Marshall County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Marshall County in 2026
MarshallCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Marshall County, Mississippi. Members of the public may find case filing dates, party names, final decrees, and related court documents through official channels. Record categories available through authorized sources include divorce decrees, dissolution petitions, settlement agreements, child custody orders, and property division judgments. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the case and applicable confidentiality provisions.
Divorce records in Marshall County may be searched through several official resources, including the Marshall County Circuit Court Clerk's office, the Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC) system, and the Mississippi State Department of Health Vital Records office. Members of the public are encouraged to use the methods outlined below to locate records efficiently.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Marshall County Circuit Court Clerk maintains case records that may be searched in person or through available electronic access terminals at the courthouse. Basic case information is available at no charge; fees apply for certified copies or printed documents.
2. Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC) Portal
The Mississippi Electronic Courts system provides a statewide portal for searching court case information across jurisdictions. Registered users may search consolidated case databases, view docket entries, and access filed documents where permitted under court rules.
3. Mississippi State Vital Records
The Mississippi State Department of Health Vital Records office does not maintain divorce records directly; however, a five-year search of county divorce indexes is available for the period January 1, 1926 through June 30, 1938. For records outside this range, requests must be directed to the appropriate county court.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Marshall County Circuit Court:
Marshall County Circuit Court Clerk
Holly Springs Courthouse, 208 E. Van Dorn Ave.
Holly Springs, MS 38635
Phone: (662) 252-3434
Marshall County Circuit Court
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Services available in person:
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees
- Staff assistance for locating archived records
By Mail
Written Request:
Mail requests to the Marshall County Circuit Court Clerk at the address listed above. Written requests should include:
- Full legal names of both parties
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Purpose of request, if required
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence
Processing time for mail requests is typically one to two weeks, depending on case volume and whether records require retrieval from archives.
By Phone
Limited Information Available:
- Marshall County Circuit Court Clerk: (662) 252-3434
- Staff may confirm whether a case exists, provide a case number, confirm case status, and verify the filing date
- Staff cannot provide detailed document contents, copies of filed documents, or confidential case information by phone
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Mississippi may access court records on behalf of a client, request sealed documents upon a proper showing of cause, and assist with complex or older cases where records may not be digitized. The Mississippi Bar Lawyer Referral Service connects members of the public with qualified family law attorneys.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses in Marshall County
- Names of children, if applicable
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Under Mississippi Code § 93-5-11, divorce proceedings are filed in the chancery court of the county where either spouse resides 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 of the parties also resided there at the time of filing.
Residency Requirement: At least one spouse must have been a resident of Mississippi for six months prior to filing, pursuant to Mississippi Code § 93-5-5.
Time Considerations
- Recent divorces: Records may not appear in electronic systems immediately following a final hearing. Members of the public should allow several days to a few weeks for processing after the final decree is entered.
- Older divorces: Records predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format and may require additional retrieval time. Not all historical records have been digitized.
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common reasons a divorce record may not be located include:
- The divorce was filed in a different county
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- The case is still pending and has not been finalized
- Very old records stored in off-site archives
- The case has been sealed by court order
Members of the public encountering these issues may contact the Marshall County Circuit Court Clerk at (662) 252-3434, attempt alternate name spellings, search under both spouses' names, or consult the Mississippi State Department of Health for historical index searches.
What Are Marshall County Divorce Records?
Marshall County divorce records are official court documents generated during divorce proceedings filed in the Marshall County Chancery Court. These records constitute part of the permanent family law court file and are maintained by the Clerk of Court as public records subject to applicable confidentiality provisions under Mississippi law.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files
The complete case file includes:
- Petition for divorce or dissolution of marriage
- Response or answer filed by the respondent
- Financial affidavits submitted by both parties
- Parenting plans and child custody agreements
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, orders, and hearing notices
- Transcripts of court proceedings
- Final judgment of divorce
Final Decree
The final decree is the official court order that legally dissolves the marriage. It serves as the primary legal proof of divorce and establishes:
- The date the marriage was dissolved
- Division of marital property and debts
- Alimony or spousal support terms, if any
- Child custody and visitation arrangements, if applicable
- Child support obligations, if applicable
- Any court-ordered name restoration
Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Marshall County Circuit Court Clerk.
Supporting Documents
Supporting documents filed in the case record may include the original marriage certificate, financial disclosure statements, property inventories, business valuations, parenting plan modifications, and post-judgment enforcement orders.
Purpose of Divorce Records
Legal Purposes:
- Proof of marital status for remarriage
- Documentation for legal name changes
- Property transfer and title documentation
- Estate planning and beneficiary designations
- Immigration 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 Marshall County Circuit Court Clerk serves as the primary custodian of all divorce case files, maintains indexes by party name, and provides certified copies upon request. The Mississippi State Department of Health Vital Records office maintains a limited historical index of county divorce records for the period January 1, 1926 through June 30, 1938, but does not issue divorce certificates for cases outside that range.
Legal Framework:
Divorce proceedings in Mississippi are governed by Mississippi Code § 93-5-1 et seq., which establishes the grounds for divorce, residency requirements, and procedural rules. Public access to court records is governed by the Mississippi Public Records Act, codified at Mississippi Code § 25-61-1 et seq., which establishes a presumption of public access to government records while permitting specific exemptions for sensitive personal information.
Are Marshall County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Marshall County are public court records subject to the Mississippi Public Records Act. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents. Certain categories of information are restricted or redacted pursuant to court rules and state law.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and docket entries
- Court orders and judgments
- Final divorce decree
- Property division orders
- General case status
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers (redacted from all public filings)
- Bank account and credit card numbers (redacted)
- Detailed tax returns (may be filed under seal)
- Certain income and asset disclosures (access may be limited)
Children's Information:
- Names and addresses of minor children (may be redacted)
- Schools children attend
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children
- Child custody evaluation reports (may be sealed)
- Guardian ad litem reports (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
- Medical records submitted as exhibits
Sealed Records:
A court may seal all or part of a case file upon a showing of good cause. Cases involving allegations of abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlement terms may be subject to sealing orders. Mediation communications are confidential under Mississippi law and are not part of the public record.
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
- Parties to the case: Have full access to their own case file, including documents that may be restricted from general public view
- Attorneys: May access case files on behalf of clients and may petition the court for access to sealed records upon a proper showing
- Researchers and media: May access public portions of case files; access to sealed records requires a court order
Prohibited Uses:
Members of the public who obtain divorce records may not use them for stalking, harassment, identity theft, fraudulent purposes, or in violation of any protective order issued by the court.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Marshall County?
The Marshall County Circuit Court Clerk charges standard fees for copies and certified documents in accordance with Mississippi law. Current fees applicable to divorce record requests are as follows:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard copy (per page) | $1.00 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree | $1.00 per page + $1.00 certification fee |
| Search fee (if applicable) | Varies by request |
| Electronic copy (if available) | Varies |
- Inspection of public records at the courthouse is available at no charge during regular business hours.
- Certified copies of the final decree, which are required for remarriage, name changes, and legal proceedings, carry a per-page fee plus a certification fee.
- Payment is accepted in the form of cash, money order, or check made payable to the Marshall County Circuit Court Clerk. Members of the public should confirm accepted payment methods prior to submitting a mail request.
- Fee waivers may be available in limited circumstances for indigent requestors upon a proper showing to the court.
- Fees for records obtained through the Mississippi Electronic Courts portal may differ from in-person fees and are governed by the portal's published fee schedule.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Marshall County
A complete Marshall County divorce case file contains documents generated at every stage of the proceeding, from initial filing through final judgment and any post-judgment modifications.
Basic Case Information
- Case number, court name, and division
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Judge assigned to the case
- Attorneys of record
- Filing date and case type
Initial Pleadings
The Petition for Divorce 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, the grounds for divorce, information regarding minor children, property claims, and the relief requested. Mississippi recognizes both fault-based and no-fault grounds for divorce under Mississippi Code § 93-5-1.
The Response or Answer contains the respondent's position, admissions or denials of the petition's allegations, any counterpetition, and the respondent's requests for relief.
Financial Affidavits submitted by both parties disclose income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets including real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investments, and personal property, and all liabilities including mortgages, loans, and credit card debt.
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
Where minor children are involved, the case file includes:
- Parenting Plan: Establishes legal and physical custody, timesharing schedules for regular periods, holidays, and summer, transportation arrangements, and decision-making responsibilities for education, healthcare, and extracurricular activities
- Child Support Worksheet: Documents income information, number of overnights, health insurance costs, childcare costs, and the support amount ordered
- Custody Evaluations: Psychologist or evaluator reports and recommendations, if ordered by the court
- Guardian ad Litem Reports: Findings and recommendations of any attorney appointed to represent the children's interests (access may be restricted)
Settlement Documents
The Marital Settlement Agreement is a comprehensive written agreement resolving all issues in the divorce, including property division, debt allocation, spousal support terms, child-related provisions, tax treatment of transfers, and attorney fee allocation. Where parties participated in mediation, a separate mediation agreement may be incorporated into the settlement agreement.
Court Orders and Judgments
- Temporary orders addressing custody, support, and use of property during the pendency of the case
- The Final Judgment of Divorce, which is the court's definitive order dissolving the marriage, containing findings of fact, conclusions of law, and all terms of the dissolution
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs), if retirement accounts were divided
Post-Judgment Documents
- 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 (redacted from all public filings)
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence details (may be sealed upon motion)
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluations
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
- Settlement negotiations not incorporated into filed documents
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Marshall County
Proof of divorce in Marshall County is obtained through a certified copy of the Final Judgment of Divorce issued by the Marshall County Circuit Court Clerk. A certified copy bears the court's official seal and the clerk's signature, making it legally acceptable for remarriage applications, name change proceedings, immigration filings, Social Security benefit claims, and other legal purposes.
Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy:
- Gather identifying information: full names of both parties, approximate date of divorce, and case number if known.
- Contact the Marshall County Circuit Court Clerk in person, by mail, or by phone at (662) 252-3434 to confirm the case number and applicable fees.
- Submit a written request or appear in person at the courthouse during business hours.
- Pay the applicable per-page copy fee and certification fee.
- Receive the certified copy in person or by mail, depending on the method of request.
Marshall County Circuit Court Clerk
Holly Springs Courthouse, 208 E. Van Dorn Ave.
Holly Springs, MS 38635
Phone: (662) 252-3434
Marshall County Circuit Court
For historical divorce index searches covering January 1, 1926 through June 30, 1938, members of the public may submit a request to the Mississippi State Department of Health Vital Records office.
Mississippi State Department of Health — Vital Records
571 Stadium Drive
Jackson, MS 39216
Phone: (601) 576-7960
Mississippi State Department of Health
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Marshall County?
Divorce proceedings in Marshall County are presumptively public under the Mississippi Public Records Act; however, specific portions of a case file may be made confidential by court order or by operation of law.
- Sealed by court order: A party may file a motion requesting that the court seal all or part of the case file. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties and any minor children.
- Domestic violence cases: Where a party has obtained a protective order or where the case involves allegations of domestic violence, the court may restrict access to addresses, contact information, and related evidence to protect the safety of the victim.
- Children's information: Names, addresses, schools, and medical or psychological information pertaining to minor children may be redacted from publicly accessible documents.
- Mental health and substance abuse records: Records pertaining to mental health treatment or substance abuse rehabilitation submitted as exhibits are subject to heightened confidentiality protections under state and federal law.
- Mediation communications: All communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and are not filed as part of the public record.
- Confidential settlements: Terms of settlement that the parties agree to keep confidential may be incorporated by reference into the final decree without being set forth in full in the public record.
The legal basis for sealing family court records in Mississippi is found in the Mississippi Rules of Civil Procedure and applicable chancery court rules governing access to case files.
How Long Does Marshall County Keep Divorce Records?
Marshall County maintains divorce records in accordance with the Mississippi Department of Archives and History records retention schedules applicable to chancery and circuit court records.
- Permanent retention: Final judgments of divorce, final decrees, and the complete case files for contested divorce proceedings are retained permanently as part of the official court record.
- Active case files: Records for cases that remain subject to post-judgment modification or enforcement proceedings are maintained in active storage until all matters are resolved.
- Archived records: Older case files that are no longer subject to active proceedings are transferred to archival storage. Paper records predating electronic filing systems may be stored off-site and may require additional retrieval time.
- Electronic records: Cases filed through the Mississippi Electronic Courts system are maintained in electronic format and are accessible through the court's case management system.
- Historical records: Records dating to the early twentieth century may be held by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, which maintains historical court records and provides research assistance to members of the public.
- Vital records index: The Mississippi State Department of Health maintains a divorce index for the limited period of January 1, 1926 through June 30, 1938, as described on the MSDH divorce records page.
Members of the public seeking records older than those available through the Circuit Court Clerk may contact the Mississippi Department of Archives and History for assistance locating historical court documents.