St. Utsman County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In St. Utsman County in 2026
StUtsmanRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Stutsman County, North Dakota. Members of the public may find case summaries, filing dates, party names, and final decree information through official court and state resources. 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 privacy protections.
Records may be searched through official resources including the Stutsman County District Court Clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, the North Dakota Courts online portal, and the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services Vital Records office.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry system allows members of the public to search District Court case information by party name or case number. Stutsman County cases are included in this statewide database. Basic case information is available at no charge; fees apply for obtaining copies of documents.
2. State Court System Portal
The District Court Case Search and Payment Processing portal provides access to North Dakota District Court case information for criminal, traffic, and civil case types, including family law matters such as divorce. The portal consolidates records across jurisdictions and allows searches by party name, case number, or filing date.
3. State Vital Records
The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services maintains vital records including divorce certificates. The state registers divorce information separately from full court case files. Members of the public seeking a certified copy of a divorce record may submit a request through the certified copies of divorce records page. Fees apply for certified copies.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Stutsman County District Court
Members of the public may inspect divorce case files in person at the Stutsman County courthouse during regular business hours.
Stutsman County District Court
511 2nd Ave SE
Jamestown, ND 58401
Phone: (701) 253-6243 option 1
Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
Stutsman County — North Dakota Court System
Services available in person include:
- Searching case files by party name or case number
- Viewing filed documents at public access terminals
- Requesting certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Receiving staff assistance for locating records
By Mail
Written Request:
Mail requests to the Clerk of Court at the address above. Each written request should include:
- Full legal names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce or filing
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Purpose of the request, if required
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- A 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:
- Clerk of Court: (701) 253-6243 option 1
- 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 telephone
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in North Dakota may access divorce case files on behalf of a client, request sealed or restricted documents through appropriate court motions, and assist with complex record retrieval. The State Bar Association of North Dakota maintains a lawyer referral service for members of the public seeking legal representation.
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 North Dakota
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Under N.D. Cent. Code § 14-05-03, a divorce action must be filed in 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 spouse also resided there at the time of filing.
Residency Requirement:
North Dakota law requires that at least one spouse have been a resident of the state for six months immediately preceding the filing of the divorce action, pursuant to N.D. Cent. Code § 14-05-17.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Records may not appear in online systems immediately following a final hearing
- Allow several business days to weeks for processing after the final order is entered
- Court staff can confirm whether a case has been finalized
Older Divorces:
- Cases predating electronic filing may be stored in paper archives
- Archived records may require additional retrieval time
- Not all historical records have been digitized
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 held in off-site storage
- Case sealed by court order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Clerk of Court at (701) 253-6243 option 1
- Attempt alternate name spellings
- Search under both spouses' names
- Check the North Dakota vital records office for divorce certificates
- Consult a licensed North Dakota attorney for complex searches
What Are St. Utsman County Divorce Records?
Stutsman County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings filed in the Stutsman County District Court. These records constitute part of the family law court file and are maintained by the Clerk of Court as public records, subject to applicable privacy restrictions.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files
The complete case file may include:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Response or answer to the petition
- Financial affidavits from both parties
- Parenting plans and child custody arrangements
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, responses, and court orders
- Transcripts of court hearings
- Final judgment of dissolution
Final Decree
The final decree of divorce is the official court order that legally dissolves the marriage. It establishes:
- The date of dissolution
- Division of marital property and debts
- Alimony or spousal support terms, if any
- Child custody and parenting time arrangements, if applicable
- Child support orders, if applicable
- Restoration of a former name, if requested
Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Clerk of Court.
Supporting Documents
Supporting documents filed in a divorce case may include financial disclosure statements, property inventories, appraisals, parenting plan details, and post-judgment modification orders.
Purpose of Divorce Records:
Legal Purposes
- Proof of marital status for remarriage
- Name change documentation
- Property transfer and title recording
- 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 Clerk of Court for Stutsman County is the primary custodian of divorce case files and provides certified copies upon request. The Stutsman County Recorder's Office maintains land records that may reflect property transfers resulting from divorce proceedings; fees for recorder services are statutory fees set by the North Dakota Legislature.
The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services Vital Records office maintains a separate registry of divorce certificates at the state level, which provides limited information compared to the full court case file.
Legal Framework:
Divorce proceedings in North Dakota are governed by N.D. Cent. Code § 14-05, which establishes the grounds for divorce, residency requirements, and procedural requirements for dissolution of marriage. North Dakota's open records framework, codified in N.D. Cent. Code § 44-04-18, establishes the presumption that court records are open to public inspection.
Are St. Utsman County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Stutsman County District Court are public court records under North Dakota law. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents. However, certain categories of information are restricted or may be sealed by court order to protect sensitive personal and financial data.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of the 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 are redacted from 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 seal
Children's Information:
- Names and addresses of minor children may be partially redacted
- Schools children attend are not disclosed in public records
- Child custody evaluations and guardian ad litem reports may be sealed
- Psychological evaluations of children are restricted
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and medical records
- Substance abuse treatment information
- Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders
Sealed Records:
A court may seal all or part of a divorce 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 and are not part of the public record.
Who Can Access Records:
| Requestor | Level of Access |
|---|---|
| General public | Public documents and docket entries |
| Parties to the case | Full access to their own case file |
| Attorneys of record | Full case file access |
| Law enforcement | Statutory access to relevant records |
| Researchers and media | Public portions; court permission required for sealed records |
Restrictions on Use:
Members of the public who obtain divorce records may not use them for stalking, harassment, identity theft, or any purpose that violates a protective order. Permitted uses include legal proceedings, background research, genealogical research, news reporting, and personal verification.
As stated by the North Dakota Courts, "The North Dakota Court System is committed to providing public access to court records while protecting the privacy of individuals involved in court proceedings."
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in St. Utsman County?
The Stutsman County District Court Clerk's office charges fees for copies and certified copies of divorce records. Current fees are established by North Dakota court rules and applicable statutes.
Standard Fee Schedule:
| Service | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Copies of court documents | $0.25 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree | $10.00 per document |
| Certification fee | Included in certified copy fee |
| Online case search (basic information) | No charge |
| Online document copies | Fee varies by document |
- Inspection of records at the courthouse public access terminal is available at no charge
- Certified copies of divorce certificates through the North Dakota vital records office carry a separate state fee; members of the public should consult the state vital records fee schedule directly
- Payment at the Clerk of Court office is accepted by cash, check, or money order; online payments through the District Court Case Search and Payment Processing portal may be made by credit or debit card
- Fee waiver provisions may be available for indigent requestors upon application to the court; members of the public seeking a fee waiver should submit a written request to the Clerk of Court
As noted on the Stutsman County Recorder's Office page, "Fees for the County Recorder's Office are statutory fees set by the North Dakota Legislature," reflecting the broader principle that government record fees in North Dakota are set by legislative authority rather than individual office discretion.
What's Included in Divorce Records in St. Utsman County
A complete Stutsman County divorce case file is an extensive collection of documents generated from the initial filing through final judgment and any post-judgment proceedings. The scope of documents varies depending on whether the divorce was contested or uncontested and whether children or significant assets were involved.
Basic Case Information:
- Case number, court name, and division
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Judge assigned to the case
- Attorneys of record and their contact information
- Filing date and case type designation
Initial Pleadings:
The petition for dissolution of marriage sets forth the petitioner's identifying information, the date and location of the marriage, the date of separation if applicable, grounds for divorce (North Dakota is a no-fault state recognizing irreconcilable differences), information about minor children, property claims, and relief requested. The respondent's answer or counterpetition sets forth the respondent's position on each issue raised.
Financial affidavits filed by both parties disclose income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets including real property, vehicles, bank and investment accounts, and retirement accounts, as well as all liabilities.
Discovery Documents:
Discovery materials may include interrogatories and answers under oath, requests for production of financial documents, tax returns, pay stubs, bank and investment account statements, retirement account statements, and business financial records where applicable.
Property-Related Documents:
The marital asset inventory identifies and values all real property, vehicles, financial accounts, retirement accounts, business interests, and personal property. The debt inventory identifies all mortgages, vehicle loans, credit card balances, personal loans, and other liabilities. Appraisals and expert valuations may be filed for real property, business interests, and significant personal property.
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
The parenting plan establishes legal custody (decision-making authority), physical custody, and a detailed timesharing schedule including regular, holiday, summer, and vacation provisions. The child support calculation worksheet reflects both parties' incomes, the number of overnights with each parent, health insurance costs, and childcare costs, resulting in the support amount ordered. Custody evaluations, home studies, and guardian ad litem reports may be included in the file, though portions may be sealed.
Settlement Documents:
The marital settlement agreement is a comprehensive document resolving all issues in the divorce, including property division, debt allocation, spousal support terms, and child-related provisions. Mediation agreements, if reached, may be incorporated into the settlement agreement; however, mediation communications themselves are confidential and are not filed with the court.
Court Orders and Judgments:
Temporary orders may address custody, support, and use of property during the pendency of the case. The final judgment of dissolution is the court's definitive order ending the marriage, containing findings of fact, conclusions of law, and all orders regarding property, support, and children. A Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) may be filed separately to divide retirement plan benefits.
Post-Judgment Documents:
Post-judgment filings may include petitions to modify custody or support, motions for contempt, income deduction orders, and enforcement actions. These documents become part of the original case file and are accessible under the same public access rules as the original proceedings.
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:
- Social Security numbers (redacted from all public filings)
- Bank account and financial account numbers (redacted)
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence details (may be sealed upon motion)
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluations
- Trade secrets in business valuations
- Settlement negotiation communications
- Mediation communications
How to Get Proof of Divorce in St. Utsman County?
Proof of divorce in Stutsman County may be obtained in several forms depending on the intended use. A certified copy of the final decree of divorce is the most widely accepted legal proof of dissolution of marriage and is available through the Stutsman County District Court Clerk's office.
Members of the public may obtain a certified copy of the final decree by:
- In person: Presenting a request at the Clerk of Court office at 511 2nd Ave SE, Jamestown, ND 58401, during courthouse hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The requestor should provide the names of both parties and the approximate date of divorce or case number.
- By mail: Submitting a written request with the required identifying information, applicable fee, and a self-addressed stamped envelope to the Clerk of Court at the address above.
- Online: Searching and paying for documents through the District Court Case Search and Payment Processing portal.
For purposes requiring a state-issued divorce certificate rather than a court-certified decree, members of the public may request a certified copy through the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services. The certified copies of divorce records page provides current instructions and fee information for state-level divorce certificates.
Stutsman County District Court — Clerk of Court
511 2nd Ave SE
Jamestown, ND 58401
Phone: (701) 253-6243 option 1
Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
Stutsman County — North Dakota Court System
North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services — Vital Records
600 E Boulevard Ave, Dept 301
Bismarck, ND 58505
Vital Records — North Dakota HHS
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in St. Utsman County?
A divorce proceeding in Stutsman County is presumptively a public court record; however, certain 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. Sealing is not automatic and requires a demonstrated legal basis.
- Domestic violence cases: Where a party has obtained a protective order or where domestic violence allegations are central to the proceedings, the court may restrict public access to addresses, contact information, and related evidence to protect the safety of the victim.
- Children's information: Under North Dakota court rules, certain identifying information about minor children, including residential addresses and school information, is subject to redaction from publicly accessible filings.
- Mental health and medical records: Records reflecting a party's mental health treatment, medical history, or substance abuse treatment are restricted and may be filed under seal.
- Mediation communications: All communications made during court-ordered or voluntary mediation are confidential and are not filed with the court or accessible to the public, pursuant to North Dakota's mediation confidentiality provisions.
- Financial account numbers: Social Security numbers and financial account numbers are redacted from all public filings as a matter of standard court practice.
Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the court demonstrating a legitimate legal basis for access.
How Long Does St. Utsman County Keep Divorce Records?
Stutsman County District Court divorce records are retained for extended periods in accordance with North Dakota court records retention schedules and state law.
- Permanent retention: Final judgments of dissolution of marriage, final decrees, and orders affecting property rights are retained permanently as part of the official court record.
- Complete case files: The full divorce case file, including all pleadings, motions, financial affidavits, and supporting documents, is retained for a minimum period established by the North Dakota Supreme Court's records retention schedule. Under current policy, civil case files including family law matters are retained for a substantial period following the close of the case.
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in the North Dakota Courts electronic case management system and are accessible through the ND Court Records public search portal.
- Paper and archived records: Older cases filed before electronic systems were implemented may be held in paper form at the courthouse or transferred to off-site storage. Retrieval of archived paper records may require additional processing time.
- Post-judgment modifications: Modification orders, contempt proceedings, and enforcement actions filed after the original judgment are retained as part of the original case file and are subject to the same retention schedule.
- Vital records: The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services retains divorce certificate data at the state level on a permanent basis, as part of the state's vital statistics registry.
Members of the public seeking records from cases closed many years ago should contact the Clerk of Court directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures.