Ramsey County Family Court Records

Ramsey County family court records are kept at two locations in St. Paul: the main courthouse on West Kellogg Blvd and the Juvenile and Family Justice Center on West 7th Street. The court handles dissolution of marriage, custody, parenting time, child support, paternity, and protection orders. You can search cases online through MCRO or visit either location in person. Court Administrator Heather Kendall oversees records for the Second Judicial District, which covers Ramsey County alone.

Ramsey County District Court Locations

Ramsey County has two main court locations in St. Paul. The main courthouse at 15 West Kellogg Blvd handles general court operations. Family court matters, including dissolution, custody, child support, and parenting time, are handled at the Juvenile and Family Justice Center at 25 West 7th Street. This is a dedicated facility separate from the main courthouse, and it is where family court cases are filed and heard.

The Second Judicial District covers only Ramsey County. This makes it one of just two single-county judicial districts in Minnesota, along with Hennepin County. District Administrator Heather M. Kendall is located in Room 1700 of the Ramsey County Courthouse. All courthouse complexes in Ramsey County have weapons screening with metal detectors and bag inspection at entry. Plan extra time for security when visiting.

Note: There is no parking at the Juvenile and Family Justice Center. It is a downtown St. Paul location. Plan to use a nearby parking ramp or public transit when visiting the family court building.

Ramsey County Family Court Facilities

The Ramsey County District Court page on the Minnesota Judicial Branch website provides contact information, court calendars, and links to all court locations and departments in St. Paul.

The main courthouse at 15 West Kellogg Blvd houses general court operations, including the Court Administrator's office. The Ramsey Family Justice Center at 25 West 7th Street is the dedicated location for family court filings and hearings.

The MCRO case search portal lets you search Ramsey County family court cases by name or case number at no cost. No login is required for basic public searches.

MCRO covers Ramsey County District Court cases and shows docket entries, case status, party names, and hearing dates. Ramsey County is part of the Second Judicial District, one of only two single-county districts in Minnesota.

Search Ramsey County Family Court Records

Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) gives free access to Ramsey County family court cases. Search at publicaccess.courts.state.mn.us by name or case number. The system shows case status, docket entries, party names, and hearing dates. Uncertified copies can be downloaded at no cost. No account is needed for basic public searches.

Some family court records in Ramsey County are restricted from online access. These include financial source documents, certain records involving minor children, and sealed materials. To see restricted documents, visit the courthouse or the Family Justice Center in person. Bring a valid photo ID. Staff at the Family Court window can pull up files and help you request copies.

You can also make written copy requests by mail to Ramsey County Court Administrator, 15 West Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul, MN 55102. Include the case number or parties' names, document type, and whether you need certified or uncertified copies. Certified copies cost $14 per document. Make checks payable to District Court Administrator.

For questions about scheduling or a specific case, call Family Court at (651) 266-2842. If you are late for a hearing or missed one, call that number immediately. For protection order matters, call (651) 266-5130.

Ramsey County Family Court Services

Ramsey County has a dedicated Family Court Legal Clinic for self-represented litigants. Call (651) 266-5125 on Monday or Wednesday between noon and 2:00 PM to schedule an appointment. This service helps you understand your rights and next steps without needing a paid attorney. Walk-in hours for the Family Court Self-Help Center are available in Room 190 at the Justice Center. This center helps people fill out forms and understand court procedures.

The Protection and Restraining Order Office at 25 West 7th St, Suite B122 provides assistance for people seeking an Order for Protection (OFP), Harassment Restraining Order (HRO), or Extreme Risk Protection Order. Staff can help you fill out the forms and file the petition. Call (651) 266-5130. This service is available to both petitioners and respondents who need help understanding the process.

Family court handles dissolution of marriage under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 518. It also manages parenting time schedules, child custody disputes, child support establishment and modifications under Chapter 518A, and paternity cases. If you need to request a continuance, submit a written request to Family Court in Room 160.

Cases involving child protection follow Minnesota Statutes Chapter 260C. These matters are handled in the juvenile division at the Family Justice Center as well. All court forms for family matters are available free at mncourts.gov/GetForms.aspx.

Legal Help in Ramsey County

Several organizations provide free or low-cost legal help for family court matters in Ramsey County. The Volunteer Lawyers Network (VLN) offers free family law advice clinics. Call (612) 752-6677 for information on availability and scheduling. VLN regularly runs clinics at the Family Justice Center as well as at other St. Paul locations.

Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid handles family law cases in Ramsey County for income-qualifying clients. Reach them at (612) 334-5970 or online at lawhelpmn.org. The Ramsey County Law Library is located on the 18th floor of the main courthouse. Call (651) 266-8391 for hours and research assistance. The St. Paul Law Library provides research links and referrals at mn.gov/law-library.

The statewide Self-Help Center at (651) 435-6535 handles calls during business hours. The in-person Self-Help Center is in Room 190 at the Family Justice Center and assists with forms and court procedures. LawHelpMN at lawhelpmn.org has guides for every stage of a family court case, from filing to modifying orders.

Note: The Family Court Legal Clinic at (651) 266-5125 is available Monday and Wednesday from noon to 2:00 PM by appointment only. This clinic is specifically for self-represented parties in Ramsey County family court matters.

Cities in Ramsey County

Ramsey County is the most densely populated county in Minnesota. St. Paul is both the county seat and the largest city. All family court cases for every city and community in Ramsey County go through the District Court and Family Justice Center in St. Paul.

Other communities in Ramsey County include Maplewood, Roseville, Shoreview, Arden Hills, Little Canada, North St. Paul, and others. All family court cases from these communities are filed and heard in St. Paul at the Family Justice Center.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Ramsey County. Each has its own District Court. You must file in the county where you or your spouse lives.