Oakland County Divorce Records

Thank you for visiting. We aim to give you clear facts about Oakland County Divorce Records. Our goal is to help you find the court files you seek. We will cover where to look. We will show how to ask for them. We will list costs too.

For quick access to search options for Oakland County Divorce Records, visit https://michiganofficialrecords.com/oakland-county-divorce-records/ now. This page provides a direct way to begin your search if you are ready. It can help you find paths to the official records held by the county court system. Check it out if you need to start looking for case details right away. It is a good first step for many.

Where to Find Oakland County Divorce Records

Oakland County Circuit Court and Clerk's Office

Divorce cases fall under the 6th Judicial Circuit Court. The Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds maintains these files. The Clerk's Legal Records Division handles them. This office is key for accessing case papers. It stores and gives out these court records. Most new divorce filings use the state's eFile system (MiFILE). But the Clerk holds the final official records.

These records are vital public data. They show proof of a marriage end. People need them for many legal tasks. This includes name changes. It helps with estate issues too. Knowing where to start saves time. The main place is the county courthouse complex.

Location, Contact, and Hours

The Oakland County Courthouse holds the Circuit Court and Clerk's Office. Its address is: 1200 North Telegraph Road Pontiac, MI 48341

For the Clerk's Legal Records Division: Use Department 413 at the same address. Phone: (248) 858-0582 Email: clerklegal@oakgov.com Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.

These hours are for general service. Plan your visit during this time. Call first if you have complex needs. This can save you a trip. They handle many types of court files. Divorce records are just one part. Be sure to ask for Legal Records. This helps direct your call fast.

Using Online Tools for Information

Oakland County Court Explorer

Oakland County offers an online tool. It is called Court Explorer. Find it at https://courtexplorer.oakgov.com/. You can search Circuit Court case information here. Use a person's name or business name. You can also search by case number if known. This tool helps find case details online. It shows basic case data. This includes party names and case status.

For divorce cases specifically: You might use the Advanced Search. Enter 'DO' for divorce without minor children. Use 'DM' for divorce with minor children. Then add the party names. This can narrow your search. Court Explorer shows data but is not the official record for checks. For official copies, you must contact the Clerk. The site notes data is for personal use. For background checks, use the official state police tool (ICHAT). Court Explorer helps you find the case number and status before requesting copies.

Michigan Courts Case Search (MiCourt)

The Michigan Courts website offers a statewide case search. Find it at https://www.courts.michigan.gov/case-search/. This tool, often called MiCourt search, covers many courts. It lets you select the county and court type. While divorce is a Circuit Court matter, this tool can be useful. It helps find cases in other courts or counties. It is less direct for Oakland County divorce records. Court Explorer is more specific for Oakland Circuit Court cases. But MiCourt is good for broader searches if needed.

Understanding Public Access and Record Content

Public Access Rules

Are Oakland County divorce records public? Yes, mostly. The Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) allows access. Michigan Court Rules also guide access. See MCR 8.119. These rules state court records are open. But some limits exist. Info deemed private is not public. This can include data about kids. It may hide full bank account numbers. Sealed records need a court order to view. Only parties or lawyers can typically see sealed files. Most case details remain open to view.

Information Found in Divorce Records

Divorce records hold key details. You will find the full names of both people. The court case number is listed. Key dates appear, like the filing date. The date the divorce was final is crucial. This is the judgment date. The judge's name may be on the final order. The record confirms the marriage ended legally.

It is good to know the type of record. A divorce decree is the full court order. It details all terms of the split. This includes property division, child custody, and support if any. A divorce certificate is a simple state vital record. It just confirms the divorce happened. It shows names, date, and place. The court holds the detailed decree. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) handles certificates, usually for divorces after 1897. For full details, you need the court decree from Oakland County.

How to Request Official Copies

Getting Records In Person

You can go to the Clerk's Office. Visit the Legal Records Division. Their address is 1200 N. Telegraph Rd, Dept 413, Pontiac. Office hours are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, weekdays. They have an E-Services center too. You can look up records there. Viewing records on site is often free. If you need copies, there is a cost. Ask staff for help finding the right case file. Bring case numbers or names if you have them. This makes the search faster.

Going in person allows direct help. You can ask questions on the spot. Staff can guide you through the process. Pay for copies right there. They accept cash or cards for copy fees. It is a sure way to get what you need. Remember the office hours. Plan your visit within that time frame.

Requesting Records by Mail

You can ask for copies by mail. Write to the Clerk's Office. Send your request to: Oakland County Clerk's Office Legal Records Division, Dept. 413 1200 North Telegraph Road Pontiac, MI 48341

Include key facts in your letter. List the full names of both parties. State the year the divorce was filed or finalized. Include the case number if you know it. Provide your contact info too. You must pay for copies. The cost is $1.00 per page for plain copies. Certified copies cost $10 for the certification plus $1.00 per page. Send a money order or certified check. Make it payable to Oakland County Clerk. Do not send cash. You must also include a self-addressed stamped envelope (S.A.S.E.). This is so they can mail the copies back to you. Call them first at (248) 858-0582 to confirm the total cost. This avoids delays with your request.

Mail requests take more time. Factor in mailing time both ways. Plus allow time for staff to process it. Be very clear in your request. Give as much detail as you can. This helps them find the right record fast. Double check the mailing address and payment amount.

Costs for Copies

There are fees for getting copies.

• Plain copies cost $1.00 per page.

• Certified copies have an extra fee. It is $10.00 for the certification seal. Plus $1.00 for each page.

• Viewing records in person at the Clerk's office is usually free.

• Searching using Court Explorer online is free.

Always check current fees. Call the Clerk's office or check the county website. Fees can change over time. Plan for these costs when you request copies. Payment is due when you order copies.

Relevant Laws and Official Resources

Michigan Laws on Divorce Records

Michigan law governs divorce proceedings. Key laws are in the Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL). Chapter 552 covers divorce specifically. You can find it here: MCL Chapter 552 Divorce. Some important sections include:

• MCL 552.6: Outlines filing a complaint for divorce. It notes Michigan is a no-fault state.

• MCL 552.9: Sets residency rules. One party must live in Michigan for 180 days. And in Oakland County for 10 days before filing.

• MCL 552.104: Allows recording a certified copy of the divorce decree with the Register of Deeds.

Access is also shaped by the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). And by Michigan Court Rules like MCR 8.119 on court record access. These laws balance public access with privacy needs.

Official Websites

For the most current information, use official sources:

• Oakland County Circuit Court: https://www.oakgov.com/government/courts/circuit-court

• Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds: https://www.oakgov.com/government/clerk-register-of-deeds/court-records

• Oakland County Court Explorer: https://courtexplorer.oakgov.com/

• Michigan Courts (Statewide): https://www.courts.michigan.gov/

These sites offer contact details, forms, and search tools. They are the best place for up-to-date facts. Check them before calling or visiting. This ensures you have the latest info. Court procedures and fees can change. Official sites reflect these updates first.