Divorce records in Clinton County, Michigan, can be accessed through several channels. ClintonMICourt.us can help you find publicly available divorce record information for Clinton County. Beyond that, the circuit court that issued the divorce decree, the Clinton County Clerk's office, and the Michigan Division for Vital Records and Health Statistics each serve as access points for different types of divorce documentation. The method you use depends on whether you need the full court file or a state-issued divorce certificate.
Clinton Divorce Records Search
Clinton County divorce records are maintained by two separate offices. The Clinton County Circuit Court — which handles all divorce and family law cases in the county — keeps the complete case file, including the judgment of divorce, property settlement agreements, custody orders, and all related filings. The Michigan Division for Vital Records and Health Statistics maintains a separate divorce certificate for divorces that occurred anywhere in the state.
The court's case file is the most detailed record. It typically includes:
- Complaint for divorce and responsive pleadings
- Judgment of divorce (the final decree)
- Property settlement agreements
- Custody and parenting time orders
- Spousal support orders
- Motions and post-judgment modifications
You can search for Clinton County case information online through the MiCOURT Case Search portal, which displays basic case details for participating courts. For certified copies or full documents, contact the court clerk directly.
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Clinton
In Michigan, divorce cases are filed in and decided by the circuit court. For Clinton County residents, that means the 29th Circuit Court, located in St. Johns. After a judge signs the judgment of divorce, the original is filed with the Clinton County Clerk, who serves as the clerk of the circuit court.
The state vital records office also receives a report of each divorce and maintains a divorce certificate — a shorter document that confirms the divorce occurred but does not include the full terms of the settlement or custody arrangement.
Which office you contact depends on what you need:
- Full court file or judgment of divorce: Contact the Clinton County Circuit Court Clerk.
- Divorce certificate (vital record): Contact the Michigan Division for Vital Records and Health Statistics.
Clinton County Circuit Court — County Clerk
You can also file documents electronically through MiFILE, Michigan's electronic court filing system, which lists the Clinton County courts that accept e-filing.
Michigan Division for Vital Records and Health Statistics
The state office accepts requests by mail and online. Divorce certificates are available for divorces that occurred in Michigan from 1897 to the present. You can order divorce certificates directly from the state.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Clinton
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy of divorce certificate (state vital records office) | $26.00 | 3–6 weeks by mail |
| Additional certified copy of same record (same order, state office) | $12.00 | Included with initial order |
| Court record copy (circuit court clerk, per page) | $1.00 | Varies; typically 1–5 business days |
| Certification fee (circuit court clerk) | $10.00 | Varies; typically 1–5 business days |
| Online case search (MiCOURT) | Free | Immediate |