Records of divorce in Rankin County, Mississippi, are available through several channels. RankinCourt.us allows quick access to publicly available divorce information in this county. Additionally, records can be obtained directly from the court that issued the decision, at the office of the county clerk, or through the Mississippi State Department of Health's Vital Records Division. Online tools, phone inquiries, and in-person visits all work depending on the specific document you need.
Rankin Divorce Records Search
In Mississippi, divorce cases are handled by the Chancery Court — a court of equity. The Rankin County Chancery Court Clerk maintains the original divorce decrees, property settlement agreements, custody orders, and all related procedural documents. This collection covers cases filed directly in the county.
Regarding the state, the Mississippi State Department of Health's Vital Records Bureau (MSDH) does not maintain a comprehensive divorce registry. However, it offers a search of county divorce indexes for the period from January 1, 1926, to June 30, 1938 — a five-year search range. For newer records, contact the Chancery Court Clerk directly.
Main office for inquiries:
Rankin County Chancery Clerk
The collection includes:
- Divorce decrees
- Settlement agreements
- Child custody orders
- Petitions and motions of the parties
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Rankin
The Chancery Court is the only court in Rankin County with jurisdiction over divorce cases. Once a judge signs a decree, the clerk of this court registers it and stores it in the archive. This office is the first place to contact for a copy of the full court decision or any document from the case.
At the state level, the situation is different. MSDH does not store divorce records in the same way it stores birth or death certificates. The Bureau can only conduct a limited search of old indexes. A divorce certificate as a separate state document is not issued here.
Where to contact depending on your needs:
- Full court decision, copies of case documents — Rankin County Chancery Clerk.
- Confirmation of divorce for the old period (1926–1938) — MSDH Vital Records Bureau.
Rankin County Chancery Clerk
Mississippi State Department of Health — Vital Records
To order other vital records (birth, death, marriage), you can use the MSDH online portal. Divorces are not processed through this portal.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Rankin
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| MSDH Divorce Index Search (1926–1938) | Check with MSDH | Several weeks by mail |
| Regular copy of court document (Chancery Clerk) | Check with the clerk's office | Usually on the day of the visit in person |
| Certified copy of divorce decree (Chancery Clerk) | Check with the clerk's office | 1–5 business days |