Rice County Dissolution Of Marriage Records
Rice County Dissolution Of Marriage records are filed and maintained at the 3rd Judicial District Court in Faribault, Minnesota. This page explains how to search for case records, request copies of decrees, and understand the filing process for a dissolution of marriage in Rice County.
Rice County Overview
Rice County District Court
The Rice County District Court handles all family law matters for residents of Rice County, including dissolution of marriage cases. The court sits within the 3rd Judicial District, which serves southeastern Minnesota. The court administrator's office, led by Jennifer J. Hauge, processes filings, maintains case files, and issues certified copies of court documents. If you need to file a petition or search for an existing dissolution record, the administrator's office is where you start.
Under Minnesota Statutes § 518.07, at least one spouse must have lived in Minnesota for 180 days before a petition can be filed. You file in the county where you or your spouse currently resides. Rice County residents file here in Faribault. The courthouse is open on weekdays and accepts in-person filings during normal business hours.
| Court | Rice County District Court |
|---|---|
| Address | Rice County Courthouse, 218 3rd Street NW Faribault, MN 55021 |
| Phone | (507) 332-6107 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Website | Court Page |
The Rice County court page on the MN Judicial Branch site has current contact details, filing instructions, and links to the court administrator. It is worth checking before you drive out to Faribault.
The Rice County District Court page provides up-to-date contact information, hours, and filing guidance for dissolution of marriage cases in Faribault.
This page is your first stop for current information about the Rice County District Court and how it handles family law filings, including dissolution of marriage cases.
The 3rd Judicial District covers Rice County along with several other counties in southeastern Minnesota. District-level rules and procedures govern all dissolution cases filed in the county. The judge assigned to your case will oversee hearings, issue temporary orders under Minn. Stat. § 518.131, and sign the final dissolution decree once all issues are resolved.
The 3rd Judicial District page lists judges, court locations, and administrative information for the district that covers Rice County.
The 3rd Judicial District page is helpful for understanding how Rice County's dissolution cases fit within the broader district court structure in southeastern Minnesota.
Searching Rice County Dissolution Records Online
Minnesota's statewide public court records system is called Minnesota Court Records Online, or MCRO. It is free to use and does not require an account or login. You can search by the names of the parties, by case number, or by other available identifiers. For most Rice County dissolution of marriage cases filed after 2005, basic case information will show up in search results. Documents from cases filed after 2015 are often available to view directly in the portal.
The MCRO information page explains what records are searchable, which types of documents may be restricted, and how to read the search results. Some records have limited access because they involve minor children or other sensitive matters. You can download plain copies of available documents through MCRO at no cost.
The MCRO search portal is the fastest way to find Rice County dissolution of marriage cases without visiting the courthouse.
The Rice County fee schedule lists current costs for court filings, certified copies, and other services at the Rice County District Court in Faribault.
The Rice County website at co.rice.mn.us also has links to local government resources and court contacts. It can be helpful if you are looking for additional information about county services or need to reach the clerk's office directly.
The Rice County website provides access to county government resources and can help direct you to the right office for court filings and record requests.
Filing a Dissolution of Marriage in Rice County
Minnesota uses a no-fault approach to dissolution of marriage. The sole legal ground is that the marriage has broken down irretrievably, as stated in Minn. Stat. § 518.06. You do not need to prove fault on either side. You do not need your spouse to agree. You simply need to show the marriage is over with no real chance of reconciliation.
To start the process in Rice County, you file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the court administrator at the Rice County Courthouse in Faribault. The filing fee for the petitioner runs around $400. The respondent pays a somewhat lower fee, typically in the range of $300 to $350. If you cannot afford the fee, you may request a waiver through the In Forma Pauperis (IFP) process. Income guidelines apply, and the court may reduce or waive fees entirely for qualifying parties.
If your marriage was short and the case is simple, you might qualify for a summary dissolution under Minn. Stat. § 518.195. Summary dissolution is available when the marriage lasted fewer than eight years, there is no real estate involved, shared debt does not exceed $8,000, and there is no domestic abuse history. Most cases in Rice County go through the standard dissolution track. The MN Judicial Branch divorce and dissolution help page explains both options in plain language.
Cases involving minor children require both parents to complete a parenting education program before the court issues a final order. This requirement comes from Minn. Stat. § 518.157. The court can waive this in limited circumstances, but it is expected in most cases where children are involved.
Property division follows the equitable distribution standard in Minn. Stat. § 518.58. The court divides marital assets and debts in a way that is fair, which does not always mean equal. Factors the court considers include the length of the marriage, each spouse's income and earning potential, and contributions to the household. The Guide and File tool can help you prepare the correct forms based on your situation.
Getting Copies of Rice County Dissolution Records
There are two types of copies you may need: plain copies and certified copies. Plain copies of case documents are available at no cost through the MCRO online portal for cases where documents have been made accessible. Certified copies carry legal weight and are required for purposes like updating a name on a driver's license, passport, or financial account.
Certified copies of dissolution decrees cost approximately $14 per copy under Minn. Stat. § 357.021. You can get certified copies in person at the Rice County Courthouse in Faribault or by mail. Mail requests should include the full case number, the names of both parties, the year the case was filed, your return mailing address, and a check or money order made payable to the court. In-person requests are often filled the same day. Mail requests can take a week or more depending on workload.
The Rice County fee schedule has the full list of current court costs, including fees for copies and other services. Check it before you submit a request to make sure you send the right amount.
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 Rice County
If cost is a concern, there are free and low-cost resources that can help. LawHelp Minnesota offers plain-language guides on dissolution of marriage, a directory of legal aid providers, and links to court forms. It is a solid starting point for anyone who plans to handle a dissolution case without hiring an attorney.
The MN Judicial Branch runs a Self-Help Center with guides, checklists, and forms for people who represent themselves in court. The forms guide explains which documents you need to start a dissolution case. The Guide and File tool lets you complete forms step by step online and walks you through the process from start to finish.
To find a licensed family law attorney in Rice County or the surrounding area, use the Minnesota State Bar Association lawyer directory. You can filter by practice area and location. The Minnesota State Law Library also maintains research guides on dissolution law and can help you locate past decrees if you are searching for older records.
Fee Waivers: If court filing fees are a hardship, ask the court administrator about the IFP (In Forma Pauperis) process. Income guidelines apply, and qualifying parties can have fees reduced or waived entirely.
Cities in Rice County
Rice County has no cities that meet the population threshold for a dedicated records page. The county seat of Faribault serves as the hub for all court filings and record requests. All dissolution of marriage cases for residents throughout Rice County are processed at the Rice County Courthouse in Faribault.
Nearby Counties
Dissolution of marriage cases must be filed in the county where you or your spouse lives. If you live in a county bordering Rice County, you may need to file there instead. The counties below are adjacent to Rice County.