St. Ark County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In St. Ark County in 2026
StArkRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in St. Ark County, North Dakota. Members of the public may find case numbers, party names, filing dates, final decrees, and related court documents. Available record categories include dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, parenting plans, property division orders, and post-judgment modifications. 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 primary repositories for Stark County divorce records are the Clerk of District Court, the North Dakota Courts statewide portal, and the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services Vital Records office.
Multiple Search Methods:
Online Searches:
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
Members of the public may use the North Dakota Courts Case Lookup tool available through the Stark County official website. This is the most common method for locating case-level information. Basic case information is available at no charge; fees apply for obtaining copies of documents.
2. State Court System Portal
The ND Court Records public search portal allows members of the public to search across all North Dakota jurisdictions, including Stark County, from a single consolidated database. This statewide tool is particularly useful when the county of filing is uncertain.
3. State Vital Records
The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services maintains a registry of divorce records. Members of the public may request certified copies of divorce records through the state vital records office. Fees apply for certified copies.
In-Person Searches:
Clerk of Court — Stark County District Court:
Stark County Clerk of District Court
51 3rd St E
Dickinson, ND 58601
Phone: (701) 264-7642
Stark County — North Dakota Court System
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Receive staff assistance for locating records
Records Department:
The Clerk of District Court also maintains archived and historical case files. Older records that have not been digitized may require additional retrieval time. Certified copy requests for archived cases are accepted at the same office location.
By Mail:
Written Request:
- Mail to: Stark County Clerk of District Court, 51 3rd St E, Dickinson, ND 58601
- Include the following:
- Full names of both parties
- 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 of documents
- Processing time: Requests are processed within approximately 1–2 weeks, subject to office workload and record availability.
By Phone:
Limited Information:
- Clerk of Court: (701) 264-7642
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number
- Case status
- Filing date
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents by phone
- Copies of documents
- Confidential or restricted information
Through Attorneys:
An attorney licensed in North Dakota may access court records on behalf of a client, including requesting documents that may require a showing of good cause. The State Bar Association of North Dakota provides a lawyer referral service for members of the public seeking legal representation in complex records matters.
Information Needed for Search:
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or filing
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses in Stark County
- Names of minor children, if applicable
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County:
Under North Dakota law, a divorce action is filed in the district 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. The marriage location does not determine the filing county unless it also corresponds to a party's residence.
Residency Requirement:
Pursuant to N.D. Cent. Code § 14-05-17, at least one spouse must have been a resident of North Dakota for a minimum of six months immediately preceding the filing of the divorce action. The action is filed in the district court of the county where the resident spouse resides.
Time Considerations:
- Recent divorces: Newly finalized cases may not appear in online systems immediately. Members of the public should allow several business days to weeks after the final hearing for records to be processed and indexed.
- Older divorces: Cases predating electronic filing may exist only in paper format. Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time and a written request.
What If You Cannot Find a Record:
- Verify the correct county of filing
- Attempt alternate spellings of party names, including maiden names
- Search both spouses' names independently
- Confirm whether the case has been finalized or remains pending
- Check state vital records through the North Dakota HHS Vital Records office
- Contact the Clerk of Court at (701) 264-7642 for assistance
What Are St. Ark County Divorce Records?
Stark County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Southwest Judicial District Court. These records are maintained by the Clerk of District Court and constitute part of the public court record, subject to applicable confidentiality provisions under North Dakota law.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Response or answer to petition
- Financial affidavits submitted by both parties
- Parenting plans and custody agreements
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, orders, and hearing notices
- Transcripts of court proceedings
- Final judgment of dissolution
Final Decree:
The final decree of divorce is the official court order that legally terminates the marriage. As described by the North Dakota Court System's divorce self-help resources, "Divorce is a judgment of a court that ends the marriage." The final decree establishes:
- The legal 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 District Court.
Supporting Documents:
- Financial disclosure statements
- Property inventories and appraisals
- Parenting plan details and modifications
- 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:
Clerk of Court:
The Clerk of District Court for Stark County is the primary custodian of all divorce case files. The office indexes records by party name and case number and provides certified copies upon request. Kimberly L. Schwartz currently serves as Clerk of District Court for Stark County, as listed on the Stark County — North Dakota Court System page.
State Vital Records Office:
The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services maintains a statewide registry of divorce records. The state vital records office issues certified divorce certificates, which contain 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, procedures, and requirements for dissolution of marriage. Public access to court records is governed by the North Dakota Rules of Court and the state's open records statutes.
Are St. Ark County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Stark 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. Certain categories of information are restricted or redacted to protect sensitive personal data, the privacy of minor children, and the safety of domestic violence victims.
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 pursuant to court rules)
- Bank account and credit card numbers (redacted)
- Detailed tax returns (may be filed under seal or with restricted access)
- Salary and income details (subject to applicable privacy rules)
Children's Information:
- Residential addresses of minor children
- Names of schools children attend
- Medical and psychological evaluation records
- Child custody evaluations (may be sealed by court order)
- Guardian ad litem reports (restricted access)
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
- Medical records submitted as exhibits
- 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 court record.
Legal Basis for Public Access:
The presumption of public access to court records in North Dakota is grounded in the state's open records framework and the North Dakota Rules of Court. Restrictions on access require a specific legal basis, and courts apply a balancing test weighing transparency against privacy interests.
Who Can Access Records:
| Requestor Category | Level of Access |
|---|---|
| General public | Public documents and docket entries |
| Parties to the case | Full access to own case file |
| Licensed attorneys | Case files; sealed records with court authorization |
| Researchers and media | Public portions; sealed records require court permission |
| Law enforcement | Statutory access as provided by law |
Prohibited Uses:
- Stalking, harassment, or intimidation
- Identity theft or fraud
- Violation of existing protective orders
- Commercial exploitation where prohibited by state law
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in St. Ark County?
The Stark County Clerk of District Court charges standard fees for copies and certified documents. Current fees reflect the schedule established under North Dakota court rules and applicable statutes.
Standard Fee Schedule:
| Service | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Copies (per page) | $0.25 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree | $10.00 per document |
| Search fee (if applicable) | Varies by request |
| Electronic copies (if available) | Varies |
- Inspection of records: Members of the public may inspect public court records at the courthouse at no charge during regular business hours.
- Copies: Standard copy fees apply per page for paper reproductions.
- Certified copies: A certification fee is charged per document in addition to per-page copy costs.
- Payment methods: The Clerk of District Court accepts cash, check, and money order. Members of the public should confirm accepted payment methods directly with the office prior to submitting a mail request.
- Fee waivers: Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors upon a proper showing. Members of the public seeking a fee waiver should inquire directly with the Clerk of Court.
- Free access: Basic case information, including case number, party names, filing date, and case status, is available at no charge through the ND Court Records public search portal.
Fees are subject to change. Members of the public should verify current fees with the Clerk of District Court at (701) 264-7642 prior to submitting a request.
What's Included in Divorce Records in St. Ark County
A complete Stark County divorce case file contains all documents filed with the district court from the initiation of proceedings through final judgment and any post-judgment actions. The scope of the file depends on whether the case 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 for each party
- Date of filing and case type designation
Initial Pleadings:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage, including marriage date and location, grounds for divorce, children's information, property claims, and relief requested
- Response or answer filed by the respondent
- Counterpetition, if filed
- Financial affidavits from both parties detailing income, expenses, assets, and liabilities
Discovery Documents:
- Financial disclosure statements, including tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and investment account records
- Interrogatories and answers under oath
- Requests for production of documents and responses
- Property inventories
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory covering real property, vehicles, bank and investment accounts, retirement accounts, business interests, and personal property
- Debt inventory covering mortgages, loans, and credit obligations
- Appraisals and expert valuations of real property, businesses, and personal property
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting plan establishing legal and physical custody, timesharing schedules, holiday provisions, and decision-making responsibilities
- Child support calculation worksheets reflecting income, overnights, health insurance, and childcare costs
- Child support orders specifying amount, payment schedule, and modification provisions
- Custody evaluations, if ordered by the court (may be sealed)
- Guardian ad litem reports, if a guardian was appointed (restricted access)
Support Documents:
- Alimony or spousal support orders specifying type, amount, duration, and termination conditions
- Income and standard-of-living analysis supporting support determinations
Settlement Documents:
- Marital settlement agreement resolving all issues, including property division, debt allocation, support terms, and child-related provisions
- Mediation agreement, if the case was mediated (note: mediation communications themselves are confidential)
Court Orders and Judgments:
- Temporary orders for custody, support, and use of property during proceedings
- Temporary restraining orders or injunctions, if issued
- Final judgment of dissolution, including findings of fact, conclusions of law, property division, support orders, custody and parenting time, and name restoration if requested
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs), if retirement accounts were 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 Redacted:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers
- Residential addresses and school information for minor children
- Domestic violence details in cases with protective measures
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluation records
- Mediation communications
- Trade secrets in business valuation documents
How the File Is Organized:
Documents are filed in chronological order and indexed by document type and filing date. Recent cases are maintained in electronic format through the court's case management system. Older cases may exist in paper format or as scanned images. Each document carries a filing date stamp and is assigned a document number within the case file.
How to Get Proof of Divorce in St. Ark County?
Proof of divorce in Stark County is obtained through a certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution issued by the Clerk of District Court. A certified copy bears the court's official seal and the clerk's signature, making it legally acceptable for remarriage, name change, immigration, and other official purposes.
Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy:
- Identify the case: Locate the case number and filing date using the North Dakota Courts Case Lookup tool or the ND Court Records portal.
- Contact the Clerk of Court: Reach the Stark County Clerk of District Court at (701) 264-7642 to confirm availability and current fees.
- Submit a request: Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or as directed by the clerk's office. Include the full names of both parties, the case number, the approximate date of divorce, and payment for applicable fees.
- Receive the certified copy: In-person requests are processed at the time of visit, subject to staff availability. Mail requests are processed within approximately 1–2 weeks.
State Vital Records Alternative:
Members of the public may also request a certified divorce certificate through the North Dakota HHS Vital Records office. The state-issued certificate contains limited information compared to the full court decree but is accepted for many official purposes.
Stark County Clerk of District Court
51 3rd St E
Dickinson, ND 58601
Phone: (701) 264-7642
Stark County — North Dakota Court System
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in St. Ark County?
Divorce proceedings in Stark County are presumptively public, but certain records or portions of a case file may be made confidential under specific legal circumstances.
- Court-ordered sealing: 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 or children. Sealing requires a specific legal basis and is not granted as a matter of course.
- Domestic violence cases: Pursuant to North Dakota law, information that could endanger the safety of a domestic violence victim — including residential addresses and contact information — may be withheld from the public record.
- Children's information: Details identifying the residence, school, or medical condition of minor children are subject to restriction under applicable child protection statutes.
- Financial account numbers and Social Security numbers: These are redacted from all publicly accessible documents under court rules.
- Mediation records: Communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and are not filed with the court or made part of the public record.
- Mental health and substance abuse records: Evaluation reports and treatment records submitted in custody proceedings may be sealed by court order.
Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the district court demonstrating a legitimate legal basis for access. The North Dakota Court System's divorce information page provides additional context on court procedures applicable to dissolution cases.
How Long Does St. Ark County Keep Divorce Records?
Stark County District Court maintains divorce records in accordance with the North Dakota court records retention schedule established under state administrative rules.
- Permanent retention: Final judgments of dissolution, including the final decree and all court orders, are retained permanently as part of the official court record. These records do not expire and remain accessible indefinitely.
- Complete case files: The full case file, including pleadings, financial affidavits, and supporting documents, is retained for a minimum period established by the North Dakota Supreme Court's records management policies. Retention periods for non-permanent documents vary by document type.
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically through the court's case management system are maintained in digital format and are accessible through the ND Court Records portal for the duration of the retention period.
- Paper and archived records: Older cases filed before electronic systems were implemented may be stored in physical archives. Retrieval of archived paper records may require additional processing time and a written request to the Clerk of Court.
- Post-judgment documents: Modification orders, contempt proceedings, and enforcement actions filed after the final decree are retained as part of the original case file and are subject to the same retention schedule.
Under N.D. Cent. Code § 14-05, the district court retains jurisdiction over dissolution matters for purposes of modification and enforcement, which necessitates long-term preservation of the underlying case record.