Divorce records in Brookings County, South Dakota, are available through several channels. BrookingsCourt.us can help you find publicly available divorce record information. You can also access records through the circuit court that issued the decree, the Brookings County Clerk of Courts, and the South Dakota Department of Health's vital records office. Online tools such as the state's Public Access Record Search provide another way to locate case information.
Brookings County Divorce Records Search
Brookings County divorce records are maintained by two primary offices. The Brookings County Clerk of Courts, part of the Third Judicial Circuit, keeps court filings including divorce decrees, settlement agreements, custody orders, property division orders, and related motions. The South Dakota Department of Health maintains divorce certificates as vital records.
The court file is the most complete source — it contains the full decree, any amendments, and supporting documents filed during the case. A divorce certificate from the Department of Health is a shorter document that confirms the divorce occurred but does not include the detailed terms.
For cases filed from 1989 onward, you can search basic case information through the South Dakota Public Access Record Search portal. For cases prior to 1989, you will need to contact the Clerk of Courts directly.
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Brookings County
In South Dakota, divorce cases are handled by the circuit court. Brookings County falls within the Third Judicial Circuit. When a divorce is granted, the decree is entered and filed with the Brookings County Clerk of Courts. A report of the divorce is also sent to the South Dakota Department of Health, which creates a vital record certificate.
Which office you contact depends on what you need:
- Full divorce decree, settlement terms, custody orders, or case filings — contact the Brookings County Clerk of Courts.
- Divorce certificate (vital record confirming the divorce) — contact the South Dakota Department of Health, Office of Vital Records.
You can also check upcoming court dates for active family cases using the UJS Find Court Date tool, or submit a public records request through the state's online portal.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Brookings County
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Divorce certificate (vital record) — South Dakota Department of Health | $15.00 | 2–6 weeks by mail |
| Additional copies of divorce certificate (same order) | $15.00 each | Included with initial order |
| Court record copies (per page) — Clerk of Courts | $0.25 per page | Varies; typically 1–5 business days |
| Certified court document copy — Clerk of Courts | $0.25 per page plus $2.00 certification fee | Varies; typically 1–5 business days |