Washington County Family Court Records

Washington County family court records are kept at the District Court in Stillwater. The court serves one of the fastest-growing counties in Minnesota, handling dissolution of marriage, child custody, parenting time, child support, paternity, and domestic relations matters for residents across the county. Court Administrator Deb Lepper oversees operations for the Tenth Judicial District. You can search case records online through Minnesota Court Records Online or contact the court directly for certified copies and in-person access.

Washington County District Court

The Washington County District Court sits at 14949 62nd Street North in Stillwater. It is part of the Tenth Judicial District, which covers the eastern Twin Cities metro and surrounding counties. Court Administrator Deb Lepper manages court records and administration. The court handles a high volume of family law cases given Washington County's large and growing population.

Washington County has dedicated phone lines for different divisions. The general court number is (651) 413-8030. For family and juvenile matters specifically, call (651) 413-8132. Civil cases use (651) 413-8131. Probate goes through (651) 413-8131 as well. The Guardian Ad Litem office is at (651) 413-8130. Having the right number saves time when you need a quick answer about a pending matter.

The county also has a 10th District Self-Help Center on the first floor of the courthouse. It is open on Fridays from 8:30 to 11:30 AM and from 1:30 to 3:00 PM on a first-come, first-served basis. You can call (763) 760-6699 or email 10CourtHelp@courts.state.mn.us to get more information about the self-help services before you visit.

The screenshot below shows the Washington County District Court page on the Minnesota Courts website, with contact details, court calendars, and resources for the Tenth Judicial District.

The court page at mncourts.gov has current contact information and links to court calendars for Washington County. Check it before your visit to confirm hours and any closures.

The Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) portal is the free statewide search tool for looking up Washington County family court case records by name or case number.

MCRO shows docket entries, case status, and party names. Start here before calling the courthouse. Washington County also has a law library at washcolib.org that provides legal research support for self-represented litigants.

Searching Washington County Family Court Records

Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) is the free public system for searching Washington County family court records. Visit publicaccess.courts.state.mn.us and search by name or case number. Most family court cases appear in MCRO, including dissolution, custody, and support matters. The system shows docket entries, case status, and party names. Restricted and sealed records are not accessible through the public portal.

For certified copies or in-person file review, go to the courthouse at 14949 62nd Street North in Stillwater. Call (651) 413-8030 before visiting. For records questions specifically, use option 6. Certified copies cost $14 each. You can also pay fines and some fees by phone at (651) 281-3219 or 1-800-657-3611 (Visa/MasterCard). American Express and Discover payments go through (651) 413-8133.

For Woodbury residents: Washington County handles all family court filings for the Woodbury area. The courthouse is in Stillwater, about 15 miles from most of Woodbury. There's no separate court office in Woodbury for family law matters. Woodbury also has a qualifying city page at Woodbury for additional local information.

Mail requests go to P.O. Box 3802, Stillwater, MN 55082. Include the party names, case number if known, filing year, document type needed, payment, and a self-addressed stamped envelope for return mailing.

Family Law in Washington County

Washington County family court cases follow Minnesota state law. Dissolution of marriage is governed by Minnesota Statutes Chapter 518. To file in Washington County, at least one spouse must have lived in Minnesota for 180 days. You file in the county where either party lives. Minnesota does not require proof of fault. The sole ground for dissolution is that the marriage has irretrievably broken down.

Child custody decisions in Washington County follow the best interests of the child standard under Minn. Stat. sec. 518.17. The court looks at both parents' relationships with the child, the stability and consistency each can offer, the child's adjustment to school and community, mental and physical health of all parties, and the willingness of each parent to support the child's bond with the other. Legal custody determines who makes major decisions for the child. Physical custody determines where the child lives primarily.

Child support follows the income shares model in Minnesota Statutes Chapter 518A. Both parents' gross incomes go into the formula, along with the number of overnights each parent has per year. Medical support and childcare costs can also be allocated by the court. Support orders stay in effect until modified or until the child reaches the age of majority or completes secondary education, whichever is later.

Washington County is part of a busy metro-area court. Contested custody cases can involve custody evaluations, guardians ad litem for the children, and sometimes mediation. The county has resources to support these processes, including the Guardian Ad Litem office at (651) 413-8130.

Legal Help in Washington County

Washington County has a stronger support network for family court litigants than many rural counties. The 10th District Self-Help Center on the first floor of the courthouse is open Fridays from 8:30 to 11:30 AM and 1:30 to 3:00 PM. Staff can help you understand forms and procedures. Call (763) 760-6699 or email 10CourtHelp@courts.state.mn.us ahead of your visit.

The Washington County website has information on county services, including family services and social programs. The LawHelpMN website has self-help guides and connects users to legal aid providers in the metro area. Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid and other area organizations serve Washington County residents who qualify by income.

All official court forms are free at mncourts.gov/GetForms.aspx. For complex contested cases involving significant property, business interests, or disputed custody, consulting a licensed family law attorney is strongly recommended. The Washington County Law Library at (651) 430-6330 can assist with legal research if you're representing yourself.

Cities in Washington County

Washington County includes several communities. All family court cases filed by county residents go through the Washington County District Court in Stillwater.

Other communities in Washington County include Stillwater, Oakdale, Lake Elmo, Cottage Grove, and others. All file family court cases through the Washington County District Court.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Washington County. Each handles family court cases through its own District Court office.

Note: Woodbury residents file family court cases at the Washington County District Court in Stillwater, about 15 miles away.