Marquette County Divorce Records
Divorce records for Marquette County are kept at the 25th Judicial Circuit Court in Marquette, the largest county by area in Michigan's Lower and Upper Peninsula combined. Cases filed here go back decades, and you can look them up online through MiCOURT or by contacting the Marquette County Clerk directly. This page covers how to find, request, and understand divorce records in Marquette County, including online search tools, the filing process, Michigan divorce law, and where to get help.
Marquette County Overview
Marquette County Circuit Court
The 25th Judicial Circuit Court handles all divorce cases filed in Marquette County. This court covers Marquette County only and has jurisdiction over all family law matters, including divorce filings, custody disputes, property division, spousal support, and related orders. The courthouse is located at 232 W. Baraga Ave. in the city of Marquette. The Circuit Court Clerk's office is the place to go for copies of divorce decrees, judgments, and case documents.
The Marquette County Clerk maintains the official court records for all civil cases, including divorces, filed in the 25th Circuit. Records from recent years are typically available for review at the clerk's office during normal business hours. Older records may take extra time to locate depending on the year filed. If you know the case number, the clerk can pull the file much faster. Bring a valid photo ID when visiting in person.
Michigan Courts online at courts.michigan.gov links directly to Marquette County Circuit Court information and SCAO-approved divorce forms.
| Court | 25th Judicial Circuit Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 232 W. Baraga Ave. Marquette, MI 49855 |
| Phone | 906-225-8205 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| County Seat | Marquette (Upper Peninsula) |
Search Marquette County Divorce Records Online
The main tool for searching Marquette County divorce records online is the statewide MiCOURT Case Search. MiCOURT covers the 25th Judicial Circuit and lets you search by name or case number. Divorce cases appear under case type DM (divorce with minor children) or DO (divorce without children). The search is free and open to anyone. Results show party names, case type, filing date, and the register of actions, which is a log of everything filed or ordered in the case.
MiCOURT does not let you download documents. It gives you the information you need to identify a case and gather the case number before you request copies from the clerk's office. That said, it is a fast way to confirm whether a divorce case exists in Marquette County and to check the general status of an ongoing case.
The MiFILE eFiling system is also available for Marquette County Circuit Court. Attorneys and self-represented parties can file documents electronically through MiFILE. If you are filing for divorce or responding to a divorce case in Marquette County, MiFILE is one option for submitting documents without going to the courthouse in person.
Note: MiCOURT shows case index information only. To get actual copies of filed documents or a certified divorce decree, contact the Marquette County Clerk's office directly at 906-225-8205.
How to Get Marquette County Divorce Records
You can get Marquette County divorce records in person, by mail, or through MDHHS if you need a certified divorce certificate rather than a court copy. In person is the simplest way. Go to the Marquette County Clerk's office at 232 W. Baraga Ave., Marquette, MI 49855. Bring a valid photo ID and, if you have it, the case number. Staff will locate the file and make copies. Copy fees in Michigan circuit courts are typically $1 to $2 per page, with certification available for an additional fee, usually $10 to $15.
By mail, write to the Marquette County Clerk at the same address. Include both parties' full names, the approximate year of the divorce, and the case number if known. Include a check or money order for the estimated copy fee and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Call 906-225-8205 first to confirm the current fee schedule and the correct mailing address for records requests. Mail requests usually take one to two weeks depending on office volume.
For a certified divorce certificate rather than a court-issued copy of the judgment, contact the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Vital Records office. MDHHS issues divorce certificates for divorces that occurred in Michigan. The fee is $34 for the first copy and $16 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. You can request online, by mail, or in person through MDHHS at michigan.gov/mdhhs/doing-business/vitalrecords. Note that MDHHS certificates show basic information like names and date but do not include the full judgment with property terms.
The Michigan MDHHS Vital Records office processes divorce certificate requests for Marquette County residents at michigan.gov/mdhhs.
Michigan Divorce Law and Marquette County Cases
All divorce cases in Marquette County follow Michigan state law. Under MCL 552.6, Michigan is a no-fault divorce state. You do not need to prove that either spouse did something wrong. The legal standard is a breakdown of the marriage with no reasonable chance it can be saved. One spouse must have lived in Michigan for at least 180 days before filing, and in Marquette County for at least 10 days, as required by MCL 552.9.
Waiting periods apply in Marquette County just as they do across Michigan. Cases without minor children must wait at least 60 days from the filing date before the judge can enter a final judgment. Cases with minor children require a 180-day wait. The judge can shorten the waiting period for good cause, but that is not common in routine cases. These waiting periods are built into Michigan law and the 25th Circuit follows them without exception.
Property division in Marquette County follows equitable distribution principles under MCL 552.19. The court divides assets in a way it finds just and reasonable given the circumstances. This does not always mean a 50/50 split. The judge considers factors like the length of the marriage, each party's contributions, and the needs of any children involved. Real property, retirement accounts, and personal property are all subject to division in a Marquette County divorce.
The Michigan Legislature website has the full text of all Michigan divorce statutes. For people handling their own case, the Michigan Legal Help website is a free resource with step-by-step guides specific to your county and situation.
Legal Help for Marquette County Divorce
If you need help with a divorce case or records request in Marquette County, several free resources are available. The Michigan Legal Help website at michiganlegalhelp.org has guided interviews that walk you through the divorce process and generate the correct SCAO-approved forms for your case type. It covers Marquette County procedures directly and explains what to expect at each step.
The Michigan Courts website at courts.michigan.gov provides links to all SCAO-approved forms used in Michigan divorce cases. These forms are free to download. If you are filing on your own in the 25th Circuit, start here to make sure you have the right documents. The State Bar of Michigan at michbar.org has a lawyer referral service that can connect you with family law attorneys who handle Marquette County Circuit Court cases. The Upper Peninsula offers legal aid services for qualifying low-income residents as well. Call the clerk's office for referrals to local legal aid providers.
Cities in Marquette County
Marquette County has no cities above the population threshold that qualify for individual pages. All divorce cases from communities across Marquette County are filed at the 25th Judicial Circuit Court in the city of Marquette.
Nearby Counties
These Upper Peninsula and neighboring counties border or are near Marquette County. Divorce cases must be filed in the county where one spouse lives. Check the residency requirement before you file.