Divorce records in St. Louis, Missouri, are available through several channels. StLouisCourt.us provides quick access to publicly available information about divorce records. Additionally, you can contact the Circuit Court that issued the decree, the Recorder of Deeds office in St. Louis, or the Missouri Bureau of Vital Records. Online tools, in-person visits, and mail requests — each of these methods works depending on the type of document you need.
St. Louis Divorce Records Search
In the city of St. Louis, divorce cases are handled by the Circuit Court (22nd Judicial Circuit). The office of this court maintains complete case files: divorce decrees, property settlement agreements, child custody orders, and related procedural documents. This is where you will find the most comprehensive information.
Simultaneously, the Bureau of Vital Records at the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services maintains a central registry of divorce certificates — brief documents confirming the dissolution of marriage. These certificates do not contain details of the court decision but are often sufficient to confirm marital status.
Basic information about court cases can be viewed through the CaseNet system on the Missouri Courts website.
St. Louis Circuit Court — Civil Courts Building
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in St. Louis
The city of St. Louis is an independent city in Missouri and is not part of any county. Divorce cases here are exclusively handled by the Circuit Court of the City of St. Louis. After a decree is issued by a judge, it remains in the court's office as part of the court case.
Which office to choose depends on what you need:
- Complete case files (decree, agreements, custody orders) — Circuit Court office. The city's official page explains how to obtain a copy of a divorce record.
- Divorce certificate (short form confirming the fact) — Missouri Bureau of Vital Records or local Recorder of Deeds.
- Historical court records — the Missouri State Archives holds older court documents, including those from circuit and municipal courts.
Missouri Bureau of Vital Records
St. Louis Recorder of Deeds
Uncertified divorce records are also available online through the state health department — this is a convenient option if you do not need a stamped document.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in St. Louis
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy of divorce certificate (Bureau of Vital Records) | $15.00 | 4–6 weeks (by mail) |
| Uncertified record copy (online through the state) | Free to view | Immediate |
| Copy of case documents (Circuit Court) | $1.00 per page | Depends on volume; typically 3–10 business days |
| Certified copy of court decree (Circuit Court) | $2.50 per document | 3–10 business days |
| Expedited processing (Bureau of Vital Records, additional) | $13.00 for expedited delivery + $22.15 FedEx | Approximately 5 business days |