Michigan Divorce FAQS

Contact the circuit court where your divorce was finalized. You can request a certified copy in person, by mail, or online if the court offers e-services.

Some counties provide online case searches through Michigan Courts’ MiCOURT system, but not all records are viewable online.

Counties using the MiCOURT Case Search system, such as Oakland, Kent, and Macomb, offer limited online access to divorce case information.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) charges $34 for the first certified copy and $16 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.

Yes. Circuit courts maintain permanent divorce records, regardless of age. You can request an archived copy directly from the court clerk.

Yes. Most divorce filings are public records, though sensitive documents (like financial statements) may be sealed by court order.

Only a judge can seal a divorce record, and it requires a compelling reason such as privacy, safety, or sensitive child matters.

Yes. A valid photo ID is required when requesting certified copies of divorce records.

The certificate lists basic details, names, date, and county, while the judgment includes full terms on custody, support, and property division.

Check the case status with the circuit court clerk or through the Michigan Courts online case search.

It means the marriage cannot be repaired and there’s no reasonable likelihood of reconciliation.

Yes. Michigan is a no-fault state, but judges can consider misconduct when dividing assets or awarding spousal support.

Inherited assets are separate unless they were commingled or used jointly during the marriage.

They are divided equitably, often through a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO).

Yes. The court may order it if one spouse cannot afford legal fees and the other has sufficient means.

There’s no strict formula. Courts consider income, length of marriage, lifestyle, age, and earning capacity.

Duration depends on case specifics; it may be short-term, rehabilitative, or long-term in lengthy marriages.

Yes, if there’s a substantial change in circumstances and the judgment allows modification.

Yes, but they must be fair, voluntary, and properly executed.

The court can impose penalties, award a larger share to the other spouse, or reopen the judgment.

It’s generally separate property, but any increase in value during the marriage may be divided.

Possibly. If marital funds or efforts contributed to its growth, a portion may be considered marital property.

Courts rely on expert appraisals using income, market, or asset-based valuation methods.

Yes. Full financial disclosure is required, including business tax records and profit statements.

You can request a protective order or agree to confidentiality terms with the other party.

Yes, if they were earned or accrued during the marriage.

Yes, but only if it has marketable value apart from the owner’s personal reputation.

Debt is usually assigned to the party who incurred it, unless both benefited from it.

Yes, a valid buy-sell agreement can limit spousal rights but must be in place before divorce.

Typically yes. Courts rely on expert financial testimony for accurate business valuation.

Generally when the marital estate exceeds $1 million in combined assets or involves complex holdings.

Properties are valued and divided equitably, either by sale or offset with other assets.

Yes. Courts can issue injunctions to prevent either spouse from transferring or hiding assets.

Trust assets are divided only if one spouse has a beneficial or marital interest.

Yes. Temporary restraining orders can preserve marital assets during proceedings.

Yes. All income sources, including dividends and capital gains, are considered.

Yes. Courts now regularly address division of stocks, restricted shares, and cryptocurrency.

Yes. Courts use lifestyle data to maintain a comparable standard of living post-divorce.

The court can order its division, but enforcement depends on the other state’s property laws.

Yes. Judges account for tax liabilities and future implications when dividing assets.

File in the county where you or your spouse has lived for at least 10 days before filing.

You can request a default judgment after the response deadline passes.

At least 180 days in the state and 10 days in the filing county before submitting your petition.

You can request temporary orders immediately after filing the complaint.

Yes, if it’s uncontested or one party defaults.

The Complaint for Divorce, Summons, Verified Statement, and Judgment of Divorce are typically required.

At least 60 days for couples without children and 6 months if minor children are involved.

The court must still wait the statutory minimum before granting the divorce.

Only if the judge grants permission and traditional service isn’t possible.

If one spouse doesn’t respond, the court can finalize the divorce based on the filing spouse’s terms.