Family Court

Family Court Division

The Family Court Division of the Circuit Clerk’s Office handles matters involving family and domestic relationships, including divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, and adoptions. The Clerk’s Office is responsible for maintaining official court records, collecting fees, and assisting with procedural filings related to these cases.

Civil Supervisor – Crystal Howell
Division I – Circuit Civil, Family Court, & Juvenile Division
Division II – Associate Civil/Small Claims

(417) 256-3741

Please be advised that this Court and the Clerk’s Office are prohibited by law from responding to requests for legal advice.
You will need to direct your requests to a licensed attorney. Learn More.

Family Court matters are handled through the Circuit Court and include divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, and related modifications.

Matters Handled

Dissolution of Marriage (Divorce)
Legal Separation
Child Custody & Visitation
Child Support
Paternity Actions
Motions to Modify

Under Missouri law, at least one party must have lived in Missouri for 90 days prior to filing for divorce.

Filing Requirements

Family law cases require:

Completed Missouri Supreme Court-approved forms
Filing fees
Confidential information forms

Some circuits require completion of a parenting class when minor children are involved. Please contact the Clerk’s Office for local requirements.

(417) 256-3741

Empty church pews inside a chapel with framed photographs on the wall and a window with curtains letting in natural light.

Forms & Resources

Click on the underlined links to download.

Things to Know
View the PDF version of our Things to Know When in Family Court pamphlet. Click Here.

Family Access Information
If you believe your rights to custody, visitation, or third-party custody under a judgment of dissolution, legal separation, paternity, or modification have been violated, you may be able to file aMotion for Family Access Order.
Family Access Notice

Confidential Information Handout
Download Here.
DISCLAIMER: These examples are for illustration only and are not a comprehensive list. There is no exhaustive list of all information that may be confidential under state or federal law. For help, you may want to consult with an attorney.

Court Forms
All approved forms are available at Missouri Courts. See Family Law Formsand scroll down to “approved court forms” for Family Court-specific forms.

Dissolution of Marriage
Adult Name Change
Minor Name Change
Paternity, Child Custody, and Child Support
Modify Child Custody and Child Support

Records Request Forms
Records request forms are available to download and complete here. After completion, forms may be submitted by mail or via email to hwl.recordsrequest@courts.mo.gov. Processing times and applicable fees may apply.

Records Request | Transcript Request| CD Audio Recording Request

Court Fees
Court fees are the standard costs required to file, process, or manage a case through the court system. A court fee schedule is a list outlining those fees based on the type of case or service requested.

Dissolution of Marriage Fee Schedule
Adult Name Change Fee Schedule
Minor Name Change Fee Schedule
Paternity, Child Custody, and Child Support Fee Schedule
Modify Child Custody and Child Support Fee Schedule

Howell County Fee Schedule

Local Court Rules
Local Court Rules define the procedures and requirements for filing and managing cases within this circuit. Parties are encouraged to review these rules before filing to ensure compliance with court standards.