Brown County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Brown County in 2026
BrownCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Brown County, Minnesota. Members of the public may find case summaries, final decrees, party names, filing dates, and related court documents. Available record categories may include dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, property division orders, child custody arrangements, and spousal support determinations. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the case and applicable confidentiality provisions.
Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking Brown County divorce records.
Multiple Search Methods:
Online Searches:
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system allows members of the public to search divorce and dissolution cases by party name, case number, or filing date. Basic case information is available at no charge. Copies of documents may require payment of applicable fees.
2. State Court System Portal
The Minnesota Judicial Branch maintains a statewide case search portal that consolidates records across all 87 counties. Members of the public may search Brown County dissolution cases through the MCRO system by selecting Brown County from the county list. This consolidated database reflects filings across all Minnesota district courts.
3. State Vital Records
Minnesota does not register divorce decrees through the state vital records office in the same manner as birth or death certificates. The Minnesota Department of Health maintains statistical divorce records but does not issue certified copies of divorce decrees. Certified copies are obtained directly from the court where the divorce was granted, as confirmed by the Minnesota State Law Library.
In-Person Searches:
Clerk of Court Family Division:
Brown County District Court — Clerk of Court
14 South State Street
New Ulm, MN 56073
Phone: (507) 233-6670
Brown County District Court — Minnesota Judicial Branch
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Services available in person:
- Search dissolution case files by party name or case number
- View documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees
- Staff assistance for locating case records
- Review docket entries and case chronology
Records Department:
The Clerk of Court maintains both active and archived dissolution case files. Historical records predating electronic filing may be stored in paper format and may require additional retrieval time. Archived cases are available upon written or in-person request.
By Mail:
Written Request:
- Mail to: Brown County District Court, Clerk of Court, 14 South State Street, New Ulm, MN 56073
- Include the following with each request:
- Full legal names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce or dissolution
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Purpose of request, if required by the court
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
- Processing time: Requests are processed within approximately one to two weeks, subject to case volume and record availability.
By Phone:
Limited Information:
- Clerk of Court: (507) 233-6670
- Staff may confirm the following by phone:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number and filing date
- Current case status
- Staff cannot provide the following by phone:
- Detailed document contents
- Copies of filed documents
- Confidential or restricted case information
Through Attorneys:
Licensed attorneys may access dissolution case files on behalf of clients, including requesting sealed or restricted documents upon a proper showing to the court. The Minnesota State Bar Association maintains a referral service for members of the public seeking legal representation in family law matters. Attorney access is particularly useful in complex cases involving sealed financial records or confidential custody evaluations.
Information Needed for Search:
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses at the time of filing
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or dissolution
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses in Brown County
- Names of minor children, if applicable
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County:
Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Minnesota are filed in the district court of the county where either spouse resided at the time of filing. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple counties. A divorce may not be searched in the county where the marriage occurred unless one spouse also resided there at the time of filing.
Residency Requirement:
Under current Minnesota law, at least one spouse must have resided in Minnesota for a minimum of 180 days immediately preceding the filing of a dissolution petition, as provided under Minn. Stat. § 518.07. The petition is filed in the district court of the county where the petitioning spouse resides.
Time Considerations:
- Recent Divorces: Newly finalized cases may not appear in the MCRO system immediately following the final hearing. Members of the public should allow several days to several weeks for processing after the final judgment is entered.
- Older Divorces: Cases predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format. Retrieval of archived records may require additional time and a specific written request to the Clerk of Court.
What If You Cannot Find a Record:
-
Common Issues:
- Incorrect county of filing
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- Case still pending and not yet finalized
- Very old records stored in off-site archives
- Case sealed or subject to confidentiality order
-
Next Steps:
- Contact the Clerk of Court at (507) 233-6670
- Attempt alternate name spellings in the MCRO search
- Search under both spouses' names
- Verify filing county through the statewide MCRO portal
- Retain a licensed attorney for complex retrieval needs
What Are Brown County Divorce Records?
Brown County divorce records are official court documents generated during dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Tenth Judicial District of Minnesota. These records are maintained by the Clerk of Court and constitute part of the permanent family law case file. Under current Minnesota law, dissolution proceedings are governed by Minn. Stat. § 518, which establishes the legal framework for marriage dissolution, property division, spousal maintenance, and child-related determinations.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Response or answer to the petition
- Financial affidavits submitted by both parties
- Proposed and final parenting plans
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, responses, and court orders
- Transcripts of court hearings
- Final judgment and decree of dissolution
Final Decree:
The final judgment of dissolution is the official court order terminating the marriage. It serves as legal proof of divorce and establishes the following:
- Date of dissolution
- Division of marital property and debts
- Spousal maintenance provisions, if any
- Legal and physical custody of minor children, if applicable
- Child support orders, if applicable
- Restoration of former name, if requested
Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Clerk of Court and are required for purposes such as remarriage, name change documentation, and certain legal proceedings.
Supporting Documents:
- Marriage certificate submitted as exhibit
- Financial disclosure statements
- Real and personal property inventories
- Post-decree modification orders
Purpose of Divorce Records:
Legal Purposes:
- Proof of marital status for remarriage
- Documentation for legal name change
- Property transfer and title recording
- Estate planning and beneficiary designations
- Immigration and naturalization proceedings
- Social Security benefit determinations
Personal Purposes:
- Genealogical and family history research
- Personal record-keeping
- Verification of divorce terms and obligations
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
The Clerk of Court for Brown County District Court serves as the primary custodian of all dissolution case files. The Clerk indexes records by party names, maintains certified copies, and provides public access in accordance with Minnesota court rules. As noted by the Minnesota State Law Library, "certified copies of a divorce decree may be obtained from the county courthouse where the divorce was granted."
Are Brown County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Brown County District Court are public court records subject to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Minn. Stat. § 13, which establishes the presumption that government data is accessible to the public unless classified as private, confidential, or protected by specific statutory authority.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of parties to the proceeding
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and scheduling information
- Court orders and judgments
- Final decree of dissolution
- Property division orders
- General case status and docket entries
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers are redacted from all public filings
- Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
- Detailed tax returns may be subject to limited access
- Certain financial statements may be filed under restricted access
Children's Information:
- Addresses where minor children reside
- Schools attended by minor children
- Medical and psychological records pertaining to children
- Child custody evaluation reports may be sealed by court order
- Guardian ad litem reports are subject to restricted access
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
- Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders
- Mediation communications, which are confidential by statute
Sealed Records:
A court may seal specific documents or entire case files upon a showing of good cause. Cases involving allegations of abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlement terms may be subject to sealing orders. Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for access.
Who Can Access Records:
- General Public: May access most case information, view docket summaries, and obtain copies of public documents upon payment of applicable fees. Photo identification may be required at the courthouse.
- Parties to the Case: Have full access to their own case file, including documents subject to restricted access.
- Attorneys: May access case files on behalf of clients and may petition the court for access to sealed materials upon a proper showing.
- Researchers and Media: May access public portions of case files. Access to sealed records requires a court order. First Amendment considerations apply to news reporting on matters of public concern.
Prohibited Uses:
- Stalking, harassment, or intimidation of any party
- Identity theft or fraudulent purposes
- Violation of existing protective orders
- Any use prohibited by applicable state or federal law
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Brown County?
The Brown County District Court Clerk of Court charges standard fees for copies and certified documents in accordance with Minnesota court fee schedules established by the Minnesota Supreme Court.
Current Fee Structure:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy (per page) | $0.25 per page |
| Certified copy of decree or order | $14.00 per document |
| Exemplified/authenticated copy | $14.00 plus applicable copy fees |
| Public access terminal use | No charge |
| Online case information (MCRO) | No charge for basic information |
- Inspection fees: Members of the public may inspect case files at the courthouse at no charge using public access terminals or with staff assistance.
- Copy fees: Standard copy fees apply per page for paper documents.
- Certification fees: A certification fee is charged per document for certified copies bearing the court seal and clerk's signature.
- Electronic format fees: Basic case information available through the MCRO online portal is provided at no charge. Document images, where available electronically, may require payment.
- Search fees: The court does not charge a separate search fee for name-based case searches.
Accepted Payment Methods:
The Clerk of Court accepts cash, check, and money order for in-person and mail requests. Checks should be made payable to Brown County District Court. Credit and debit card acceptance may vary; members of the public are advised to confirm accepted payment methods by contacting the Clerk's office at (507) 233-6670 prior to submitting a request.
Fee Waivers:
Members of the public who are unable to pay court fees may petition the court for a fee waiver by filing an In Forma Pauperis application. The court evaluates fee waiver requests on a case-by-case basis in accordance with Minnesota court rules.
What Is Available at No Charge:
- Online case status and docket information through the MCRO portal
- In-person inspection of public case documents at the courthouse
- Verbal confirmation of case existence and status by phone
What's Included in Divorce Records in Brown County
A complete dissolution of marriage case file maintained by the Brown County District Court Clerk of Court contains the following categories of documents.
Basic Case Information:
- Case number, court name, and judicial division
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Name of assigned judge
- Names of attorneys of record
- Filing date, case type, and jurisdictional basis
Initial Pleadings:
The petition for dissolution of marriage sets forth the petitioner's identifying information, the respondent's identifying information, the date and location of the marriage, the date of separation if applicable, and the grounds for dissolution. Minnesota is a no-fault dissolution state; the sole ground for dissolution is an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage relationship, as established under Minn. Stat. § 518.06. The petition also identifies minor children, states current custody and parenting arrangements, and sets forth the relief requested regarding property, support, and custody.
The respondent's answer addresses each allegation in the petition, states admissions or denials, and may include a counterpetition setting forth the respondent's own requests for relief.
Financial Affidavits:
Both parties are required to submit financial affidavits disclosing income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets including real property, vehicles, bank and investment accounts, and retirement accounts, and liabilities including mortgages, loans, and credit card debt.
Discovery Documents:
Discovery materials filed with the court may include interrogatories and answers under oath, requests for production of documents, tax returns, pay stubs, bank and investment account statements, retirement account statements, and business financial records where applicable.
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory with descriptions and values
- Debt inventory including mortgages, loans, and credit obligations
- Real property appraisals and business valuations
- Expert reports on asset values
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting plan establishing legal and physical custody, timesharing schedule, holiday and vacation provisions, and decision-making responsibilities
- Child support calculation worksheet reflecting income, overnights, health insurance, and childcare costs
- Custody evaluation reports, if ordered by the court
- Guardian ad litem reports, if a guardian was appointed
Support Documents:
- Spousal maintenance provisions including type, amount, duration, and termination conditions
- Income and standard of living analysis supporting maintenance determinations
Settlement Documents:
- Marital settlement agreement resolving all issues including property division, debt allocation, spousal maintenance, and child-related provisions
- Mediation agreement, if the case was resolved through mediation
Court Orders and Judgments:
- Temporary orders addressing custody, support, and use of property during the pendency of the proceeding
- Final judgment and decree of dissolution containing findings of fact, conclusions of law, property division, support orders, custody and parenting determinations, and name restoration if requested
- Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO), if retirement accounts are divided
Post-Judgment Documents (if applicable):
- Petitions to modify custody or support
- Court orders on modification requests
- Contempt motions and enforcement actions
- Income deduction orders and liens
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers, which are redacted from all public filings
- Addresses and schools of minor children
- Domestic violence details, which may be sealed by court order
- Mental health evaluations and substance abuse records
- Mediation communications, which are confidential by statute
- Trade secrets contained in business valuations
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Brown County?
Proof of divorce in Brown County is obtained through a certified copy of the final judgment and decree of dissolution issued by the Brown County District Court Clerk of Court. A certified copy bears the court seal and the clerk's signature and constitutes official legal proof that a dissolution of marriage was granted.
Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy:
- Identify the case: Locate the case number and filing date using the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) case search system or by contacting the Clerk of Court directly.
- Submit a request: Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or by phone to initiate the process. In-person and mail requests are the most efficient methods for obtaining certified copies.
- Provide identifying information: Include the full names of both parties, the approximate date of dissolution, and the case number if known.
- Pay applicable fees: The current certification fee is $14.00 per document. Payment may be made in person by cash, check, or money order, or by check or money order submitted with a mail request.
- Receive the certified copy: In-person requests are processed at the time of the visit when staff and records are available. Mail requests are processed within approximately one to two weeks.
Brown County District Court — Clerk of Court
14 South State Street
New Ulm, MN 56073
Phone: (507) 233-6670
Brown County District Court — Minnesota Judicial Branch
As confirmed by the Minnesota State Law Library, certified copies of a divorce decree are obtained from the county courthouse where the divorce was granted. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing county may search the statewide MCRO portal to identify the correct court location.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Brown County?
Certain portions of a dissolution of marriage case file may be designated as confidential or sealed under Minnesota law and court rules. While the presumption under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act favors public access to court records, specific categories of information receive statutory protection.
- Financial account numbers and Social Security numbers are redacted from all public filings as a matter of standard court practice.
- Domestic violence cases may be subject to sealing orders to protect the safety of victims. Addresses, contact information, and details of abuse allegations may be withheld from public access.
- Children's information, including residential addresses, school enrollment, and medical or psychological records, may be restricted or sealed upon motion of a party or order of the court.
- Mental health and substance abuse records incorporated into case files are subject to confidentiality protections under both state and federal law.
- Mediation communications are confidential by statute and are not part of the public court record.
- Sealed cases: A party may petition the court to seal an entire case file or specific documents upon a showing of good cause. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties.
- Members of the public seeking access to sealed or confidential records must file a motion with the Brown County District Court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for access.
How Long Does Brown County Keep Divorce Records?
Brown County District Court retains dissolution of marriage records in accordance with the Minnesota Judicial Branch records retention schedule, which governs the preservation and disposition of court case files.
- Permanent retention: Final judgments and decrees of dissolution are retained permanently as part of the official court record. These documents are not subject to destruction or disposal.
- Complete case files: Full dissolution case files, including all pleadings, orders, and supporting documents, are retained for a minimum of ten years following the close of the case under standard Minnesota court records retention policies.
- Post-decree modification files: Records of post-judgment modification proceedings are retained as part of the original case file and are subject to the same retention schedule.
- Archived records: Cases older than the active retention period may be transferred to archival storage in paper or microfilm format. Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time and a specific written request to the Clerk of Court.
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically through the Minnesota court e-filing system are maintained in the statewide electronic case management system and remain accessible through the MCRO case search portal.
- Members of the public seeking records from older cases should contact the Clerk of Court at (507) 233-6670 to confirm availability and retrieval procedures for archived materials.