Records of divorce in Jones County, Mississippi, are available through several channels. JonesCourt.us allows quick access to public divorce information related to this county. Additionally, documents can be obtained directly from the court that issued the decision, at the office of the Chancery Clerk, or from the Mississippi State Department of Health, Vital Records. Online tools, personal visits, and mail requests are all viable options for searching.
Jones Divorce Records Search
Jones County has two judicial districts — the first in the city of Laurel and the second in the city of Ellisville. Divorce cases are handled by the Chancery Court of Jones County. The Chancery Clerk's office keeps the original court decisions, including:
- Divorce decrees
- Settlement agreements
- Custody orders
- Related procedural documents
The Mississippi State Department of Health maintains a separate registry of divorce certificates for divorces processed throughout the state. A certificate is a shortened document that confirms the fact of divorce but does not contain details of property agreements or custody terms. If a full text of the court decision is needed, contact the Chancery Clerk.
The main office of the Chancery Clerk is located in Laurel:
Jones County Chancery Clerk (Laurel)
For cases filed through the second judicial district, the office is located in Ellisville.
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Jones
In the state of Mississippi, divorce cases fall under the jurisdiction of the Chancery Court. This court makes the decisions, and the Chancery Clerk's office registers and stores all documents after they become effective.
Depending on what you need, contact the appropriate institution:
- Full court record (decree, agreements, custody orders) — Jones County Chancery Clerk.
- Divorce certificate (shortened document for confirmation) — Mississippi State Department of Health, Vital Records.
Jones County Chancery Clerk (Ellisville)
Mississippi State Department of Health — Vital Records
Vital Records has been keeping divorce records since 1926. For older cases, it may be necessary to contact the Chancery Clerk directly. According to the State Public Records Access Act (Title 25, Chapter 61), government agencies are required to respond to a request within seven working days or provide a written explanation for the delay.
Divorce records in Mississippi are generally public. However, the court may seal certain documents — for example, financial disclosures or materials related to minor children.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Jones
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy of divorce certificate (Vital Records, state) | $17.00 | 2–6 weeks by mail |
| Search in Vital Records database (each additional 5 years) | $6.00 | Included in overall processing time |
| Copy of court document (Chancery Clerk, per page) | $0.50–$1.00 | Usually 1–5 working days |
| Certified copy of court decision (Chancery Clerk) | Varies; contact the clerk | 1–5 working days |
| Expedited processing (Vital Records, additional) | $10.00 | Approximately 1–3 working days |