Michigan Divorce Records

If you need to find information about a divorce that took place in Michigan, you're probably wondering where to start looking. Whether you're researching your family history, need proof of divorce for legal purposes, or are conducting background research, understanding how to access Michigan divorce records can save you time and frustration. These records contain important information about the dissolution of marriages in the state, and knowing how to find them is easier than you might think.

Michigan maintains detailed records of divorces that have occurred throughout the state dating back more than a century. The process for obtaining these records varies depending on what type of information you need and how you plan to use it.

Before you begin your search for divorce records in Michigan, it's helpful to understand what these records are and what information they contain. Michigan divorce records come in different forms, each serving different purposes and containing varying levels of detail.

What Are Divorce Records?

Divorce records are official documents that provide proof that a marriage has been legally dissolved. In Michigan, these records are considered vital records, similar to birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage records. The state has been maintaining these records since 1867, creating an extensive database of marriage and divorce records spanning more than 150 years.

When a divorce is finalized in Michigan, the court case information and final judgment are documented and stored in multiple places. The circuit court where the divorce took place maintains detailed court records, while the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) keeps certified copies of divorce certificates through its Division for Vital Records and Health Statistics.

Types of Divorce Records in Michigan

Michigan provides two main types of divorce-related documents, and understanding the difference between them is important for knowing which one you need:

Divorce Certificate

This is a simplified document issued by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services that contains basic, non-confidential information about a divorce. A divorce certificate includes the date the divorce became official, the names of both parties, the court where the divorce was finalized, and the court case number. Divorce certificates are considered vital records and are generally easier to obtain than full divorce decrees. However, you cannot request a divorce certificate until at least 90 days after the divorce was finalized.

Divorce Decree (Judgment of Divorce)

This is the complete legal document signed by a judge that officially ends the marriage and outlines all the terms of the divorce. A divorce decree contains much more detailed information than a certificate, including decisions about property division, spousal support, child custody, parenting time, and child support. These comprehensive court documents are maintained by the county clerk's office in the county where the divorce took place.

Understanding which document you need depends on your purpose. For simple proof that a divorce occurred, a divorce certificate usually suffices. For legal matters that require details about custody arrangements, property division, or support obligations, you'll need the full divorce decree from the court.

Are Michigan Divorce Records Public?

One of the most common questions people have is whether divorce records in Michigan are available to the public or if they're kept private. The answer involves understanding Michigan's public records laws and some important exceptions.

Public Access Under Michigan Law

Michigan divorce records are generally considered public records under the state's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). This law permits members of the general public to request and obtain divorce records for divorces that occurred in Michigan. The principle behind public access is government transparency—allowing citizens to access information about legal proceedings and official actions.

However, "public access" doesn't mean that anyone can view all the private details of someone's divorce. The publicly available versions of divorce records are typically redacted, meaning sensitive or confidential information has been removed to protect the privacy of the individuals involved.

When Divorce Records Are Sealed

Not all divorce records remain fully accessible to the public. Courts may seal divorce records in certain circumstances, making them unavailable except to authorized persons. Divorce records may be sealed when they contain:

• Sensitive financial information that could jeopardize someone's financial security
• Details that could endanger someone's physical safety
• Information about minor children that should remain private
• Trade secrets or confidential business information
• Other personal details that could cause significant harm if made public

Either party in a divorce can file a motion requesting that the court seal the divorce records. The motion must provide justifiable reasons why sealing is necessary. Before approving such a request, judges consider whether keeping the records public would negatively impact the parties' reputations, children, finances, careers, or safety.

Even when divorce records are sealed from general public access, certain authorized individuals can still obtain them, including the actual parties involved in the divorce and the attorneys who represented them in the proceedings.

Where Michigan Divorce Records Are Kept

Michigan divorce records are stored in multiple locations throughout the state, and knowing where to look depends on what information you need and when the divorce occurred. Understanding the state's record-keeping system helps you direct your search to the right place.

County Clerk's Office

The most comprehensive divorce records are maintained at the county clerk's office in the county where the divorce was finalized. When a judge signs a Judgment of Divorce, the clerk of courts documents this judgment in the county's records. These county-level records contain the complete court case file, including all motions, hearings, evidence presented, and the final judgment.

Each of Michigan's 83 counties maintains its own divorce records for cases heard in that county's circuit court. If you know which county handled the divorce, you can contact that specific county clerk's office directly. The records available through county clerks typically include more detailed information than what's available through the state vital records office.

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services

The state-level repository for divorce certificates is the Division for Vital Records and Health Statistics within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). After a divorce is finalized, the court where the proceedings took place delivers basic information to the state for record-keeping purposes.

The MDHHS maintains divorce certificates (not full divorce decrees) dating back to 1867. These certificates contain basic information about the divorce but don't include the detailed terms and conditions found in the actual court judgment. The vital records office is located at:

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Division for Vital Records and Health Statistics 333 S. Grand Avenue, 1st Floor Lansing, MI 48933

The office operates with limited capacity and primarily by appointment. Customer service is available Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Eastern time. You can reach them at (517) 335-8666 or via email at VRCustomerService@michigan.gov.

Online Court Case Databases

Many Michigan counties now provide online access to court case information through public access portals. These online systems allow you to search for divorce cases and view basic case information, registers of action (a chronological list of all court filings and proceedings), and sometimes civil judgments.

Popular online court record systems in Michigan include:

• Michigan Court Case Search (statewide): micourt.courts.michigan.gov/case-search/
• Oakland County Court Explorer: courtexplorer.oakgov.com
• Wayne County Odyssey Public Access: www.3rdcc.org/OPA.aspx

These online portals provide convenient access to court case information, but they don't typically include the full text of all documents filed in the case. You can view what actions occurred and when, but to obtain actual copies of the divorce decree and related documents, you'll usually need to request them from the county clerk's office.

How to Obtain Michigan Divorce Records

The process for obtaining divorce records in Michigan varies depending on which type of record you need and your preferred method of requesting it. Several options are available to accommodate different situations and needs.

Requesting Divorce Certificates from the State

If you need a certified divorce certificate from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, you have multiple request options:

Online Ordering: You can order divorce certificates online through VitalChek, the only authorized online service provider for Michigan vital records. Visit the MDHHS website and follow the links to order certificates online. You'll need to provide the names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, and payment information. Online ordering offers convenience and relatively quick processing.

Phone Ordering: Call VitalChek at 1-866-443-9897 to place an order by phone. A customer service representative will help you complete your request and process your payment over the phone.

Mail Ordering: Download and complete the divorce record application form from the MDHHS website. Include a photocopy of your valid ID (if applicable) and payment, then mail everything to the address listed on the application form. Mail-in requests take longer to process but may be preferable if you're not comfortable ordering online.

In-Person Ordering: The vital records office accepts in-person requests by appointment only on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Schedule an appointment through the MDHHS website. Same-day service may be available for standard certificate requests.

Drop Box Service: If you don't need same-day service and prefer not to make an appointment, you can use the drop box located in the main lobby at 333 S. Grand Avenue in Lansing. The drop box is available Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Place your completed application, required fees, and any necessary documentation in a sealed envelope and drop it in the box.

Requesting Divorce Decrees from County Courts

To obtain a full divorce decree with all the details of the divorce judgment, you'll need to contact the county clerk's office where the divorce was finalized. The process varies slightly from county to county, but generally follows these steps:

Identify the Correct County

Determine which county handled the divorce. If you're unsure, you can search online court databases using the parties' names to find the case and see which court has jurisdiction.

Complete a Request Form

Most counties require you to fill out a records request form. You'll typically need to provide the year of the divorce, the full names of both parties, and the court case number if you have it.

Submit Your Request

You can usually request divorce decrees through several methods:

• Online Access: Some counties allow you to view and download certain divorce documents through their online court case portals
• In-Person Request: Visit the county clerk's office during business hours to request paper copies
• Mail-In Request: Complete the request form and mail it to the Office of the Clerk of the Court or the court's records management office, along with payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope

To find the exact location and contact information for any Michigan court, use the court locator tool on the Michigan Judiciary's official website at courts.michigan.gov.

Information Needed for Your Request

Regardless of which method you choose, having certain information ready makes the process smoother and faster:

Required Information:

• Full legal names of both parties in the divorce
• Date of divorce or approximate timeframe
• County where the divorce was finalized
• Court case number (if available, though not always required)

Additional Helpful Information:

• Previous names or maiden names of either party
• Date of marriage
• Location of marriage

The more specific information you can provide, the easier it will be to locate the correct records, especially for common names or older divorces.

Fees for Michigan Divorce Records

Obtaining copies of divorce records in Michigan involves various fees depending on the type of record you're requesting and how you want to receive it. Understanding these costs helps you budget appropriately and choose the most cost-effective option for your needs.

State Vital Records Fees

For divorce certificates obtained through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the fee structure is as follows:

These fees are standard regardless of whether you order online, by phone, by mail, or in person. Payment methods accepted include credit cards for online and phone orders, checks or money orders for mail orders, and various payment types for in-person transactions.

It's important to note that the search fee is non-refundable. If the vital records office searches for a divorce certificate but cannot locate a record matching your information, you won't receive a refund. This can happen if the divorce didn't occur in Michigan, if the information provided was incorrect, or if insufficient time has passed since the divorce (remember, divorce certificates aren't available until 90 days after finalization).

County Court Fees

Fees for obtaining divorce decrees from county clerk's offices vary by county but are generally more affordable than state vital records fees. Typical county-level fees include:

• Certified copies: Usually $15 to $20 for the first few pages
• Additional pages: $0.50 to $2.00 per page
• Uncertified copies: Often less expensive, around $1 to $2 per page
• Search fees: Some counties charge a separate fee for searching their records

Contact the specific county clerk's office where your divorce was finalized to confirm their current fee schedule. Most counties accept payment by cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card, though accepted payment methods may vary.

Fee Waivers

If you cannot afford the fees for obtaining divorce records, you may qualify for a fee waiver. Fee waivers are typically available for individuals with very low incomes who can demonstrate financial hardship. To request a fee waiver, you'll need to complete a fee waiver application and provide documentation of your income and expenses. The court or vital records office will review your application and determine whether you qualify for reduced or eliminated fees.

Who Can Request Michigan Divorce Records

Understanding who is authorized to obtain divorce records helps you know whether you can access the documents you need and what restrictions might apply.

Public Access to Divorce Certificates

Divorce certificates from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services are generally available to any member of the public who requests them. You don't need to be one of the parties involved in the divorce or have a specific relationship to them. However, as mentioned earlier, these certificates contain only basic, non-confidential information and not the detailed terms of the divorce.

Restricted Access to Divorce Decrees

Full divorce decrees from county courts may have more restricted access. While these are generally considered public records, some counties limit who can obtain certified copies. Typically, the following people can obtain certified copies of divorce decrees:

Authorized Individuals:

• The parties actually involved in the divorce
• Legal representatives or attorneys for the parties
• Individuals with a court order authorizing access
• Government agencies with legal authority to access the records
• Researchers or genealogists (may have access to older records)

If you're not one of the parties in the divorce but need access to the divorce decree, you may be able to obtain an uncertified copy or view the record at the courthouse. Each county has its own policies regarding public access, so contact the county clerk's office to understand what's available to you.

Searching for Michigan Divorce Records Online

The digital age has made searching for divorce records much more convenient than in the past. Several online resources allow you to search for Michigan divorce records from the comfort of your home.

Official Michigan Court Case Search

The Michigan Courts One Court of Justice website offers a statewide case search tool at micourt.courts.michigan.gov/case-search/. This free resource allows you to search for court cases, including divorces, across participating Michigan courts. You can search by party name, case number, attorney name, or business name.

The search results show basic case information, including the case type, filing date, and current status. You can click on specific cases to view the register of action, which lists all filings and court proceedings chronologically. While this tool provides valuable information about divorce cases, it doesn't allow you to download actual divorce documents—for those, you'll need to contact the court directly.

County-Specific Online Portals

Many Michigan counties maintain their own online court record systems with more detailed information about cases in their jurisdiction. These county portals often provide more functionality than the statewide system:

Oakland County

The Oakland County Clerk's Office offers a free genealogy site where you can search and order marriage and divorce records. Visit courts.oakgov.com/OakGnlg/ to search by name or date. They also provide Court Explorer (courtexplorer.oakgov.com) for viewing divorce case information. When searching for divorce cases, use "DM" for divorces with minor children and "DO" for divorces without children.

Wayne County

Wayne County offers Odyssey Public Access (OPA) at 3rdcc.org/OPA.aspx, allowing you to search civil court cases, including divorces that occurred after 1942. You can search by date, name, or case number. Public access kiosks are also available in the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center in Detroit for in-person searching.

Kent County

Check the Kent County website for their records search system, which provides access to court case information for divorces handled in Kent County courts.

Third-Party Public Records Websites

Numerous private companies operate websites that aggregate public records from various sources, including divorce records. These third-party websites can be convenient because they allow you to search multiple jurisdictions at once without visiting individual county websites.

However, it's important to understand that these sites have significant limitations:

Limitations of Third-Party Sites:

• They operate independently of government agencies and aren't officially sponsored
• Record availability, completeness, and accuracy cannot be guaranteed
• Information may not be current or may contain errors
• They often charge fees for access to records that might be free from official sources
• Divorce records may be incomplete or unavailable due to their private nature
• Search results may include information about different people with the same name

If you use third-party websites, verify any important information by checking with official government sources. Don't rely solely on third-party data for legal decisions or important personal matters.

Tips for Successfully Finding Divorce Records

Searching for divorce records can sometimes be challenging, especially for older divorces or when you have limited information. These practical tips can help increase your chances of finding the records you need.

Gather as Much Information as Possible

The more details you have about the divorce, the easier your search will be. Before starting your search, try to collect:

• Both parties' full legal names (including maiden names)
• The approximate date of divorce (at least the year)
• The county where the divorce was filed
• The date and place of the original marriage
• Any previous addresses where the couple lived

Even approximate information helps narrow your search and reduces the likelihood of finding records for different people with similar names.

Start with Online Searches

Begin by checking free online resources like the Michigan Court Case Search or your county's online portal. These searches cost nothing and can provide valuable information quickly, including:

• Confirmation that a divorce occurred
• The exact court case number
• The court that handled the case
• The filing and completion dates

Once you have the case number and court location, requesting the actual records becomes much simpler.

Check Multiple Record Types

If you're having trouble finding a divorce through one source, try another. If the state vital records office can't locate a divorce certificate, the county court might still have the court case records. Similarly, if county records don't show a divorce, it might have occurred in a different county than you expected.

Consider Name Variations

People sometimes use different versions of their names in different contexts. Consider variations like:

• Formal legal names vs. nicknames
• Middle names or initials
• Hyphenated last names
• Previous married names
• Maiden names

Try searching with different name combinations if your initial search doesn't return results.

Be Patient with Processing Times

Obtaining official copies of divorce records, especially through mail requests or from the state vital records office, can take time. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services currently experiences processing delays due to increased demand related to Real ID requirements. Processing times can extend up to 90 days or more.

Plan ahead if you need divorce records for a time-sensitive purpose like applying for a passport, getting remarried, or meeting court deadlines.

Certified vs. Uncertified Copies

Understanding the difference between certified and uncertified copies is important when using divorce records for legal purposes:

• Certified Copies are official documents stamped and signed by the issuing agency (the vital records office or county clerk). They include a certification statement verifying that the copy is a true and accurate reproduction of the original record. Most legal purposes require certified copies, including immigration applications, court filings, and official name changes.
• Uncertified Copies are simple photocopies without official certification. They're acceptable for personal reference, genealogical research, or situations where you just need to review the information. Uncertified copies are usually less expensive than certified copies.

Always confirm what type of copy you need before ordering. If you're unsure, certified copies are the safer choice, as they're accepted for any purpose while uncertified copies have limited uses.

Privacy Considerations and Responsible Use

When accessing divorce records, whether your own or someone else's, it's important to use the information responsibly and understand privacy considerations.

Respect for Privacy

Even though divorce records are generally public, the information they contain is often very personal and sensitive. The parties involved went through a difficult life transition, and their private matters became part of the public record out of legal necessity, not choice. When accessing someone else's divorce records, consider:

• Whether you have a legitimate need for the information
• How you'll use the information
• The potential impact on the individuals involved
• Whether there are less intrusive ways to obtain the information you need

Legal Restrictions on Use

While Michigan law allows public access to most divorce records, there are legal restrictions on how that information can be used. Misusing divorce records could violate:

• Privacy laws protecting personal information
• Harassment or stalking statutes
• Identity theft laws
• Employment discrimination laws
• Fair housing regulations

Never use divorce records to harass, threaten, discriminate against, or harm anyone. Don't use personal information from divorce records for identity theft or fraud.

Protecting Your Own Records

If you're concerned about privacy regarding your own divorce records, understand your options:

• Request that the court seal sensitive information in your divorce decree
• Ask the judge to redact (black out) confidential details like Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, or children's identifying information
• File a motion to seal the entire divorce record if you have compelling reasons
• Monitor who accesses your divorce records (some jurisdictions maintain access logs)

Correcting Errors in Divorce Records

Sometimes divorce records contain errors or inaccurate information. If you discover mistakes in your Michigan divorce records, you can request corrections through the appropriate agency.

Types of Errors

Common errors in divorce records include:

• Misspelled names
• Incorrect dates
• Wrong locations
• Transposed numbers in case numbers or identification numbers
• Missing information

Correction Process

To correct errors in divorce certificates from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, you must submit a formal correction request by mail. Visit the MDHHS website and download the appropriate correction form. Include documentation proving the correct information, such as:

• Original divorce decree from the court
• Identification showing correct spelling of names
• Other vital records (birth certificate, marriage certificate) showing correct information

Mail the completed form, supporting documentation, and any required fees to the vital records office. The correction process can take several weeks or months.

For errors in the divorce decree itself (the court document), you'll need to work with the county court where the divorce was finalized. This typically involves filing a motion to amend the judgment. Because this affects a legal court order, you may want to consult with an attorney about the proper procedure.

Moving Forward with Your Search

Now that you understand how Michigan divorce records work, where they're stored, and how to access them, you're well-prepared to begin your search. Whether you need a simple divorce certificate to prove marital status or a detailed divorce decree for legal proceedings, Michigan provides multiple pathways to obtain the records you need.

Remember that patience and persistence often pay off when searching for divorce records. Older divorces may take more effort to locate, and processing times for official requests can be lengthy. Start your search as early as possible if you're working toward a deadline.

If you encounter difficulties finding divorce records or have questions about the process, don't hesitate to reach out to the county clerk's office or the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for assistance. Their customer service representatives can provide guidance specific to your situation and help ensure you're following the correct procedures.

Michigan's divorce records represent more than just legal documents—they're part of people's personal histories and life stories. Whether you're accessing your own records or researching someone else's, approach the process with respect for the individuals involved and use the information responsibly and legally.