Search Grand Rapids Divorce Records
Grand Rapids divorce records are filed at the 17th Judicial Circuit Court in Kent County. Michigan's second-largest city, Grand Rapids has all divorce cases handled through the Kent County circuit court system. You can search records and order certified copies online through AccessKent, visit the clerk's office in person, or call the Circuit Court Clerk to request records by phone. This page covers what you need to find and obtain Grand Rapids divorce records.
Grand Rapids Overview
Kent County Handles Grand Rapids Divorce Filings
Grand Rapids sits in Kent County, and all divorce cases for Grand Rapids residents go through the 17th Judicial Circuit Court. The Circuit Court Clerk maintains all case files, including divorce judgments, consent orders, and custody agreements that become part of the final divorce record. If you live in Grand Rapids and need to file for divorce, this is the court you use. Cases filed here stay in Kent County for the full duration of the proceedings.
The Circuit Court Clerk's office is located at 180 Ottawa Ave NW, Suite 2400, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. The phone number is (616) 632-5480. Staff can look up cases by name or case number and assist with records requests. The City Clerk for Grand Rapids is at 300 Monroe Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, but city clerk offices do not handle divorce filings. Divorce is a circuit court matter in Michigan.
| Court | 17th Judicial Circuit Court |
|---|---|
| Clerk Address | 180 Ottawa Ave NW, Suite 2400 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 |
| Phone | (616) 632-5480 |
| County Website | accesskent.com/Courts |
| City Website | grandrapidsmi.gov |
Search Grand Rapids Divorce Records Online
Kent County offers one of the more convenient online records systems in Michigan. The AccessKent Online Services portal at accesskent.com/OnlineServices lets you search for divorce cases and order certified copies online. The certified copy fee is $15. You can pay online and have the copy mailed to you. This is the most straightforward way to get a certified copy without going to the courthouse in person.
If you want to look up a case without ordering copies, the statewide MiCOURT case search covers the 17th Judicial Circuit. Search by name or case number to find basic case information including party names, filing dates, and case status. MiCOURT does not provide downloadable documents, but it helps you confirm a case exists before placing a formal request.
Uncertified copies cost $7 per document, and a phone request for a copy mailed to you also runs $7. If you just need to confirm a divorce happened and do not need a court-certified document, the uncertified copy option costs less. For legal purposes, insurance claims, or name change requests, you will typically need the certified version.
The AccessKent online system allows you to both search and order certified copies for $15. This is Kent County's preferred method for remote records requests and is faster than mail requests.
How to Get Copies of Grand Rapids Divorce Records
There are several ways to get copies of Grand Rapids divorce records depending on what you need and how fast you need it. The online option through AccessKent is the easiest for most people. You search, order, and pay online, and the certified copy comes by mail. Go to accesskent.com/OnlineServices to place your order. The cost is $15 for a certified copy.
To request in person, visit the Circuit Court Clerk at 180 Ottawa Ave NW, Suite 2400, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Bring a photo ID and the names of the parties or the case number. Staff will locate the record and make copies. You pay at the clerk's window. In-person is the fastest way to get certified copies the same day.
For a state-issued certified copy of the divorce certificate, contact Michigan MDHHS Vital Records. MDHHS holds divorce records for the state and issues certified copies for $34 for the first copy and $16 for each additional copy. Reach them at (517) 335-8656 or through michigan.gov/mdhhs/doing-business/vitalrecords. The MDHHS copy comes from state vital records files, which are separate from the court case file. Most people need the court copy, not the MDHHS copy, for legal proceedings.
The Grand Rapids Public Library also holds genealogy materials and historical records that may be helpful for older cases. Library resources are free to use and can supplement information you find through the court system.
Michigan Divorce Law Applied to Grand Rapids Cases
Grand Rapids divorce cases follow the same Michigan statutes that apply statewide. Under MCL 552.6, Michigan is a no-fault divorce state. You do not need to prove fault. The only requirement is that the marriage has broken down with no reasonable chance of saving it. This standard is the same whether you file in Grand Rapids or anywhere else in Michigan. The 17th Judicial Circuit applies the law as written, with the judge handling discretionary matters like property and support.
To file in Kent County, you must meet the residency rules under MCL 552.9. One spouse must have lived in Michigan for at least 180 days and in Kent County for at least 10 days before filing. Grand Rapids residents who meet those thresholds can file at the 17th Circuit right away.
Waiting periods apply after filing. If no minor children are involved, the judge cannot enter a final judgment until 60 days after the case was filed. If children are part of the case, the wait is 180 days. The judge can shorten either period for good cause in specific situations. Property is divided under equitable distribution rules, meaning fair but not necessarily equal. Spousal support is a separate consideration, based on each party's income, needs, and ability to pay.
The full text of Michigan's divorce statutes is at legislature.mi.gov. The Michigan Legal Help website has free step-by-step guides for Kent County cases, including how to complete the required forms and what to bring to court.
Grand Rapids Divorce Resources
The City of Grand Rapids maintains an official website at grandrapidsmi.gov with city services and contacts. While the city does not handle divorce matters directly, the site has links to local government offices that may be useful before or after a divorce case.
Michigan Legal Help at michiganlegalhelp.org is a free resource for people handling their own divorce. The site has guided interviews that generate completed forms for Kent County. It covers no-fault divorce, custody, and child support and is easy to use without a legal background. All Michigan court forms are free at courts.michigan.gov.
Electronic filing in the 17th Judicial Circuit is available through MiFILE. You can submit court documents online without coming to the courthouse. For people who need an attorney, the State Bar of Michigan has a referral service at michbar.org.
Nearby Qualifying Cities
Wyoming is a nearby city in Kent County that also files divorce cases at the 17th Judicial Circuit Court.
Kent County Divorce Records
Grand Rapids is the county seat of Kent County. All divorce filings for Grand Rapids residents go through the 17th Judicial Circuit in Kent County. For full county details, including fee schedules, filing procedures, and a list of all courts in the county, see the Kent County divorce records page.