Hancock County Public Records /Hancock County Divorce Records

Hancock County Divorce Records

How To Find a Divorce Record In Hancock County in 2026

HancockCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Hancock County, Mississippi. Members of the public may find case filing dates, party names, final decrees, court orders, and related case documents through official county and state resources. Record categories available through official channels include divorce decrees, dissolution judgments, property settlement agreements, child custody orders, and post-judgment modification records.

Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The primary custodian of divorce records in Hancock County is the Circuit Clerk, which maintains all family law case files filed in the Chancery Court of Hancock County. Under Mississippi law, divorce proceedings are filed in chancery court pursuant to § 93-5-1 of the Mississippi Code, which governs the grounds and procedures for dissolution of marriage in the state.

Online Searches

1. Clerk of Court Case Search

The Hancock County Circuit Clerk's office maintains case records accessible to the public. Members of the public may contact the Circuit Clerk directly to inquire about available online search tools. Basic case information is available at no charge; fees apply for certified copies or printed documents.

2. State Vital Records

The Mississippi State Department of Health Vital Records office does not maintain divorce records. However, a five-year search of county divorce indexes is available for the period January 1, 1926 through June 30, 1938. For divorces finalized after that period, requests must be directed to the chancery clerk of the county where the divorce was granted.

In-Person Searches

Hancock County Circuit Clerk — Chancery Division

Members of the public may appear in person to search divorce case files, view documents, request certified copies, and use public access terminals with staff assistance.

Hancock County Circuit Clerk
152 Main Street, Suite B
Bay Saint Louis, MS 39520
Phone: (228) 467-5265
Fax: (228) 467-2779
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Circuit Clerk | Hancock County, MS

By Mail

Members of the public may submit a written request for divorce records by mail. The Hancock County Public Records Request Form is available for download and must be completed and submitted to the Circuit Clerk's office. Requests submitted by mail should include:

Full names of both parties (including maiden names where applicable)
Approximate date of divorce or date range
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 varies; requestors should allow one to two weeks for standard requests and additional time for archived or older records.

By Phone

The Circuit Clerk's office may be reached at (228) 467-5265 during regular business hours. Staff may confirm whether a case exists, provide a case number, confirm case status, and provide the filing date. Staff are not able to provide detailed document contents, copies of filed documents, or confidential case information by telephone.

Through Attorneys

An attorney licensed in Mississippi may access divorce case files on behalf of a client, request sealed documents upon a proper showing of cause, and obtain certified copies through professional channels. Members of the public seeking legal representation may consult the Mississippi Bar Lawyer Referral Service for assistance locating qualified family law counsel.

Information Needed for Search

To conduct an effective search, the following information is considered essential:

Full legal names of both spouses at the time of the divorce
Maiden names, if applicable
Approximate date of divorce or year of filing
Case number, if previously obtained

The following information is helpful but not required:

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

Search in Correct County

Under Mississippi law, a divorce action is 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. The county where the marriage ceremony occurred is not necessarily the county where the divorce was filed.

Residency Requirement

Pursuant to § 93-5-5 of the Mississippi Code, at least one spouse must have been a resident of Mississippi for six months immediately preceding the filing of the divorce complaint. The action is filed in the chancery court of the county where that spouse resides.

Time Considerations

Recent divorce decrees may not appear in the clerk's index immediately following the final hearing. Members of the public should allow several business days to several weeks for newly finalized cases to be processed and indexed. Older records, particularly those predating electronic filing systems, may be archived in paper format and require additional retrieval time. Records that have not been digitized may require an in-person visit or a written request.

What If You Cannot Find a Record

Common reasons a divorce record may not be located include:

The divorce was filed in a different county
Name variations between maiden name and married name
Spelling differences in party names
The case has not yet been finalized
Very old records stored in off-site archives
The case has been sealed by court order

If a record cannot be located, requestors may contact the Circuit Clerk's office at (228) 467-5265, attempt alternate name spellings, search under both spouses' names, check the Mississippi State Department of Health divorce index for records within the applicable date range, or retain a licensed attorney to conduct a professional records search.

What Are Hancock County Divorce Records?

Divorce records in Hancock County are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings filed in the Hancock County Chancery Court. These records constitute part of the permanent court file maintained by the Circuit Clerk and are classified as public records subject to the Mississippi Public Records Act, § 25-61-1 et seq. of the Mississippi Code.

Types of Divorce Records

Court case files in a Hancock County divorce proceeding include the following categories of documents:

Petition for divorce (complaint for divorce), setting forth the grounds and relief requested
Response or answer filed by the respondent spouse
Financial affidavits disclosing income, expenses, assets, and liabilities
Marital settlement agreements or property division orders
Parenting plans and child custody orders, where minor children are involved
Child support calculation worksheets and support orders
Motions, responses, and interlocutory orders entered during the proceeding
Transcripts of court hearings, where prepared
Final judgment of divorce (final decree), which is the official court order dissolving the marriage

Final Decree

The final decree of divorce is the most frequently requested document from a Hancock County divorce file. It constitutes legal proof that the marriage has been dissolved and establishes the date of dissolution, the division of marital property, any spousal support obligations, child custody and visitation arrangements, child support obligations, and any court-ordered name restoration. Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Circuit Clerk's office upon payment of the applicable fee.

Supporting Documents

Supporting documents filed in a divorce case may include marriage certificates submitted as exhibits, financial disclosure documents, property appraisals and valuations, business valuation reports, and post-judgment modification orders entered after the original decree.

Who Maintains Divorce Records

The Hancock County Circuit Clerk is the primary custodian of all divorce case files originating in Hancock County Chancery Court. The Mississippi State Department of Health Vital Records office maintains a limited divorce index for the period January 1, 1926 through June 30, 1938, but does not maintain divorce certificates for cases outside that period.

Are Hancock County Divorce Records Public?

Divorce records filed in Hancock County Chancery Court are public court records under 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 purpose. The presumption under Mississippi law favors public access to court records, subject to specific statutory and court-ordered exceptions.

What Is Public

The following categories of information are available to any member of the public:

Case number and filing date
Names of the parties (petitioner and respondent)
Names of attorneys of record
Court hearing dates and scheduled proceedings
Docket entries reflecting the chronological history of the case
Court orders and judgments, including the final decree
Property division orders
General case status

What May Be Restricted

Certain categories of information within a divorce file are subject to restriction, redaction, or sealing under Mississippi court rules and applicable statutes:

Social Security numbers, which are redacted from publicly accessible documents
Bank account numbers and financial account identifiers
Names and addresses of minor children in cases involving domestic violence or protective orders
Schools attended by minor children
Medical and mental health records submitted as exhibits
Substance abuse treatment records
Domestic violence allegations and related evidence, which may be sealed upon motion
Guardian ad litem reports and child custody evaluation reports, which are subject to restricted access
Mediation communications, which are confidential under Mississippi law

Sealed Records

A court may seal all or part of a divorce file upon a showing of good cause. Sealed records are not accessible to the general public. Parties to the case and their attorneys of record 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 for access.

Who Can Access Records

Members of the general public may access all non-restricted, non-sealed portions of a divorce file and obtain copies upon payment of applicable fees.
Parties to the case have full access to their own case file, including documents subject to restricted public access.
Licensed attorneys may access case files on behalf of clients and may petition the court for access to sealed materials upon a proper showing.
Researchers and members of the media may access the public portions of divorce files; access to sealed records requires a court order.

Prohibited Uses

Access to divorce records may not be used for stalking, harassment, identity theft, fraudulent purposes, or any use that violates an existing protective order. Permitted uses include legal proceedings, background verification, genealogical research, news reporting, and academic research.

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

The Hancock County Circuit Clerk charges standard fees for copies and certified copies of divorce records. 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 + certification fee
Certification fee	$1.00 per document
Search fee (if applicable)	Varies by request

Members of the public requesting records in person may pay by cash, check, or money order made payable to the Hancock County Circuit Clerk. Mail requests should include a check or money order; the office does not accept cash by mail. The Circuit Clerk's office can confirm current fees at (228) 467-5265 prior to submitting a request.

Inspection of public records at the clerk's office is available at no charge during regular business hours. Fees apply only when copies or certified copies are requested. Fee waiver provisions may apply in limited circumstances; requestors should inquire directly with the clerk's office regarding eligibility.

The Hancock County Public Records Request Form includes instructions for submitting payment with a written records request.

What's Included in Divorce Records in Hancock County

A complete divorce case file maintained by the Hancock County Circuit Clerk contains documents generated at every stage of the proceeding. The scope of documents in any individual file depends on whether the case was contested or uncontested, whether minor children were involved, and whether post-judgment proceedings were initiated.

Basic Case Information

Every divorce file includes a case caption identifying the case number, the name of the court, the names of the petitioner and respondent, the judge assigned to the case, and the attorneys of record. Filing information reflects the date the petition was filed, the filing fees paid, and the jurisdictional basis for the action.

Initial Pleadings

The petition for divorce sets forth the petitioner's identifying information, the respondent's identifying information, the date and location of the marriage, the date of separation if applicable, the statutory grounds for divorce, information regarding minor children, claims regarding marital property, and the relief requested. The respondent's answer or response sets forth the respondent's position, admissions or denials of the petition's allegations, and any counterclaim for divorce.

Financial affidavits filed by both parties disclose all sources of income, monthly living expenses, marital and separate assets, and outstanding liabilities. These documents form the evidentiary basis for property division and support determinations.

Property-Related Documents

Property-related documents in a divorce file include a marital asset inventory identifying real property, vehicles, bank and investment accounts, retirement accounts, business interests, and personal property. A corresponding debt inventory identifies mortgages, vehicle loans, credit card obligations, and other liabilities. Appraisals, business valuations, and expert reports on asset values may also be included where the parties disputed the value of marital property.

Children-Related Documents

Where minor children are involved, the case file includes a parenting plan establishing legal and physical custody, a timesharing schedule covering regular, holiday, and vacation periods, and a child support calculation worksheet. Child support orders reflect the amount ordered, the payment schedule, and any provisions for health insurance and childcare costs. Custody evaluations and guardian ad litem reports, where ordered by the court, are part of the file but may be subject to restricted access.

Settlement Documents

A marital settlement agreement, where the parties resolved their disputes by agreement, is incorporated into the final decree and constitutes a binding contract between the parties. Mediation agreements, where mediation was conducted, may also be part of the file, though the communications occurring during mediation are confidential.

Court Orders and Final Judgment

The final judgment of divorce is the court's definitive order dissolving the marriage. It contains the court's findings of fact, conclusions of law, property division determinations, spousal support orders if any, child custody and timesharing provisions, child support orders, and any court-ordered name restoration. Where retirement accounts were divided, a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) may be filed as a separate order directing the plan administrator to divide the benefit.

Post-Judgment Documents

Post-judgment documents include petitions to modify custody or support, court orders on modification requests, contempt motions alleging non-compliance with the decree, income deduction orders for support enforcement, and any other enforcement actions initiated after the original decree was entered.

Confidential or Redacted Information

The following categories of information are redacted from publicly accessible documents or maintained under seal:

Social Security numbers
Financial account numbers
Children's residential addresses and school information
Domestic violence details where a protective order is in effect
Mental health and substance abuse evaluation records
Trade secrets contained in business valuation materials
Settlement negotiation communications
Mediation communications

How to Get Proof of Divorce in Hancock County

Proof of divorce in Hancock County is obtained through a certified copy of the final decree of divorce issued by the Hancock County Circuit Clerk. A certified copy bears the clerk's official seal and signature and is accepted by government agencies, financial institutions, and courts as legal proof that the marriage was dissolved.

Members of the public may obtain a certified copy of a divorce decree through the following methods:

In Person: Appear at the Circuit Clerk's office at 152 Main Street, Suite B, Bay Saint Louis, MS 39520, during regular business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). Provide the names of both parties and the approximate year of the divorce. Pay the applicable copy and certification fees at the time of the request.

By Mail: Complete and submit the Hancock County Public Records Request Form with the required identifying information, a check or money order for the applicable fees, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail to the Hancock County Circuit Clerk, 152 Main Street, Suite B, Bay Saint Louis, MS 39520.

By Phone: Call (228) 467-5265 to confirm the case number and inquire about the process for obtaining a certified copy before submitting a written request.

Members of the public who are parties to the divorce proceeding may also obtain a certified copy through the Courts page of the Hancock County website, which provides information on court services and fines. For divorces occurring between January 1, 1926 and June 30, 1938, a search of the county divorce index is available through the Mississippi State Department of Health Vital Records office.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Hancock County?

Divorce proceedings in Hancock County are presumptively public, but certain records or portions of records may be made confidential by court order or by operation of law. The following circumstances may result in confidential treatment of divorce records:

Sealed case files: 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 access against the privacy interests of the parties or their children.
Domestic violence cases: Where a protective order is in effect or domestic violence allegations are substantiated, the court may seal the victim's address, contact information, and related evidence to protect the safety of the parties.
Children's information: Names, addresses, schools, and medical information pertaining to minor children may be restricted from public access under Mississippi court rules designed to protect the welfare of minors.
Mental health and medical records: Records pertaining to mental health evaluations, substance abuse treatment, and medical conditions submitted as exhibits are subject to restricted access under applicable state and federal privacy laws.
Mediation communications: Under Mississippi law, communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and are not part of the public record.
Guardian ad litem and custody evaluation reports: These documents are subject to restricted access and are not available to the general public without a court order.

Parties seeking to seal records must file a motion with the Hancock County Chancery Court and demonstrate good cause. The court retains discretion to grant or deny such requests on a case-by-case basis pursuant to § 93-5-23 of the Mississippi Code and applicable chancery court rules.

How Long Does Hancock County Keep Divorce Records?

Hancock County divorce records are maintained as permanent court records by the Circuit Clerk. Under Mississippi law and the Mississippi Department of Archives and History records retention schedules, chancery court case files, including divorce decrees and complete case files, are retained permanently and are not subject to routine destruction.

The following retention periods apply to specific categories of divorce-related records:

Final decrees and judgments: Retained permanently as part of the permanent court record.
Complete case files (contested and uncontested): Retained permanently.
Financial affidavits and supporting financial documents: Retained as part of the permanent case file.
Post-judgment modification orders: Retained permanently as part of the original case file or as a related case file.
Administrative and procedural records: Subject to standard administrative retention schedules, which may differ from case file retention.

Older records, particularly those predating electronic filing systems, may be maintained in paper format in the clerk's office or transferred to off-site archival storage. Records from the period January 1, 1926 through June 30, 1938 may also be indexed through the Mississippi State Department of Health county divorce index. Members of the public requesting archived records should allow additional processing time and contact the Circuit Clerk's office at (228) 467-5265 to confirm availability and retrieval procedures.