Divorce records in Carver County, Minnesota, can be accessed through several channels. CarverCourt.us can help you find publicly available divorce record information. You can also obtain records directly from the Carver County District Court, which issued the decree, or through the Minnesota Department of Health Office of Vital Records. The approach you take depends on whether you need a court file or a vital record certificate.
Carver County Divorce Records Search
Divorce cases in Carver County are handled by the Carver County District Court, part of Minnesota's First Judicial District. The court clerk's office maintains the official case files, which can include:
- Divorce decrees (Judgments and Decrees)
- Settlement agreements and stipulations
- Custody and parenting time orders
- Spousal maintenance orders
- Motions, financial affidavits, and related filings
The Minnesota Department of Health also keeps divorce certificates — shorter documents that confirm a divorce occurred but do not contain the full terms of the decree. Many public case records can be searched online through Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO), though documents attached to family cases may have restricted access under the Minnesota Rules of Public Access.
Carver County Justice Center
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Carver County
In Minnesota, divorce (dissolution of marriage) cases are filed in district court. Carver County's district court at the Justice Center in Chaska has original jurisdiction over all family law cases filed in the county. After a judge signs the Judgment and Decree, it becomes part of the permanent court file maintained by the court administrator's office.
Contact the office that matches what you need:
For the full divorce decree or court file documents
Carver County District Court — Court Administration
The Minnesota State Law Library confirms that certified copies of a divorce decree should be obtained from the county courthouse where the divorce was granted. You can request copies in person or by mail. Ask the court administrator about current copy fees and whether you need to submit a written request form.
For a divorce certificate (vital record)
Minnesota Department of Health — Office of Vital Records
The Office of Vital Records maintains divorce certificates for dissolutions granted in Minnesota. A divorce certificate verifies that a divorce took place and lists the parties and date, but it does not include property division, custody terms, or other details from the decree.
For online case information
Use Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) to search by party name. Select "Carver" from the county list. MCRO shows basic case information such as case type, filing date, and disposition. Some family case documents may be restricted from online viewing under Rule 4 of the Minnesota Rules of Public Access.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Carver County
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Uncertified copy of court document (per page) | $0.25 | Same day if requested in person |
| Certified copy of court document | $14.00 | Same day to several business days |
| Divorce certificate from MN Dept. of Health | $9.00 | 2–4 weeks by mail |
| MCRO online case search | Free | Immediate |