Monroe County Public Records /Monroe County Divorce Records

Monroe County Divorce Records

How To Find a Divorce Record In Monroe County in 2026

Members of the public seeking divorce records in Monroe County may access publicly available information through MonroeMIRecords.us and official government resources. Divorce records in Monroe County, Michigan, are maintained by the Monroe County Circuit Court and may include final decrees, case filings, parenting plans, and property settlement agreements. Access to specific documents may vary depending on case type, filing date, and any court-ordered restrictions.

Records available through official channels include:

Final judgments of dissolution of marriage
Petitions and responses filed with the court
Financial affidavits and disclosure documents
Parenting plans and child support orders
Post-judgment modification orders
Certified copies of divorce decrees

Online Searches

1. Clerk of Court Case Search

The Monroe County Circuit Court provides online case lookup through the Michigan Courts Case Search portal. This tool allows members of the public to search by party name or case number at no charge. Basic case information, including filing dates and case status, is available without a fee. Obtaining copies of documents requires payment of applicable fees.

2. State Court System Portal

Michigan's statewide court portal, maintained by the Michigan Supreme Court, consolidates case information across jurisdictions. Users may search for divorce cases filed in Monroe County and other Michigan counties through this unified system.

3. State Vital Records

Michigan does not issue divorce certificates through the state vital records office in the same manner as birth or death certificates. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services maintains a Divorce Record Index for statistical purposes, but certified legal proof of divorce is obtained directly from the Circuit Court where the case was filed.

In-Person Searches

Clerk of Court Family Division:

Monroe County Circuit Court – Family Division 106 E. First St. Monroe, MI 48161 Phone: (734) 240-7020 Monroe County Circuit Court Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Services available in person include:

Searching case files by party name or case number
Viewing filed documents at public access terminals
Requesting certified copies of final decrees and orders
Staff assistance for locating archived records

Records Department:

The Monroe County Circuit Court maintains archived case files for older divorce proceedings. Cases predating electronic filing may exist only in paper format and require additional retrieval time. Staff can assist with locating historical records upon request.

By Mail

Written Request:

Mail requests to:

Monroe County Circuit Court Clerk 106 E. First St. Monroe, MI 48161 Phone: (734) 240-7020 Monroe County Circuit Court

Written requests should include:

Full legal names of both parties
Maiden names, if applicable
Approximate date of divorce
Case number, if known
Requestor's full name and contact information
Purpose of request, if required
Payment for applicable copy fees
Self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence

Processing time for mail requests is typically one to two weeks, depending on case age and document availability.

By Phone

Limited Information:

The Monroe County Circuit Court Clerk may be reached at (734) 240-7020. Staff can confirm:

Whether a case exists in the system
The assigned case number
Current case status
The original filing date

Staff cannot provide detailed document contents, copies of filed documents, or any information classified as confidential by court order over the telephone.

Through Attorneys

An attorney licensed in Michigan may access divorce case files on behalf of a client, including requesting documents that may be subject to restricted access. The State Bar of Michigan Lawyer Referral Service connects members of the public with qualified family law attorneys. Legal representation is particularly useful in cases involving sealed records, complex property matters, or post-judgment enforcement proceedings.

Information Needed for Search

Essential Information:

Full legal names of both spouses at the time of filing
Maiden names, if applicable
Approximate year or date of divorce
Case number, if previously obtained

Helpful Information:

Date and location of marriage
Prior addresses in Monroe County
Names of children, if applicable
Names of attorneys of record, if known

Search in Correct County

Divorce proceedings in Michigan are filed in the Circuit Court of the county where either spouse resided at the time of filing. Members of the public should confirm the county of residence before initiating a search. Searching the county where the marriage ceremony occurred is not appropriate unless one spouse also resided there at the time of filing.

Under MCL § 552.9, one party to a Michigan divorce must have been a resident of the state for at least 180 days and a resident of the county where the complaint is filed for at least 10 days prior to filing.

Time Considerations

Recent Divorces:

Newly finalized cases may not appear in online systems immediately
Allow several business days to weeks after the final hearing for records to be processed and indexed
Electronic filing has reduced processing delays for cases filed in recent years

Older Divorces:

Cases predating electronic filing systems may be stored in paper archives
Retrieval of archived records may require additional time
Some older records may not be digitized and must be reviewed in person

What If You Cannot Find a Record

Common Issues:

The divorce was filed in a different county
Name variations between married and maiden names
Spelling differences in party names
The case has not yet been finalized
Very old records stored in off-site archives
The case has been sealed by court order

Next Steps:

Contact the Monroe County Circuit Court Clerk at (734) 240-7020
Attempt alternate name spellings
Search under both spouses' names
Check the Michigan Divorce Record Index maintained by the state
Retain a licensed Michigan attorney for complex searches

What Are Monroe County Divorce Records?

Monroe County divorce records are official court documents generated during the legal dissolution of a marriage in the Monroe County Circuit Court. These records are part of the court's family law case files and are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk as permanent legal documents. Under Michigan law, divorce proceedings are governed by the Michigan Divorce Act, MCL § 552.1 et seq., which establishes the legal framework for dissolution of marriage in the state.

Types of Divorce Records:

Court Case Files:

Complaint for divorce (petition)
Defendant's answer or response
Financial affidavits submitted by both parties
Parenting plans and custody agreements
Motions, stipulations, and court orders
Transcripts of court hearings
Final judgment of divorce

Final Decree:

The final judgment of divorce is the official court order that legally dissolves the marriage. It serves as the primary legal proof of divorce and establishes:

The date the marriage was legally dissolved
Division of marital property and debts
Spousal support or alimony terms, if any
Child custody and parenting time arrangements, if applicable
Child support obligations, if applicable
Restoration of a former name, if requested

Certified copies of the final judgment are available through the Monroe County Circuit Court Clerk.

Supporting Documents:

Marriage certificate (submitted as evidence)
Financial disclosure statements
Real and personal property inventories
Post-judgment modification orders
Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for retirement account division

Purpose of Divorce Records:

Legal Purposes:

Establishing proof of marital status for remarriage
Documenting name changes
Supporting immigration proceedings
Facilitating estate planning and probate matters
Verifying property transfer authority
Social Security benefit determinations

Personal Purposes:

Genealogical and family history research
Personal recordkeeping
Verification of divorce terms for compliance purposes

Who Maintains Divorce Records:

Clerk of Court:

The Monroe County Circuit Court Clerk is the primary custodian of all divorce case files. The Clerk's office indexes records by party name, maintains complete case files, and provides certified copies upon request.

Monroe County Circuit Court Clerk 106 E. First St. Monroe, MI 48161 Phone: (734) 240-7020 Monroe County Circuit Court

State Vital Records Office:

Michigan maintains a statistical divorce record index through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. This index does not serve as a substitute for certified court records but may assist in locating the county where a divorce was filed.

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services – Vital Records 333 S. Grand Ave. Lansing, MI 48909 Phone: (517) 335-8656 Michigan Vital Records

Are Monroe County Divorce Records Public?

Divorce records filed in Monroe County Circuit Court are public court records under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act, MCL § 15.231 et seq., and the Michigan Court Rules governing public access to court files. Any member of the public may access basic case information and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need or interest.

What Is Public:

Case number and filing date
Names of both parties (petitioner and respondent)
Names of attorneys of record
Scheduled and completed hearing dates
Court orders and judgments
Final judgment of divorce
Property division orders
General docket entries reflecting the case chronology

What May Be Restricted:

Financial Information:

Social Security numbers are redacted from all public filings under Michigan Court Rule 1.109(D)(9)
Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
Detailed tax returns may be subject to limited access
Some financial disclosure statements may carry restricted access designations

Children's Information:

Addresses where minor children reside
Schools children attend
Medical and psychological evaluation records
Child custody evaluation reports may be sealed
Guardian ad litem reports are typically restricted

Sensitive Personal Information:

Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
Medical records submitted as exhibits
Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders

Sealed Records:

A court may seal specific documents or an entire case file upon a showing of good cause. Cases involving allegations of abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlement terms may be subject to sealing orders. Sealed records are not accessible to the general public without a court order.

Who Can Access Records:

General Public:

May access most case information and public documents
May be required to present identification at the clerk's window
Must pay applicable copy fees

Parties to the Case:

Retain full access to their own case file, including restricted documents
May obtain all filed documents without additional court approval

Attorneys:

Access case files on behalf of clients
May petition the court for access to sealed documents upon a showing of legitimate need

Researchers and Media:

Access to public portions of case files
Court permission required for sealed records
First Amendment protections apply to news reporting on public court proceedings

Prohibited Uses:

Using records to stalk, harass, or threaten any party
Identity theft or fraud
Violation of existing protective orders
Any use prohibited by Michigan law

Obtaining Confidential Records:

A party seeking access to restricted or sealed records must file a motion with the Monroe County Circuit Court demonstrating a legitimate legal basis for access. The court evaluates such requests on a case-by-case basis, applying a balancing test between the public interest in transparency and the privacy interests of the parties involved.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Monroe County?

The Monroe County Circuit Court charges standard fees for copies and certified documents in accordance with Michigan Court Rules and applicable state statutes. Current fees are as follows:

Service	Fee
Plain copy (per page)	$1.00 per page
Certified copy of judgment or order	$11.00 per document
Certification fee	$10.00
File search (if required)	Varies

Inspection of records: Members of the public may inspect public case files at no charge during regular business hours at the Monroe County Circuit Court Clerk's office.
Electronic copies: Availability and fees for electronic copies vary; members of the public should contact the Clerk's office directly for current pricing.
Accepted payment methods: The Monroe County Circuit Court accepts cash, money orders, and checks made payable to the Monroe County Clerk. Credit and debit card acceptance should be confirmed directly with the Clerk's office.
Fee waivers: Parties who have been granted in forma pauperis status by the court may be entitled to reduced or waived fees for copies of their own case documents.

Members of the public may obtain basic case information, including case numbers, filing dates, and case status, at no charge through the Michigan Courts Case Search online portal.

What's Included in Divorce Records in Monroe County

A complete Monroe County divorce case file contains all documents filed with the Circuit Court from the initiation of proceedings through final judgment and any post-judgment actions. The scope of documents varies depending on whether the case was contested or uncontested and whether children or significant assets were involved.

Basic Case Information:

Case Caption:

Assigned case number
Court name and division (Monroe County Circuit Court – Family Division)
Petitioner and respondent names
Judge assigned to the case
Attorneys of record for each party

Filing Information:

Date the complaint was filed
Filing fees paid
Case type designation
Basis for jurisdiction

Initial Pleadings:

Complaint for Divorce:

Petitioner's identifying information
Respondent's identifying information
Date and location of marriage
Date of separation, if applicable
Grounds for divorce (Michigan is a no-fault state; the standard ground is irretrievable breakdown of the marriage under MCL § 552.6)
Information regarding minor children
Property and support claims
Relief requested

Response/Answer:

Respondent's admissions or denials
Countercomplaint, if filed
Respondent's requests for relief

Financial Affidavits:

Both parties' income from all sources
Monthly living expenses
Assets including real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investments, and retirement accounts
Liabilities including mortgages, loans, and credit card debt

Discovery Documents:

Tax returns for recent years
Pay stubs and employer verification
Bank and investment account statements
Retirement account statements
Business financial statements, if applicable
Written interrogatories and answers under oath
Requests for production of documents and responses

Property-Related Documents:

Marital Asset Inventory:

Real property descriptions and estimated values
Vehicle descriptions and values
Bank and investment account balances
Retirement account balances
Business interests and valuations
Personal property, jewelry, and collectibles

Debt Inventory:

Mortgage balances
Vehicle loan balances
Credit card and personal loan balances
Tax obligations
Other liabilities

Appraisals and Valuations:

Real property appraisal reports
Business valuation reports
Personal property appraisals
Expert witness reports on asset values

Children-Related Documents (if applicable):

Parenting Plan:

Legal custody designation (joint or sole)
Physical custody and primary residence
Regular parenting time schedule
Holiday and vacation schedule
Transportation arrangements
Decision-making authority for education, healthcare, religion, and extracurricular activities
Relocation restrictions

Child Support:

Michigan Child Support Formula worksheet
Income information for both parties
Number of overnights with each parent
Health insurance and childcare cost allocations
Ordered support amount and payment schedule
Income withholding order, if applicable

Custody Evaluations (if ordered):

Psychologist or licensed evaluator reports
Home study findings
Parenting assessments
Recommendations regarding custody and parenting time (may be sealed)

Guardian ad Litem Reports (if appointed):

Attorney for the children's findings
Best interests analysis
Recommendations to the court

Support Documents:

Spousal Support/Alimony:

Type of support ordered (temporary, rehabilitative, or other)
Monthly amount and duration
Payment schedule and method
Conditions for modification or termination

Settlement Documents:

Judgment of Divorce / Consent Judgment:

Comprehensive resolution of all marital issues
Real and personal property division
Debt allocation between parties
Spousal support terms
Child custody, parenting time, and support provisions
Tax filing provisions
Attorney fee allocation
Signatures of parties, attorneys, and the court

Mediation Agreement (if applicable):

Terms reached through mediation
Incorporated into the final judgment upon court approval
Mediator's identifying information

Court Orders and Judgments:

Temporary Orders:

Temporary custody and parenting time
Temporary support obligations
Temporary use and possession of marital home or vehicles
Temporary restraining orders or injunctions

Final Judgment of Divorce:

Court's definitive order dissolving the marriage
Date of legal dissolution
Findings of fact and conclusions of law
Complete property and debt division
Spousal support orders
Child custody, parenting time, and support orders
Name restoration, if requested
Judge's signature and court seal

Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO):

Separate order directing retirement plan administrators
Specifies each party's share of retirement benefits
Required for division of employer-sponsored retirement plans

Post-Judgment Documents (if applicable):

Petitions to modify custody, parenting time, or support
Court orders on modification requests
Contempt motions and enforcement orders
Income deduction orders
Liens filed against property

What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:

Social Security numbers (redacted from all public filings)
Bank account and financial account numbers (redacted)
Minor children's residential addresses and school information
Domestic violence details in cases with protective orders
Mental health and substance abuse evaluation records
Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
Settlement negotiation communications not filed with the court

How Information Is Organized:

Chronological Order:

Documents appear in the case file in the order received by the Clerk
The docket sheet reflects the complete filing sequence with dates

Index:

Each case file includes an index of all filed documents
Documents are identified by type, filing date, and document number

Electronic vs. Paper:

Cases filed under Michigan's electronic filing system are maintained digitally
Older cases exist in paper format and may require in-person review
Some older paper files have been converted to digital format

How to Get Proof of Divorce in Monroe County?

Proof of divorce in Monroe County is obtained through a certified copy of the final judgment of divorce issued by the Monroe County Circuit Court Clerk. A certified copy bears the court's official seal and the Clerk's certification, making it legally acceptable for remarriage, name change, immigration, Social Security, and other official purposes.

Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy:

Identify the case. Locate the case number using the Michigan Courts Case Search portal or by contacting the Monroe County Circuit Court Clerk at (734) 240-7020.
Submit a request. Requests may be made in person, by mail, or by phone to confirm availability. In-person requests receive same-day service during regular business hours.
Pay applicable fees. The current fee for a certified copy is $11.00 per document, plus $1.00 per page for the document itself. Payment is accepted in cash, check, or money order payable to the Monroe County Clerk.
Receive the certified copy. In-person requests are fulfilled at the counter. Mail requests are returned by first-class mail, typically within one to two weeks.

Monroe County Circuit Court Clerk 106 E. First St. Monroe, MI 48161 Phone: (734) 240-7020 Monroe County Circuit Court Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

For individuals who do not know the county where the divorce was filed, the Michigan Divorce Record Index maintained by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services may assist in identifying the correct county. Once the county is confirmed, the request must be directed to the Circuit Court Clerk in that county.

Parties who require proof of divorce for immigration purposes should confirm with the relevant federal agency whether a certified copy of the final judgment or an apostille-authenticated document is required. Apostille services for Michigan court documents are available through the Michigan Department of State.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Monroe County?

Divorce proceedings in Monroe County are presumptively public under Michigan law; however, specific documents or entire case files may be designated confidential or sealed under defined circumstances.

Circumstances under which divorce records may be confidential include:

Domestic violence cases: Cases in which a party has obtained a personal protection order or in which domestic violence allegations are central to the proceedings may have certain identifying information, such as residential addresses, withheld from public access to protect victim safety.
Sealed financial documents: Tax returns, detailed financial statements, and account numbers are routinely redacted or subject to restricted access under Michigan Court Rule 1.109(D)(9).
Children's information: Records identifying the residential addresses, schools, or medical information of minor children are protected from general public disclosure.
Mental health and substance abuse records: Evaluations and treatment records submitted in custody proceedings are typically restricted.
Court-ordered sealing: A party may petition the court to seal specific documents or the entire case file upon a demonstrated showing of good cause. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in open proceedings against the privacy interests at stake.
Mediation communications: Under Michigan law, communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and are not part of the public case file.

Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the Monroe County Circuit Court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for access. The Michigan Courts website provides resources on court rules governing access to case records.

How Long Does Monroe County Keep Divorce Records?

Monroe County Circuit Court divorce records are retained in accordance with the Michigan Trial Court Case File Management Standards established by the Michigan Supreme Court State Court Administrative Office.

Retention periods for divorce records include:

Final judgments of divorce: Retained permanently. The final judgment is a permanent court record and is never destroyed.
Complete case files (contested divorces involving children): Retained for a minimum of 25 years from the date of the final judgment, with many records retained permanently.
Complete case files (uncontested divorces, no children): Retained for a minimum of 10 years from the date of the final judgment.
Financial affidavits and discovery documents: Retained as part of the case file for the applicable retention period; may be purged from the file after the minimum retention period while the judgment is retained permanently.
Post-judgment modification orders: Retained as part of the case file and subject to the same retention schedule as the original case.
Archived paper records: Older paper case files that have reached the end of their active retention period may be transferred to off-site storage or microfilmed. Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time.

The Michigan Supreme Court State Court Administrative Office publishes the official Trial Court Case File Management Standards governing retention schedules for all Michigan trial court records, including family law cases.

Members of the public seeking records from cases that may have been archived should contact the Monroe County Circuit Court Clerk directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures.