Kent County Divorce Records

We are glad you came to this page. Our goal is to give you the best help we can. We want to aid you in your search for Kent County Divorce Records. We will lay out the key facts you need. This guide aims to be clear and easy to use.

To begin searching right now for Kent County Divorce Records, please visit https://michiganofficialrecords.com/kent-county-divorce-records/. This resource allows you to start your search process immediately if you prefer not to wait. Finding the records you seek can sometimes be time sensitive. Use the link to check available options for accessing Kent County Divorce Records online swiftly and securely. This step can save you time before looking into direct office requests.

Accessing Kent County Divorce Records

Where can you find these specific records? There are main places to look in Kent County. Each holds different types of divorce proof. Knowing where to go saves time. We will list the key offices here.

Kent County Clerk (Circuit Court Records)

The Clerk of the Court keeps all records for the Kent County Circuit Court. This includes the full divorce decree. This office is your source for the complete legal file. You can find detailed terms of the divorce here. The Clerk's office helps the public access these files.

The Circuit Court Clerk’s Office is on the 2nd floor. The address is Kent County Courthouse, 180 Ottawa Avenue NW, Suite 2400, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. You can call them with questions at (616) 632-5480. Their office hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. They close on major holidays. It is wise to call ahead or check the county website. This helps confirm hours before you visit. Parking is at meters or nearby city lots. Maps are often found on the City of Grand Rapids site.

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)

The state health department, MDHHS, handles vital records. This includes divorce certificates. These are not the full decree. They just verify that a divorce took place. MDHHS keeps records for divorces granted in Michigan since 1897. This office is useful if you only need proof of divorce. It does not provide the detailed terms found in a decree.

MDHHS Vital Records is in Lansing. The physical address is 333 S. Grand Ave., Lansing MI 48933. Their mailing address is Vital Records Requests, PO Box 30721, Lansing MI 48909. You can call their eligibility unit at (517) 335-8666, press option #3. You can also email VRCustomerService@michigan.gov. The office is open weekdays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. For same-day service when visiting in person, you must submit your request by 3:00 pm. Check the MDHHS site for holiday hours.

Types of Kent County Divorce Records

It is key to know the two main types of divorce records. Each serves a different need. One is the full court order. The other is a simple check that the divorce is final.

Divorce Decrees (Judgment of Divorce)

A divorce decree is the final judgment signed by a judge. It officially ends the marriage. This is a detailed court document. It lists all the terms the parties agreed to or the court ordered. This includes how property was split. It covers child custody plans. Child support amounts are in it. Spousal support details are also listed if ordered. You get this document from the Kent County Clerk's Office. It is part of the official 17th Circuit Court file. People need this full decree for legal tasks. For example, changing property deeds may need it. Enforcing support terms also needs the decree. This is the most complete record of the divorce terms. It holds the full weight of the court's order.

Divorce Certificates (Verification)

A divorce certificate is different from a decree. It is a vital record issued by the state (MDHHS). It simply confirms that a divorce happened. It lists the names of the two people. It shows the date the divorce was final. It notes the county where the divorce took place. It has much less detail than the decree. It does not show the terms like asset split or child care. You get this certificate from the MDHHS Vital Records office. People often use this for simpler needs. Changing your last name on a driver's license might need it. Applying for certain benefits might require it. It proves you are divorced without sharing private details. It is a basic record of status change.

How to Request Kent County Divorce Records

There are set ways to ask for these records. The steps depend on which record you need (decree or certificate). They also depend on which office holds the record.

Requesting Divorce Decrees from Kent County Clerk

You can get the full divorce decree from the Kent County Clerk. Here are the ways:

• In Person: Go to the Circuit Court Clerk's Office. It is on the 2nd floor of the Kent County Courthouse. The address is 180 Ottawa Avenue NW, Suite 2400, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. You will likely need to fill out a request form. Bring ID. Know the names of the people divorced. Knowing the year helps speed up the search. Staff can help you find the file. You can view records there too.

• By Phone: You may request a copy by phone. Call the Clerk's office at (616) 632-5480. Ask about getting a copy mailed to you. They will tell you the cost and process. Be ready to give the case details. You will need to arrange payment.

• Online Search (Informational): Kent County offers an online court records search. Visit the Kent County court records search page at https://www.kentcountymi.gov/1036/Search-Court-Records. This tool lets you look up case information. You can see case status and dates. You cannot get official certified copies this way. It is good for finding case numbers or checking status.

Requesting Divorce Certificates from MDHHS

For a divorce certificate (verification), contact MDHHS Vital Records. Here are the methods:

• By Mail: You can mail in a request. Find the "Application For Michigan Divorce Record" form. Look on the MDHHS vital records website: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/doing-business/vitalrecords. Fill out the form fully. Include a clear copy of your valid photo ID. Include a check or money order for the fee. Mail everything to: Vital Records Requests, PO Box 30721, Lansing MI 48909. Make sure your writing is clear. Include your return address.

• In Person (Lansing Office): Visit the state office in Lansing. The address is 333 S. Grand Ave., Lansing MI 48933. They are open 8:00 am to 5:00 pm on weekdays. Submit your form and payment by 3:00 pm. This gives the best chance for same-day service. Bring your valid photo ID.

• Online Ordering (Via State Site): The MDHHS website provides links for online ordering. Go to https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/doing-business/vitalrecords. Follow their instructions for placing an online request. Note that this usually involves using a state-approved service. Fees may differ slightly for online orders. This is often the fastest way to request a certificate.

Fees for Kent County Divorce Records

There are costs to get copies of divorce records. Fees vary by the type of record and the office. Prices can change, so always check first.

Kent County Clerk Fees (Divorce Decrees)

The Kent County Clerk charges for copies from court files. Here are typical costs:

• Uncertified Copy of Judgment of Divorce: $7.00.

• Certified Copy of Judgment of Divorce: $15.00. This includes the per-page cost plus the certification fee.

• General copies of other documents in the file: $1.00 per page.

• Copies of transcripts filed with the court: $0.30 per page.

• Certification Fee (added to per-page cost for certified documents): $10.00 per document.

These fees are based on available information and local court orders. Check the current fee schedule or call the Clerk at (616) 632-5480 for the exact cost. Payment methods usually include cash, check, or card (fees may apply for cards).

MDHHS Fees (Divorce Certificates)

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services sets fees for vital records. These include divorce certificates. The standard fees are:

• Search Fee (includes one certified copy): $34.00. This fee covers a search of records.

• Additional Copies (ordered at the same time): $16.00 each.

• Search for Additional Years: $12.00 per year searched beyond the standard scope.

• Rush Service (faster processing): An extra $12.00 fee.

These fees are subject to change by the state legislature. Always confirm current costs on the MDHHS Vital Records website: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/doing-business/vitalrecords. Payment can usually be made by check, money order, or credit/debit card (online or in person).

Public Access to Kent County Divorce Records

Are Kent County divorce records open to the public? Yes, most court records are. But there are rules and some limits.

Michigan Law on Public Records

Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) guides access. You can find the law in the Michigan Compiled Laws, starting at MCL 15.231. Go to http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?mcl-act-442-of-1976 to read it. This law states that government records are generally public. Court case files, including divorces, fall under this. Any person can ask to see public records. The Kent County Clerk's office allows inspection of divorce files during business hours. Some case information is also online. This promotes open government. The public has a right to know how courts work. Access ensures the process is fair.

Restrictions and Confidentiality

Not all parts of a divorce record are public. Some information is kept private by law or court order. This protects people involved.

• Sealed Records: A judge can order a divorce record sealed. This means it is not open to the public. Parties must ask the court for this. They need a good reason. Reasons include protecting children. Or protecting victims of abuse. Trade secrets in a business might also be sealed. The judge weighs privacy against the public's right to know.

• Redacted Information: Some details are automatically removed (redacted). This applies even in public records. Social Security numbers are redacted. Full bank account numbers are often blacked out. This helps prevent identity theft. Other private financial data may also be hidden.

• Juvenile Information: Details about minor children may be restricted. This protects the children's privacy. Custody evaluations might be confidential.

• Access to Certified Copies: While anyone might view a public file, getting official certified copies can have limits. MDHHS may limit certified divorce certificates. Often only the parties or their lawyers can get certified copies easily. This is especially true for recent records. Check eligibility rules before you request.

Contact Information Summary

Here is a quick list of key contacts for Kent County Divorce Records:

Kent County Circuit Court Clerk

• Role: Holds Divorce Decrees (full court orders).

• Address: 180 Ottawa Avenue NW, Suite 2400, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

• Phone: (616) 632-5480.

• Website: Find clerk info via the 17th Circuit Court page: https://www.kentcountymi.gov/1476/17th-Circuit-Court. 

• Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Vital Records

• Role: Issues Divorce Certificates (verification).

• Mailing Address: PO Box 30721, Lansing MI 48909.

• Physical Address: 333 S. Grand Ave., Lansing MI 48933.

• Phone: (517) 335-8666 (select option 3 for eligibility/customer service).

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

• Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm (in-person office).