Michigan Divorce Records

Thank you for visiting. We aim to give you the best guide to finding Michigan Divorce Records. This page holds key facts you need. We will cover how and where to get these important papers.

To start searching for Michigan Divorce Records right now, you can visit https://michiganofficialrecords.com/divorce-records/. This resource provides a way to begin your search across the state. If you need quick access or want to explore available online options for Michigan Divorce Records without delay, this link is a useful starting point for your research journey.

What Are Michigan Divorce Records?

Michigan Divorce Records are official state or county documents. They show that a marriage has ended. These papers are part of the public record in most cases. Michigan's Freedom of Information Act guides access. This law is found in the Michigan Compiled Laws, Section 15.231. Records typically show the names of the persons divorced. They also list the date the divorce was final. The county where the divorce took place is also noted. Some parts may be kept private if sealed by a court. This usually happens to guard sensitive facts.

Types of Michigan Divorce Records

It is key to know the two main types of divorce records in Michigan. Each type has different data and uses. One comes from the state vital records office. The other comes from the county court that handled the divorce. Knowing which one you need saves time. It also helps you ask the right office for help.

Divorce Certificate

A Divorce Certificate is a basic state record. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Vital Records Office issues it. This paper confirms the main facts of the divorce. It lists the full names of both people. It shows the date the divorce was final. It also names the county where it was granted. These are issued for divorces filed with the state since 1897. You might need this to get a new marriage license. It is also used for legal name changes back to a prior name. Sometimes it is used just to prove a past marriage ended. It does not list the divorce terms, like who gets what property.

Divorce Decree (Judgment of Divorce)

A Divorce Decree is the full court order. It is also called the Judgment of Divorce. The County Clerk for the Circuit Court that granted the divorce keeps this file. This is a much more detailed paper. It lists all the terms the judge ordered. This includes how assets and debts were split. It states if one person must pay support (alimony) to the other. It covers child custody plans. It lists child support amounts and visitation schedules. You need a copy of the decree for legal matters. This includes enforcing support payments. It is needed to prove terms for loans or property deals. Getting a copy usually involves the County Clerk where the divorce case was heard. Access might be more limited than for certificates. Only those named in the case or their lawyers may get certified copies easily.

Accessing Michigan Divorce Records

In Michigan, divorce records are usually public. The state's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL 15.231 et seq., allows this. Anyone can ask to see or copy basic divorce information. This means you can often find out if a divorce happened. You can learn the names, date, and county. However, there are limits. Full divorce decrees contain private details. This includes money matters and child details. Access to certified copies of decrees is often restricted. Usually, only the people involved in the divorce can get them. Their lawyers can also get them.

Sometimes, a judge may order a divorce record sealed. This makes it not public. This might happen in cases with abuse or very sensitive financial data. To get a sealed record, you need a new court order. Records less than 100 years old might have more rules for access. This is set by the Michigan Vital Records Act (MCL 333.2801 et seq.) and court rules like MCR 8.119. Always check with the office holding the record about who can get a copy.

How to Obtain a Michigan Divorce Certificate (MDHHS)

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Vital Records Office handles divorce certificates. These confirm a divorce occurred in Michigan since 1897, if filed with the state. Anyone can pay the fee and ask for a search. Note that this office only provides the certificate, not the full Judgment of Divorce.

Methods to Request a Certificate

• By Mail: You can mail in a request. Download the Application for a Certified Copy - Michigan Divorce Record form from the MDHHS website. Fill it out fully. Include the names of both spouses at the time of divorce. Provide the year the divorce was granted. The exact date helps but is not required if the year is known. State the county where the divorce occurred. Send the form with a check or money order payable to the "State of Michigan". Do not send cash.

  • Regular Mail Address: Vital Records Requests, P.O. Box 30721, Lansing MI 48909.

  • Rush Mail Address: Vital Records RUSH, P.O. Box 30721, Lansing MI 48909. Use this address if paying the rush fee.

• Online: MDHHS uses an authorized online vendor (VitalChek) for online orders. This is often faster but costs more. Fees include the state fees plus vendor processing charges. Follow the steps on the vendor site linked through the MDHHS Vital Records page.

• In Person: Limited in-person service may be available. Check the MDHHS website for current status and appointment needs. The office is typically at 333 S. Grand Ave, 1st Floor, Lansing, MI 48933. Normal hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday, except state holidays. There may be a cut-off time (like 3:00 PM) for same-day service if available.

Costs and Processing Time (MDHHS)

Fees for requests sent by mail to MDHHS are:

• Base Fee: $34.00. This includes a search of one year and one certified copy (or a letter saying no record was found).

• Additional Year Search: $12.00 per extra year searched. Use this if you are not sure of the exact year.

• Additional Certified Copies: $16.00 for each extra copy of the same record ordered at the same time.

• Rush Fee: $12.00 extra for faster in-office processing. This does not speed up mail delivery time.

Processing times for mail requests vary. Regular searches take about 4 to 6 weeks inside the office. Rush searches take about 2 to 3 weeks inside the office. These times depend on how many requests they get. Mail travel time adds to the total wait. Online orders have different fee structures (often starting around $58.50) and potentially faster overall times.

MDHHS Contact Information

For questions about eligibility or the process, contact the MDHHS Vital Records office.

• Phone: (517) 335-8666 (Press option #3 for eligibility).

• Email: VRCustomerService@michigan.gov

• Website: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/doing-business/vitalrecords 

How to Obtain a Michigan Divorce Decree (County Clerk)

The official Judgment of Divorce, or divorce decree, is held by the County Clerk. This is the clerk for the Circuit Court in the county where the divorce was granted. This document has all the final terms of the split. Access to certified copies is usually more restricted than for certificates. Often, only the former spouses or their attorneys can get certified copies. The public might only be able to view the case file or get basic details.

Methods to Request a Decree

How you ask for a decree depends on the county. Check the specific County Clerk's website first. Common ways include:

• In Person: Go to the County Clerk's office, usually in the county courthouse. You will likely need photo ID. You may fill out a request form there. Be ready to pay fees. This is often the fastest way if you are local.

• By Mail: Most counties accept mail requests. You typically need to send a written letter. State the names of both parties. Give the case number if you know it. Include the approximate date or year of the divorce. Ask for a certified copy of the Judgment of Divorce. Include payment for search and copy fees. Check the county's required payment method (check, money order). You might need to include a copy of your photo ID. Also include a self-addressed stamped envelope (S.A.S.E.) for the return documents. Call the clerk's office first to confirm the process and fees.

• Online: Some counties have online systems. These might let you search court case indexes. Some allow you to view electronic documents. You might be able to request copies online. Oakland County's Court Explorer is one example. These systems may require creating an account. There might be fees to view or download documents. Check the specific county clerk's website for online options.

Required Information and Costs

To find a divorce decree, you need good information. Provide the full names of both people involved. Knowing the case number is very helpful. Give the county where the divorce took place. State the year the divorce was finalized. Costs vary a lot by county. Expect search fees if the clerk looks for the record. There are fees per page for copies. An extra fee applies for certification (making it official). Call the County Clerk's office directly. Ask about their current fees and payment types.

Specific County Clerk Information (Examples)

Here is contact information for clerks in three major Michigan counties. Always verify details on their official websites before visiting or sending requests. Hours and fees can change.

Wayne County Clerk

• Office: Wayne County Clerk

• Address: Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, 400 Monroe Street, Suite 610 / Suite 605, Detroit, MI 48226 (Court records functions may be in specific locations/floors, verify where to go for divorce decrees).

• Phone: (313) 224-6262 (General Clerk line, ask for Court Records or specific division handling divorce decrees).

• Hours: General office hours Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM. Some specific services or locations might have different hours (e.g., 400 Monroe location: Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM; Thu 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM; Closed 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM daily for lunch). Confirm hours for the specific service you need.

• Website: https://www.waynecounty.com/elected/clerk/court-services.aspx (Check for specific pages on record requests).

Oakland County Clerk (Legal Records Division)

• Office: Oakland County Clerk, Legal Records Division

• Address: 1200 North Telegraph Road, Dept 413, Pontiac, MI 48341.

• Phone: (248) 858-0582 (Legal Records).

• Email: clerklegal@oakgov.com

• Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM.

• Online Access: Offers Court Explorer to search records. MiFILE used for eFiling new cases or documents.

• Website: https://www.oakgov.com/government/clerk-register-of-deeds/court-records 

Macomb County Clerk (Circuit Court Clerk)

• Office: Macomb County Circuit Court Clerk's Office

• Address: Macomb County Court Building, 40 N. Main Street, Mt. Clemens, MI 48043.

• Phone: (586) 469-5150 (Circuit Court main line, confirm number for records division). (Note: Ensure you contact the County/Circuit Court Clerk, not a township clerk).

• Hours: Standard court hours are 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, but public service counters like the File Room may close earlier (e.g., 4:15 PM or 4:30 PM). One source mentioned Mon, Wed, Fri 8:00 AM - 4:15 PM for Court Section/Fileroom. Call to confirm current public hours for record requests.

• Website: https://clerk.macombgov.org/Clerk-CircuitCourt (Or navigate from the main Macomb County Circuit Court page).

Michigan Laws and Public Access

Access to Michigan Divorce Records is shaped by state laws and court rules. The main law is the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Found at MCL 15.231 and following sections, FOIA gives people the right to see and get copies of public records. Most court records, including basic divorce information, are public under FOIA. This means names, dates, and the fact a divorce occurred are often open. You can find the FOIA law text on the Michigan Legislature website: http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(fbycpud1tnu4r3eflb2bqq3y))/mileg.aspx?page=getObject&objectName=mcl-Act-442-of-1976 (Note: Session ID in link may expire; search for "MCL 15.231" on the main site http://www.legislature.mi.gov/). 

The Michigan Vital Records Act (MCL 333.2801 et seq.) covers state-issued records like divorce certificates. It sets rules for the MDHHS Vital Records Office. This includes who can get certified copies and how records are kept. See Part 28 here: http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(fbycpud1tnu4r3eflb2bqq3y))/mileg.aspx?page=getObject&objectName=mcl-Act-368-of-1978. Michigan Court Rules (MCR), such as MCR 8.119, also impact access. They define how courts manage records, including which parts might be kept private or sealed. Find court rules here: https://courts.michigan.gov/courts/michigan-supreme-court/rules/michigan-court-rules/. While basic facts are public, sensitive details in divorce decrees (financial, child custody specifics) may be shielded. Sealed records always need a judge's permission to view.

Information Needed for a Successful Search

To find the Michigan Divorce Records you need, giving the right details is key. Whether you contact MDHHS for a certificate or a County Clerk for a decree, be ready to provide:

• Full Names: The complete legal names of both people who were divorced. Include the maiden name for a spouse if known, as records might be filed under that name. Specify names used at the time of the divorce filing.

• County of Divorce: The specific Michigan county where the divorce was officially granted by the court. Records are filed by county for decrees, and MDHHS needs this for certificates too.

• Year of Divorce: The year the divorce was finalized is almost always required. If you know the exact date (month, day, year), provide it. If not, give the year or a narrow range of years. MDHHS charges extra for searching multiple years.

• Case Number (for Decrees): If you are seeking the full divorce decree from a County Clerk, the court case number is the best way to find it quickly. If you do not have it, the clerk can usually search by names and year, but it takes longer.

Having accurate information helps the records office find the correct file faster. It also reduces the chance of getting the wrong record or needing extra searches, which can cost more time and money. If you are unsure about details like the exact county or year, try to narrow it down as much as possible.

Common Uses for Michigan Divorce Records

People need Michigan Divorce Records for many reasons. Both certificates and decrees serve important roles. Understanding why you need the record helps you request the right type. Common uses include:

• Remarriage: Many places require proof that a previous marriage legally ended before issuing a new marriage license. A certified divorce certificate or decree is needed.

• Legal Name Change: If a person wants to return to using a former last name after a divorce, they often need a certified copy of the divorce decree or certificate as proof for agencies like Social Security or the DMV.

• Immigration: U.S. immigration processes often demand proof of termination of all prior marriages. A certified copy of the final Divorce Decree is usually required, not just the certificate.

• Genealogy: Family historians use older divorce records (often those over 100 years old with fewer restrictions) to trace family lines and learn about ancestors' lives.

• Financial and Legal Matters: A divorce decree outlines property division, debt responsibility, alimony, and child support. Copies are needed for loans, property titles, enforcing support orders, or resolving financial disputes related to the divorce terms.

• Personal Verification: Simply needing confirmation of marital status or the date a divorce occurred for personal records.

Always check which type of record (certificate or decree) is needed for your specific purpose. Legal and financial matters usually require the detailed information found only in the Divorce Decree from the county court.

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