Divorce records in Harrison County, Mississippi, can be accessed through several channels. HarrisonCourt.us can help you find publicly available divorce record information for the county. You can also request records directly from the Chancery Court that issued the decree, the Harrison County Chancery Clerk's office, or the Mississippi State Department of Health's vital records division. Each source provides different types of documents depending on whether you need a court filing or a vital record certificate.
Harrison County Divorce Records Search
In Mississippi, divorce cases are handled by the Chancery Court, and the Harrison County Chancery Clerk maintains the official court files. This office stores divorce decrees, settlement agreements, custody orders, property division orders, and related filings from cases heard in Harrison County. The Chancery Clerk operates offices in both Gulfport and Biloxi, since Harrison County has two judicial districts.
The Mississippi State Department of Health also keeps statistical records of divorces granted statewide, including those from Harrison County. These are typically divorce certificates or verification letters rather than full court files.
Harrison County Chancery Clerk — Gulfport Office
Harrison County Chancery Clerk — Biloxi Office
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Harrison County
Understanding which office holds the record you need will save time. Harrison County's filing structure works as follows:
- Chancery Court — All divorce cases in Harrison County are filed in and decided by the Chancery Court. Mississippi assigns divorce jurisdiction exclusively to its Chancery Courts, not Circuit Courts or County Courts.
- Chancery Clerk's Office — After a divorce decree is entered, the complete case file — including the decree, any settlement agreements, custody orders, and motions — stays with the Chancery Clerk. This is where you go for copies of the actual court documents.
- Mississippi State Department of Health, Vital Records — The state vital records office maintains a divorce certificate, which is a summary document confirming that a divorce was granted. It does not contain the full terms of the decree. This office can issue certified divorce certificates for divorces finalized in Mississippi from 1926 to the present.
Which Office to Contact
| What You Need | Contact |
|---|---|
| Full divorce decree or settlement agreement | Harrison County Chancery Clerk (Gulfport or Biloxi office) |
| Custody orders or property division documents | Harrison County Chancery Clerk |
| Divorce certificate (statistical summary) | Mississippi State Department of Health — Vital Records |
| Verification that a divorce occurred | Either the Chancery Clerk or Vital Records |
Mississippi State Department of Health — Vital Records
Most divorce records in Mississippi are generally public. However, some case files — particularly those involving minors or sensitive custody matters — may have restricted access. Ask the Chancery Clerk whether any sealing or confidentiality order applies to the file you need.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Harrison County
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy of divorce decree (Chancery Clerk) | $1.00 per page plus $2.50 certification fee | Same day to several business days for in-person requests |
| Divorce certificate (Mississippi Vital Records — standard) | $17.00 | Approximately 30 business days |
| Divorce certificate (Mississippi Vital Records — expedited) | $17.00 plus expedited shipping fee | Approximately 5–10 business days |
| Additional copies of divorce certificate (same order) | $6.00 each | Included with original request |
| Record search fee (Chancery Clerk) | Varies; contact the office | Varies |