Wyoming MI Dissolution Of Marriage Records
Dissolution of marriage cases for Wyoming, Michigan residents are filed with the 17th Circuit Court in Grand Rapids, the county seat of Kent County. Wyoming sits directly south of Grand Rapids, and residents file at the Kent County courthouse rather than in the city itself. This page covers where to go, how to search dissolution records online, what fees to expect, and how to get certified copies or official divorce certificates.
Wyoming Overview
Where Wyoming Dissolution Cases Are Filed
Wyoming residents file dissolution of marriage cases at the 17th Circuit Court, which is the Kent County circuit court located in Grand Rapids at 180 Ottawa Avenue NW. This courthouse serves all of Kent County for family law matters. Wyoming is a Kent County city, so its residents use this court for dissolution filings, not a local Wyoming courthouse. The main court phone number is (616) 632-5480.
The Kent County Clerk and Register of Deeds handles administrative and recording functions for the county. That office is nearby at 300 Monroe Avenue NW in Grand Rapids, phone (616) 632-7640. For dissolution of marriage filings and case records, start with the circuit court at 180 Ottawa Avenue NW. The Friend of the Court office, which is involved in dissolution cases with minor children, can be reached at (616) 632-7700.
| Court | 17th Circuit Court - Kent County |
|---|---|
| Address | 180 Ottawa Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 |
| Phone | (616) 632-5480 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| County Clerk | 300 Monroe Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 |
| Clerk Phone | (616) 632-7640 |
| Friend of the Court | (616) 632-7700 |
Wyoming has the 62B District Court at 1155 28th Street SW, Wyoming, MI 49509. That court handles minor civil, traffic, and local matters. Dissolution of marriage cases are not filed there. They go to the 17th Circuit Court in Grand Rapids.
Note: Kent County filing fees follow standard Michigan rates. Certified copies from the Kent County circuit court cost $15 or more. Confirm current filing and copy fees with the court before you file or request records.
Searching Wyoming Dissolution Records Online
Kent County runs Access Kent Online Services, which is the county's online portal for public records and court information. This is a useful first stop for finding dissolution of marriage cases from Wyoming and other Kent County communities. The portal provides access to court case information, and you can search by party name or case number to locate specific filings.
Search Kent County dissolution records through the Access Kent online portal.
The statewide MiCOURT case search from the Michigan Supreme Court is a good supplemental tool. It covers courts across Michigan and can help if you are searching for Kent County dissolution records that do not appear through the county portal. For Wyoming dissolution cases specifically, start with Access Kent since it focuses on Kent County records and is directly maintained by the county.
Note: Online systems return docket-level information. Certified copies and full document access require a direct request to the 17th Circuit Court clerk's office.
Wyoming Dissolution Of Marriage Filing Process
Filing a dissolution of marriage as a Wyoming resident requires meeting the residency thresholds set out in MCL 552.9. One spouse must have lived in Michigan for at least 180 days and in Kent County for at least 10 days before the filing date. Both thresholds apply. Filing too early, even if you have met one but not the other, can result in the case being dismissed.
Michigan uses a no-fault dissolution standard under MCL 552.6. You do not need to show fault or wrongdoing by either party. You simply state that the marriage has broken down with no reasonable chance of being preserved. That is the legal threshold. After filing, there is a mandatory waiting period under MCL 552.9f. Cases without minor children must wait 60 days before a final judgment can be entered. Cases with minor children must wait 180 days. A judge can reduce that 180-day period in specific hardship situations.
Wyoming dissolution cases involving children are case type DM. Cases without children are DO. DM cases bring in the Friend of the Court for custody, parenting time, and child support. Property division is addressed under MCL 552.19. Spousal support falls under MCL 552.23. Standard filing fees in Kent County are approximately $175 for DO cases and $255 for DM cases.
Accessing Wyoming Dissolution Records
After a dissolution case closes, the court file is generally part of the public record unless specific documents have been sealed. Final judgments from Wyoming dissolution cases are typically accessible to the public at the 17th Circuit Court. To access records in person, visit the courthouse at 180 Ottawa Avenue NW in Grand Rapids. Bring the case number or the names of both parties. Staff can assist with file pulls and copy requests.
Plain copies and certified copies are both available. Certified copies carry the court seal and are required for legal tasks such as changing a name with the Michigan Secretary of State, updating financial accounts, removing a former spouse from a property deed, or handling pension and retirement account changes. A plain copy is fine for personal use but will not be accepted by government agencies. Certified copies from the Kent County circuit court cost $15 or more, plus standard copy fees per page.
Record access in Michigan dissolution cases is governed by MCR 8.119 and MCR 3.206. Some portions of dissolution files may be restricted from public access, including exhibits, financial affidavits, and documents involving minor children. Bring photo ID if accessing your own records in person. Third parties can typically view the public portions of dissolution case files.
MDHHS Vital Records for Wyoming Residents
Michigan divorce certificates are issued by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Vital Records office in Lansing. A divorce certificate is not the same as a certified copy of the final judgment. It is a short official document confirming that a dissolution occurred. It includes the names of the parties, the Kent County filing location, and the date the divorce was finalized. It does not contain the full terms of the dissolution, including custody, property, or support provisions.
Order a Michigan divorce certificate from MDHHS Vital Records.
MDHHS Vital Records is at 333 S. Grand Avenue in Lansing, phone (517) 335-8666. Mail requests cost $34 for the first certificate. Online orders through VitalChek cost $58.50 for the first copy. Additional copies ordered at the same time are $16 each. For name changes at a government agency, the MDHHS certificate is usually sufficient. If you need the actual judgment, you must get a certified copy from the 17th Circuit Court.
Legal Help for Wyoming Dissolution Cases
Wyoming residents have access to statewide and local resources for dissolution of marriage cases, whether or not they plan to hire an attorney.
Michigan Legal Help is a free resource developed with the State Bar of Michigan. It provides step-by-step instructions for dissolution cases, downloadable court forms, and plain-language guides on topics such as filing procedures, custody basics, support calculations, and what happens if the other party does not respond. The site is designed for self-represented parties and is a solid starting point for anyone navigating the process without an attorney. It also includes information on legal aid eligibility for Kent County residents who need in-person help.
The Michigan Courts website provides official court forms and procedural information for all family law case types. The Michigan Legislature site lets you read the full text of the statutes that govern dissolution cases in Michigan. If you decide to hire an attorney, the State Bar of Michigan's lawyer referral service can help you find a family law attorney in Kent County or the Grand Rapids area. Many offer free initial consultations.
Kent County Dissolution Records
Wyoming is part of Kent County, and all dissolution of marriage filings go through the 17th Circuit Court in Grand Rapids. The Kent County page has additional information on the court system, local procedures, and county-wide resources.
Nearby Cities
Other Michigan cities with dissolution of marriage record pages are listed below. Kalamazoo is in a different county and uses its own circuit court for dissolution filings.