Divorce records in Washtenaw County, Michigan, are available through several channels. WashtenawCourt.us allows quick access to public information about divorce cases in the county. Additionally, records can be obtained directly from the court that issued the decision, the county clerk's office, and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Vital Records. Online tools, in-person visits, and mail requests all work for accessing documents.
Washtenaw Divorce Records Search
Divorce cases in Washtenaw County are handled by the 22nd Circuit Court, located in Ann Arbor. The office of this court maintains the complete court file for each case: the complaint, judgment of divorce, property settlement agreements, custody and support orders, and all related motions.
The state of Michigan separately records the fact of divorce. The Division of Vital Records at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has been keeping records of divorce certificates since 1897. These certificates contain only basic information — the names of the parties, the date, and the place of the divorce — and do not include details of property agreements or child-related decisions.
To search court cases online, use the MiCOURT Case Search portal, where you can find records by party name or case number. The portal provides informational data and does not replace the official court record.
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Washtenaw
In Michigan, divorce falls under the jurisdiction of circuit courts. For Washtenaw County, this is the 22nd Circuit Court — this is where the complaint is filed, hearings are held, and the final decision is made.
Court Case File
Once the decision becomes final, the complete case file remains in the office of the 22nd Circuit Court. If you need:
- a copy of the judgment of divorce,
- a property settlement agreement,
- a custody or support order,
— contact the court office directly. You can also use Washtenaw County's online resources to check the status of a case.
Divorce Certificate (State Level)
The Michigan Division of Vital Records issues certificates confirming the fact of divorce. Such a document is often needed for remarriage, name changes, or pension benefits. Requests can be submitted by mail or through the state's online portal.
In short: for case details, go to the court; for confirmation of the fact of divorce, go to the state department.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Washtenaw
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy of divorce certificate (Michigan Vital Records) | $34.00 | 3–4 weeks by mail |
| Additional certified copy (same order, Vital Records) | $12.00 | With the first copy |
| Court record copy (per page, 22nd Circuit Court) | $1.00 | Usually 1–5 business days |
| Certified court document copy | $10.00 + $1.00 per page | 1–5 business days |
| Online case search (MiCOURT) | Free | Immediately |