Search Washington County Dissolution Filings
Washington County Dissolution Of Marriage records are filed and maintained at the 10th Judicial District Court in Stillwater, Minnesota. This page explains how to search case records, request copies of decrees, and understand the filing process for a dissolution of marriage in Washington County.
Washington County Overview
Washington County District Court
The Washington County District Court handles all family law matters in the county, including dissolution of marriage cases. It is part of the 10th Judicial District and sits in Stillwater. Court Administrator Deb Lepper runs the administrator's office, which accepts filings, processes paperwork, and maintains official case records. Washington County is one of the more active suburban courts in the Twin Cities metro area, so expect a steady volume of family law cases filed here.
Under Minnesota Statutes § 518.07, at least one spouse must have lived in Minnesota for 180 days before filing. You file in the county where you or your spouse lives. Washington County residents file at the Stillwater courthouse. The court accepts in-person filings during regular business hours, Monday through Friday.
| Court | Washington County District Court |
|---|---|
| Address | Washington County Courthouse, 14949 62nd Street North Stillwater, MN 55082 |
| Phone | (651) 430-6263 |
| Court Administrator | Deb Lepper |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Website | Court Page |
The Washington County court page on the MN Judicial Branch site has current contact details, filing instructions, and links to the court administrator. Check it before you visit, especially to confirm which documents you need to bring.
The Washington County court page is your best source for current hours, filing procedures, and court administrator contact information for dissolution cases.
This page gives you the most current information about the Washington County District Court and how family law filings are handled in Stillwater.
The 10th Judicial District includes Washington County and several other counties in the eastern Twin Cities metro region. District-wide rules govern dissolution proceedings here. A judge assigned to your case will oversee hearings, can issue temporary orders under Minn. Stat. § 518.131, and will sign the final decree when the case is resolved.
Visit the 10th Judicial District page for a judge directory and information about district procedures that apply to all Washington County cases.
Washington County dissolution of marriage cases fall under the 10th Judicial District, which sets shared procedures and guidelines for family law cases across the region.
Searching Dissolution Records Online
Minnesota's public court records system is called Minnesota Court Records Online, or MCRO. It is free to use and does not require creating an account. You can search by party name or case number. For most dissolution cases filed after 2005, basic case information shows up in results. Many documents from 2015 onward can be viewed directly without a visit to Stillwater.
The MCRO information page explains what is searchable, what is restricted, and how to read search results. Some records are sealed, particularly cases involving minor children or sensitive domestic circumstances. Plain copies of accessible documents can be downloaded free of charge through the portal.
Use the MCRO search portal to look up Washington County dissolution of marriage cases quickly without going to the courthouse in Stillwater.
The Washington County website also has links to court resources and local government contacts if you need further assistance locating records.
The Washington County website at co.washington.mn.us provides local government information and links to court services for residents seeking help with records requests.
Filing a Dissolution of Marriage in Washington County
Minnesota is a no-fault state. The only legal ground for dissolving a marriage is irretrievable breakdown, as stated in Minn. Stat. § 518.06. You do not need to prove fault. Your spouse does not need to agree. You just need to show the marriage has broken down with no real chance of reconciliation.
Start with a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. The petitioner files the petition, a summons, and required attachments at the court administrator's office in Stillwater. The filing fee is around $400 for the petitioner and roughly $300 to $350 for the respondent. If cost is an issue, ask about the In Forma Pauperis (IFP) process. Qualifying parties can have fees reduced or waived based on income.
Shorter marriages may qualify for summary dissolution under Minn. Stat. § 518.195 if the marriage lasted under 8 years, involves no real estate, no more than $8,000 in joint debt, and no domestic abuse history. Most Washington County cases go through the standard dissolution process. The MN Judicial Branch divorce and dissolution help page walks through both options with forms and guidance.
Cases involving minor children require both parents to complete a parenting education program before the court enters a final order. This is mandated by Minn. Stat. § 518.157. The court can waive this requirement for cause, but it applies in most contested cases with children.
Marital property is divided under the equitable distribution standard in Minn. Stat. § 518.58. The court considers the length of the marriage, each spouse's financial circumstances, and other relevant factors. This does not always mean a 50-50 split. The Guide and File tool helps you prepare the correct forms for your specific situation.
Getting Copies of Dissolution Records
Two types of copies are available: plain copies and certified copies. Plain copies of accessible dissolution documents can be downloaded free through the MCRO portal. If you need a certified copy with a court seal, you must request it directly from the Washington County court administrator.
Certified copies of dissolution decrees cost approximately $14 per copy under Minn. Stat. § 357.021. You can request them in person at the Stillwater courthouse or by mail. Mail requests need to include the full case number, names of both parties, year of the decree, your return address, and payment by check or money order made out to the court. In-person requests are typically completed the same day.
The Washington County fee schedule shows current costs for filings, certified copies, and other court services.
The Washington County fee schedule lists all current court costs including filing fees and certified copy charges for dissolution cases.
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 Washington County
If you can't afford an attorney, several free resources are available. LawHelp Minnesota offers plain-language guides on dissolution of marriage, links to free legal forms, and a directory of legal aid providers statewide. It is a good first stop for anyone handling a case without a lawyer.
The MN Judicial Branch Self-Help Center has court guides, checklists, and forms for people who represent themselves. The forms guide explains which forms to start with. The Guide and File tool walks you through filling them out online, step by step.
To find a licensed family law attorney in Washington County, use the Minnesota State Bar Association lawyer search to filter by county and practice area. The Minnesota State Law Library also has research guides on dissolution law and locating older records.
Fee Waivers: If court filing fees are a hardship, ask the court administrator about the IFP process. Income guidelines apply, and qualifying parties can have fees reduced or waived entirely.
Cities in Washington County
Washington County has one city that meets the population threshold for a dedicated dissolution of marriage records page. Residents of Woodbury should note that all dissolution cases are still filed at the Washington County District Court in Stillwater regardless of which city you live in.
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 Washington, you may need to file there instead. The counties below are adjacent to Washington County.