Calhoun County Dissolution Of Marriage Records
Calhoun County dissolution of marriage records are filed at the 37th Circuit Court in Marshall and are available through MiCOURT online search, in-person visits to the courthouse, and mail requests. The county has a higher volume of divorce filings than many nearby counties. This page covers how to access Calhoun County dissolution records, what the files include, local fees, the filing process, and where to find help.
Calhoun County Overview
37th Circuit Court in Calhoun County
Calhoun County's dissolution of marriage cases go through the 37th Circuit Court, which operates a Family Division in Marshall. The courthouse on West Green Street handles all dissolution filings, temporary orders, hearings, and final judgments. The court sees a higher number of divorce cases than many similarly sized Michigan counties, and staff are experienced in processing record requests for both current and historical cases.
The circuit court and county clerk operate at separate addresses in Marshall. For dissolution case filings and most record requests, the circuit court at 315 W. Green Street is the starting point. For certified copies and administrative matters, the county clerk at 161 E. Michigan Avenue can also assist. In-person requests during business hours get the fastest response. Mail requests are accepted at both offices.
| Court | 37th Circuit Court, Calhoun County |
|---|---|
| Address | 315 W. Green Street, Marshall, MI 49068 |
| Phone | (269) 781-0870 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| County Clerk | Calhoun County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 161 E. Michigan Avenue, Marshall, MI 49068 |
| Phone | (269) 781-0730 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
Searching Calhoun County Divorce Records Online
The main tool for searching Calhoun County dissolution of marriage records online is MiCOURT Case Search. Go to the site, select Calhoun County from the court drop-down, and enter a party name or case number. Results show basic case data: party names, filing date, case type code, hearing dates, and docket entries. Case code DM indicates a dissolution with minor children; DO means no minor children. Searching by both spouses' names can narrow results when a name is common.
In person, the 37th Circuit Court has staff who can look up cases by name or case number. The clerk's office processes copy requests on the spot during business hours. Older records that predate electronic filing can take more time to locate. Mail requests are accepted at the circuit court. Include both party names or the case number, a return address, and a check or money order for any copy fees.
Copy fees in Calhoun County are $1.50 per page for standard copies. Certified copies cost $10 each. These are in line with most Michigan counties but slightly higher per page than some. Confirm the current fee schedule before submitting payment, as courts occasionally update their rates.
Note: Calhoun County mediation records and financial information are restricted under MCR 8.119 and cannot be accessed by the public, even in otherwise public case files.
Filing for Dissolution in Calhoun County
To file a dissolution of marriage case in Calhoun County, you must first meet Michigan's residency requirement under MCL 552.9: 180 days in Michigan and 10 days in Calhoun County. The complaint for divorce is filed at the 37th Circuit Court on West Green Street in Marshall. Filing fees are approximately $175 for cases without minor children and $255 for cases involving them. Confirm the current amount with the clerk before filing.
Michigan is a no-fault state under MCL 552.6. You do not need to prove that either spouse did something wrong. The legal standard is simply that the marriage has broken down and cannot reasonably be restored. The court will not require evidence of fault or misconduct. This is the same standard in every Michigan county, including Calhoun.
After you file, a mandatory waiting period applies under MCL 552.9f. Cases with no minor children must wait at least 60 days from filing before a final judgment can be entered. Cases with minor children require a 180-day wait. Temporary orders can be entered during this time for custody, support, and use of property. The Friend of the Court oversees all child-related matters in Calhoun County cases.
Property division in Calhoun County follows MCL 552.19, which gives the court discretion to divide assets in an equitable way. If either party requests spousal support, it is addressed under MCL 552.23. Both of these determinations are documented in the final judgment of divorce, which is the key record in any dissolution file.
Contents and Access Rules for Calhoun County Records
A Calhoun County dissolution of marriage file contains the complaint, proof of service, motions, orders, financial disclosures, and the final judgment. When children are involved, the file also includes parenting plans, support worksheets, and the Friend of the Court's recommendations. These records are maintained by the 37th Circuit Court clerk in Marshall and are available for public inspection during business hours.
The final judgment is the most commonly requested document. It identifies the legal end of the marriage, how property was divided, any support terms, and all custody and parenting time details if children were part of the case. Certified copies of this document are required for many post-divorce administrative steps. Calhoun County charges $1.50 per page for standard copies and $10 per certified copy.
Under MCR 8.119, restricted records in Calhoun County dissolution files include mediation records, adoption-related documents, financial account information, and personal details about minor children. These items are kept out of the public record. Non-parties can view and copy only the unrestricted portions of any file. Parties to the case can access the full file with proper identification at the clerk's counter.
The Michigan Courts public access overview provides important context on what records are open in dissolution cases.
Resources and Legal Help in Calhoun County
People handling their own dissolution case in Calhoun County can use Michigan Legal Help for step-by-step guidance, forms, and explanations of the law. The site covers every phase of a dissolution case from preparing the complaint to understanding the final judgment. A guided interview tool on the site helps you complete forms without needing a lawyer.
For certified divorce certificates, contact MDHHS Vital Records at 333 S. Grand Ave, Lansing, (517) 335-8666. Certified copies issued by MDHHS cost $34 by mail or $58.50 online, with $16 for each additional copy in the same order. These are separate from the certified copies issued by the Calhoun County clerk and are often used for administrative purposes like passport applications.
The complete text of every relevant statute, including MCL 552.6, 552.9, 552.9f, 552.19, and 552.23, is free to read at the Michigan Legislature website. The Michigan Courts website provides forms and procedural guides accepted in Calhoun County.
The Michigan Legal Help site is a free resource for Calhoun County residents dealing with dissolution cases, covering filing, hearings, and post-judgment steps.
Nearby Counties
These counties are near Calhoun County. Each has its own circuit court. File dissolution cases in the county where you or your spouse meets the 10-day residency requirement.