Search Carver County Family Court Records
Carver County family court records are on file at the District Court in Chaska, Minnesota. The court covers divorce cases, child custody and parenting time matters, child support orders, and paternity actions for all residents of Carver County. You can search records online through Minnesota Court Records Online or visit the courthouse at the Carver County Justice Center. Court Administrator Mary Dalbec oversees the records office. This page explains how to look up cases, request copies, and find legal help in Carver County.
Carver County Overview
Carver County District Court
The Carver County District Court handles all family law filings for the county. The court is located at the Carver County Justice Center in Chaska. Family cases filed here include divorce and legal separation, child custody and parenting time disputes, child support orders and modifications, and paternity actions. The court is part of the First Judicial District, which covers seven counties in south-central and southeastern Minnesota.
Court Administrator Mary Dalbec runs the records office and her team manages all case files. The office keeps court calendars, handles copy requests, and assists the public with accessing family court files. Parking at the Justice Center is free in a public surface lot and along nearby streets.
| Court | Carver County District Court - First Judicial District |
|---|---|
| Address |
Carver County Justice Center 604 East 4th Street Chaska, MN 55318 |
| Phone | (952) 361-1420 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | mncourts.gov - Carver County |
How to Search Carver County Family Court Records
Searching Carver County family court records is straightforward once you know which tools to use. The state's free online system covers most cases filed in the last decade. In-person searches give you access to the full file, including older records not yet in the online system.
Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) at publicaccess.courts.state.mn.us lets you search by name, case number, or attorney. The register of actions, which shows all activity in a case, is free to view. Document downloads from MCRO cost $8 per document. For cases filed before July 1, 2015, you may need to contact the court directly. Note that criminal cases without a conviction must be searched by case number only.
Carver County also has a dedicated copy requests page at mncourts.gov/find-courts/carver/copy-requests. This page explains the copy request process and fees in detail. You can also reach the court by phone at (952) 361-1420. Staff can accept Visa, Discover, and MasterCard over the phone for copy fees. Mail requests should include case details, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and a check or money order payable to Carver County Court Administration.
Use MCRO to locate the case first. Then you can narrow down which specific documents you need before placing a copy order. This saves time and avoids ordering documents you don't need.
Carver County Family Court Fees
Plain uncertified copies of Carver County court records cost $0.25 per page when requested in person. Certified copies are $14 per document. Each document is charged as one unit regardless of how many pages it has. Exemplified and certified copies, which carry the court's full authentication, cost $28 per document.
Filing fees for new family court cases follow the state schedule. Dissolution of marriage filings run approximately $390. Custody or paternity actions cost around $310 to file. A motion or response in an existing case is $100. Fee waivers are available for people with low income. Ask the court for an In Forma Pauperis form if you need a waiver.
Payment methods vary by how you submit your request. In-person payments can be made by cash, check, money order, or credit and debit card. Phone payments accept Visa, Discover, and MasterCard. Mail payments require a check or money order made out to Carver County Court Administration.
Note: Fee schedules are set by the Minnesota Legislature and can change. Verify current fees with the court before submitting payment.
Carver County Family Court Record Types
Carver County family court records include a wide range of domestic relations documents. Dissolution of marriage cases filed under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 518 are the most common. The case file for a divorce includes the original petition, summons, financial affidavits, any agreements between the parties, and the final judgment and decree. Certified copies of the judgment are commonly needed for name changes and legal proceedings.
Custody and parenting time cases make up another major category. Courts weigh the best interests of the child under Minn. Stat. section 518.17 when entering custody orders. Case files include parenting plans, guardian ad litem reports, and hearing transcripts. These records are generally public except for certain evaluation reports that courts sometimes seal.
Child support cases are tracked under the guidelines in Minnesota Statutes Chapter 518A. The court sets support based on both parents' incomes and the parenting time schedule. Support orders, enforcement records, and modification motions are all part of the court file. Paternity cases establish legal parentage for children born outside of marriage. The court file includes paternity petitions, genetic test results, and final parentage orders.
Confidential records include adoption proceedings, juvenile cases, and certain sealed financial documents. Domestic abuse protective order files may have restricted information. The court clerk can tell you what is and isn't available in a specific file.
Legal Help in Carver County
Free and low-cost legal resources are available for Carver County residents dealing with family court matters. The First Judicial District Self-Help Center assists people who represent themselves. Call (651) 435-6535 Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM for help with court forms and procedures. Staff give general guidance but cannot provide legal advice.
LawHelpMN at lawhelpmn.org has free guides, forms, and legal information for family court cases across Minnesota. You can download official court forms at no cost from mncourts.gov/GetForms.aspx. To find a family law attorney, the Minnesota State Bar Association has a lawyer search tool at mnbar.org. Volunteer Lawyers Network offers free legal clinics for low-income residents and can be reached at (612) 752-6677. The contact form for Carver County court staff is at mncourts.gov - Carver contact form.
Carver County Court Information
The Carver County District Court page on the state judicial branch website has current calendars, filing resources, and contact information.
This page is updated regularly and reflects current hours, upcoming court dates, and links to district-wide resources.
The Carver County copy requests page explains exactly how to order copies of family court documents and what fees apply.
Review the copy request instructions before you send a mail request to avoid delays from missing information or payment.
Carver County belongs to the First Judicial District, which administers courts across seven counties in this part of Minnesota.
The district website provides judge listings, district-wide calendars, and administrative contacts that apply to Carver County.
Use the Carver County contact form to reach court staff directly with questions about records or case status.
The contact form is the fastest way to get answers from the court when you have a specific question about a case or record request.
Cities in Carver County
Carver County includes Chaska, Chanhassen, Victoria, Waconia, and other communities in the southwest Twin Cities metro area. All family court cases from these cities go through the Carver County District Court in Chaska.
None of the cities in Carver County currently exceed the 25,000 population threshold for a dedicated city page on this site.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Carver County. You must file in the county where you or your spouse lives. Check which county applies before you file.