Genesee County Divorce Records

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If you want to start a search for Genesee County Divorce Records now, you can visit https://michiganofficialrecords.com/genesee-county-divorce-records/ right away. This site allows you to begin your search for divorce records within Genesee County quickly. It is a useful first step if you need the information fast. Check it out to see if you can find the specific Genesee County Divorce Records you are looking for without delay.

Understanding Genesee County Divorce Records

Genesee County Divorce Records are official papers. They show that a marriage has ended by law. These records come from the court case. They include the first papers filed by the couple. They also have records made during the divorce steps. A key part is the divorce decree or certificate. This paper lists the final terms of the divorce.

These records hold key facts. You will find the names of the two people. The date the divorce was final is there too. The court case number is often listed. The divorce decree gives details. It tells about child support. It lists who gets custody of the kids. It covers how things they own are split. It may talk about money paid to a spouse. You might need these records for many things. Some use them to change their name. Others need them to get married again. They also help make sure court orders are followed.

Where Are Genesee County Divorce Records Kept?

Finding Genesee County Divorce Records means knowing where they are stored. The main place is the court that handled the divorce.

Genesee County 7th Judicial Circuit Court

This court handles all divorce cases in Genesee County. Its Family Division deals with these matters. This court creates and holds the main case file. This file has all the papers from the start to the end of the divorce. The court makes the final divorce decree. This is the most detailed record of the divorce terms. The main courthouse is a place to start.

• Address: Genesee County Courthouse, 900 S. Saginaw St., Flint, MI 48502

• Court Administration Phone: (810) 424-4355

Genesee County Clerk's Office - Legal Division

The County Clerk's Legal Division keeps the official records for the 7th Circuit Court. This includes Genesee County Divorce Records. When you need a copy of a divorce decree, you often go here. They manage court files from 1979 to now on computers. Older records may exist too. They handle requests for copies of these public documents.

• Address: 900 S. Saginaw St., Flint, MI 48502 (Located within the courthouse)

• Phone: (810) 257-3220

• Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm (Closed on holidays, check ahead)

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)

The state keeps some records too. The MDHHS Vital Records office has divorce certificates for the whole state. A certificate is less detailed than a decree. It mainly proves the divorce happened. It shows names and the date. For some needs, like proof of divorce, this might be enough. But it won't have the full terms. Access might be online or by mail.

• Website: Michigan Vital Records (MDHHS)

How to Request Genesee County Divorce Records

There are a few ways to ask for Genesee County Divorce Records. The method you choose may depend on your needs. Think about how fast you need it. Consider what kind of record you want.

In-Person Requests

Going to the Clerk's office is a direct way. You can ask for the records you need right there. Staff can help you find the right case file. You will likely need to fill out a request form. Bring a valid photo ID with you. Know the names of the people in the divorce. Knowing the year helps a lot. If you have the case number, that is best. Be ready to pay a fee for copies. Fees can change but might be around $15 for the first page or copy. Each extra page or copy may cost more, maybe $5 each. Check the current fee when you go. Cash, check, or money order are common ways to pay. Call ahead to confirm hours and fees.

• Visit: Genesee County Clerk - Legal Division, 900 S. Saginaw St., Flint, MI 48502

• Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Mail Requests

You can ask for records by mail. This is good if you live far away. First, call the Clerk's Legal Division at (810) 257-3220. Ask about the process for mail requests. Find out the current fee. Ask if there is a special form you need to use. You will need to send a letter. State clearly what record you need. Include the full names of both people. Add the date or year of the divorce if you know it. The case number is very helpful. Include a copy of your valid photo ID. Send a check or money order for the fee. Make it payable as instructed by the Clerk's office. Mail everything to the Legal Division address. Allow time for processing and mail delivery.

Online Search Options

Some records may be found online. Genesee County might have an online search portal. Check the County Clerk or Court website. These portals may let you search case information. Sometimes you can view or buy copies of documents. You might need to sign up first. The state also has a case search tool. It covers many Michigan courts. Search results may vary in detail. For a simple divorce certificate, the MDHHS website might let you order online. Look for their vital records section.

• Genesee County Clerk/Court Info: Genesee County Clerk - Legal Division

• MDHHS Vital Records: Order A Record Online

Information Needed for Your Search

To find Genesee County Divorce Records, you need some key facts. The more details you have, the faster the search. Staff at the Clerk's office need this info. Online searches need it too.

• Full Names: Give the full legal names of both spouses at the time of divorce. Include middle names or initials if known. Maiden names can also help.

• Date of Divorce: The exact date is best. If not known, the year the divorce was final is key. An approximate range of years can work too. But it will take longer to search.

• Case Number: If you know the court case number, the search is much faster. This number is unique to the divorce case file. Look on any old court papers you might have.

• Location: Confirm the divorce took place in Genesee County, Michigan. Records are filed by county.

Having this data ready helps the Clerk find the right file. It saves time for you and the staff.

Public Access and Michigan Law

Are Genesee County Divorce Records public? Yes, most court records in Michigan are public. This is based on the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). This law gives people the right to see government records. Divorce files are court records. So, they are usually open for viewing.

However, some parts might be kept private. A judge can order parts of a record sealed. This often happens to protect kids. Details like bank account numbers might be hidden. Social security numbers are kept private. Sometimes, the whole case can be sealed. This is rare. It usually needs a strong reason. For example, if public access could cause harm. Unless sealed by a judge, the main parts of the divorce record are public. Anyone can ask to see or copy them. You don't need to be one of the people in the case.

If you have trouble getting records, you can file a FOIA request. Genesee County has a FOIA contact person.

• FOIA Specialist: Monaca Elston

• Address: 1101 Beach Street, Room 312, Flint, Michigan 48502

• Phone: (810) 257-3014

• Email: foia@geneseecountymi.gov 

• Relevant Law: Michigan FOIA (MCL 15.231 et seq.)

Michigan Divorce Laws Overview

Michigan has specific laws about divorce. These affect Genesee County Divorce Records. One key law is about where you live. To file for divorce in Michigan, one spouse must live in the state for at least 180 days. They must also live in Genesee County for at least 10 days before filing there. This is found in MCL 552.9.

Michigan is a "no-fault" divorce state. This means you don't have to prove someone did something wrong. The only legal reason needed is that the marriage has broken down. There is no hope it can be saved. This is stated in MCL 552.6. The court papers will state this reason. The details of the divorce decree cover issues like property, debt, support, and child custody based on state laws. These laws guide how judges make decisions.