public divorce records michigan: practical guide for searches and copies

Where the records live

In Michigan, divorce case files are maintained by the Circuit Court in the county where the divorce was granted. The state Vital Records office keeps a divorce record certification index for divorces since 1897; it can confirm names and date but not full case details.

What is public

Most docket information is public, though financial account numbers, Social Security numbers, and some sensitive exhibits are sealed. For a certified copy of a judgment, you generally contact the county clerk; for a verification letter, request it from MDHHS Vital Records.

How to search, step by step

1. Identify the county of the divorce and the approximate year.
2. Check the court’s online portal or call the Circuit Court records desk for the case number.
3. Order copies in person, by mail, or online; expect fees and ID for certified copies.
4. If unsure of the county, request a statewide verification from Vital Records.

Tip: spell names exactly, including prior names. If you need only proof that a divorce occurred, a Vital Records confirmation is often faster than obtaining the full decree.