Wayne County Divorce Records

We appreciate you stopping by. Our aim is to give you clear facts about finding Wayne County Divorce Records. We will help you learn how to get the divorce details you need from the right place.

If you need to begin your search for Wayne County Divorce Records without delay, visit https://michiganofficialrecords.com/wayne-county-divorce-records/. This resource lets you start looking for the divorce files right now. It can help speed up the process if you want quick access or need to verify details fast. Use the names and dates you know to start your quest for Wayne County Divorce Records.

Locating Official Wayne County Divorce Records

Primary Sources for Divorce Decrees

Divorce cases in Wayne County are handled by the court. The main place to get official copies is the Third Judicial Circuit Court of Michigan. This court serves Wayne County. Its Family Division manages divorce proceedings. Records of these cases, known as Judgments of Divorce, are kept here.

The Wayne County Clerk's Office also plays a key role. They file and keep court case records. This includes divorce filings. You may interact with both the court and the clerk. Both are located in the same main building in Detroit. Find them at the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center.

Contents of a Divorce Record

A divorce record holds key facts. It usually shows the full names of both spouses. The date the divorce case was first filed is listed. The date the final divorce judgment was entered is key. Each case gets a unique case number. This helps find the file fast. The record often outlines the terms agreed upon. This might cover assets, debts, or child care. But note, some parts may be kept private. Not all details are open to view by all. The public view may hide some facts.

Methods for Requesting Wayne County Divorce Records

In-Person Requests

You can ask for divorce records face to face. Go to the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center. The address is 2 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226. Inside this large building, you need the right office. The Wayne County Clerk's Office is in Room 201. They handle many court filings. The Circuit Court's Records Room holds older files too. It is found on the lower level of the CAYMC building. Be sure to check which office holds the specific year you need. Plan your visit during work hours. The Clerk's office hours are Monday to Friday. They are open from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Bring a valid photo ID with you. Also bring any case details you have. Know the names of the people. Know the year the divorce may have happened. A case number is very helpful. You must pay fees for search help and copies. The Clerk accepts cash, money orders, and credit cards. They do not take personal checks at the counter. You will likely fill out a request form there. Staff can help you find the right records.

Mail-In Requests

Asking for records by mail is also an option. This works well if you cannot go in person. Send your written request to the Wayne County Clerk. Address it to the Court Services Unit. Use the main address: Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, 2 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226. Make sure your request is clear. Include the full names of both people in the divorce. Give the date or year range of the divorce. If you know the case number, add it. This makes the search much faster for the staff. You must include payment for the search and copies. Mail requests usually require a check or money order. Make it payable to the Wayne County Clerk. Call them first or check their site for current fees. Copy fees are often per page. Certified copies cost more. Check the Clerk's website for a records request form. You might find one at https://www.waynecounty.com/elected/clerk/records.aspx. Fill it out fully. Include your return address. Allow time for mail and processing.

Online Access and Information

Some Wayne County court information is online. The Third Judicial Circuit Court uses a system called Odyssey Public Access (OPA). You can find it here: https://www.3rdcc.org/OPA.aspx?. This tool lets you search for court cases. You can search by name, case number, or date. It covers civil cases filed after 1942. This includes many divorce cases. But, OPA has limits. The site states the data is not the official court record. It is a service but may have errors. Use caution with name searches. Many people share names. Do not use OPA for official background checks. Very important: OPA usually does not show actual documents. You can see case events (the register of actions). You might see final judgments for some civil cases. But you cannot view the full divorce decree file online. For full access or official copies, you must request them in person or by mail. The court also has public kiosks. Find them in the lower level of the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center for onsite digital searches.

Necessary Information for Your Search

To find the right Wayne County Divorce Records, you need good facts.

• Give the full legal names of both people who got divorced.

• Know the approximate date or year the divorce was finalized. A range of years helps if the exact date is not known.

• The case number is the best piece of information. If you have it, the search will be quick and sure.

Costs Associated with Wayne County Divorce Records

Getting copies of Wayne County Divorce Records involves fees. The cost depends on what you need. There might be a small fee just to search the records. This is often charged per name or per year searched. Plain copies of documents usually cost per page. Search results show this fee is $2.00 per page. If you need a certified copy, there is a higher cost. A certification fee is added to the per page cost. This is often $10.00 plus $1.00 for each page after the first. Fees can change. Always check the current cost before sending payment. The Wayne County Clerk accepts certain payment types. In person, they take cash, money orders, and credit/debit cards (with ID). No personal checks at the counter. By mail, use a check or money order. Make it payable to the Wayne County Clerk. Filing a divorce case itself has large fees ($175 to $255 or more). But just getting copies of past records is less costly, based mostly on page count. Find fee details on the Clerk's site under Civil Court Services: https://www.waynecounty.com/elected/clerk/civil-court-services.aspx. 

Public Access Rules for Michigan Divorce Records

Are Wayne County Divorce Records Considered Public?

In Michigan, court records are generally open to the public. This includes most Wayne County Divorce Records. The guiding principle comes from state court rules. Michigan Court Rule MCR 8.119(H)(7) confirms public access. Anyone can view court records unless restricted. Some records can be sealed by a judge's order. This limits access. Also, laws protect certain private data. For example, victim information in crime cases is often kept private. Home addresses or phone numbers might be removed from public view. It is important to know court records are not covered by Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The courts are exempt (MCL 15.232(h)(iv)). Access is governed by court rules, not FOIA. So, while most divorce records are public, some limits apply.

Key Michigan Legal Framework

Access to court records is shaped by Michigan laws and rules. The Michigan Supreme Court sets the Michigan Court Rules (MCR). These rules detail how courts operate. They cover record keeping and public access. You can view the rules on the Michigan Courts website: https://www.courts.michigan.gov/courts/michigan-supreme-court/rules/michigan-court-rules/. Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) also play a part. State laws define court structure and some record policies. Find state laws via the Michigan Legislature site: http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(sessionid))/mileg.aspx?page=home. Local courts, like the Third Circuit Court, can issue Local Administrative Orders (LAOs). These LAOs add specific procedures for that court. This might include details on copy fees or access methods. Always check both state rules and local court practices.

Contact Information for Relevant Wayne County Offices

Wayne County Clerk

• Role: Files new cases, maintains court records, issues copies.

• Address: Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, 2 Woodward Ave, Room 201, Detroit, MI 48226.

• Phone: (313) 224-6262

• Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM.

• Website: https://www.waynecounty.com/elected/clerk/ 

Third Judicial Circuit Court of Michigan (Wayne County)

• Role: Hears divorce cases, issues final judgments (decrees). Family Division handles these matters. Records are held by the court system, accessed via the Clerk or court records department.

• Address: Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, 2 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226. (Records counter access often in lower level).

• Phone: (313) 224-6262 (Wayne County Clerk line, handles many court services calls)

• Website: http://www.3rdcc.org/