Rice County Family Court Records

Rice County family court records are kept by the District Court in Faribault. The court handles dissolution of marriage, child custody, child support, paternity, and domestic relations cases filed by county residents. You can search records online through the Minnesota Court Records Online system or visit the courthouse in person. Court Administration staff can help you find case files, get copies of orders, and point you to the right forms for your situation.

Rice County District Court

The Rice County District Court is the court of record for all family law matters in the county. Court Administrator Lisa Kuhlman and her staff maintain custody filings, dissolution case files, paternity orders, child support records, and protection order documents. The court sits in the Rice County Courthouse on Third Street in Faribault.

Rice County is part of the Third Judicial District, which covers a large stretch of southeastern Minnesota. Family court cases in Rice County go through this court regardless of whether you live in Faribault, Northfield, or one of the smaller towns in the county. You file based on where you or the other party lives at the time of filing. Staff can answer basic questions about procedures and forms, though they cannot give legal advice.

The courthouse has public terminals where you can look up case records without going online. Court calendars are posted at 7:00 p.m. each evening for the next day's hearings, and monitors throughout the building display the schedule. Remote hearings are available via Zoom, and the courthouse even has Zoom rooms set up so people without their own equipment can still participate.

The Rice County District Court page on the Minnesota Courts website lists contact details, court hours, and information about services available at the courthouse.

The court page also covers remote hearing options, public terminal access, and how to get in touch with Court Administration for records requests.

Search Rice County Family Court Records

Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) is the main way to search family court records in Rice County from home. The system is free to use and covers the Rice County District Court. You can search by the name of either party or by case number. MCRO shows party names, case type, filing date, and docket entries. Go to publicaccess.courts.state.mn.us to start a search.

Some records are restricted. Adoption files are sealed. Certain records involving minors have limited access. Financial affidavits and exhibits attached to dissolution cases may not show up in the online system. For those documents, you need to visit the courthouse or send a written request to Court Administration.

In-person searches are available at the Court Administration office on the first floor of the courthouse. Staff can look up cases and make copies. Public computer terminals in the courthouse also give you access to the MCRO system at no charge. Call (507) 497-7134 or email ricecourts@courts.state.mn.us before your visit if you have questions about what to bring.

Note: For traffic fine information in Rice County, call (800) 657-3611 rather than the court administration number.

The Rice County Court Administration page on the county website has details about services, hours, and how to contact the office directly.

The county site includes information about civil wedding ceremonies available through Court Administration and contact details for various court divisions.

Family Court Cases in Rice County

Dissolution of marriage cases in Rice County follow Minnesota Statutes Chapter 518. At least one spouse must have lived in Minnesota for 180 days before filing. You file in the county where you or your spouse resides. The petition for dissolution, a summons, and any supporting documents go to the Court Administration office along with the filing fee.

Child custody and parenting time matters fall under Minn. Stat. Section 518.17. The court looks at the best interests of the child when deciding custody arrangements. Factors include each parent's involvement in the child's life, the child's relationship with siblings, and whether either parent has a history of domestic abuse. Cases involving children often require a parenting education class, and the court keeps a list of approved providers.

Child support cases are governed by Minnesota Statutes Chapter 518A. The court uses the state's income shares model to calculate support. Both parents' incomes go into the formula along with the number of children and custody arrangement. The child support order becomes part of the case file and can be modified if circumstances change significantly.

Paternity cases can be filed here as well. Once paternity is established, the court can enter orders for custody, parenting time, and support. Protection orders are also handled through the District Court. If you need to file for an order for protection, staff at the courthouse can point you to the right forms.

Getting Copies of Family Court Records

Certified copies of family court records in Rice County cost $14 per document. That is the standard rate set by the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Plain (uncertified) copies cost less. Most people who need copies for official use, like updating a name with an agency or showing proof of custody, need certified copies.

You can request copies in person at the first-floor Court Administration office, by phone at (507) 497-7134, or by email at ricecourts@courts.state.mn.us. Written requests by mail are also accepted. If you mail a request, include the case number or the names of both parties, the type of document you need, and a check or money order made out to Rice County Court Administration.

Court forms are available at no cost through the Minnesota Courts website at mncourts.gov/GetForms.aspx. You can print forms at home or pick them up at the courthouse. Forms cover dissolution, custody modifications, child support changes, protection orders, and more.

Legal Help for Rice County Residents

Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services serves Rice County residents who need help with family law matters and cannot afford an attorney. They handle cases involving custody, divorce, domestic violence, and child support. Check eligibility and contact information at lawhelpmn.org.

The Minnesota Courts Self-Service Center offers guides and instructions for people handling their own cases. You can find self-help resources at mncourts.gov. Topics include how to file for divorce, how to modify a custody order, and how to respond to a family court petition. The guides walk you through each step without requiring a lawyer.

If you need to find a private attorney in Rice County, the Minnesota State Bar Association has a referral service. You can also reach out to local bar associations for a list of family law attorneys in the Faribault area. Many offer free or low-cost initial consultations.

Note: Remote hearings via Zoom are available for Rice County family cases. The courthouse has Zoom rooms set up for those who do not have their own devices. Call Court Administration to ask about scheduling a remote appearance.

Cities in Rice County

All family court cases filed by Rice County residents go through the District Court in Faribault, regardless of which city or township the parties live in. Faribault is the county seat and largest city. Northfield is the second-largest community in the county. Neither city meets the population threshold for its own page on this site, but residents of both file at the Rice County courthouse.

Nearby Counties

These counties are near Rice County. If you are not sure where to file, check where you and the other party live. You file in the county where either party resides.