Sanilac County Divorce Records Search
Sanilac County divorce records are filed and kept at the Circuit Court Clerk's office in Sandusky, Michigan. This eastern Michigan county, known as part of the Thumb region, handles all divorce and family law filings through its circuit court. Records are available to the public through the clerk's office in Sandusky, through mail requests, and through the MiCOURT statewide online case search system. This page covers the ways to find and request Sanilac County divorce records and the Michigan law that governs cases here.
Sanilac County Overview
Sanilac County Circuit Court Clerk
Sanilac County is served by the 24th Judicial Circuit. The Circuit Court Clerk in Sandusky handles all divorce filings, case records, and copy requests for the county. If you or your spouse lives in Sanilac County, the 24th Circuit is where divorce cases are filed and where records are maintained after the case closes.
The clerk's office at 60 W. Sanilac Ave. in Sandusky is the right place to go for certified copies of divorce decrees, judgments, and other court documents from closed cases. For pending cases, the clerk can also help you track the current status of a filing. The Friend of the Court in Sanilac County handles custody and support issues for cases involving minor children.
Because Sanilac is a rural county, confirming hours and availability before visiting is wise. Call 810-648-2025 to check current office hours, confirm what you need to bring, and ask about current copy fees. The clerk staff can save you a trip if you have questions that can be resolved by phone.
| Court | 24th Judicial Circuit Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 60 W. Sanilac Ave. Sandusky, MI 48471 |
| Phone | 810-648-2025 |
| County Seat | Sandusky |
Search Sanilac County Divorce Cases Online
Sanilac County circuit court divorce cases are searchable through the free statewide MiCOURT case search. Search by party name or case number to find a Sanilac County divorce case. Divorce case types appear as DM (with minor children) or DO (without children). MiCOURT shows the filing date, register of actions, and court assignments. Documents are not available through MiCOURT, but you can confirm a case exists and get the case number to use when contacting the clerk.
The MiFILE eFiling system is available for Sanilac County circuit court cases. Electronic filing allows parties to submit divorce documents online without driving to Sandusky. Self-represented parties can use MiFILE for qualifying case types. Check the MiFILE site to confirm what is available for your specific situation before you try to file electronically.
Michigan Legal Help is a free online tool for Sanilac County residents that explains 24th Circuit Court divorce procedures, provides forms, and walks you through each step of the process.
Note: MiCOURT shows case information only. For certified copies of Sanilac County divorce documents, contact the Circuit Court Clerk at 810-648-2025.
How to Get Sanilac County Divorce Records
To request records in person, visit the Sanilac County Circuit Court Clerk at 60 W. Sanilac Ave. in Sandusky. Bring a valid photo ID and have the names of both parties and the year of the divorce ready. The case number from MiCOURT is helpful but not required. Staff can search by name and pull the file. Plain copies and certified copies are both available. Certified copies carry the clerk's seal and signature and are needed for official legal uses.
Mail requests should go to Sanilac County Circuit Court Clerk, 60 W. Sanilac Ave., Sandusky, MI 48471. Include both parties' full names, the year the divorce was finalized, and the case number if you have it. State clearly what documents you need and whether you need plain or certified copies. Include a check or money order for the copy fees and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Call 810-648-2025 before sending to confirm current fees and expected turnaround time.
Divorce records from the 24th Circuit are public court records. Most requests are granted without any special authorization. If a record is sealed or has restricted information, the clerk will let you know before you request it.
For a state-level certified divorce certificate rather than the court file, use MDHHS Vital Records. MDHHS holds Michigan divorce records back to 1897. A certified copy costs $34, and additional copies at the same time are $16 each. This document is a state vital record, not a copy of the court file, and is typically used for remarriage, name changes, and benefit applications.
Michigan Divorce Law and Sanilac County Cases
All divorces in Sanilac County follow Michigan state law. Michigan is a no-fault divorce state under MCL 552.6. You do not need to prove that your spouse was at fault for the marriage ending. The court only requires that the marriage has broken down with no reasonable chance of being saved. One spouse must have lived in Michigan for at least 180 days and in Sanilac County for at least 10 days before filing, per MCL 552.9.
Waiting periods apply in Sanilac County. For cases without minor children, there is a minimum 60-day waiting period from the filing date before the judge can enter a final judgment. For cases with minor children, the minimum waiting period is 180 days. The 24th Circuit Court judge can reduce the waiting period in limited circumstances, but it is not routine. Your divorce is not final until the judge signs the judgment of divorce.
Property division in Sanilac County follows equitable distribution under MCL 552.19. The court splits marital assets in a way that is just and reasonable given the circumstances. Spousal support is governed by MCL 552.13, and the judge has discretion to award, modify, or end support payments. The ability to pay and the financial needs of each party are central to that decision.
Michigan divorce statutes are available in full at legislature.mi.gov. For plain-language help with Sanilac County cases, visit Michigan Legal Help.
Legal Help for Sanilac County Divorce
Michigan Legal Help is a free resource for Sanilac County residents who need help with the divorce process. The site has guided form interviews, step-by-step instructions, and plain explanations of the 24th Circuit Court procedures. It is designed for people who are filing without an attorney and covers everything from the initial filing to the final judgment.
Free SCAO-approved divorce forms are available at the Michigan Courts website. The State Bar of Michigan's lawyer referral service can help you find a licensed family law attorney who handles Sanilac County cases. Some attorneys in the Thumb region serve multiple counties and can handle Sanilac County matters with limited in-person requirements.
Cities in Sanilac County
Sanilac County is a rural county with no cities that meet the qualifying population threshold for dedicated city pages. All divorce filings for the county are handled through the 24th Circuit Court Clerk in Sandusky, regardless of where in Sanilac County the party lives.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Sanilac County. If your home address is near a county line, confirm which county you are a resident of before filing your divorce case.