Simpson County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Simpson County in 2026
SimpsonRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Simpson County, Mississippi. Members of the public may find case filing dates, party names, final decrees, and related court documents through official channels. Record categories available through authorized sources include divorce decrees, dissolution petitions, settlement agreements, child custody orders, and property division judgments. Availability and completeness may vary depending on the age of the record and the filing court.
Records may be searched through the Simpson County Circuit Clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and select online tools maintained by the Mississippi court system.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC) system allows members of the public to search civil case records, including divorce filings, through the state's court portal. Basic case information is available at no charge; fees apply for document retrieval and certified copies.
2. State Court System Portal
The Mississippi judiciary's case search portal provides access to circuit and chancery court records statewide. Divorce proceedings in Mississippi are filed in Chancery Court, and the portal allows searches across jurisdictions using party names or case numbers.
3. State Vital Records
The Mississippi State Department of Health Vital Records office does not maintain divorce records directly; however, it does offer a five-year index search for divorces recorded between January 1, 1926, and June 30, 1984. Requests submitted to MSDH will indicate the county in which the divorce was filed, directing requestors to the appropriate Chancery Clerk.
In-Person Searches
Simpson County Chancery Clerk — Family Division
Simpson County Chancery Clerk's Office
109 W. Pine Ave., Suite 1
Mendenhall, MS 39114
Phone: (601) 847-2626
Simpson County Official Website
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Services available in person:
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View original documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees
- Staff assistance for locating archived records
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Simpson County Chancery Clerk, 109 W. Pine Ave., Suite 1, Mendenhall, MS 39114
- Include the following with each request:
- Full legal names of both parties
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence
- Processing time: Requests are processed within approximately one to two weeks, subject to volume and record availability.
By Phone
Limited Information Available by Phone:
- Chancery Clerk: (601) 847-2626
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the index
- Case number and filing date
- Current case status
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents
- Copies of filed documents
- Confidential or sealed information
Through Attorneys
Members of the public involved in complex matters, or those seeking access to sealed or restricted portions of a divorce file, may retain a licensed Mississippi attorney. Attorneys may access complete case files, file motions to unseal restricted records, and obtain certified copies on behalf of clients. The Mississippi Bar's lawyer referral service connects individuals with qualified family law practitioners.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Maiden names, where applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or filing year
- Case number, if previously obtained
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Prior addresses in Simpson County
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
- Names of minor children, if applicable
Search in Correct County
Under Mississippi Code § 93-5-11, divorce proceedings must be filed in the chancery court of the county where the defendant resides, or in the county where the parties last cohabited, or where the complainant resides if the defendant is a non-resident. Requestors who cannot locate a record in Simpson County should consider whether the filing may have occurred in an adjacent county.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Newly finalized decrees may require several business days to appear in the court index following the final hearing.
- Electronic filings are processed more rapidly than paper submissions.
Older Divorces:
- Records predating electronic filing may be stored in physical archives.
- Retrieval of archived paper files may require additional processing time.
- Records from before 1984 may be partially indexed through the MSDH vital records office.
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- The divorce was filed in a different Mississippi county.
- Name variations exist between maiden name, married name, and legal name at time of filing.
- Spelling discrepancies in the index.
- The case remains pending and has not been finalized.
- Very old records have not been digitized.
- The case has been sealed by court order.
Next Steps:
- Contact the Chancery Clerk at (601) 847-2626 to request a manual index search.
- Attempt alternate name spellings for both parties.
- Search under both the petitioner's and respondent's names.
- Submit a request to the MSDH divorce records index for pre-1984 records.
What Are Simpson County Divorce Records?
Simpson County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings filed in the Simpson County Chancery Court. These records constitute part of the permanent public court file and are maintained by the Simpson County Chancery Clerk as the primary custodian. Under Mississippi Code § 93-5-1, Mississippi recognizes both fault-based and no-fault grounds for divorce, and all proceedings are conducted through the chancery court system.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files:
- Petition for divorce or complaint for divorce
- Respondent's answer or counterclaim
- Financial affidavits and disclosure statements
- Parenting plans and custody agreements
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, responses, and court orders
- Hearing transcripts (where prepared)
- Final judgment of divorce
Final Decree: The final judgment of divorce is the official court order dissolving the marriage. It establishes the legal date of dissolution, division of marital property, any alimony or spousal support obligations, child custody and visitation arrangements, child support orders, and any court-ordered name restoration. Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Chancery Clerk's office.
Supporting Documents:
- Original marriage certificate (submitted as exhibit)
- Financial disclosure documents
- Property inventories and appraisals
- Parenting plan attachments
- Post-judgment modification orders
Purpose of Divorce Records:
Legal Purposes:
- Proof of marital status for remarriage
- Name change documentation
- Property transfer and title recording
- Estate planning and beneficiary designations
- Immigration proceedings
- Social Security benefit determinations
Personal Purposes:
- Genealogical and family history research
- Personal record verification
- Confirmation of divorce terms
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
The Simpson County Chancery Clerk serves as the primary custodian of all divorce case files and provides certified copies upon request. At the state level, the Mississippi State Department of Health Vital Records office maintains a historical index of divorces for the period January 1, 1926, through June 30, 1984, which identifies the county of filing but does not contain the full case file.
Are Simpson County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Simpson County Chancery Court are public court records subject to the Mississippi Public Records Act, Mississippi Code § 25-61-1 et seq. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need or interest.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of both parties
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and outcomes
- Final divorce decree and judgment
- Property division orders
- General case status and docket entries
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers are redacted from all public-facing documents pursuant to court rules.
- Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted.
- Detailed tax returns may be filed under seal or with restricted access.
Children's Information:
- Names and addresses of minor children may be partially redacted.
- School enrollment information is not disclosed.
- Psychological evaluations and custody evaluations may be sealed by court order.
- Guardian ad litem reports are subject to restricted access.
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence may be sealed to protect victim safety.
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records are restricted under applicable state and federal law.
- Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders may be withheld.
Sealed Records:
A court may seal all or part of a divorce case file upon a showing of good cause. Sealed records are not accessible to the general public. Parties to the case and their attorneys retain access to sealed materials. Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis.
Who Can Access Records:
| Requestor | Access Level |
|---|---|
| General public | Public documents and docket entries |
| Parties to the case | Full access to own case file |
| Licensed attorneys | Case files; sealed records by motion |
| Law enforcement | Statutory access as authorized |
| Researchers and media | Public portions; sealed records by court order |
Prohibited Uses:
- Stalking, harassment, or intimidation of any party
- Identity theft or fraudulent purposes
- Violation of existing protective orders
- Any use prohibited by Mississippi law
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Simpson County?
The Simpson County Chancery Clerk charges standard fees for copies and certified documents in accordance with Mississippi law. Current fees applicable to divorce record requests are as follows:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard copy (per page) | $1.00 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree | $1.00 per page + $1.00 certification fee |
| Exemplified/authenticated copy | Additional fee per court schedule |
| Search fee (manual index search) | Fee may apply for extended searches |
- Accepted payment methods at the Chancery Clerk's office include cash, money order, and personal check made payable to the Simpson County Chancery Clerk. Requestors submitting mail requests should include a money order or check.
- Electronic access through the Mississippi court portal may involve separate transaction fees for document downloads.
- Inspection of public records at the courthouse is available at no charge; fees apply only when copies are requested.
- Fee waivers are not broadly available for divorce record requests; individuals with demonstrated indigency may inquire with the clerk's office regarding applicable provisions.
- The Mississippi Public Records Act governs the fee structure applicable to public record copy requests statewide.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Simpson County
A complete Simpson County divorce case file contains all documents filed with the Chancery Court from the initial petition through final judgment and any post-judgment proceedings. The following summarizes the principal categories of documents found in a typical divorce case file.
Basic Case Information:
- Case caption including case number, court name, and division
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Judge assigned to the matter
- Attorneys of record for each party
- Filing date and case type designation
Initial Pleadings:
- Petition for divorce stating grounds, marriage date and location, identification of minor children, property claims, and relief requested
- Respondent's answer, admissions or denials, and any counterclaim
- Summons and proof of service
Financial Affidavits: Both parties are required to submit financial affidavits disclosing income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets (real property, vehicles, bank accounts, retirement accounts, investments, and personal property), and liabilities including mortgages, loans, and credit obligations.
Discovery Documents:
- Interrogatories and sworn answers
- Requests for production of documents
- Depositions (transcripts, if filed)
- Tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements submitted as exhibits
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory with valuations
- Debt inventory
- Real property appraisals
- Business valuations, if applicable
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for division of retirement accounts
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting plan specifying legal and physical custody, timesharing schedule, holiday provisions, and decision-making authority
- Child support calculation worksheet
- Income information for both parties
- Health insurance and childcare cost documentation
- Child support order specifying amount, payment schedule, and modification provisions
- Custody evaluations (may be sealed)
- Guardian ad litem reports (restricted access)
Settlement Documents:
- Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) resolving all contested issues, including property division, debt allocation, spousal support, and child-related provisions
- Mediation agreement, if the matter was mediated
Court Orders and Judgments:
- Temporary orders for custody, support, and use of property during the pendency of the case
- Final Judgment of Divorce incorporating findings of fact, conclusions of law, property division, support orders, custody and timesharing, and any name restoration
- Judge's signature and court seal
Post-Judgment Documents (if applicable):
- Petitions to modify custody or support
- Court orders on modification requests
- Contempt motions and enforcement orders
- Income deduction orders
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:
- Social Security numbers (redacted from all public documents)
- Bank account and financial account numbers (redacted)
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence evidence (may be sealed)
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluations
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
- Settlement negotiations not incorporated into filed documents
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Simpson County
Proof of divorce in Simpson County is obtained through a certified copy of the Final Judgment of Divorce issued by the Simpson County Chancery Clerk. A certified copy bears the clerk's official seal and signature and is accepted as legal proof of dissolution of marriage for remarriage, name change, immigration, and other official purposes.
Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy:
- Identify the case number and approximate filing date, if known.
- Contact or visit the Simpson County Chancery Clerk's office:
Simpson County Chancery Clerk's Office
109 W. Pine Ave., Suite 1
Mendenhall, MS 39114
Phone: (601) 847-2626
Simpson County Official Website
- Submit a written request identifying both parties by full legal name, the approximate date of divorce, and the case number if available.
- Pay the applicable certification fee (currently $1.00 per page plus $1.00 for the certification).
- For mail requests, include a money order or check, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and all identifying information.
- For pre-1984 divorces, submit a request to the MSDH divorce records index to identify the county of filing before contacting the Chancery Clerk.
Members of the public who require proof of divorce for immigration purposes should confirm with the relevant federal agency whether an exemplified (triple-certified) copy is required, as standard certified copies and exemplified copies carry different levels of authentication.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Simpson County?
Divorce proceedings in Simpson County are presumptively public; however, Mississippi law and court rules permit certain records or portions of records to be sealed or restricted under defined circumstances.
- Court-ordered sealing: A party may file a motion requesting that the court seal all or part of the case file. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties and any minor children.
- Domestic violence cases: Where a party has obtained a protective order or where domestic violence allegations are substantiated, the court may restrict access to addresses, contact information, and related evidence to protect victim safety.
- Children's information: Pursuant to Mississippi court rules, identifying information about minor children, including residential addresses, school enrollment, and psychological evaluations, may be withheld from public access.
- Financial account numbers and Social Security numbers are redacted from all publicly accessible documents as a matter of standard court practice.
- Mediation communications are confidential under Mississippi law and are not part of the public court record.
- Mental health and substance abuse records incorporated into a divorce file are subject to state and federal privacy protections, including HIPAA, and may be filed under seal.
- Cases involving confidential settlements or trade secrets related to business valuations may be partially sealed upon motion.
Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the Simpson County Chancery Court demonstrating a legitimate legal basis for disclosure.
How Long Does Simpson County Keep Divorce Records?
Simpson County Chancery Court divorce records are maintained as permanent court records under Mississippi law and applicable records retention schedules established by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History.
- Final judgments and decrees are retained permanently and do not expire or become unavailable over time.
- Complete case files, including all pleadings, financial affidavits, and orders, are retained for a minimum period established by the Mississippi court records retention schedule; final judgments are preserved indefinitely.
- Pre-1984 records may exist in paper or microfilm format and are subject to the same permanent retention requirement, though retrieval may require additional processing time.
- Electronic records filed through the Mississippi Electronic Courts system are maintained in the state's digital repository and are accessible through the court portal.
- Post-judgment modification records are filed as part of the original case and are retained on the same schedule as the underlying divorce file.
- Requestors seeking records from closed or archived cases should contact the Simpson County Chancery Clerk directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures.
- The Mississippi Public Records Act establishes the framework governing public access to retained court records throughout the state.