Divorce records in Genesee County, Michigan, can be accessed through several channels. GeneseeCourt.us can help you find publicly available divorce record information. You can also obtain records directly from the circuit court that issued the decree, the Genesee County Clerk's Office, or the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Vital Records office. The type of record you need — a court file or a vital record — determines which office to contact.
Genesee County Divorce Records Search
Divorce cases in Genesee County are heard by the 7th Judicial Circuit Court, which serves as the court of general jurisdiction for the county. The Legal Division of the Genesee County Clerk's Office maintains circuit court records, including divorce case files. These records may include:
- Divorce complaints and petitions
- Judgments of divorce (divorce decrees)
- Property settlement agreements
- Custody and parenting time orders
- Spousal support orders
- Post-judgment motions and modifications
The Michigan Vital Records Division, part of MDHHS, separately maintains divorce certificates — summary records that confirm a divorce occurred in the state. You can search for circuit court case information online through the MiCOURT Case Search portal, though results are informational and do not replace the official court file.
Genesee County Clerk's Office — Legal Division (Circuit Court Records)
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Genesee County
In Michigan, divorce cases are filed in and decided by the circuit court. For Genesee County, that is the 7th Judicial Circuit Court — Family Division. After a judge signs the judgment of divorce, the decree and all related filings remain on file with the Genesee County Clerk's Legal Division.
The state also keeps a record. Michigan law requires that a record of each divorce be reported to the Michigan MDHHS Vital Records Division, which issues divorce certificates. These are not the same as the full court judgment — a divorce certificate is a summary document that verifies the divorce took place, listing the names of the parties, the date, and the county.
Which office to contact:
- For the full divorce decree, settlement agreement, custody orders, or other court filings — contact the Genesee County Clerk's Legal Division or search circuit court records online.
- For a divorce certificate (verification that a divorce occurred) — contact the Michigan Vital Records Division or order by mail.
- For post-divorce modifications (custody, support) — the Genesee County Friend of the Court handles enforcement and modification forms.
Genesee County Clerk — Legal Division
Michigan MDHHS — Vital Records Division
Genesee County Friend of the Court
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Genesee County
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Circuit court record copy (non-certified) | $1.00 per page | Same day to several business days |
| Certified copy of circuit court document | $10.00 plus $1.00 per page | Several business days |
| Michigan divorce certificate (by mail through MDHHS) | $26.00 | Approximately 3–6 weeks |
| Michigan divorce certificate — expedited processing (MDHHS) | $26.00 plus expedite/shipping fees | Approximately 1–2 weeks |
| FOIA request for court-related records | Varies (based on search, labor, and copy costs per Michigan FOIA) | 5 business days (may be extended by 10 days) |