Divorce records in Cass County, North Dakota, can be accessed through several channels, including online search tools, the court that issued the decree, the county recorder, and the state vital records office. CassNDCourt.us can help you find publicly available divorce record information for Cass County. You can also request records directly from the East Central Judicial District Court clerk's office in Fargo, the Cass County Recorder, or the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services Vital Records division.
Cass Divorce Records Search
Divorce records in Cass County are maintained by two primary offices. The East Central Judicial District Court — which serves Cass County — keeps the complete case file for every divorce granted in the county, including the decree, pleadings, property settlement agreements, custody orders, and related filings. The clerk of district court in Fargo is the custodian of these court records.
The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, Vital Records division, maintains a separate index of divorce records statewide. Their records typically consist of a divorce certificate or verification rather than the full case file. If you need the actual decree or settlement terms, the court is the right place to start. For a simple verification that a divorce occurred, the state vital records office may be sufficient.
You can search Cass County civil case records — including divorce cases — through the North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry portal. Select Cass County and search by party name or case number.
East Central Judicial District Court — Cass County
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Cass
In North Dakota, divorce cases are handled by the district courts. Cass County falls within the East Central Judicial District. All divorce petitions filed in Cass County are processed through this court, and the final decree is entered and stored by the clerk of district court at the Cass County Courthouse in Fargo.
After a divorce is finalized, the court reports the divorce to the state vital records office. The North Dakota HHS Vital Records division then creates a divorce certificate for its statewide index. These are two distinct records:
- Court record (decree and case file): Contains the full divorce decree, property division, custody arrangements, and all motions and orders filed during the case. Request this from the clerk of district court.
- Vital record (divorce certificate): A summary document confirming the divorce occurred, listing the parties and date. Request this from the state vital records office.
Which office you contact depends on what you need:
| What You Need | Contact |
|---|---|
| Full divorce decree or case documents | East Central Judicial District Court, Cass County |
| Certified divorce certificate or verification | ND HHS Vital Records |
| Online case search (basic case info) | District Court Case Search |
East Central Judicial District Court — Cass County Courthouse
North Dakota HHS — Vital Records
The North Dakota Legal Self Help Center also provides forms and guidance for individuals navigating court processes without an attorney.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Cass
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy of divorce certificate (Vital Records) | $7.00 | 2–4 weeks by mail |
| Additional copies of same certificate (same order) | $4.00 each | Included with initial order |
| Court record copies (per page, district court) | $0.25–$1.00 per page | Varies; in-person requests often same day |
| Certified court document copy | Certification fee plus per-page copy cost | Varies; contact clerk's office |
| Online case search (North Dakota Courts) | Free | Immediate |