Washtenaw County Divorce Records
What Are Washtenaw County Divorce Records?
Washtenaw County divorce records are official legal documents maintained by the county court system that document the dissolution of marriage between two individuals within the jurisdiction. These records are created and maintained pursuant to Michigan Compiled Laws § 552.6, which governs divorce proceedings in the state. Divorce records typically originate in the Family Division of the Washtenaw County Trial Court, where divorce cases are filed, processed, and adjudicated.
Divorce records in Washtenaw County serve multiple important functions:
- Legal proof of marital status change
- Documentation required for remarriage
- Evidence for name change processes
- Verification for Social Security benefits
- Supporting documentation for loan applications
- Required evidence for immigration matters
- Historical and genealogical research
The Michigan Court Rules and state statutes establish specific requirements for the creation, maintenance, and accessibility of these records. Divorce records consist of multiple document types that collectively chronicle the legal process of marriage dissolution, from initial filing through final judgment.
Washtenaw County Trial Court - Family Division
101 E. Huron Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48107
734-222-3001
Washtenaw County Trial Court
Are Washtenaw County Divorce Records Public?
Washtenaw County divorce records maintain a dual status regarding public accessibility. Court divorce case files are generally considered public records under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act and Michigan Court Rule 8.119(H), which establishes the public's right to access court records. However, this access is subject to important limitations and exceptions.
The public accessibility of divorce records in Washtenaw County is structured as follows:
- Court divorce case files: Generally accessible to the public with certain exceptions
- Certified divorce certificates: Restricted access limited to parties named in the divorce and other authorized persons
- Confidential information: Certain sensitive information within divorce files is redacted or restricted
Exceptions to public access include:
- Records containing personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and dates of birth
- Records sealed by court order
- Records involving minor children, including custody evaluations and Friend of the Court reports
- Records containing allegations of domestic violence where protective measures have been ordered
Michigan Court Rule 8.119(I) provides judges with the authority to seal divorce records when disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy or endanger an individual's safety. Additionally, Michigan Compiled Laws § 552.509 specifically restricts access to certain Friend of the Court records related to divorce proceedings.
How To Find a Divorce Record In Washtenaw County in 2026
Finding divorce records in Washtenaw County requires following specific procedures depending on the type of record sought and its age. Members of the public may access these records through several official channels:
For divorce records filed with the Washtenaw County Trial Court:
- Visit the Washtenaw County Clerk's Office in person during regular business hours
- Complete a records search request form, providing the names of both parties and approximate date of divorce
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay the applicable search and copy fees ($10-$20 for searches, $1-$2 per page for copies)
- For certified copies, additional fees apply ($10-$15 per document)
For historical divorce records (over 25 years old):
- Contact the Washtenaw County Clerk's Vital Records Division
- Submit a written request including names, approximate divorce date, and purpose of request
- Provide proof of identity and, if applicable, proof of relationship to named parties
- Pay the required search and copy fees
Washtenaw County Clerk's Office
200 N. Main Street
P.O. Box 8645
Ann Arbor, MI 48107
734-222-6720
Washtenaw County Clerk
For state-level verification of divorce:
- Contact the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Vital Records Office
- Complete the Application for a Certified Copy of a Michigan Divorce Record
- Provide required identification and pay applicable fees
- Submit request by mail or in person
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services - Vital Records
333 S. Grand Ave.
P.O. Box 30721
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-8656
Michigan Vital Records
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Washtenaw County Online?
Washtenaw County provides limited online access to divorce record information through several digital platforms. The county's online resources allow for basic case information searches but typically do not provide access to complete divorce documents. To look up divorce records online:
- Visit the Washtenaw County Trial Court Case Records Search portal
- Select "Family Division" from the case type menu
- Enter search criteria (at minimum, last name of one party)
- For best results, narrow search by approximate date range
- Review the case summary information displayed
- Note that only basic case information is available online (case number, parties' names, filing date, case type, and status)
For more comprehensive online research:
- Use the Michigan Courts Case Search to verify case existence and basic details
- Access the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services website for information on obtaining certified divorce verification
Important limitations of online divorce record searches include:
- Complete divorce documents are not available for download
- Confidential information is redacted from online records
- Cases with protective orders may not appear in public searches
- Historical records (pre-2000) may have limited online availability
- Official copies still require in-person or mail requests
Online searches provide case verification and basic information, but obtaining official or complete records typically requires direct contact with the Washtenaw County Clerk's Office.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Washtenaw County?
Washtenaw County residents and researchers can access certain divorce record information without payment through several free resources, though comprehensive access typically involves some fees. Free access options include:
- Public access terminals: Available at the Washtenaw County Clerk's Office and Trial Court, these terminals allow free searching of basic case information
- Law libraries: The Washtenaw County Law Library provides free public access to legal research tools that may include divorce case information
- Online case search: Basic case information is available through the county's public access portal without charge
To access free divorce record information:
- Visit the Washtenaw County Courthouse during public hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM)
- Request access to public terminals at the Clerk's Office
- Search by party name or case number
- Review basic case information at no cost
Washtenaw County Law Library
101 E. Huron Street, Room 207
Ann Arbor, MI 48107
734-222-3094
Washtenaw County Law Library
Important limitations of free access:
- Viewing is limited to basic case information
- Printing or copying documents incurs standard fees ($1-$2 per page)
- Certified copies always require payment of certification fees
- Staff research assistance may involve service fees
- Complete case files require formal requests and associated fees
While basic information may be accessed without charge, obtaining official documents, certified copies, or extensive records typically requires payment of statutory fees pursuant to Michigan Compiled Laws § 600.2546, which establishes court clerk fees for record services.
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Washtenaw County
Divorce records in Washtenaw County comprise a comprehensive collection of legal documents that chronicle the entire dissolution process. These records typically contain several distinct components:
Petition/Complaint for Divorce
- Names and addresses of both parties
- Date and location of marriage
- Grounds for divorce (Michigan is a no-fault divorce state)
- Statement regarding residency requirements
- Information about minor children (if applicable)
- Property division requests
- Spousal support requests (if applicable)
Summons and Proof of Service
- Official notice to respondent about divorce proceedings
- Documentation showing legal papers were properly delivered
Answer to Complaint
- Responding spouse's formal reply to divorce petition
- Agreements or disagreements with petitioner's requests
Financial Disclosures
- Sworn statements of assets and liabilities
- Income verification documents
- Property valuations
- Retirement account information
Judgment of Divorce
- Final court order dissolving the marriage
- Legal determination of property division
- Child custody and parenting time orders (if applicable)
- Child support calculations and orders
- Spousal support determinations
- Name change authorizations (if requested)
Settlement Agreements
- Negotiated terms between parties
- Property division details
- Support arrangements
- Parenting plans
Court Orders
- Temporary orders during pendency of divorce
- Personal protection orders (if applicable)
- Orders regarding specific disputes
The comprehensiveness of divorce records varies based on case complexity, whether children were involved, and if the divorce was contested or uncontested. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of these records in accordance with privacy protections under Michigan court rules.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Washtenaw County?
Obtaining official proof of divorce in Washtenaw County requires following specific procedures to secure legally recognized documentation. The primary forms of divorce verification include:
- Certified copy of Judgment of Divorce: The most comprehensive proof, containing all terms of the divorce
- Divorce Certificate: A concise document verifying the divorce occurred
- Record of Divorce: A verification letter confirming divorce details
To obtain a certified copy of a Judgment of Divorce:
- Visit or contact the Washtenaw County Clerk's Office
- Complete a request form providing:
- Full names of both parties (including maiden name if applicable)
- Date of divorce (approximate if exact date unknown)
- Case number (if known)
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay the certification fee ($10-$15 per document)
- For mail requests, include a self-addressed stamped envelope
Washtenaw County Clerk's Office - Records Division
200 N. Main Street
P.O. Box 8645
Ann Arbor, MI 48107
734-222-6720
Washtenaw County Clerk
For state-level divorce verification:
- Complete the Application for a Michigan Divorce Record
- Provide required identification documentation
- Include appropriate payment ($34 for first copy, $16 for each additional copy)
- Submit to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services - Vital Records
333 S. Grand Ave.
P.O. Box 30721
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-8656
Michigan Vital Records
Expedited service is available for an additional fee. Processing times typically range from 1-2 business days for in-person requests to 2-3 weeks for mail requests. Authorized requesters include the divorced parties, legal representatives with proper authorization, and individuals with a court order.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Washtenaw County?
Divorce proceedings in Washtenaw County are presumptively public under Michigan law, but several mechanisms exist to protect sensitive information and, in limited circumstances, maintain confidentiality of certain divorce records. The Michigan Court Rules and state statutes provide specific provisions for confidentiality in divorce cases.
Mechanisms for confidentiality in Washtenaw County divorce proceedings include:
Sealing Records
- Parties may petition the court to seal divorce records under Michigan Court Rule 8.119(I)
- Court must find that "good cause" exists and that "no less restrictive means are available"
- Requires demonstrating that public disclosure would:
- Constitute unwarranted invasion of privacy
- Endanger an individual's safety
- Lead to substantial harm to minor children
Automatic Confidentiality Protections
- Personal identifying information is automatically protected, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- Dates of birth
- Child protective services reports
- Psychological evaluations
- Domestic violence safeguards under Michigan Compiled Laws § 552.509a
Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Mediation communications are confidential by statute
- Collaborative divorce processes maintain privacy of negotiations
- Settlement discussions remain private, with only final agreements filed publicly
To request confidentiality:
- File a motion to seal records with the Washtenaw County Trial Court
- Demonstrate specific harm that would result from public disclosure
- Request the least restrictive confidentiality measure necessary
- Attend hearing where judge will determine if statutory requirements are met
It is important to note that complete confidentiality of divorce proceedings is rare and granted only in exceptional circumstances. Even when records are sealed, basic case information (parties' names and case type) typically remains public. Parties seeking confidentiality should consult with legal counsel regarding available options under current Michigan law.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Washtenaw County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Washtenaw County varies significantly based on several key factors. Michigan law establishes minimum timeframes, but actual completion times depend on case complexity and court caseloads. Under Michigan Compiled Laws § 552.9f, a minimum waiting period applies to all divorce cases.
Statutory Minimum Waiting Periods:
- 60 days for divorces without minor children
- 180 days (6 months) for divorces involving minor children
- Waiting period begins when complaint is filed
- Court may waive remainder of waiting period in exceptional circumstances
Typical Timeframes by Divorce Type:
Uncontested Divorces (mutual agreement on all issues)
- Without children: 2-3 months
- With children: 6-8 months
- Factors affecting timeline: court scheduling, completeness of paperwork
Contested Divorces (disagreement on one or more issues)
- Without children: 4-12 months
- With children: 8-18 months
- Complex asset cases: 12-24+ months
- Factors affecting timeline: discovery process, motion practice, trial scheduling
According to the Michigan Supreme Court's Statistical Supplement, the average time to disposition for divorce cases in Washtenaw County is approximately:
- 5.2 months for cases without children
- 9.7 months for cases with children
Factors That Extend Divorce Timelines:
- High-conflict custody disputes
- Complex business valuation issues
- Substantial or complicated assets requiring appraisal
- Retirement account divisions requiring QDROs
- Discovery disputes and motions
- Court congestion and scheduling delays
- Multiple expert witnesses
- Appeals of interim orders
Factors That May Expedite Divorce Proceedings:
- Mediation and alternative dispute resolution
- Collaborative divorce processes
- Comprehensive settlement agreements
- Efficient case management
- Limited contested issues
- Prompt compliance with disclosure requirements
The Washtenaw County Trial Court Family Division currently maintains a case management system designed to resolve most divorce cases within 12 months of filing, though complex cases may require additional time.
How Long Does Washtenaw County Keep Divorce Records?
Washtenaw County maintains divorce records according to a structured retention schedule established under Michigan law and court administrative policies. The retention periods vary based on record type and historical significance. The Michigan Supreme Court Records Management Standards govern the preservation of court records throughout the state.
Permanent Retention:
- Final Judgments of Divorce
- Orders modifying Judgments of Divorce
- Register of Actions (case summaries)
- Index of cases
- Historical divorce records (pre-1960)
Extended Retention (75+ years):
- Case files involving real property divisions
- Cases establishing precedent or significant legal issues
- Cases selected for historical preservation
Limited Retention (30 years):
- Standard contested divorce case files
- Financial disclosure statements
- Temporary orders
Shorter Retention (7-15 years):
- Uncontested divorce case files without property issues
- Discovery materials
- Procedural motions and orders
- Friend of the Court records (after case closure)
After the applicable retention period expires, non-permanent records may be destroyed according to procedures established in Michigan Court Rule 8.119(K). However, the Washtenaw County Clerk's Office maintains permanent electronic indices of all divorce cases, even after physical records may have been destroyed.
For historical research purposes, older divorce records may be transferred to:
Washtenaw County Historical Society
500 N. Main Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
734-662-9092
Washtenaw County Historical Society
Records transferred to archival repositories remain accessible to the public according to the repository's access policies. Researchers seeking historical divorce records should contact both the County Clerk's Office and local historical archives to determine record availability.
How To Get a Divorce In Washtenaw County
Obtaining a divorce in Washtenaw County requires following specific legal procedures established under Michigan law. The process involves several key steps that must be completed in sequence:
Eligibility Requirements:
- Either spouse must have resided in Michigan for at least 180 days
- At least one spouse must have lived in Washtenaw County for at least 10 days before filing
- No need to prove fault (Michigan is a "no-fault" divorce state)
Step 1: Prepare and File Initial Documents
- Complete required forms:
- Complaint for Divorce
- Summons
- Verified Statement (if children involved)
- Record of Divorce form
- File documents with the Washtenaw County Clerk's Office
- Pay filing fee ($175 without children, $255 with children)
- Fee waivers available for qualifying low-income individuals
Step 2: Serve Documents on Spouse
- Arrange for legal service of documents:
- Personal service by process server
- Certified mail with return receipt
- Publication (if spouse cannot be located)
- File proof of service with the court
Step 3: Wait for Response
- Spouse has 21 days to file an Answer (28 days if served by mail)
- If no response, request default judgment
Step 4: Mandatory Waiting Period
- 60 days for cases without children
- 180 days for cases with children
- Court may waive portion of waiting period in exceptional circumstances
Step 5: Discovery and Negotiation
- Exchange financial information
- Attend mediation (mandatory in cases with children)
- Negotiate settlement on:
- Property division
- Debt allocation
- Spousal support
- Child custody and support (if applicable)
Step 6: Finalize Divorce
- Submit Judgment of Divorce for court approval
- Attend final hearing
- Judge signs final judgment
Washtenaw County Trial Court - Family Division
101 E. Huron Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48107
734-222-3001
Washtenaw County Trial Court
For assistance with divorce proceedings:
Washtenaw County Legal Resource Center
101 E. Huron Street, Room 107
Ann Arbor, MI 48107
734-994-0160
Washtenaw County Legal Resource Center
How To Get Divorce Papers In Washtenaw County
Obtaining divorce papers in Washtenaw County can be accomplished through several official channels. The county provides multiple options for accessing the necessary forms to initiate or respond to divorce proceedings.
In-Person Options:
-
Washtenaw County Clerk's Office
- Visit during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM)
- Request divorce packet appropriate to your situation (with/without children)
- Staff can provide forms but cannot offer legal advice
- Nominal fee may apply for form packets ($10-$20)
Washtenaw County Clerk's Office
200 N. Main Street
P.O. Box 8645
Ann Arbor, MI 48107
734-222-6720
Washtenaw County Clerk -
Washtenaw County Legal Resource Center
- Self-help center with divorce form packets
- Staff can assist with form selection
- Computer access for completing forms
- Notary services available
Washtenaw County Legal Resource Center
101 E. Huron Street, Room 107
Ann Arbor, MI 48107
734-994-0160
Washtenaw County Legal Resource Center
Online Options:
-
Michigan Legal Help Website
- Free divorce forms with step-by-step instructions
- Interactive interviews to complete forms online
- Printable completed forms ready for filing
- Available at Michigan Legal Help
-
Michigan Courts One Court of Justice Website
- Standard SCAO-approved divorce forms
- Downloadable PDF format
- Available at Michigan Courts Forms
-
Washtenaw County Trial Court Website
- County-specific forms and instructions
- Local filing requirements
- Available at Washtenaw County Trial Court Forms
Required Forms for Divorce Filing:
- Summons (MC 01)
- Complaint for Divorce (with or without children)
- Verified Statement (for cases with children)
- Record of Divorce or Annulment
- Case Filing Addendum
- Judgment of Divorce (submitted later in process)
Additional specialized forms may be required depending on specific circumstances, including:
- Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Enforcement Act Affidavit
- Child Support Worksheet
- Domestic Relations Information Form
- Request for Health Insurance Information
All forms must be completed accurately according to court rules and filed with appropriate fees at the Washtenaw County Clerk's Office.