Access Mower County Family Court Records

Mower County family court records are on file at the District Court in Austin. The court handles dissolution of marriage, child custody, parenting time, child support, and paternity cases for residents of the county. You can search case records online through Minnesota's free public access portal or go to the courthouse on Second Avenue NE. The Court Administration office processes all records requests. This page explains how to find Mower County family court filings and what options you have for getting copies.

Mower County District Court

The Mower County District Court is located at 201 Second Avenue NE, Suite 3 in Austin. The Court Administration office keeps all family court case files including dissolutions, custody orders, support judgments, and paternity case documents. Staff can search by name or case number and can prepare copies of documents from the file. The daily court calendar posts at 7:00 p.m. for the next day's proceedings.

Mower County is part of the Third Judicial District, which covers 11 counties in southeast Minnesota. The district is led by Chief Judge Christine A. Long and administered by Shelley Ellefson. All family law cases involving Mower County residents go through this court. You can also contact the Mower County Court Administration page directly at co.mower.mn.us/160/Court-Administration.

eCheck-in is available for criminal, juvenile delinquency, and CHIPS cases at Mower County. A surface lot is available near the courthouse for parking.

How to Find Mower County Family Court Records

Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) is the free public portal for searching Mower County family cases. Search by name or case number to find basic docket information, case status, and party names. Some family records have viewing limits online. Visit publicaccess.courts.state.mn.us to start.

The Mower County court page at the state courts site gives you access to the daily calendar and contact options.

The Mower County page at mncourts.gov has the court's contact details, hours, and calendar links for checking scheduled proceedings.

The county's own Court Administration page has direct links to court resources and services for Mower County residents.

The Mower County Court Administration page lets you find forms, local procedures, and contact details for the Austin courthouse.

For a direct contact option, the Mower County contact form at the state courts site gives you a way to reach the office without calling.

Use the Mower County contact page to send a message to court administration about your family court records request.

Copy Fees and Record Requests

Plain uncertified copies of court documents in Minnesota are free as of July 1, 2023. Certified copies of court records cost $14.00 per document. An exemplified copy, which includes signatures from both the court administrator and a judicial officer, also costs $14.00. Getting both certifications on the same document runs $28.00.

Make all payments out to "District Court Administrator." Accepted payment methods include checks, money orders, and credit cards. A convenience fee applies to credit card payments. For mail-in requests, include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a description of what you need. Call (507) 509-7013 to ask questions about what's in a file before you request copies.

Court forms are available for free at mncourts.gov/GetForms.aspx. LawHelpMN at lawhelpmn.org has guides on how to use the forms for different types of family law cases.

Family Law Cases at Mower County District Court

Mower County District Court handles all domestic relations matters under Minnesota law. Dissolution of marriage cases follow Chapter 518. Minnesota only recognizes no-fault divorce. The sole ground is irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. One spouse must have lived in Minnesota for 180 days before filing. You file in the county where you reside.

Custody and parenting time cases can come up in a dissolution or as a stand-alone action between unmarried parents. The court determines both legal and physical custody based on the best interests of the child under section 518.17. These standards look at each parent's relationship with the child, the child's home and school stability, and the willingness of each parent to support the other's relationship with the child. Parenting time schedules can be modified after entry of the original order if there's been a significant change in circumstances.

Child support is calculated using each parent's income and parenting time percentage under Chapter 518A. The court enters, modifies, and enforces support orders. Paternity cases establish the legal father when parents were not married and the father has not been legally recognized. After paternity is established, custody, parenting time, and child support can all be ordered.

Child protection and CHIPS cases fall under Chapter 260C. These cases are also heard at the Mower County District Court in Austin.

Legal Resources for Mower County Residents

Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services provides free legal help to low-income residents of southeast Minnesota including Mower County. Family law cases like dissolution, custody, and support are within their scope of work. You can also reach Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid at (612) 334-5970. LawHelpMN at lawhelpmn.org has self-help guides for common family court situations.

The Third Judicial District serves 11 counties in southeast Minnesota and has self-help resources available for people representing themselves. The Minnesota State Bar Association can connect you with a family law attorney through their referral service. Court staff at (507) 509-7013 can give you general process information but are not able to give legal advice on your case.

Note: The daily court calendar for Mower County posts at 7:00 p.m. for the next day. If you need to check whether a hearing is scheduled, you can look it up through the state court calendar system.

Cities in Mower County

Mower County includes Austin and several smaller communities. All family court cases for county residents are handled at the District Court in Austin.

Cities and communities in the county include Austin, Adams, Grand Meadow, Le Roy, Lyle, Brownsdale, and Rose Creek. None currently meet the 25,000 population threshold for a dedicated city page. All family law matters for Mower County residents are handled at the courthouse at 201 Second Avenue NE, Suite 3, Austin.

Nearby Counties

These counties are near Mower County in southeast Minnesota. Each has its own District Court. File where you live.