Big Stone County Family Court Records
Big Stone County family court records are kept at the Big Stone County Courthouse at 20 SE Second Street in Ortonville, Minnesota. The court is part of the Eighth Judicial District and handles dissolution of marriage, child custody, child support, paternity, and domestic relations matters for the county. Court Administrator Rachel Schmidt manages the records office. You can search Big Stone County family court records online using Minnesota Court Records Online at no charge, or visit the courthouse to review files and request copies. A free public parking lot is located behind the courthouse for visitors.
Big Stone County Overview
Big Stone County District Court
The Big Stone County District Court handles all family law matters for the county. The court covers dissolution of marriage, child custody and parenting time, child support orders, paternity cases, and orders for protection. It is part of the Eighth Judicial District, which covers several counties in west-central and southwestern Minnesota along the South Dakota border. Rachel Schmidt is the Court Administrator.
Big Stone County is one of the smaller counties in Minnesota by population. The courthouse at 20 SE Second Street in Ortonville serves all residents. Free public parking is in the lot behind the courthouse. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Call the court at (320) 849-7005 before visiting to confirm hours and check whether the documents you need are available in person or through MCRO online.
The weekly court calendar is posted daily at 7:00 AM as a searchable PDF. This is helpful if you want to track a specific case or know when hearings are scheduled. For older records not yet in the online system, a written request to Court Administration is the right approach. Include as much case information as you can to help staff locate the file.
| Court | Big Stone County District Court - Eighth Judicial District |
|---|---|
| Address |
20 SE Second Street Ortonville, MN 56278 |
| Phone | (320) 849-7005 |
| Fax | (320) 839-2537 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Court Administrator | Rachel Schmidt |
| Parking | Free public lot behind courthouse |
| Court Page | mncourts.gov - Big Stone County |
How to Search Big Stone County Family Court Records
The Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system is the main tool for searching Big Stone County family court records from any device. MCRO is free. Search by party name, case number, or attorney. Results include case status, parties involved, docket events, and scheduled hearings. Cases filed after July 1, 2015 are generally available. For older records, contact the court directly. The MCRO information page at mncourts.gov/Access-Case-Records/MCRO.aspx explains what the system shows and any access limits that apply.
In-person searches are also available at the courthouse on SE Second Street. Staff can search by name or case number during business hours. Bring valid photo ID. For mail requests, send a written request to Big Stone County Court Administration, 20 SE Second Street, Ortonville, MN 56278. Include party names, case number, documents needed, your contact info, and payment for any copy fees.
A self-help center is available remotely for Big Stone County residents. Central Minnesota Legal Services in Willmar can be reached at (320) 253-0138 and provides guidance on family law cases for people in this area.
Big Stone County Filing and Copy Fees
The filing fee for a dissolution petition in Big Stone County follows the Minnesota statewide schedule and is typically around $390 to $405. The responding party pays a lower fee for an answer. These amounts can change, so call (320) 849-7005 to confirm the current fee before filing.
Uncertified plain copies of court records are free at Big Stone County. Certified copies cost $14 per document, following the state standard. Both certified and exemplified copies together are $28. If you need a fee waiver, the In Forma Pauperis petition form is available at the courthouse or at mncourts.gov. You show your income and expenses, and a judge decides if the fees are waived.
Family Court Record Types in Big Stone County
Big Stone County District Court keeps records for all domestic relations cases filed in the county. Dissolution of marriage cases under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 518 are the most common. Each dissolution file includes the petition, summons, any financial disclosures, the marital termination agreement if the parties settled, and the final judgment and decree. The judgment is the court order that ends the marriage and documents all terms on property, debts, custody, and support. You need a certified copy of this document for many official purposes after the case ends.
Child custody and parenting time records show what arrangements the court ordered for children. The best interests standard under section 518.17 guides custody decisions. These orders can be modified if there is a significant change in circumstances, and any modification filings are added to the original case file. Child support orders and calculation worksheets are also part of the record. The support formula under Chapter 518A applies statewide.
Paternity cases establish legal parentage when parents were not married. These often connect directly to custody and support matters. Protection orders are filed with the family court and are generally public records. Most Big Stone County family court records are public, though certain financial documents and information about children may be restricted from public access.
Legal Help for Big Stone County Residents
Central Minnesota Legal Services provides free legal help to people with limited income in Big Stone County. The Willmar office serves this area and can be reached at (320) 253-0138. They handle divorce, custody, child support, and other family law matters. If you qualify, they can assist with filings and representation.
LawHelpMN is a free online resource with plain-language guides on Minnesota family law, form-filling instructions, and links to legal aid offices near you. All official court forms are free at mncourts.gov/GetForms.aspx. For a private attorney, the Minnesota State Bar Association's directory at mnbar.org can match you with a family law lawyer in the area. A remote self-help center is also available through the Minnesota court system if you cannot visit in person.
Big Stone County Court Resources Online
The Big Stone County District Court page on mncourts.gov has current contact information, court calendars, and links to filing resources for the Eighth Judicial District.
Check this page before visiting the courthouse in Ortonville to confirm current business hours and find the contact phone number.
The Eighth Judicial District page covers Big Stone County and surrounding counties in the western part of the state, with information on district-wide resources and how courts in the area are organized.
Understanding which judicial district your county belongs to can help if you need to contact the district office or look into programs that operate across multiple counties.
The MCRO Case Search interface is where you go to look up Big Stone County family court cases online for free by party name or case number.
MCRO is the fastest way to find out if a case exists and what the current status is before making a trip to the courthouse in Ortonville.
Cities in Big Stone County
Big Stone County is in far western Minnesota along the South Dakota border. The county seat is Ortonville. All family court cases for residents throughout the county are filed at the Big Stone County Courthouse on SE Second Street.
Communities in Big Stone County include Ortonville, Graceville, Clinton, and Odessa. None meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page. All residents file family court cases at the Ortonville courthouse.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Big Stone County. Make sure you file in the county where you or the other party lives.