Lincoln County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Lincoln County in 2026
LincolnMSRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Lincoln County, Mississippi. Members of the public may use this resource to locate case details, filing dates, and related court documents. Available record categories include final divorce decrees, dissolution petitions, property settlement agreements, child custody orders, and spousal support determinations. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the case and applicable confidentiality provisions.
Divorce records in Lincoln County may be searched through several official channels, including the Lincoln County Chancery Clerk's office, the Mississippi State Department of Health's vital records division, online court portals, and public access terminals located at the courthouse. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking divorce record information.
Online Searches
1. Chancery Clerk Case Search
The Lincoln County Chancery Clerk maintains jurisdiction over divorce proceedings in Mississippi. Under Mississippi Code § 93-5-1, divorce actions are filed in the Chancery Court of the county where either spouse resides. Basic case information, including case numbers and filing dates, may be available through the clerk's office upon request. Fees may apply for document copies.
2. Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC)
The Mississippi Electronic Courts system provides online access to certain court filings statewide. Registered users may search across jurisdictions and retrieve case docket information from a consolidated database.
3. Mississippi State Department of Health – Vital Records
The Mississippi State Department of Health maintains a statewide index of divorce records. A five-year search is available to identify the county where a divorce was granted, along with the book and page number in the Chancery Clerk's office where the record is filed. Divorce certificates may be obtained through this office for a fee.
In-Person Searches
Chancery Clerk's Office – Lincoln County:
Lincoln County Chancery Clerk
301 S. First Street
Brookhaven, MS 39601
Phone: (601) 835-3411
Lincoln 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 divorce decrees and related documents
- Request certified copies of final judgments
- Use public access terminals
- Receive staff assistance for record location
Mississippi State Department of Health – Vital Records
570 East Woodrow Wilson Drive
Jackson, MS 39216
Phone: (601) 576-7960
Mississippi State Department of Health
By Mail
Written Request to Chancery Clerk:
- Mail to: Lincoln County Chancery Clerk, P.O. Box 555, Brookhaven, MS 39602
- Include the following in the written request:
- Full names of both parties (including maiden names where applicable)
- 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
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence
- Processing time: Requests are processed within one to two weeks, subject to volume and record availability.
By Phone
Limited Information Available by Phone:
- Chancery Clerk: (601) 835-3411
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number and filing date
- General case status
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents
- Copies of filed documents
- Confidential or restricted information
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Mississippi may access divorce case files on behalf of a client, including the ability to request sealed or restricted documents through appropriate court motions. The Mississippi Bar Lawyer Referral Service connects members of the public with qualified family law attorneys for complex record retrieval or legal matters.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or filing
- Case number, if previously obtained
Helpful Additional Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Prior addresses of either spouse
- Names of children involved
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
In Mississippi, divorce actions are filed in the Chancery Court of the county where either spouse resided at the time of filing. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing county may conduct a statewide search through the Mississippi State Department of Health vital records index, which covers divorces granted across all Mississippi counties. Searching the county where the marriage occurred is not appropriate unless one spouse also resided there at the time of filing.
Residency Requirement:
Under Mississippi law, 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 county of that spouse's residence.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Records may not appear in online systems immediately following a final hearing.
- Members of the public should allow several days to several weeks for processing after the final judgment is entered.
Older Divorces:
- Records predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format.
- Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time.
- Some older records may not be digitized and must be retrieved manually by clerk staff.
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Reasons a Record May Not Be Located:
- The divorce was filed in a different county
- Name variations or spelling differences between search terms and filed documents
- The case has not yet been finalized and remains pending
- Very old records may be stored in off-site archives
- The case may be sealed or subject to confidentiality restrictions
Recommended Next Steps:
- Contact the Chancery Clerk at (601) 835-3411 to request staff assistance
- Attempt alternate name spellings or search under both spouses' names
- Submit a statewide search request through the Mississippi State Department of Health
- Retain a licensed Mississippi attorney for complex searches
What Are Lincoln County Divorce Records?
Lincoln County divorce records are official court documents generated during divorce proceedings filed in the Lincoln County Chancery Court. These records constitute part of the public court file and are maintained by the Chancery Clerk as the primary custodian. Under Mississippi Code § 93-5-17, the Chancery Court has jurisdiction over all matters of divorce and alimony in the state, and all orders and judgments issued by that court are entered into the official record.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files:
- Petition for divorce (complaint for dissolution of marriage)
- Response or answer filed by the respondent spouse
- Financial affidavits and disclosure statements
- Parenting plans and custody agreements
- Property settlement agreements
- Motions, orders, and hearing notices
- Transcripts of court proceedings
- Final judgment of divorce
Final Decree:
The final divorce decree is the official court order that legally dissolves the marriage. It is the primary document sought by individuals who need legal proof of divorce. The decree establishes:
- The date the marriage was legally dissolved
- Division of marital property and debts
- Alimony or spousal support terms, if any
- Child custody and visitation arrangements, if applicable
- Child support obligations, if applicable
- Any court-ordered name restoration
Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Lincoln County Chancery Clerk's office.
Supporting Documents:
- Original marriage certificate (submitted as exhibit)
- Financial disclosure documents
- Property inventories and appraisals
- Parenting plan details
- Post-judgment modification orders
Purpose of Divorce Records:
Divorce records serve a range of legal and personal purposes, including:
- Establishing proof of marital status for remarriage
- Supporting name change documentation
- Facilitating property transfers and estate planning
- Providing documentation for immigration proceedings
- Supporting Social Security benefit claims
- Enabling genealogical and family history research
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
The Lincoln County Chancery Clerk serves as the primary custodian of all divorce case files and provides certified copies upon request. The Mississippi State Department of Health maintains a statewide index of divorce records and can identify the county and book-and-page reference for divorces granted throughout Mississippi.
Are Lincoln County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Lincoln County Chancery Court are public court records, subject to the access provisions of the Mississippi Public Records Act, Mississippi Code § 25-61-1. Members of the public may access basic case information, court orders, and final judgments without demonstrating a specific need. However, certain categories of information within divorce files are restricted or redacted to protect sensitive personal data.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of both parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and docket entries
- Court orders and final divorce decree
- Property division orders
- General case status
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers (redacted from public copies)
- Bank account and credit card numbers (redacted)
- Detailed tax returns (may be filed under seal)
- Specific salary and income details (subject to limited access)
Children's Information:
- Residential addresses of minor children
- Names of schools children attend
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children
- Child custody evaluations (may be sealed by court order)
- Guardian ad litem reports (restricted)
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse records
- Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
Sealed Records:
A court may seal specific documents or an entire 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. Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the Chancery Court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for access.
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 materials.
- Researchers and media: May access public portions of case files; access to sealed records requires court authorization.
Prohibited Uses of Divorce Records:
- Stalking, harassment, or intimidation of any party
- Identity theft or fraudulent purposes
- Violation of existing protective orders
- Any use prohibited by applicable state or federal law
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Lincoln County?
The Lincoln County Chancery Clerk charges standard fees for copies and certified copies of divorce records. The following fee structure reflects current rates applicable to public record requests at the Chancery Clerk's office.
| Service | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard copy (per page) | $0.50 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree | $1.00 per page + $1.00 certification fee |
| Statewide divorce index search (MSDH) | $17.00 per search (five-year period) |
| Additional five-year search period (MSDH) | $5.00 per additional period |
| Certified copy from MSDH | Fees vary; contact MSDH directly |
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash (in-person payments)
- Money order (mail requests)
- Personal check (verify current acceptance with clerk's office)
- Credit or debit card (availability varies; confirm with clerk's office)
Fee Waivers:
Fee waivers are not broadly available for divorce record requests under Mississippi law. Parties who are indigent and represented by legal aid organizations may inquire with the Chancery Clerk regarding applicable provisions. The Mississippi Center for Legal Services assists qualifying low-income individuals with family law matters.
What Is Available at No Cost:
- Viewing case docket information in person at the courthouse public access terminal
- Verbal confirmation of case existence and case number by phone
- Online docket searches through the Mississippi Electronic Courts system (for registered users)
Fees for copies of divorce records are governed by Mississippi Code § 25-61-7, which establishes the authority of public bodies to charge reasonable fees for the production of public records.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Lincoln County
A complete Lincoln County divorce case file contains all documents filed with the Chancery Court from the initiation of proceedings through final judgment and any post-judgment actions. The following describes the standard contents of a divorce case file.
Basic Case Information:
- Case caption (case number, court name, parties' names, judge assigned, attorneys of record)
- Filing date and case type designation
- 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 grounds for divorce, information regarding minor children, property claims, and the relief requested. Mississippi recognizes both fault-based and no-fault grounds for divorce. The respondent's answer or counterpetition is also included in the case file.
Financial Affidavits:
Both parties are required to submit financial affidavits disclosing income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets (including real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investments, and personal property), and liabilities (including mortgages, loans, and credit card debt).
Discovery Documents:
- Interrogatories and answers under oath
- Requests for production of documents
- Tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements
- Investment and retirement account statements
- Business financial statements, if applicable
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory with valuations
- Debt inventory
- Real property appraisals
- Business valuations and expert reports
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting plan specifying legal and physical custody
- Timesharing schedule (regular, holiday, summer, and vacation provisions)
- Child support calculation worksheets
- Income deduction orders
- Custody evaluations (may be sealed)
- Guardian ad litem reports (restricted)
Support Documents:
- Alimony or spousal support orders specifying type, amount, duration, and termination conditions
- Calculation worksheets reflecting need and ability to pay
Settlement Documents:
- Marital settlement agreement resolving all contested issues
- Mediation agreement, if the case was mediated (note: mediation communications are confidential, but the resulting agreement may be incorporated into the court record)
Court Orders and Judgments:
- Temporary orders for custody, support, and use of property
- Final judgment of divorce specifying the date of dissolution, property division, support obligations, custody arrangements, and any name restoration
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for division of retirement accounts
Post-Judgment Documents (if applicable):
- Petitions to modify custody or support
- Court orders on modification requests
- Contempt motions and enforcement actions
- Income deduction orders and liens
What Is Typically Confidential or Redacted:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence-related evidence (may be sealed)
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluations
- Mediation communications
- Trade secrets in business valuations
How the File Is Organized:
Documents are filed in chronological order as received by the Chancery Clerk. Each case file includes an index listing document types, filing dates, and document or page numbers. Recent cases are maintained in electronic format through the Mississippi Electronic Courts system; older cases may exist in paper format or as scanned digital copies.
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Lincoln County?
Proof of divorce in Lincoln County is obtained through a certified copy of the final judgment of divorce issued by the Lincoln County Chancery Clerk. A certified copy bears the clerk's official seal and signature, confirming it as a true and accurate reproduction of the court record. This document is accepted by government agencies, financial institutions, and other entities as legal proof that a marriage was dissolved.
Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy:
- Gather identifying information: full names of both parties, approximate date of divorce, and case number if available.
- Contact the Lincoln County Chancery Clerk in person, by mail, or by phone at (601) 835-3411 to confirm the case number and applicable fees.
- Submit a written request or appear in person at the Chancery Clerk's office with payment for the certified copy fee.
- For a statewide search to identify the county of filing, submit a request to the Mississippi State Department of Health vital records office, which maintains a divorce index covering all Mississippi counties.
Lincoln County Chancery Clerk
301 S. First Street
Brookhaven, MS 39601
Phone: (601) 835-3411
Lincoln County Official Website
Mississippi State Department of Health – Vital Records
570 East Woodrow Wilson Drive
Jackson, MS 39216
Phone: (601) 576-7960
Mississippi State Department of Health
Members of the public who need proof of divorce for immigration purposes should note that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services requires a certified copy of the final decree. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website provides guidance on acceptable documentation formats.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Lincoln County?
Divorce proceedings in Lincoln County are presumptively public under Mississippi law; however, specific documents or entire case files may be sealed by court order upon a demonstrated showing of good cause. The following circumstances may result in confidential treatment of divorce records:
- Domestic violence cases: Courts may seal identifying information, including addresses and contact details, to protect victims of domestic violence from further harm.
- Cases involving minor children: Psychological evaluations, guardian ad litem reports, and custody evaluations may be sealed to protect the best interests of the children involved.
- Sensitive financial information: Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and similar identifiers are redacted from publicly accessible copies pursuant to court rules.
- Mediation communications: Under Mississippi law, communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and are not part of the public record.
- Court-ordered sealing: Any party may petition the Chancery Court to seal specific documents or the entire case file. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties.
- High-profile or sensitive cases: Courts retain discretion to restrict access in cases where public disclosure would cause substantial harm.
Members of the public seeking access to sealed divorce records must file a formal motion with the Lincoln County Chancery Court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for access. The Mississippi Rules of Civil Procedure govern the procedures applicable to such motions.
How Long Does Lincoln County Keep Divorce Records?
Lincoln County Chancery Court divorce records are retained for extended periods consistent with Mississippi's records retention schedules for permanent court records. The following retention periods apply to divorce-related documents:
- Final judgments and decrees: Retained permanently as part of the official court record. These documents are never destroyed and remain accessible indefinitely.
- Complete case files: Retained for a minimum of ten years following the close of the case, with many files retained permanently given the ongoing legal significance of divorce decrees.
- Financial affidavits and discovery documents: Retained as part of the case file for the duration of the applicable retention period; some financial documents may be purged after the minimum retention period has elapsed.
- Post-judgment modification records: Retained as part of the original case file and subject to the same retention schedule as the underlying divorce action.
- Archived paper records: Older case files that predate electronic filing are maintained in physical archives at the courthouse or an approved off-site storage facility. Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time.
The Mississippi Department of Archives and History establishes records retention schedules for county court records under the authority of Mississippi Code § 25-59-1. Members of the public seeking records from older cases should contact the Lincoln County Chancery Clerk directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures.
Lincoln County Chancery Clerk
301 S. First Street
Brookhaven, MS 39601
Phone: (601) 835-3411
Lincoln County Official Website