Find Divorce Records in Washtenaw County
Washtenaw County divorce records are filed and stored at the 22nd Judicial Circuit Court in Ann Arbor. The Circuit Court Records Unit handles all requests for copies of divorce case files, and the statewide MiCOURT system lets you search case records online at no cost. This page covers how to find, request, and obtain Washtenaw County divorce records whether you need a certified copy of a final decree, a plain copy of filed documents, or just want to confirm that a divorce case exists.
Washtenaw County Overview
Washtenaw County Circuit Court - Family Division
The 22nd Judicial Circuit Court handles all divorce cases in Washtenaw County. Its Family Division, operating under MCL 600.1021, has exclusive jurisdiction over divorce, custody, support, and related domestic matters in the county. The courthouse is in Ann Arbor, the county seat. Divorce cases are filed here regardless of which city or township in Washtenaw County the parties live in.
The Circuit Court Records Unit is the specific office that stores and provides access to divorce case files. It is located at 101 E Huron Street, Room 1106, Ann Arbor, MI 48107-8645. The phone number is 734-222-3024. The Records Unit is where you go to view files, request copies, or get a certified copy of a divorce judgment. The 22nd Circuit is also known for its Peacemaking Court initiative and family law specialization, which reflects the volume and complexity of domestic cases it handles.
The Washtenaw County Clerk/Register of Deeds manages broader county clerk functions including vital records. That office is at 200 N. Main, Suite 100, Ann Arbor, MI 48107-8645, reachable at 734-222-6710 or by email at clerk@washtenaw.org. The Clerk's website at washtenaw.org/165/Clerk has information about services and request procedures.
The screenshot below shows the Washtenaw County Clerk website, which is a starting point for understanding record request options and locating contact information for the Records Unit.
From the Clerk's site you can navigate to the Circuit Court Records Unit contact page and confirm current hours and request procedures before visiting or mailing your request.
| Court | 22nd Judicial Circuit Court, Family Division |
|---|---|
| Records Unit Address | 101 E Huron Street, Room 1106 Ann Arbor, MI 48107-8645 |
| Records Unit Phone | 734-222-3024 |
| County Clerk Phone | 734-222-6710 |
| County Clerk Email | clerk@washtenaw.org |
Search Washtenaw County Divorce Records Online
The statewide MiCOURT case search system covers the 22nd Judicial Circuit and lets you look up Washtenaw County divorce cases for free. Search by either party's name or by case number. Results include case type, the date filed, party names, and a log of court actions taken in the case. Case type codes to know are DM (divorce with minor children) and DO (divorce without children). MiCOURT does not let you view or download documents, but it confirms whether a case exists and provides the case number you need for a formal copy request.
The Washtenaw County Circuit Court has its own page at washtenaw.org/313/Circuit-Court. That page describes Family Division procedures and services. It is a useful reference for understanding local court rules that may affect how Washtenaw County handles divorce filings and record requests. The screenshot below shows the Circuit Court page.
After reviewing the court's site, the MiCOURT system remains the main tool for online case lookups. For electronic filing in 22nd Circuit cases, use the MiFILE portal.
Note: MiCOURT and the county court site show case index data only. To get copies of actual documents, contact the Circuit Court Records Unit at 734-222-3024.
How to Request Washtenaw County Divorce Records
There are two main ways to get copies of Washtenaw County divorce records: in person at the Records Unit, or by mail. In person is faster. Go to 101 E Huron Street, Room 1106, Ann Arbor. Bring a valid photo ID and the names of both parties. If you have the case number from a MiCOURT search, bring that too. Staff will locate the file and can make copies on the spot. Certification fees apply if you need an official certified copy for legal use, such as remarriage or a name change.
By mail, send a written request to the Circuit Court Records Unit at 101 E Huron Street, Room 1106, Ann Arbor, MI 48107-8645. Include both parties' names, the approximate year of the divorce, and the case number if you have it. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order covering the copy fees. Standard Michigan copy fees run $1 to $2 per page, with a certification fee of $10 to $15 on top. Mail requests take longer, often a week or more, so factor that into your timeline.
FOIA requests for Washtenaw County government records go to the FOIA Coordinator at Washtenaw County, Attention: FOIA Coordinator, P.O. Box 8645, Ann Arbor, MI 48107-8645. A FOIA request is not typically the right path for personal divorce case copies, but the FOIA coordinator can help direct you to the right process if needed.
Divorce records from MDHHS Vital Records are separate from court records. MDHHS provides divorce certificates showing the basic fact of the divorce. The first copy costs $34 and each additional copy costs $16. Order through the MDHHS Vital Records office at michigan.gov/mdhhs/doing-business/vitalrecords. Marriage records in Washtenaw County are held by the Vital Records Division, separate from the Circuit Court divorce files.
The Washtenaw County main website at washtenaw.org links to all county departments and is a good starting point for navigating available services. The screenshot below shows the county's homepage.
From the county homepage you can find direct links to the Clerk's office, the Circuit Court Records Unit, and related services.
Michigan Divorce Law and Washtenaw County Cases
Washtenaw County divorce cases follow Michigan state law. Michigan has been a no-fault divorce state since 1972. Under MCL 552.6, the only ground for divorce is a breakdown of the marriage relationship. No one has to prove fault or show wrongdoing. One spouse states that the marriage has broken down with no reasonable likelihood it can be preserved, and the court accepts that as sufficient.
To file in Washtenaw County, at least one spouse must have lived in Michigan for 180 days and in Washtenaw County for at least 10 days before filing, as required by MCL 552.9. If only the state residency requirement is met, you may need to wait until you have been in the county long enough or file in a different county.
Waiting periods in Washtenaw County match the statewide rules. Divorces without minor children require a minimum 60-day wait from the date the complaint is filed. Divorces with minor children require a 180-day wait. Judges have limited ability to shorten the waiting period, and they do not do so routinely. These waiting periods directly affect when final divorce judgments are entered and when those records are available for public access.
Property in a Washtenaw County divorce is divided under equitable distribution principles found in MCL 552.19. Equitable means fair, not necessarily half. The 22nd Circuit judge considers the length of the marriage, what each spouse contributed, and their financial circumstances. Spousal support is addressed under MCL 552.13. The court looks at ability to pay, the standard of living during the marriage, and the future earning capacity of each spouse.
Legal Help for Washtenaw County Divorce
Washtenaw County residents have access to strong legal resources. The Michigan Legal Help website at michiganlegalhelp.org is free and offers guided interviews that produce divorce forms tailored to the 22nd Circuit. The site walks you through each step of the process and explains what to expect at Washtenaw County hearings. The University of Michigan Law Library in Ann Arbor is available for legal research, and the Ann Arbor District Library offers free internet access for online case searches and form downloads.
The Michigan Courts website at courts.michigan.gov lists all SCAO-approved divorce forms at no cost. These are the standard forms used in Washtenaw County. For electronic filing, use MiFILE. The State Bar of Michigan at michbar.org can connect you with family law attorneys in the Ann Arbor area. Legal aid organizations serving Washtenaw County may also be able to assist people who cannot afford a private attorney.
Major Cities in Washtenaw County
Ann Arbor is the county seat and the largest city in Washtenaw County. All divorce cases from communities throughout the county are filed at the 22nd Judicial Circuit Court in Ann Arbor.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Washtenaw County. Residency at the time of filing determines where a divorce case is filed. If you live near a county line, confirm your county before submitting paperwork.