Find Divorce Records in Kalamazoo
Kalamazoo divorce records are filed at the 9th Judicial Circuit Court in Kalamazoo County. The Circuit Court Family Division at 227 W. Michigan Avenue handles all divorce cases for Kalamazoo residents, and the Kalamazoo County Clerk maintains those case files and handles certified copy requests. This page covers how to search, how to request copies, what it costs, and what Michigan law requires for a Kalamazoo divorce.
Kalamazoo Overview
Where Kalamazoo Divorce Records Are Filed
All Kalamazoo divorce filings go to the 9th Judicial Circuit Court Family Division at 227 W. Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. This is where you file new cases and where completed divorce records are kept. The Family Division handles divorce, custody, support, parenting time, and related matters for Kalamazoo County. You can reach the Family Division at 269-383-8837.
The Kalamazoo County Clerk/Register of Deeds at 201 W. Kalamazoo Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49007 is the office to contact for certified copies of existing divorce records and for general case record requests. The clerk's phone number is 269-383-8840. Records at the county date back to 1918. For records before 1918, you would need to contact the Western Michigan University Archives, which holds some of the older historical materials for Kalamazoo County.
| Court | 9th Judicial Circuit Court, Family Division |
|---|---|
| Court Address | 227 W. Michigan Avenue Kalamazoo, MI 49007 |
| Family Division Phone | 269-383-8837 |
| County Clerk Address | 201 W. Kalamazoo Avenue Kalamazoo, MI 49007 |
| County Clerk Phone | 269-383-8840 |
| City Clerk | 241 W. South St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007 269-337-8792 |
| Records From | 1918 (pre-1918 at WMU Archives) |
The Kalamazoo City Clerk at 241 W. South St. handles city business and local matters. Divorce case records are not held by the city clerk; they are a circuit court function. If you are looking for divorce records, contact the County Clerk at 269-383-8840 or the Circuit Court at 269-383-8837.
How to Search Kalamazoo Divorce Records
You can search Kalamazoo divorce records online or in person. The main online tool is the statewide MiCOURT system at micourt.courts.michigan.gov/case-search. MiCOURT covers the 9th Judicial Circuit and is free to use. Search by the name of either spouse or by case number. Results show party names, the case type (DM for divorce with minor children, DO for divorce without children), the register of actions, and current case status.
The Kalamazoo County Courts website at kalcounty.com/courts has information about court procedures, schedules, and contacts. The Kalamazoo County Clerk at kalcounty.com/clerk has details on how to request records and what identification and payment to bring or send.
In person, go to the County Clerk at 201 W. Kalamazoo Avenue during normal business hours. Bring a photo ID and come prepared with the names of both parties and the year of the divorce. Staff can search by name and make copies from the file. This is the fastest way to get certified copies of a divorce judgment.
MiCOURT shows case information only. To get actual copies of divorce documents, contact the Kalamazoo County Clerk directly at 269-383-8840.
Certified Copies and Record Fees
A certified copy of a Kalamazoo County divorce record costs $15. Each additional copy ordered at the same time costs $5. These fees are paid to the Kalamazoo County Clerk. Plain copies (not certified) are less expensive. Call 269-383-8840 to confirm current fees and payment methods before you visit or mail a request.
For a state-issued certified divorce certificate from MDHHS, the fee is $34 for the first copy and $16 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. MDHHS handles the vital records side; the county clerk handles the court record side. Both are valid documents but serve different purposes. A court-certified copy of the divorce judgment or decree is usually what you need for legal matters. The MDHHS certificate is useful for name changes and insurance. Request through MDHHS at michigan.gov/mdhhs.
Mail requests to the Kalamazoo County Clerk at 201 W. Kalamazoo Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. Include the names of both parties, the approximate divorce year, and the case number if you have it. Add your contact information and preferred return method. Processing time for mail requests is generally one to two weeks.
Filing for Divorce in Kalamazoo
Kalamazoo residents file for divorce under Michigan state law. Under MCL 552.6, Michigan is a no-fault state. The legal ground is breakdown of the marriage. You do not prove fault. You file the complaint or joint petition with the 9th Circuit Family Division at 227 W. Michigan Avenue and pay the filing fee to the County Clerk.
Residency rules under MCL 552.9 require that one spouse live in Michigan for at least 180 days and in Kalamazoo County for at least 10 days before filing. If you have lived in Kalamazoo for more than 10 days, you can file here. The case stays in Kalamazoo County for the life of the case unless a judge orders otherwise.
Waiting periods apply. No-children cases wait at least 60 days from filing before a final judgment. Cases with minor children wait at least 180 days. A judge can shorten these waits for good cause, but that is not the norm. Plan around these timelines when scheduling. Property is divided under MCL 552.19 in a way the court finds just and reasonable. Spousal support is governed by MCL 552.13.
You can file on your own. Official SCAO forms are free at courts.michigan.gov. Electronic filing through MiFILE is available for 9th Circuit cases. Michigan Legal Help at michiganlegalhelp.org has step-by-step guidance for people handling their own case in Kalamazoo County.
Legal Help for Kalamazoo Divorce
Michigan Legal Help at michiganlegalhelp.org is a free resource for Kalamazoo residents. It has guided tools that walk you through divorce forms and explain what each step requires. The site covers Kalamazoo County procedures specifically and links to the 9th Circuit Family Division. You can get help with the complaint, the financial disclosure forms, and child-related filings without paying an attorney.
For low-income residents, legal aid organizations in the area can provide free help with divorce cases. Contact a local legal aid group to find out if you qualify for services. The State Bar of Michigan at michbar.org runs a lawyer referral service for those who need a family law attorney. The Michigan Legislature website at legislature.mi.gov has the full text of all Michigan divorce statutes if you want to read the law directly. All SCAO forms are free at courts.michigan.gov.
Nearby Cities
These Michigan cities also have divorce records pages with local court and clerk information.
Kalamazoo County Divorce Records
Kalamazoo is the county seat and all divorce filings go through the 9th Judicial Circuit Court. For full county-level information including the clerk's full contact details, additional search tools, and a broader view of county court services, visit the Kalamazoo County divorce records page.