Kalamazoo County Divorce Records

Thank you for coming to this page. We aim to help you find the facts you need about Kalamazoo County Divorce Records. Our goal is to give you clear and useful info. We will do our best to guide you.

If you want to start your search for Kalamazoo County Divorce Records right now, you can visit https://michiganofficialrecords.com/kalamazoo-county-divorce-records/. This resource may help you begin the process quickly. It offers a way to look for records. Check it out if you need to find information fast or want a direct way to search.

What Are Kalamazoo County Divorce Records?

Kalamazoo County Divorce Records are official papers. They show that a marriage has legally ended. The main types are the Judgment of Divorce and the case file. The Judgment, or decree, is the final order signed by a judge. It makes the divorce final. The case file holds all the papers filed during the divorce case. This includes the first request, answers, motions, and all court orders. These files give the full story of the court case.

Public Access to Divorce Records

In Michigan, most divorce records are public. This is thanks to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The law is found in the Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL), starting at section 15.231. You can read the full text here: Michigan Legislature - FOIA Act 442 of 1976. This act means most people can ask to see or get copies of Kalamazoo County Divorce Records. The goal is open government. People should know what their public bodies do. This includes the courts and county clerk offices handling divorce papers.

Are There Limits on Access?

Yes, some limits exist. A judge can seal a divorce record. This may happen if it holds very private facts. Things like trade secrets or info that could harm someone might be sealed. Also, details about young children may be kept private. While the case file might be public, getting a certified copy of the Judgment of Divorce often has rules. Usually, only the people in the divorce or their lawyers can get certified copies easily. Others may need to show a good reason. Check with the office holding the record for their exact rules.

Why Look for Kalamazoo County Divorce Records?

People need Kalamazoo County Divorce Records for many key reasons. You might need proof of divorce to marry again. A legal name change back to a prior name often needs the divorce decree. Financial tasks may require it too. This includes dividing property or proving support payments. Some people use these records for family history. They trace family trees and learn about past lives. For others, seeing the final record gives peace of mind. It offers official proof that a past chapter is closed. These records serve real needs, both legal and personal.

Where to Find Kalamazoo County Divorce Records

You have a few main places to look for these records in Kalamazoo County. Each place holds different types of information or copies.

Kalamazoo County Clerk / Register of Deeds

This office is a key source for vital records. They often hold certified copies of the final Judgment of Divorce. This is the main paper proving the divorce is final. It is the official record keeper for many vital events in the county. You may need a certified copy for legal tasks. This office can provide that copy. They also handle birth, death, and marriage records.

• Location: 201 W. Kalamazoo Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

• Phone (Vital Records): 269-383-8840

• Hours:

  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

  • Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

• Website: Kalamazoo County Clerk/Register of Deeds

• Fees: Check their site or call for current fees. A fee schedule link might be on their vital records page.

9th Judicial Circuit Court - Family Division

The Circuit Court is where divorce cases happen. The Family Division handles these cases specifically. This court keeps the entire case file. This includes every document filed from start to finish. If you need more than just the final judgment, this is the place to ask. You might be able to view files in person. You can also request copies of specific documents from the file. The court manages all legal parts of the divorce process. It creates the records you might seek.

• Family Division Location: Gull Road Justice Complex, 1536 Gull Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49048

• Family Division Phone: 269-385-6000

• Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

• Website: 9th Circuit Court Information

• Record Requests: You may need to contact the court clerk's office within the Circuit Court for specific steps. They might use a general court record request form. See the 8th District Court's form as a possible example of process: Court Record/Copy Request Form (Example). Fees will apply for copies and searches. Call the Family Division number for details.

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)

The state keeps a record of all divorces filed in Michigan since 1897. MDHHS Vital Records office handles these state-level records. They can give you a certified copy showing the divorce was filed. This state record might not have all the details found in the county decree. It mainly confirms the names, date, and county of the divorce. It is useful if you do not know the exact county or need state proof.

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

• Phone: 517-335-8666 (Eligibility Unit, choose option 3)

• Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Weekdays (for phone calls/mail processing)

• Website: Michigan Vital Records

• Request Form: Application for Michigan Divorce Record

• Fees: $34 base fee (one year search, one copy). $12 per extra year. $16 per extra copy. $12 rush fee.

Archives of Michigan

For very old Kalamazoo County Divorce Records, the Archives of Michigan might be the place. Counties sometimes send old records to the state archives for long term care. If the divorce happened a very long time ago (like over 100 years), check here. Records from before widespread local filing might be here. Call them to ask about their holdings for Kalamazoo County court records from specific time frames.

• Phone: 517-335-2576

• Website: Archives of Michigan

How to Request Kalamazoo County Divorce Records

Getting these records needs some key steps. You need the right info and must follow the right process.

Information You Will Need

To help the clerk or court find the record, have this info ready:

• The full names of both people who got divorced. Use the names they had at the time of the divorce.

• The date the divorce was finalized. The year is most vital. Month and day help narrow the search. If you don't know the exact year, give a range of years to search.

• The county where the divorce was granted (Kalamazoo).

• The court case number, if you know it. This helps find the file fast.

Ways to Make a Request

You can usually ask for records in these ways:

• In Person: Go to the County Clerk's office or the Circuit Court Clerk's office. You can fill out a form there. You will likely need photo ID. You pay the fees on site. This is often the fastest way if you live near by.

• By Mail: Get a request form from the office's website or call them. Fill it out fully. Include a check or money order for the fees. Some offices ask for a self-addressed stamped envelope (S.A.S.E.) for the return mail. Send it to the right address for vital records or court records. Mail can take time. Plan for processing and mail delays.

• Online: Some courts offer online case lookups. These may show basic case info but not full documents. Official certified copies usually cannot be ordered direct from the county online. The state MDHHS allows online orders through approved partners (check their website for links).

Forms and Fees

You will need to use a form for most requests. Look on the Kalamazoo County Clerk and 9th Circuit Court websites. Search for "vital records request" or "court record copy request". If no specific divorce form exists, a general one may work. For state records, use the MDHHS form linked earlier.

Fees vary. The County Clerk and Circuit Court set their own fees. Expect per-page copy fees (like $1.00 per page) and a certification fee (like $10.00 per document). Call them to confirm current costs. State fees are listed on their form ($34 base fee, plus extras). Pay fees when you submit the request. Checks or money orders are common for mail requests. Cash or cards might work in person.

What's In a Kalamazoo County Divorce Record?

The term "divorce record" can mean two things: the final decree or the whole court file.

Divorce Decree / Judgment of Divorce

This is the key document. It is the court's final order. It legally ends the marriage. It includes the names of the parties. It lists the date the divorce is final. The judge's signature makes it official. It often outlines important terms. These include how property was split. It states any spousal support (alimony) rules. If children were involved, it details custody, parenting time, and child support. Certified copies are usually needed for legal proof.

Divorce Case File

This is the complete record kept by the Circuit Court. It holds every paper filed in the case. This starts with the initial Complaint for Divorce. It includes the other spouse's Answer. It has all motions filed by either side. It contains all court orders issued during the case. It might include reports or summaries of evidence. This file gives a full picture of the legal process. It is much larger than just the final decree. Access might involve viewing it at the courthouse or ordering copies of parts.

Michigan Laws on Divorce and Records

State laws control divorce and public records access in Michigan.

Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

This law (MCL 15.231 et seq.) gives you the right to access public records. Kalamazoo County Divorce Records are generally public under FOIA. There are some privacy exceptions. The law aims for open government. Find it here: Michigan Legislature - FOIA Act 442 of 1976.

Michigan Divorce Law

The rules for getting divorced are in Michigan Compiled Laws Chapter 552. This chapter covers who can file (residency rules). It sets the grounds for divorce (no-fault based on marriage breakdown). It includes waiting periods before a divorce can be final (60 days or 6 months with kids). You can read these laws here: Michigan Legislature - Chapter 552 Divorce. Key sections include MCL 552.6 (grounds and residency) and MCL 552.9f (waiting periods).

Contact Information Summary

Here are the key contacts for Kalamazoo County Divorce Records:

• Kalamazoo County Clerk / Register of Deeds (Vital Records)

  • Address: 201 W. Kalamazoo Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

  • Phone: 269-383-8840

  • Hours: M/T/Th/F 8:00-4:30, W 9:00-4:30

• 9th Judicial Circuit Court - Family Division

  • Address: 1536 Gull Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49048

  • Phone: 269-385-6000

  • Hours: M-F 8:00-5:00

• 9th Judicial Circuit Court - Trial Division

  • Address: 330 Eleanor St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

  • Phone: 269-383-8837

  • Hours: M-F 8:00-5:00

• Michigan Dept. of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) - Vital Records

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

  • Phone: 517-335-8666 (Option 3)

  • Hours: M-F 8:00-5:00

• Archives of Michigan

  • Phone: 517-335-2576