Search Winona County Dissolution Of Marriage Records
Winona County Dissolution Of Marriage records are filed and maintained at the 3rd Judicial District Court in Winona, Minnesota. This page explains how to search case records, request copies of decrees, and understand the filing process for a dissolution of marriage in Winona County.
Winona County Overview
Winona County District Court
The Winona County District Court handles all family law matters in the county, including dissolution of marriage cases. It is part of the 3rd Judicial District, which covers the southeastern corner of Minnesota. Court Administrator Becky Brandt leads the administrator's office, which accepts filings, manages records, and handles certified copy requests. If you need to file a dissolution or look up an existing case, the courthouse in Winona is where you start.
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 currently lives. For Winona County residents, that is the Winona courthouse. Note that beginning in December, the court opens at 9 a.m. on Wednesdays, so plan your visits accordingly.
| Court | Winona County District Court |
|---|---|
| Address | Winona County Courthouse, 171 West 3rd Street Winona, MN 55987 |
| Phone | (507) 457-6385 |
| Court Administrator | Becky Brandt |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Wednesdays 9:00 a.m. start after December 4) |
| Website | Court Page |
The Winona County court page on the MN Judicial Branch site has current contact details, filing instructions, and links to the court administrator. Always verify hours before visiting, especially on Wednesdays in late fall and winter.
Check the Winona County court page for current hours, contact information, and procedural details on dissolution of marriage filings.
This page is your primary source for up-to-date information on the Winona County District Court and how it handles dissolution of marriage cases.
The 3rd Judicial District covers Winona County and several other counties in southeastern Minnesota. District rules govern all dissolution cases filed here. A judge will handle hearings, can issue temporary orders under Minn. Stat. § 518.131, and signs the final decree when the case is resolved.
The 3rd Judicial District page has a judge directory and procedural information for all family law cases in the district, including Winona County dissolution cases.
Winona County dissolution cases fall under the 3rd Judicial District, which sets procedures for all family law proceedings across southeastern Minnesota.
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. Search by party name or case number. For most dissolution cases filed after 2005, basic case information is available. Documents from 2015 forward are often viewable directly through the portal without a trip to Winona.
The MCRO information page explains what is searchable, what is restricted, and how to interpret results. Some dissolution records are sealed, particularly those involving minor children or domestic safety issues. Plain copies of accessible documents can be downloaded free of charge.
Use the MCRO search portal to look up Winona County dissolution of marriage cases from home without visiting the courthouse.
The Winona County website also has general county information and contact details if you need more help reaching courthouse staff or locating specific records.
The Winona County website at co.winona.mn.us offers local government information and can point you to court contacts for in-person help with records requests.
Filing a Dissolution of Marriage in Winona County
Minnesota is a no-fault state. The only ground for dissolving a marriage is irretrievable breakdown, as defined by Minn. Stat. § 518.06. Fault does not come into play. Your spouse does not need to agree. You just need to show the marriage has ended with no real prospect of reconciliation.
The petitioner files a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, a summons, and other required documents at the court administrator's office. The filing fee is around $400 for the petitioner and roughly $300 to $350 for the respondent. If paying the fee would cause financial hardship, ask the administrator about the In Forma Pauperis (IFP) process. Income requirements apply, and qualifying parties can have fees reduced or waived.
Some marriages qualify for a shorter summary dissolution process under Minn. Stat. § 518.195. The marriage must have lasted under 8 years, with no real estate, no more than $8,000 in joint debt, and no domestic abuse history. Most cases go through the standard dissolution track. The MN Judicial Branch divorce page covers both paths with forms and guidance.
When minor children are involved, both parents must complete a parenting education course before the court enters a final order. This requirement comes from Minn. Stat. § 518.157. The court can grant a waiver in certain circumstances, but it is the rule for most contested cases with children.
Marital property is divided using the equitable distribution framework in Minn. Stat. § 518.58. The court considers marriage length, each spouse's financial situation, and other relevant facts. Use the Guide and File tool to prepare the correct forms for your case.
Getting Copies of Dissolution Records
Two types of copies are available: plain copies and certified copies. Plain copies of accessible dissolution records are free to download through the MCRO portal. Certified copies must be requested from the Winona 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 Winona courthouse or by mail. Mail requests need the full case number, both parties' names, the year of the decree, your return address, and payment by check or money order payable to the court. In-person requests are generally completed the same day.
The Winona County fee schedule has detailed information on court costs for filings, certified copies, and other services.
The Winona County fee schedule lists all current court costs including filing fees and certified copy charges for dissolution cases in the county.
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 Winona County
If you cannot afford an attorney, free and low-cost help is available. LawHelp Minnesota offers plain-language guides on dissolution cases, links to free legal forms, and a statewide directory of legal aid providers. It is a practical first stop for anyone facing a dissolution without legal representation.
The MN Judicial Branch Self-Help Center has court guides, checklists, and forms for people who represent themselves. The forms guide identifies what paperwork to start with. The Guide and File tool lets you fill out forms step by step online.
To find a licensed family law attorney in Winona County, use the Minnesota State Bar Association lawyer search and filter by county and practice area. The Minnesota State Law Library also has research guides on dissolution law and tips for finding older decrees in the court system.
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 Winona County
Winona County has no cities that meet the population threshold for a dedicated records page. The county seat of Winona serves as the main hub for court filings and record requests. All dissolution of marriage cases for residents throughout the county are handled at the Winona County Courthouse.
Nearby Counties
Dissolution of marriage cases must be filed in the county where you or your spouse lives. If you live near Winona County's borders, check which county applies to your address. The counties below are adjacent to Winona County.