Canton Township Divorce Records
Canton Township divorce records are filed and maintained by the Third Judicial Circuit Court Family Division in Wayne County. As a charter township in Wayne County, Canton Township residents must go through the county court system in Detroit to file for divorce, search case records, or get copies of divorce documents. This guide covers how to find those records, what the process looks like, and where to get help if you need it.
Canton Township Overview
Which Court Handles Canton Township Divorce Cases
Canton Township is part of Wayne County. All divorce cases for Canton Township residents are heard by the Third Judicial Circuit Court, Family Division, located in Detroit. The Third Circuit is Michigan's largest circuit court and handles all family law matters for Wayne County, including cases from Canton Township, regardless of how far the township is from downtown Detroit.
The Canton Township Clerk at 1150 S. Canton Center Rd., Canton, MI 48188 (phone 734-394-5120) handles local municipal records, licenses, and township business only. That office cannot search for or provide divorce case records. All divorce records are with the Wayne County Clerk.
| Court | Third Judicial Circuit Court, Family Division |
|---|---|
| County Clerk Address | Coleman A. Young Municipal Center Rm LL-61, 2 Woodward Ave Detroit, MI 48226 |
| County Clerk Phone | 313-224-5530 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Records Email | wcrecordroom@waynecounty.com |
| Wayne County Records | waynecounty.com/elected/clerk/records |
The Wayne County Clerk Records Division keeps civil court records including divorce cases from 1942 to the present. Files from 2010 forward are available in the records room during regular business hours. Older files require an advance request and are typically ready the next business day after 2 PM.
Searching Canton Township Divorce Records Online
Wayne County uses the Odyssey Public Access system, known as OPA, for online case lookup. Canton Township residents can search for divorce cases at no cost through OPA at 3rdcc.org. You search by party name or case number. The system returns party names, the register of actions, scheduled hearings, and basic case status. Documents are not downloadable through OPA, but it lets you confirm a case exists and find the case number you need to request copies.
The statewide MiCOURT case search at micourt.courts.michigan.gov also covers Wayne County. It shows DM cases (divorce with minor children) and DO cases (divorce without children). MiCOURT and OPA both pull from the same case data, so either one works to find a Wayne County divorce case.
For eFiling, the MiFILE system at mifile.courts.michigan.gov is the portal for submitting documents electronically in Wayne County Circuit Court cases. If you are representing yourself in a divorce case as a Canton Township resident, MiFILE lets you file papers without going to Detroit in person.
OPA and MiCOURT provide index information and docket entries. To obtain actual copies of divorce documents, contact the Wayne County Clerk Records Division at 313-224-5530.
How to Get Copies of Divorce Documents
Canton Township residents can get copies of divorce records from the Wayne County Clerk Records Division. There are three main ways to do it: in person, by mail, or online request for basic information.
In person is the fastest option. Visit Room LL-61 at 2 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226. Bring a valid photo ID. Staff can look up cases by name or case number and make copies on the spot. Files from 2010 forward are usually available the same day. Files from before 2010 take one business day to retrieve from archives.
By mail, send your request to the same address. Include both parties' full names, the approximate year of the divorce, and the case number if known. Enclose your payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail requests typically take one to two weeks. An online records request option is also available for $40 paid by money order. Call 313-224-5530 to confirm the current process before sending anything.
Wayne County divorce record fees include $2 per page for copies, plus a certification fee for certified copies. The full online request fee is $40 by money order. Search fees may apply if staff must locate a record without a case number.
MDHHS also keeps statewide divorce records. Certified copies from MDHHS cost $34 for the first copy and $16 for each additional copy. Order through michigan.gov/mdhhs. MDHHS records confirm the fact of divorce but include less detail than the full court file.
Michigan Divorce Law and Canton Township Cases
Michigan operates as a no-fault divorce state. Under MCL 552.6, either spouse can file by stating that the marriage has broken down with no reasonable chance of being preserved. No proof of fault or wrongdoing is needed. This standard applies to all cases filed by Canton Township residents at the Third Judicial Circuit Court.
To file in Wayne County, residency requirements under MCL 552.9 must be met. One spouse must have lived in Michigan for at least 180 days before filing. That same spouse must have lived in Wayne County for at least 10 days before filing. Canton Township residents who have been in the county for more than 10 days will generally satisfy this rule.
After filing, waiting periods apply. Cases without minor children must wait at least 60 days from the filing date before a judge can sign the final divorce judgment. Cases involving minor children must wait at least 180 days. These periods run from the date the complaint is filed, not from service of process or any other event. Courts can shorten these periods only in limited circumstances.
Property division follows equitable distribution rules under MCL 552.19. The court divides marital property in a just and reasonable way based on the facts. The judge has broad discretion, and outcomes vary widely depending on the length of the marriage, each spouse's contributions, and other factors. The Third Circuit Family Division judge assigned to your case will make this determination.
Cases with children also involve the Friend of the Court. In Wayne County, the Friend of the Court works with the Family Division on custody recommendations, support calculations, and parenting time disputes. If your Canton Township divorce case involves children, expect the Friend of the Court to be an active participant throughout the process.
Resources for Canton Township Residents
Canton Township residents dealing with divorce or trying to access records have several options for help and guidance. The Michigan Legal Help website at michiganlegalhelp.org is free and covers the Third Circuit Court specifically. It has step-by-step guides, form generators, and explanations of Wayne County court procedures.
All official Michigan divorce forms are free at courts.michigan.gov. The Michigan Courts website also has procedural information for people who want to handle their own case. The State Bar of Michigan at michbar.org runs a lawyer referral service that can connect you with family law attorneys handling Wayne County cases.
If cost is a barrier, legal aid organizations in the Wayne County area may help if your income qualifies. Call the Wayne County Clerk at 313-224-5530 if you need to confirm office hours, current fees, or the status of a specific records request. The fax number for the records room is 313-967-3712, and the email is wcrecordroom@waynecounty.com.
Nearby Cities in Wayne County
These nearby communities are also in Wayne County and use the same Third Judicial Circuit Court. Select a city for local details and court resources.
Wayne County Divorce Records
Canton Township is part of Wayne County, and all divorce filings go through the Third Judicial Circuit Court in Detroit. For the full county guide, including the complete fee schedule, record request instructions, and additional court resources, visit the Wayne County divorce records page.