Family Court Records in Houston County
Houston County family court records are on file at the District Court in Caledonia. You can search them online through Minnesota's free case portal or go to the courthouse to get copies in person. The court handles dissolution of marriage, custody disputes, child support orders, and paternity cases for residents across this southeast Minnesota county. Court Administrator Darlene Larson oversees the records office. If you need certified copies of a judgment or decree, you will need to request them from the courthouse or send a written request by mail.
Houston County Overview
Houston County District Court
The Houston County District Court is part of the Third Judicial District, which covers 11 counties in southeast Minnesota. The court sits at the Houston County Courthouse in Caledonia. Court Administrator Darlene Larson and her staff handle all family court filings and records requests. If you need to find a case, look up a hearing date, or get copies of documents, this is the office to contact.
The Third Judicial District Administrator is Shelley Ellefson. The district covers Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, Waseca, and Winona counties. All dissolution, custody, and support cases filed by Houston County residents are heard at the Caledonia courthouse. Parking is available in the lot on the north side of the building and along nearby streets.
| Court | Houston County District Court - Third Judicial District |
|---|---|
| Address |
Houston County Courthouse 306 S. Marshall Street Caledonia, MN 55921 |
| Phone | (507) 724-7002 |
| Fax | (507) 725-5550 |
| Court Administrator | Darlene Larson |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | mncourts.gov - Houston County |
How to Search Houston County Family Court Records
The fastest way to search Houston County family court records is through Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO). This is a free public system run by the Minnesota Judicial Branch. You can search by name, case number, or attorney name. The site shows party names, docket entries, and case status. Some family court records have limits on what shows up online due to privacy rules.
Visit publicaccess.courts.state.mn.us to start your search. You can also check the court's page at mncourts.gov for local contact info and court calendars. If you can't find what you need online, call the court at (507) 724-7002 or go to the courthouse in person during business hours.
To search records, it helps to have the full name of one or both parties, the year the case was filed, and the case number if you have it. Staff can look up cases and make copies. Bring photo ID when you visit in person.
The court also accepts written requests by mail. Include the case information you have, the type of document you need, your return address, and a check made out to District Court Administrator for any copy fees. Plain uncertified copies are free. Certified copies cost $14 per document.
Note: Family court records filed since July 1, 2005 are generally available through MCRO, though some documents may be restricted from public view due to confidentiality rules.
The Houston County District Court page on mncourts.gov lists hearing schedules, contact information, and links for case searches.
The court page covers case filing info, court calendars, and directions to the Caledonia courthouse.
Copy Fees and Costs
Minnesota sets copy fees for all district courts statewide. Plain uncertified copies are free. Certified copies cost $14 per document. Exemplified copies, which carry both the court administrator's and a judicial officer's signature, also cost $14. If you need both certifications, the fee is $28.
Payment can be made by check or money order payable to District Court Administrator, or by credit card with a convenience fee. Cash may be accepted in person, but call ahead to confirm. Mail payments must include your full return address and contact information so the court can reach you if needed.
If cost is a concern, you can apply for a fee waiver by filing an In Forma Pauperis petition. You need to show proof of low income. The judge reviews your request. Forms are available at mncourts.gov/GetForms.aspx.
Family Court Records in Houston County
The Houston County District Court handles a range of family law matters. Each case type creates its own set of records. These are kept at the courthouse and accessible through the court administration office or MCRO.
Dissolution of marriage cases are the most common. These records include the petition, any response filed by the other spouse, a parenting plan if children are involved, financial disclosures, and the final judgment and decree. The judgment and decree is the key document. It states what property each party gets, the custody arrangement, parenting time schedule, and any support amounts.
Under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 518, Minnesota uses an irretrievable breakdown standard for divorce. No one has to prove fault. The court divides marital property fairly under Minn. Stat. 518.17, which also guides custody decisions based on the best interests of the child. Child support is set using state guidelines found in Chapter 518A.
Other family court record types include paternity judgments, custody modification orders, child support enforcement actions, and orders for protection. Adoption records are sealed and not available to the public. Juvenile court records are also confidential in most cases.
Legal Help in Houston County
If you need help with a family court case in Houston County, several resources are available. Southeastern Minnesota Legal Services provides free or low-cost legal help to people who qualify based on income. They serve a wide area of southeast Minnesota including Houston County. Call or check their site through lawhelpmn.org to see if you qualify and what services they offer.
The Minnesota State Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service that can match you with a family law attorney. You can also use the court's self-help line at (651) 435-6535, available Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Staff can answer basic questions about court procedures and forms. All official court forms are free at mncourts.gov/GetForms.aspx.
The Third Judicial District covers courts in southeast Minnesota. If your case is in Houston County but you are not sure about a procedure, the district court website at mncourts.gov/find-courts/third-judicial-district has general guidance that applies to all counties in the district.
Note: The self-help line offers procedural guidance only and cannot give legal advice or tell you what to do in your specific case.
Cities in Houston County
Houston County includes several small communities in southeast Minnesota. All family court cases for residents of this county are filed at the Houston County District Court in Caledonia.
Communities in Houston County include Caledonia, Houston, La Crescent, Spring Grove, Rushford, and Hokah. None of these cities currently have individual city pages. All family court matters go through the Caledonia courthouse.
Nearby Counties
Houston County borders several other southeast Minnesota counties. If you are not sure which county handles your case, file in the county where you live. Each county has its own district court.