Records of divorce in Lafayette County, Missouri, are available through several channels. LafayetteMOCourt.us allows you to find public information about divorce records in the county. Additionally, court documents are stored at the Circuit Clerk's office, and divorce certificates can be ordered through the Bureau of Vital Records of the state of Missouri. An online case search is also available through the Case.net portal on the Missouri Courts website.
Lafayette Divorce Records Search
In Missouri, divorce cases are handled by the Circuit Court. In Lafayette County, the Circuit Clerk's office is responsible for maintaining court materials — including divorce decrees, property settlement agreements, child custody orders, and related documents. Separate from court cases, divorce certificates are maintained by the Bureau of Vital Records at the Department of Health and Senior Services of Missouri in Jefferson City.
Public information about cases is available online through the Case.net system on the Missouri Courts website — as noted on the county's general court information page. To obtain certified copies of court documents, you must contact the Circuit Clerk directly.
Lafayette County Circuit Clerk
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Lafayette
Divorces in Lafayette County are handled by the Circuit Court — the only court of general jurisdiction in Missouri with the authority to make decisions in family matters. After the court issues a decree of dissolution of marriage, the original remains in the case file maintained by the Circuit Clerk. All requests for records, copies, and decrees should be sent via email to Lafayette.email@courts.mo.gov.
The Bureau of Vital Records maintains a separate registry — divorce certificates. These documents are not open to the general public: in Missouri, vital records have restricted access, and only certain individuals (the parties to the divorce, their legal representatives, etc.) can order a copy.
Which institution to choose depends on what you need:
- Full text of the court decision, property settlement agreement, custody order — contact the Lafayette County Circuit Clerk.
- Divorce certificate (short form to confirm the fact of divorce) — order from the Missouri Bureau of Vital Records.
- Historical court records — older materials may be stored in the Missouri State Archives.
Lafayette County Circuit Court
Missouri Bureau of Vital Records
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Lafayette
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy of divorce certificate (Bureau of Vital Records) | $15.00 | 4–6 weeks by mail |
| Court record copy (Circuit Clerk, per page) | $0.50–$1.00 | Depends on the volume of the request; usually a few business days |
| Certified court document copy (Circuit Clerk) | Varies; contact the office | A few business days |
| Online case search (Case.net) | Free | Instant |