recognized and are often needed for name changes, passport applications, and updates to financial accounts.
Certified copies cost approximately $14 each under Minn. Stat. § 357.021. You can request them in person at any of the three Ramsey County courthouse locations or by mail. Mail requests must include the case number, the full names of both parties, the year the decree was entered, your return address, and a check or money order payable to the court. With multiple locations in the county, call ahead to confirm which office handles record requests for your specific case before you mail anything.
Note: The Minnesota Department of Health does not issue dissolution of marriage records. All requests for divorce decrees and related documents must go to the district court where the case was filed.
Legal Help in Ramsey County
Ramsey County has more legal resources than most Minnesota counties. LawHelp Minnesota offers plain-language guides on dissolution law, free legal forms, and a directory of legal aid organizations across the state. Start here if you are managing a case without an attorney.
Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services (SMRLS) at (651) 222-4731 provides free civil legal help to income-eligible clients in Ramsey County, including help with dissolution of marriage cases. Contact them early to find out if you qualify for assistance. The MN Judicial Branch Self-Help Center has guides, checklists, and forms for self-represented parties. The forms guide covers what to file first. The Guide and File tool lets you fill out forms online for free.
To find a licensed family law attorney in Ramsey County, search the Minnesota State Bar Association lawyer directory and filter by county and practice area. The Minnesota State Law Library also has research guides for locating past dissolution decrees.
Fee Waivers: If filing fees are a hardship, ask the Ramsey County court administrator about the IFP (In Forma Pauperis) process. SMRLS can also help eligible clients navigate fee waiver applications. Income guidelines apply.
Cities in Ramsey County
The city below meets the population threshold for a dedicated dissolution records page. Saint Paul is the county seat and the location of the main Ramsey County courthouse. Dissolution of marriage cases for Saint Paul residents are filed at the 2nd Judicial District Court in downtown Saint Paul.
Nearby Counties
Dissolution of marriage cases must be filed in the county where you or your spouse lives. If you live outside Ramsey County, you may need to file in one of the surrounding counties instead. The counties below are adjacent to Ramsey County.