Divorce records in DeSoto County, Mississippi, can be accessed through several channels. DeSotoCourt.us can help you find publicly available divorce record information. You can also request records directly from the Chancery Court that issued the decree, the DeSoto County Chancery Clerk's office, or the Mississippi State Department of Health's Vital Records office. The method you choose depends on whether you need a court file, a certified copy of the decree, or a divorce certificate.
DeSoto Divorce Records Search
In Mississippi, Chancery Court has jurisdiction over divorce cases. The DeSoto County Chancery Clerk maintains court records for all divorces filed in the county, including:
- Divorce decrees and judgments
- Settlement agreements and property division orders
- Custody and support orders
- Related motions and filings
As of October 2021, DeSoto County court records are also accessible through the Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC) system. Attorneys and individuals can register for MEC to search case records remotely. You can also visit the Chancery Clerk's office in person to request records.
It is worth noting that the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) Vital Records office does not maintain divorce records. However, MSDH does offer a five-year search of county divorce indexes covering January 1, 1926 through June 30, 1938, which may help with historical research.
DeSoto County Chancery Clerk
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in DeSoto
Mississippi law assigns divorce jurisdiction to Chancery Court. When a divorce is granted in DeSoto County, the decree is entered and filed with the Chancery Clerk's office. This is the primary custodian of the complete divorce case file.
Which office you contact depends on what you need:
- Full divorce case file (decree, settlement agreement, custody orders, motions) — Contact the DeSoto County Chancery Clerk.
- Online case search — Register through the Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC) system to search court records electronically.
- Historical divorce index search (1926–1938) — Contact the Mississippi State Department of Health Vital Records office.
DeSoto County Chancery Clerk — Court Records
Mississippi State Department of Health — Vital Records
The Chancery Clerk's office also provides online records for certain document types recorded in their office. For divorce court records specifically, the MEC system is the primary electronic access point.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in DeSoto
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| MEC online case search (registration required) | Varies by subscription | Immediate (online access) |
| In-person record search at Chancery Clerk | Contact clerk for current fee | Same day to several business days |
| Certified copy of divorce decree | Contact clerk for current fee | Several business days |
| MSDH five-year divorce index search (1926–1938) | Contact MSDH for current fee | Varies |