Union County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Union County in 2026
UnionMSRecords.us provides access to publicly available data and information related to divorce records in Union County, Mississippi. Members of the public may find case filing dates, party names, court orders, and final decrees through official channels. Related record categories 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.
Divorce records in Union County may be searched through the Union County Circuit Clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, the Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC) system, and the Mississippi Department of Health's vital records index. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking these records.
Online Searches
1. Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC)
The Mississippi Electronic Courts system maintained by the Mississippi Supreme Court provides online access to circuit and chancery court case information. Divorce proceedings in Mississippi are filed in Chancery Court, and case docket information may be available through this portal. Basic case information is available at no charge; fees apply for document retrieval.
2. Mississippi Judiciary Case Search
The Mississippi Judiciary's public case search allows members of the public to search court records by party name or case number across jurisdictions. This consolidated database covers chancery court filings, which include divorce and dissolution of marriage cases.
3. Mississippi State Department of Health – Vital Records
The Mississippi Bureau of Vital Records maintains a divorce index for the period January 1, 1926 through June 30, 1938. This index provides limited identifying information and does not constitute a certified copy of the divorce decree. For records outside this index period, the Union County Chancery Clerk is the appropriate custodian.
In-Person Searches
Union County Chancery Clerk – Family Division
Union County Chancery Clerk's Office
109 Main Street
New Albany, MS 38652
Phone: (662) 534-1900
Union County Official Website
- 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 original court documents
- Request certified copies of final decrees
- Use public access terminals
- Receive staff assistance for locating records
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Union County Chancery Clerk, 109 Main Street, New Albany, MS 38652
- Include the following in the written request:
- 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: Requests are processed within approximately one to two weeks, subject to volume and record availability.
By Phone
Limited Information Available:
- Chancery Clerk: (662) 534-1900
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the index
- Case number
- Case filing status
- Filing date
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents by phone
- Copies of documents
- Confidential or restricted information
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Mississippi may access divorce case files on behalf of a client, request sealed documents upon a proper showing of cause, and obtain certified copies through professional channels. The Mississippi Bar's lawyer referral service may assist members of the public in locating qualified family law counsel for complex record retrieval matters.
Information Needed for Search
- Full legal names of both spouses at the time of filing
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or filing
- Case number, if known
- Marriage date (helpful for narrowing results)
- Prior addresses in Union County
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Under Mississippi Code § 93-5-11, a divorce complaint must be filed in the chancery court of the county where the defendant resides, or in the county where the parties last cohabited, or where the complainant resides if the defendant is a nonresident. Members of the public who cannot locate a record in Union County should consider whether the divorce may have been filed in an adjacent county.
What If You Cannot Find the Record
- Verify the correct county of filing based on residency at the time of divorce
- Attempt alternate spellings of party names
- Search under both the petitioner's and respondent's names
- Confirm whether the case was finalized or remains pending
- Request a search of archived or paper records for older cases
- Contact the Chancery Clerk directly at (662) 534-1900
What Are Union County Divorce Records?
Union County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings filed in the Union County Chancery Court. These records constitute part of the permanent court file and are maintained by the Union County Chancery Clerk as the primary custodian. As stated by the Mississippi Supreme Court, "court records are presumptively open to the public unless a specific statute or court rule provides otherwise."
Types of Divorce Records
Court Case Files include the petition for dissolution of marriage, the respondent's answer or counterpetition, financial affidavits, parenting plans, settlement agreements, motions, court orders, and hearing transcripts.
Final Decree of Divorce is the official court order that legally dissolves the marriage. It establishes the date of dissolution, division of marital property, any alimony or spousal support awarded, child custody and visitation arrangements, child support obligations, and any court-ordered name changes. Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Chancery Clerk.
Supporting Documents may include marriage certificates submitted as exhibits, financial disclosure statements, property inventories, appraisals, parenting plan attachments, and post-judgment modification orders.
Purpose of Divorce Records
- Legal proof of marital status for remarriage
- Name change documentation for government agencies
- Property transfer and title documentation
- Estate planning and beneficiary designations
- Immigration and naturalization proceedings
- Social Security benefit determinations
- Genealogical and family history research
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, Mississippi Code § 25-61-1 et seq., which establishes the presumption that government records are open to public inspection.
Are Union County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Union County Chancery Court are public court records subject to the Mississippi Public Records Act. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, court orders, and final decrees without demonstrating a specific need or interest. However, certain categories of information within a divorce file are subject to restriction or redaction under state and federal law.
What Is Public
- Case number and filing date
- Names of parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and scheduled proceedings
- Docket entries reflecting the chronological history of the case
- Court orders and judgments, including the final decree
- Property division orders
- General case status
What May Be Restricted
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers are redacted from public filings pursuant to court rules
- Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
- Detailed tax returns may be filed under seal or with restricted access
- Salary and income details may carry limited access protections
Children's Information:
- Names and addresses of minor children may be partially redacted
- Schools attended by children are not disclosed in public portions of the file
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children may be sealed
- Guardian ad litem reports are subject to restricted access
- Child custody evaluations ordered by the court may be sealed
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence may be sealed
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records are protected under state and federal law
- Personal addresses of domestic violence victims are withheld from public access
- Mediation communications are confidential and not part of the public record
Sealed Records
A court may seal all or part of a divorce 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. 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 public portions of the case file, view docket summaries, and obtain copies of non-restricted documents upon payment of applicable fees
- Parties to the case: Have full access to their own case file, including confidential portions
- Attorneys of record: Have professional access to case files and may petition for access to sealed materials
- Researchers and media: May access public portions; sealed records require a court order
Prohibited Uses
Use of divorce records for stalking, harassment, identity theft, or violation of protective orders is prohibited under Mississippi law and may constitute a criminal offense.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Union County?
The Union County Chancery Clerk charges standard fees for copying and certifying divorce records. Under Mississippi Code § 25-7-9, chancery clerks are authorized to collect fees for copies and certifications of court records.
Current Fee Schedule
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard copy (per page) | $0.50 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree | $1.00 per page + $1.00 certification fee |
| Search fee (when 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 of divorce are the most requested document and carry a per-page fee plus a certification fee.
- Payment methods accepted at the Union County Chancery Clerk's office include cash, check, and money order made payable to the Union County Chancery Clerk. Members of the public should confirm accepted payment methods prior to submitting a mail request.
- Fee waivers are not broadly available for divorce record requests; however, parties who are proceeding in forma pauperis in an active case may petition the court for relief from fees.
- Basic case information, including case number, filing date, and party names, may be confirmed by phone or through the online case search system at no charge.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Union County
A complete divorce case file maintained by the Union County Chancery Clerk contains the following categories of documents.
Basic Case Information
- Case number and court division
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Judge assigned to the case
- Attorneys of record
- Filing date and case type
Initial Pleadings
The Complaint 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 as recognized under Mississippi law, information regarding minor children, claims regarding marital property, and the relief requested. The Answer or Counterclaim reflects the respondent's position, admissions or denials, and any independent claims 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 liabilities including mortgages, loans, and credit card debt.
Property-Related Documents
- Marital asset inventory with descriptions and estimated values
- Debt inventory listing all marital liabilities
- 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 provisions, and decision-making responsibilities
- Child support calculation worksheet reflecting income, number of overnights, health insurance costs, and childcare expenses
- Custody evaluations ordered by the court
- Guardian ad litem reports, which may be subject to restricted access
Settlement Documents
The Marital Settlement Agreement is a comprehensive written agreement resolving all contested issues, including property division, debt allocation, spousal support, and child-related provisions. Mediation agreements, where applicable, may be incorporated into the settlement agreement.
Court Orders and Final Judgment
- Temporary orders addressing custody, support, and use of property during the pendency of the case
- The Final Judgment of Divorce constituting the court's official order dissolving the marriage, including findings of fact, conclusions of law, property division, support orders, custody determinations, and any court-ordered name restoration
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) directing the division of retirement plan benefits
Post-Judgment Documents
- Petitions to modify custody or support
- Court orders on modification requests
- Contempt motions and enforcement actions
- Income deduction orders
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted)
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence details and related evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluations
- Mediation communications
- Settlement negotiations not incorporated into filed documents
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Union County
Proof of divorce in Union County is obtained through a certified copy of the Final Judgment of Divorce issued by the Union County Chancery Clerk. A certified copy bears the clerk's official seal and signature and constitutes legally recognized proof that a divorce was granted by the court.
Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy
- Identify the case number by searching the Mississippi Judiciary's case search portal or by contacting the Chancery Clerk at (662) 534-1900.
- Submit a written request to the Union County Chancery Clerk at 109 Main Street, New Albany, MS 38652, or appear in person during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.).
- Provide the full names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, and the case number if known.
- Pay the applicable certification and per-page copy fees.
- Receive the certified copy in person or by mail, depending on the method of request.
For divorces occurring between January 1, 1926 and June 30, 1938, a preliminary index search may be conducted through the Mississippi Bureau of Vital Records, though the bureau does not issue certified copies of divorce decrees. The Chancery Clerk remains the sole issuing authority for certified copies.
Union County Chancery Clerk's Office
109 Main Street
New Albany, MS 38652
Phone: (662) 534-1900
Union County Official Website
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Union County?
A divorce proceeding in Union County may be made confidential, in whole or in part, by court order upon a demonstrated showing of good cause. The presumption under Mississippi law favors public access to court records; however, specific categories of information within a divorce file are subject to confidentiality protections by statute or court rule.
- Domestic violence cases: Courts may seal identifying information, residential addresses, and evidence related to domestic violence allegations to protect the safety of victims.
- Children's information: Names, addresses, schools, and medical or psychological records pertaining to minor children may be redacted or sealed.
- Mental health and substance abuse records: These records are protected under both state law and federal statutes, including HIPAA, and are not part of the public record.
- Mediation communications: Under Mississippi law, all communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and may not be disclosed or introduced as evidence.
- Sealed settlements: Parties may petition the court to seal confidential settlement terms upon a showing that disclosure would cause harm disproportionate to the public interest in access.
- High-profile or sensitive cases: A court may seal an entire case file upon a specific finding that the public interest in confidentiality outweighs the presumption of openness.
Members of the public seeking access to sealed divorce records must file a motion with the Union County Chancery Court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for disclosure.
How Long Does Union County Keep Divorce Records?
The Union County Chancery Clerk retains divorce records in accordance with the Mississippi Department of Archives and History's records retention schedules, which govern the preservation of court records throughout the state.
- Final judgments and decrees: Retained permanently. Final judgments of divorce are considered permanent court records and are not subject to destruction.
- Complete case files: Retained for a minimum of ten years following the close of the case, with many files retained permanently depending on the nature of the proceedings and the presence of ongoing orders such as child support or custody modifications.
- Temporary orders and interlocutory documents: Retained as part of the complete case file for the applicable retention period.
- Archived paper records: Older case files that predate electronic filing may be stored in physical archives and may require additional retrieval time. Members of the public requesting archived records should contact the Chancery Clerk in advance.
- Electronic records: Cases filed through the Mississippi Electronic Courts system are maintained in the electronic database and are accessible through the court's online portal.
- Post-judgment modification files: Retained as part of the original case file or as a separate supplemental file, subject to the same retention schedule as the underlying case.
The Mississippi Department of Archives and History publishes records retention schedules applicable to county court records, which govern the minimum periods for which divorce case files must be preserved.