Find Family Court Records in Clay County
Clay County family court records are maintained at the District Court in Moorhead, Minnesota. The court handles divorce and dissolution cases, child custody and parenting time matters, child support filings, and paternity actions for all county residents. You can search records online through Minnesota Court Records Online or visit the courthouse on N. 11th Street. Court Administrator Renelle Fenno runs the records office. This page walks you through how to search, what you can access, and where to find help in Clay County.
Clay County Overview
Clay County District Court
The Clay County District Court sits in the courthouse on N. 11th Street in Moorhead. It handles all family law cases filed by county residents, including dissolution of marriage, custody and parenting time disputes, child support orders, and paternity actions. Court Administrator Renelle Fenno manages the court records office. Free public parking is available in a surface lot in front of the courthouse.
Clay County is part of the Seventh Judicial District, which covers west-central Minnesota. The district court website at mncourts.gov - Seventh Judicial District has judge listings, a district calendar, and contact information for all counties in the district. Moorhead sits directly across the Red River from Fargo, North Dakota, making Clay County one of the more active border-area courts in the state.
| Court | Clay County District Court - Seventh Judicial District |
|---|---|
| Address |
Clay County Courthouse 807 N. 11th Street Moorhead, MN 56560 |
| Phone | (218) 227-7040 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | mncourts.gov - Clay County |
How to Search Clay County Family Court Records
Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) is the primary tool for searching Clay County family court records online. Access it for free at publicaccess.courts.state.mn.us. Search by party name, case number, or attorney. The register of actions, which logs all events in a case, is free to view. Documents can be downloaded for $8 each. Cases filed after July 1, 2015 are generally searchable through MCRO.
For cases not in MCRO, or if you need certified copies, contact the court directly. In-person visits to the courthouse are the fastest way to view a full case file and get copies right away. Bring a photo ID and the case number or names of the parties. Mail requests are also accepted. Send your written request to Clay County Court Administration, 807 N. 11th Street, Moorhead, MN 56560. Include your contact information, case details, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and payment.
You can also contact the court at (218) 227-7040 or submit an inquiry through the online contact form at mncourts.gov - Clay contact form. For finalized divorce cases, MCRO allows direct search by case number or party name without needing to visit the courthouse.
Clay County Family Court Fees
Uncertified plain copies of Clay County court records are free. Certified copies are $14 per document. Exemplified and certified copies cost $28. These rates apply statewide and are set by the Minnesota Legislature.
Filing a dissolution of marriage in Clay County costs about $390. Custody and paternity cases cost around $310 to file. Motions in existing cases are $100 each. Low-income residents can ask the court to waive fees through an In Forma Pauperis petition. You will need to show proof of your financial situation.
The Clay County Recorder's office handles birth and death certificates separately from the District Court. Birth certificates cost $26 for the first copy and $19 for additional copies. Death certificates are $13 for the first copy. Reach the Recorder at (218) 299-5031. The court itself handles divorce and family court records only.
Note: Always confirm current fees with the court before sending payment, since the fee schedule can be updated by the Legislature at any time.
Clay County Family Court Record Types
Clay County family court records cover divorce and dissolution cases, custody and parenting time matters, child support cases, and paternity actions. Dissolution of marriage cases under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 518 include the petition, summons, financial affidavits, any agreements, and the final judgment and decree. The judgment and decree is the document most people need for legal purposes like a name change.
Child custody records include all court orders related to physical and legal custody, parenting time schedules, and any modifications. Courts use the best-interest framework under Minn. Stat. section 518.17. When both parents agree on custody and sign a parenting plan, the court files that plan as part of the public record.
Child support orders, modifications, and enforcement records are maintained under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 518A. Clay County uses the state income shares formula to calculate support. Paternity cases for children born to unmarried parents include parentage petitions, genetic testing results, and final orders. These records are kept permanently by the court.
Records that are confidential include adoption proceedings, juvenile court files, mental health commitment cases, and records sealed by the judge. The court clerk can tell you which documents in any given file are available to the public.
Legal Help in Clay County
The Seventh District Self-Help Center helps unrepresented parties with family court matters in Clay County. Call (651) 435-6535 Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM for assistance with court forms and procedures. Staff explain how to fill out and file paperwork but cannot give legal advice.
LawHelpMN at lawhelpmn.org has free legal guides and family court information for all Minnesota counties. Court forms are free at mncourts.gov/GetForms.aspx. To find a family law attorney in Moorhead or Clay County, use the Minnesota State Bar Association's search at mnbar.org. Volunteer Lawyers Network offers free clinics and can be reached at (612) 752-6677. Legal Aid of Minnesota and other regional legal aid organizations also serve Clay County residents.
Clay County Court Information Online
The Clay County District Court page on the Minnesota Judicial Branch website has court contacts, hours, and filing information for Clay County.
Visit this page to find the court calendar, clerk contact details, and links to district-wide resources for Clay County cases.
The Seventh Judicial District page covers all counties in the district and has judge listings and a district-wide calendar.
The district calendar shows when judges are scheduled to hear cases in Clay County, which is helpful for tracking upcoming hearings.
Use the Clay County contact form to reach court staff online with questions about records or case filings.
The contact form lets you submit written inquiries when you need answers about your case or a records request.
Cities in Clay County
Clay County includes Moorhead, Dilworth, Barnesville, Glyndon, and other cities in the Red River Valley. All family court cases for these communities are filed at the Clay County District Court in Moorhead.
No cities in Clay County currently meet the 25,000 population threshold for a dedicated city page on this site.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Clay County in Minnesota. File your case in the county where you live.