Woodbury Family Court Records
Woodbury family court records are handled by the Washington County District Court, located in Stillwater. Woodbury residents file dissolution, custody, child support, paternity, and domestic abuse cases at the Washington County Courthouse even though the courthouse is not in Woodbury itself. Most case information can be searched for free through Minnesota Court Records Online. Certified copies and full file access require a trip to Stillwater or a written request. This guide explains the filing process, where to get records, and what legal resources are available in the Woodbury area.
Woodbury Overview
Where Woodbury Residents File Family Court Cases
Woodbury is in Washington County, so all family court cases go to the Washington County Courthouse in Stillwater. There is no family court facility in Woodbury. All filings, hearings, and records requests go through Stillwater. Court Administrator Deb Lepper oversees operations at the Washington County Courthouse. The courthouse is about 15 miles north of Woodbury via Highway 36 or Interstate 94.
The courthouse handles all family case types: dissolution of marriage, legal separation, child custody, parenting time, child support, paternity, and orders for protection. A 10th District Self-Help Center operates on-site at the Washington County Courthouse on Fridays from 8:30 to 11:30 AM and 1:30 to 3:00 PM. For off-site help, call (763) 760-6699 or email 10CourtHelp@courts.state.mn.us during regular business hours.
| Court | Washington County District Court |
|---|---|
| Address | Washington County Courthouse 14949 62nd Street North P.O. Box 3802 Stillwater, MN 55082 |
| Main Phone | (651) 413-8030 |
| Family/Juvenile | (651) 413-8132 |
| Civil | (651) 413-8131 |
| Jury | (651) 413-8134 |
| Website | mncourts.gov - Washington County |
Woodbury residents who want legal reference materials locally can use the R.H. Stafford Library in Woodbury, which has a legal reference section. For court forms and filings, however, you will need to go to the courthouse in Stillwater or submit documents by mail using the P.O. Box address.
How to Search Woodbury Family Court Records
Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) is the free search tool for Woodbury and Washington County family court cases. No account is required. Search by party name, case number, or case type. MCRO shows party names, case types, key dates, and a docket list. It does not display the actual documents in a case, just the index information and hearing schedule.
The portal is at publicaccess.courts.state.mn.us and covers all Minnesota district courts. Some records are sealed or restricted by law. Adoption records are not public. Certain juvenile matters are limited. If you can't find a case in MCRO, call the Family/Juvenile Division at (651) 413-8132. Staff can tell you if a record exists and explain how to request a copy.
Certified copies cost $14 each. Plain copies are less. For document requests, contact the Washington County Courthouse directly. Mail requests are accepted at the P.O. Box address. In-person requests are handled at the courthouse in Stillwater during business hours. If you only need case status or a hearing date, MCRO is usually the faster route.
Note: The Washington County Law Library website at washcolib.org has additional legal research resources for Washington County residents who want to review statutes or court rules.
The Washington County court page on mncourts.gov has current phone numbers, department hours, and services for all Woodbury and Washington County family court matters filed in Stillwater.
The Minnesota court finder shows the Washington County Courthouse address, contact numbers, and direct links to court services, which is useful for Woodbury residents planning a trip to Stillwater.
Family Court Filing Process for Woodbury Residents
Woodbury residents follow Minnesota state law when filing family court cases. Minnesota Statutes Chapter 518 governs dissolution of marriage. At least one party must have lived in Minnesota for 180 days before filing. Minnesota is a no-fault state, so the only ground for divorce is an irretrievably broken marriage. No proof of fault is needed.
Filing starts at the Washington County Courthouse in Stillwater. The petitioner submits a Petition for Dissolution and Summons. The other party is served and given time to respond. Both sides exchange financial disclosures. If children are involved, both parents must complete a court-approved parenting education program before the court can enter a final decree. This applies to contested and uncontested cases alike.
Custody is decided under Minn. Stat. § 518.17. The court applies best interest factors including the child's relationship with each parent, the child's adjustment to school and home, and each parent's ability to meet the child's ongoing needs. Legal custody and physical custody are separate decisions. Joint arrangements are common but not required. Child support is set under Minn. Stat. Chapter 518A using both parents' gross incomes and the parenting time schedule.
The 10th Judicial District, which includes Washington County, has specific local rules on motion practice, financial disclosures, and parenting education. Self-Help Center staff can walk you through local requirements. Contact the center on Fridays at the courthouse or call (763) 760-6699.
The 10th District Self-Help Center at the Washington County Courthouse is open Fridays, 8:30-11:30 AM and 1:30-3:00 PM. Phone support is available at (763) 760-6699 or by email at 10CourtHelp@courts.state.mn.us.
Woodbury Family Court Fees
The petitioner in a dissolution case pays approximately $390 to $405 to file at the Washington County Courthouse. The respondent pays a separate answer fee. Confirm current amounts with the court administrator before filing. Certified document copies cost $14 each. Plain copies are available at a lower per-page rate.
Other costs may include service of process, parenting education class fees, and private mediation or evaluation costs if needed. If fees are a barrier, an In Forma Pauperis petition can request a fee waiver. Forms are available at the Stillwater courthouse and online at mncourts.gov/GetForms.aspx. The court reviews income and assets to determine whether to grant full or partial waiver.
Legal Help for Family Court Near Woodbury
The 10th District Self-Help Center at the Washington County Courthouse in Stillwater is a free resource for Woodbury residents handling their own family court cases. Staff help with forms, procedures, and hearing preparation on Fridays during drop-in hours. Phone help is available at (763) 760-6699. Email assistance is at 10CourtHelp@courts.state.mn.us.
LawHelpMN at lawhelpmn.org provides free self-help guides and forms for dissolution, custody, support, and protection orders. These are written in plain language and are a good starting point for anyone unfamiliar with the family court process. The Minnesota Judicial Branch also posts court forms at mncourts.gov/GetForms.aspx.
For private legal help, the Minnesota State Bar Association's directory at mnbar.org lists family law attorneys in the Woodbury and St. Paul East Metro area. The R.H. Stafford Library in Woodbury has legal reference materials that can help you research statutes and court rules before filing or appearing in court.
The Minnesota Court Records Online portal provides free access to Woodbury family court case data in the Washington County District Court by searching party names or case numbers.
MCRO is the easiest way for Woodbury residents to look up a family court case before making the drive to the Washington County Courthouse in Stillwater.
Washington County Family Court Records
Woodbury is in Washington County, and all family court filings go through the Washington County District Court in Stillwater. For a full overview of court procedures, records access, and resources across Washington County, visit the county page.
Nearby Qualifying Cities
Other nearby cities in the Twin Cities metro area also have family court matters handled through district courts in their respective counties.