Ingham County Divorce Records

Thank you for coming to our page. We want to help you find the info you need. We will do our best to guide you on getting Ingham County Divorce Records. This page has key facts for your search.

If you prefer to start a search for Ingham County Divorce Records right now, you can visit https://michiganofficialrecords.com/ingham-county-divorce-records/. This site offers a way to begin your search quickly. They provide access related to Ingham County public records. Using their service might speed up the process if you have the needed details ready for your Ingham County Divorce Records query.

Where are Ingham County Divorce Records Kept?

In Ingham County, the main place for divorce records is the 30th Judicial Circuit Court. This court handles all family law cases. These cases include divorce, child custody, and support matters. The Circuit Court Clerk is the official keeper of these important files. While the Ingham County Clerk handles records like birth, death, and marriage licenses, they do not keep the official divorce decrees or case files. Those court documents are held only by the Circuit Court. Understanding this difference is key. It helps you go to the right place from the start. The Circuit Court has two main locations where staff can help you. One is in Lansing. The other is in Mason. Both offices manage records for the court system.

The Family Division of the 30th Circuit Court has specific power over divorce cases. This means all legal papers filed during a divorce are stored here. This includes the first complaint. It also includes motions, orders, and the final Judgment of Divorce. This final judgment is the official document proving the divorce is complete. It outlines the terms. Getting a copy usually means contacting the Circuit Court Clerk. They manage the storage and access for all these case types. Remember to direct your search for divorce case files to the Circuit Court. Do not go to the County Clerk for these specific court case documents. This will save you time and make sure you get the right info. Knowing the court structure helps you find what you need fast.

How to Search for Ingham County Divorce Records

There are a few ways to find these records. You can look online. You can go in person. Or you can ask by mail.

Online Search Options

Ingham County offers an online tool to look for court records. You can find it on the Ingham County Courts website. Use the "Court Record Search" feature at https://courts.ingham.org/CourtRecordSearch/. This lets you search by case number or by the names of the people in the case. It is often free to search the index. But know this: not all case papers may be online. This is true for some older cases or certain family division files. The online system mainly shows case dockets or registers of actions. This lists events in the case but may not have the full documents to view or print. For full access, you might still need to ask the clerk's office. It is a good place to start your hunt. It can confirm if a case exists and give you the case number. This number is very useful for other types of requests.

Another online choice is the MiCOURT Case Search. Find it at https://micourt.courts.michigan.gov/case-search/. This is a state system. It lets you search public court case records across many Michigan courts. This includes circuit courts like Ingham County's 30th Circuit. It also covers district and probate courts. You can search by name or case number. Similar to the county site, it provides case details and lists of actions. It might not have every single document attached online. Check the site for what case types are included. Civil cases like divorce are often available. This tool can be helpful if you are not sure which county the case was in. Or if you need info from other Michigan courts too. Always check the limits of the online data. Use it as a first step in your search for records.

In-Person Requests

You can visit the 30th Circuit Court Clerk's office. They have locations in Lansing and Mason. Going in person lets you ask staff for help. You can look at public records there. They often have public computer terminals. You can use these terminals to search for cases yourself. This might give you access to more details than the online public search. Bring as much info as you can. Full names of both people are needed. The year the divorce might have happened helps too. If you have the case number, that is best. Staff can find files faster with a case number.

Most court offices are open during normal work hours. This is often Monday to Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. But check first. Hours can change. Call the clerk's office phone number, (517) 483-6500, to confirm current hours. Also ask about any specific procedures for in-person viewing or copy requests. Sometimes you need an appointment. Sometimes you can just walk in. Be ready to pay fees if you need paper copies made. Looking at records on screen might be free. But printing costs money. The staff can tell you the exact costs per page.

Mail Requests

If you cannot go in person, you can ask for records by mail. You need to write a letter to the 30th Circuit Court Clerk. State clearly what record you need. Include the full names of the people involved. Include the approximate date of the divorce. The case number is very helpful if you know it. Be specific about what you need. Do you need the full case file? Or just the final Judgment of Divorce? Ask about the cost before sending money. You can call the clerk's office to find out the fees. They usually charge per page for copies. There is also often a fee for certified copies.

Make sure your request letter has your contact info. Include your name, address, and phone number. This lets the clerk contact you if they have questions. Or if they need more info from you. You will likely need to send payment with your request. Checks or money orders are common. Make them payable as the clerk directs. Also include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. This helps them mail the copies back to you faster. Mail requests can take time. Allow several weeks for the clerk's office to process it and for mail delivery. Call them if you do not hear back in a reasonable time.

Information Found in Divorce Records

Divorce records contain key details about the case. You will find the full names of both spouses. The case number assigned by the court is listed. Dates are important too. You will see the date the case was filed. You will also see the date the final divorce decree was issued. The record usually includes the terms of the divorce. This can cover things like property division. It may include child custody plans. Child support amounts might be in there. Spousal support, or alimony, could be detailed too.

Keep in mind there is a difference between the case index and the full documents. An online search might only show the index or docket. This is a list of actions and filings in the case. It proves a case exists and gives basic details. But it doesn't show the content of the orders or agreements. To see the actual terms of the divorce settlement, you likely need the Judgment of Divorce document itself. This may require a specific request for that document copy. Some parts of a case might be sealed or private. This could be sensitive financial data or info about children. Public access usually covers the main case events and final orders.

Costs for Ingham County Divorce Records

Getting copies of divorce records involves fees. Searching online indexes is often free. Viewing records at courthouse terminals is usually free too. The costs start when you need copies. The 30th Circuit Court likely charges per page. A common fee seen in Michigan courts is $1.00 per page. If you need a certified copy, there is an extra fee. A typical certification fee is $10.00 for the seal. Then you still pay the per-page cost for each page of the document. So a certified copy of a 5-page divorce decree might cost $10.00 plus $5.00, for a total of $15.00.

Fees can change. Always check with the specific clerk's office for current costs. Ask about their payment methods. They usually take cash, check, or money order for in-person or mail requests. Some may offer online payment options if you order through a specific system. If you request records from the State of Michigan Vital Records office, expect different fees. They often charge a search fee. This fee covers searching for the record, even if none is found. The state fee mentioned is $34 for a basic one-year search. Extra fees apply for searching more years or for rush service. Confirm all costs before you submit your request and payment.

Public Access Rules and Michigan Law

In Michigan, court records are generally open to the public. This policy promotes openness in the justice system. This means most parts of an Ingham County divorce case file can be viewed by anyone. However, there are exceptions. Access can be restricted by law or court rule. Michigan Court Rule 8.119(I) outlines how and why records might be sealed or made non-public. This rule allows judges to protect certain sensitive information. Examples might include personal ID numbers, bank details, or details about minors. So, while the case existence and final outcome are public, some specific documents or parts might be hidden from view.

You can find the rules online. The Michigan Courts website hosts the Michigan Court Rules. Look for Title 8, Subchapter 8.100 which covers court administration. Rule MCR 8.119 specifically addresses access to court records. The Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) also govern public records. The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) in Michigan gives rights to access public records. But court records sometimes fall under court rules more directly. Always assume a record is public unless told otherwise. If you need a specific document and are denied access, ask under which rule or law it is restricted. You have the right to ask why access is limited.

Official Contact Information

Here are the key contacts for finding Ingham County divorce records.

Ingham County 30th Circuit Court

This court holds the actual divorce case files and decrees.

• Lansing Location: Veterans Memorial Courthouse, 313 W. Kalamazoo St, Lansing, MI 48933

• Mason Location: Ingham County Courthouse, 341 S. Jefferson St, Mason, MI 48854

• Phone (Both Locations): (517) 483-6500

• General Hours: Typically 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday. Call to confirm.

Ingham County Clerk

Handles vital records like marriage licenses, NOT divorce decrees.

• Address: 341 S. Jefferson St, Mason, MI 48854 (P.O. Box 179, Mason, MI 48854)

• Phone: (517) 676-7201

• Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Closed 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM for lunch.

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)

State office for certified copies of vital records, including divorce.

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

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

• Phone (State Vital Records): (517) 335-8666 (General information line)