Leflore County Public Records /Leflore County Divorce Records

Leflore County Divorce Records

How To Find a Divorce Record In Leflore County in 2026

LefloreRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Leflore County, Mississippi. Members of the public may find case numbers, filing dates, party names, and final decree information through official court and state resources. Available record categories include divorce decrees, dissolution case files, court orders, property settlement agreements, and related family law documents. Access and completeness may vary depending on the age of the record and the nature of the case.

Divorce records in Leflore County may be searched through the Leflore County Circuit Clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and select online tools maintained by the Mississippi court system. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking these records.

Online Searches

1. Clerk of Court Case Search

The Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC) system and the Mississippi Judiciary's case search portal allow members of the public to search for circuit and chancery court case information by party name or case number. Basic case information is available at no charge, while copies of filed documents may require a fee.

2. State Court System Portal

The Mississippi Courts website provides a consolidated portal for searching court records across jurisdictions statewide. Users may search by county, case type, and party name to locate divorce proceedings filed in Leflore County Chancery Court, which holds jurisdiction over divorce matters in Mississippi.

3. State Vital Records

The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) Vital Records office does not maintain divorce records directly. However, a five-year search of county divorce indexes is available for the period January 1, 1926 through June 30, 1938, and January 1, 1942 through December 31, 1977. For records outside these periods, requests must be directed to the county chancery clerk.

In-Person Searches

Leflore County Chancery Clerk's Office

Members of the public may inspect divorce case files in person at the Leflore County Chancery Clerk's office. Staff can assist with locating case files, viewing documents, requesting certified copies, and using public access terminals.

Leflore County Chancery Clerk
306 W Market St
Greenwood, MS 38930
Phone: (662) 453-1041
Leflore County Official Website

Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding state and federal holidays.

By Mail

Written Request

Members of the public may submit written requests for divorce records by mail to the Leflore County Chancery Clerk. Requests should include:

Full names of both parties
Approximate date of divorce
Case number, if known
Requestor's full name and contact information
Purpose of the request, if required
Payment for applicable copy fees
A self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence

Processing time for mail requests is typically one to two weeks, depending on record volume and archival status.

Mail requests should be sent to:
Leflore County Chancery Clerk
306 W Market St
Greenwood, MS 38930

By Phone

The Chancery Clerk's office may be reached at (662) 453-1041. Staff can confirm whether a case exists, provide a case number, verify case status, and confirm the filing date. Detailed document contents, copies of filed documents, and confidential information cannot be provided by telephone.

Through Attorneys

An attorney licensed in Mississippi may access divorce case files on behalf of a client, request sealed documents through appropriate court motions, and obtain certified copies. Members of the public seeking legal representation may consult the Mississippi Bar's lawyer referral service for assistance in locating qualified family law counsel.

Information Needed for Search

Essential Information:

Full legal names of both spouses
Maiden names, if applicable
Approximate date of divorce
Case number, if known

Helpful Information:

Date and location of marriage
Previous addresses in Leflore County
Names of children, if applicable
Names of attorneys of record, if known

Search in Correct County

Under Mississippi law, divorce proceedings are filed in the chancery court of the county where either spouse resides at the time of filing. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple counties. A divorce may not be searched in the county where the marriage occurred unless one spouse also resided there at the time of filing.

Residency Requirement:

Pursuant to Mississippi Code § 93-5-5, at least one spouse must have been a resident of Mississippi for six months prior to filing for divorce. The action is filed in the chancery court of the county where the defendant resides, or where the parties last cohabited, or where the complainant resides if the defendant is a non-resident.

Time Considerations

Recent divorces may not appear in online systems immediately after the final hearing. Members of the public should allow several days to several weeks for processing before searching.
Older divorces may be archived in paper format and not yet digitized. Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time and a specific written request.

What If You Cannot Find a Record

Common reasons a divorce record may not appear in a search include:

The divorce was filed in a different county
Name variations between married and maiden names
Spelling differences in party names
The case is still pending and has not been finalized
The record is very old and stored in off-site archives
The case has been sealed by court order

If a record cannot be located, members of the public may contact the Chancery Clerk's office at (662) 453-1041, attempt alternate name spellings, search under both spouses' names, or check the MSDH divorce index records for applicable historical periods.

What Are Leflore County Divorce Records?

Leflore County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings filed in the Leflore County Chancery Court. These records constitute part of the permanent public court file and are maintained by the Leflore County Chancery Clerk as the primary custodian.

Types of Divorce Records:

Court case files in Leflore County divorce proceedings include the petition for dissolution of marriage, the respondent's answer or counterpetition, financial affidavits, parenting plans, marital settlement agreements, motions and court orders, hearing transcripts, and the final judgment of dissolution. The final decree is the official court order ending the marriage and serves as legal proof of divorce. Certified copies of the final decree are available from the Chancery Clerk's office.

Supporting documents within a divorce case file may include marriage certificates submitted as exhibits, financial disclosure documents, property inventories, parenting plan details, and any post-judgment modification orders.

Purpose of Divorce Records:

Divorce records serve numerous legal and personal purposes, including:

Establishing proof of marital status for remarriage
Documenting name changes
Supporting immigration proceedings
Facilitating Social Security benefit claims
Enabling property transfers and estate planning
Providing documentation for genealogical and family history research

Who Maintains Divorce Records:

The Leflore County Chancery Clerk is the primary custodian of all divorce case files and provides certified copies upon request. The Mississippi State Department of Health Vital Records office maintains a limited divorce index for certain historical periods but does not hold complete case files.

Legal Framework:

Divorce proceedings in Mississippi are governed by Mississippi Code § 93-5-1 et seq., which establishes the grounds for divorce, residency requirements, and procedural rules. Access to court records is governed by the Mississippi Public Records Act, Mississippi Code § 25-61-1 et seq., which establishes a presumption of public access to government records, including court filings.

Are Leflore County Divorce Records Public?

Divorce records filed in Leflore County Chancery Court are public court records subject to the Mississippi Public Records Act. 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 parties (petitioner and respondent)
Names of attorneys of record
Court hearing dates and times
Court orders and judgments
Final divorce decree
Property division orders
General case status and docket entries

What May Be Restricted:

Financial Information:

Social Security numbers are redacted from public filings
Bank account numbers are redacted
Detailed tax returns may be subject to limited access
Credit card and loan account numbers are redacted

Children's Information:

Addresses where minor children reside may be restricted
Schools children attend may be withheld
Medical and psychological evaluations of children may be sealed
Guardian ad litem reports are subject to restricted access
Child custody evaluations ordered by the court may be sealed

Sensitive Personal Information:

Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence may be sealed
Mental health and substance abuse records are restricted
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. Cases involving allegations of abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlement terms may be subject to sealing orders. Mediation communications are confidential under Mississippi law and are not part of the public record.

Who Can Access Records:

General public: May access most case information, view docket summaries, and obtain copies of public documents upon payment of applicable fees.
Parties to the case: Have full access to their own case file, including documents that may be restricted from general public view.
Attorneys: May access case files on behalf of clients and may petition the court for access to sealed documents upon a proper showing.
Researchers and media: May access public portions of case files; access to sealed records requires a court order.

Prohibited Uses:

Members of the public who obtain divorce records may not use them for stalking, harassment, identity theft, fraudulent purposes, or in violation of any protective order issued by the court.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Leflore County?

The Leflore County Chancery Clerk charges standard fees for copies and certified copies of divorce records. Current fees 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
Record search (when required)	Variable; contact clerk
Electronic copies (if available)	Contact clerk for current rate

Inspection of public records at the courthouse is available at no charge during regular business hours.
Certified copies of the final divorce decree require payment of the per-page copy fee plus a certification fee.
Accepted payment methods at the Leflore County Chancery Clerk's office include cash, money order, and checks made payable to the Leflore County Chancery Clerk. Members of the public submitting mail requests should include a money order or check.
Fee waivers are not routinely available for divorce record copies; members of the public with demonstrated indigency may inquire with the clerk's office regarding applicable provisions.
Fees are governed in part by Mississippi Code § 25-7-9, which establishes the schedule of fees for chancery clerks in Mississippi.
Basic case information, including case number, filing date, and party names, may be confirmed by telephone or viewed on public access terminals at no charge.

What's Included in Divorce Records in Leflore County

A complete divorce case file maintained by the Leflore County Chancery Clerk contains the following categories of documents:

Basic Case Information:

Case number, court name, and division
Names of petitioner and respondent
Judge assigned to the case
Attorneys of record
Filing date and fees paid
Case type designation

Initial Pleadings:

Petition for divorce, including marriage date and location, grounds for divorce, children's information, property claims, and relief requested
Respondent's answer or counterpetition
Financial affidavits from both parties detailing income, expenses, assets, and liabilities

Property-Related Documents:

Marital asset inventory covering real property, vehicles, bank and investment accounts, retirement accounts, business interests, and personal property
Debt inventory including mortgages, car loans, credit card debt, and other liabilities
Appraisals and expert valuations of real property, businesses, and personal property

Children-Related Documents (if applicable):

Parenting plan establishing legal and physical custody, timesharing schedule, holiday and vacation provisions, and decision-making responsibilities
Child support calculation worksheets, income information, and support orders
Custody evaluations and home studies, which may be sealed
Guardian ad litem reports, subject to restricted access

Support Documents:

Alimony or spousal support orders specifying type, amount, duration, and termination conditions
Income and standard-of-living analysis worksheets

Settlement Documents:

Marital settlement agreement resolving all issues including property division, debt allocation, spousal support, and child-related provisions
Mediation agreements, which are confidential and not part of the public record

Court Orders and Judgments:

Temporary orders for custody, support, and use of property
Final judgment of dissolution including findings of fact, conclusions of law, property division, support orders, custody and timesharing, name restoration, and the judge's signature and seal
Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for division of retirement accounts

Post-Judgment Documents (if applicable):

Petitions and orders for modification of custody or support
Contempt motions and enforcement actions
Income deduction orders and liens

What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:

Social Security and financial account numbers (redacted)
Children's residential addresses and school information
Domestic violence details (may be sealed by court order)
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 Leflore County?

Proof of divorce in Leflore County is obtained through a certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution issued by the Leflore County Chancery Clerk. A certified copy bears the clerk's official seal and signature and is accepted as legal proof of divorce for remarriage, name change, immigration, Social Security, and other official purposes.

Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy:

Gather the full names of both parties and the approximate date of divorce. The case number, if known, will expedite the search.
Contact the Leflore County Chancery Clerk's office at (662) 453-1041 to confirm the case number and current copy fees.
Submit a request in person at 306 W Market St, Greenwood, MS 38930, or by mail with payment enclosed.
Pay the applicable per-page copy fee and certification fee as established under Mississippi fee schedules.
Receive the certified copy in person or by mail, depending on the method of request.

For historical divorce index searches covering the periods January 1, 1926 through June 30, 1938, and January 1, 1942 through December 31, 1977, members of the public may contact the Mississippi State Department of Health Vital Records office. The MSDH does not issue certified copies of divorce decrees but can confirm whether a divorce was recorded in the county index during those periods.

Mississippi State Department of Health – Vital Records
571 Stadium Dr
Jackson, MS 39216
Phone: (601) 576-7960
Mississippi State Department of Health

Members of the public may also order vital records online or by phone through VitalChek, which provides convenient ordering and delivery for applicable vital records, though additional service fees apply.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Leflore County?

A divorce proceeding in Leflore County may be made confidential, in whole or in part, through a court order sealing the record. Under Mississippi court rules and applicable state law, the presumption favors public access to court records; however, a party may petition the chancery court to seal specific documents or the entire case file upon a demonstrated showing of good cause.

Circumstances under which a divorce record or portions thereof may be sealed or restricted include:

Cases involving allegations of domestic violence or sexual abuse, where disclosure could endanger a party or child
Records containing mental health evaluations, substance abuse treatment information, or medical records
Cases involving minor children where disclosure of identifying information could harm the child's welfare
High-profile cases where a court finds that privacy interests outweigh the public interest in access
Confidential settlement agreements incorporated by reference but not filed in full
Mediation communications, which are confidential by statute and are not part of the public court record

Financial account numbers, Social Security numbers, and children's personal identifying information are redacted from public filings as a matter of standard court practice, regardless of whether the case is sealed. Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the Leflore County Chancery Court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for access. The court applies a balancing test weighing the requestor's need against the privacy interests at stake.

How Long Does Leflore County Keep Divorce Records?

Leflore County Chancery Court divorce records are retained for extended periods consistent with Mississippi court record retention requirements. The following retention periods apply:

Final judgments and decrees: Retained permanently as part of the permanent court record. Final divorce decrees are never destroyed and remain accessible indefinitely.
Complete case files: Retained for a minimum period established by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History records retention schedules applicable to chancery court records. Active and recently closed case files are maintained at the courthouse.
Archived records: Older case files that have exceeded the active retention period may be transferred to off-site storage or microfilm. Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time.
Electronic records: Cases filed through the Mississippi Electronic Courts system are maintained in digital format and are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records.
Historical indexes: The Mississippi State Department of Health maintains divorce index records for the periods January 1, 1926 through June 30, 1938, and January 1, 1942 through December 31, 1977, as a separate historical resource.

Members of the public seeking records from specific historical periods should contact the Leflore County Chancery Clerk directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures for older or archived files.