Chippewa County Dissolution Of Marriage Records
Chippewa County dissolution of marriage records are held at the 50th Circuit Court in Sault Ste. Marie. You can search these records online through MiCOURT or visit the courthouse in person. This page explains how to find filings, get certified copies, and understand the local process for dissolution cases in Chippewa County.
Chippewa County Overview
50th Circuit Court, Chippewa County
The 50th Circuit Court in Sault Ste. Marie handles all dissolution of marriage filings in Chippewa County. This court is the primary source for divorce case records in the county. The clerk's office maintains the files, processes new filings, and provides copies to those who request them. Chippewa County is the second-largest county in Michigan by land area, covering a wide stretch of the eastern Upper Peninsula.
If you or your spouse lives in Chippewa County, you file your dissolution case here. The court is located at 319 Court Street. The clerk's office is in Room 101 of the same building. Staff can help you look up cases by name or case number. Michigan courts use the MiCOURT system, which lets you search cases online before visiting in person.
| Court | 50th Circuit Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 319 Court Street, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783 |
| Court Phone | (906) 635-6338 |
| Clerk Phone | (906) 635-6300 |
| FOC Phone | (906) 635-6340 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
Note: Hours may change for holidays or court closures. Call the clerk at (906) 635-6300 to confirm hours before making the trip from a distance.
Search Chippewa County Dissolution Records
The easiest way to search dissolution of marriage records in Chippewa County is through MiCOURT Case Search. This free state system shows party names, case numbers, filing dates, and docket entries. You do not need to create an account. Enter a name or case number and the results come up quickly. MiCOURT covers most Michigan circuit courts including the 50th.
For a more thorough search or to get certified copies, you visit the clerk's office at 319 Court Street in Sault Ste. Marie. Bring the full name of one or both spouses and the approximate year of filing. The clerk can search by name and pull the case file. Plain copies cost less than certified ones. Certified copies have a raised seal and are needed for legal uses like changing a name or refinancing property.
The Michigan Courts website has a directory of all circuit courts and contact information. If you need help navigating the process, Michigan Legal Help has free guides on how to find and request dissolution records.
Filing Dissolution Cases in Chippewa County
Michigan law under MCL 552.9 requires that at least one spouse live in Michigan for 180 days before filing. On top of that, one spouse must live in Chippewa County for at least 10 days before you file. Both rules must be met before the 50th Circuit Court can accept your case.
Once you file, the type of case determines the waiting period. Cases with no minor children must wait at least 60 days from the date of filing under MCL 552.9f. Cases that involve minor children require a minimum wait of 180 days. These are state minimums. Contested cases often take longer depending on the issues involved. The county uses DM as the case code for dissolution cases with children, and DO for those without.
Filing fees in Chippewa County follow the state schedule. Cases without children cost around $175 to file. Cases with children cost around $255. Fee waivers may be available if you meet income guidelines. Ask the clerk for the fee waiver form when you come in to file.
Note: Every dissolution case with children in Chippewa County involves the Friend of the Court office, which handles custody, parenting time, and support matters.
What Dissolution Records Include
A dissolution of marriage file in Chippewa County contains the original complaint or joint petition, any responses filed, motions, temporary orders, financial records, and the final judgment. The judgment of divorce is the key document. It sets out the terms of the divorce: property split, spousal support, and if children are involved, custody and parenting time. Property division in Michigan falls under MCL 552.19, which guides courts in dividing assets fairly.
Spousal support, if ordered, is governed by MCL 552.23. The judgment will reflect any support terms agreed on or ordered by the judge. Most dissolution records at the 50th Circuit Court are available to the public under MCR 8.119. Some parts of a file, like sealed financial disclosures or records involving minors, may be restricted. Ask the clerk which parts of the file are open to public inspection before requesting copies.
Certified Copies and Vital Records
The 50th Circuit Court clerk issues certified copies of dissolution judgments. These are the most commonly needed documents after a divorce is final. You can request them in person at 319 Court Street or by mail. Include the case number, the names of both parties, and the year of divorce. Pay the copy fee with the request. The clerk will mail the copies back if you include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services also keeps a record of divorces granted in the state. The MDHHS Vital Records office is at 333 S. Grand Ave, Lansing, (517) 335-8666. You can order a certified copy of a divorce record by mail for $34 or online for $58.50. This is a state-level copy and may differ slightly from what the circuit court holds. For full case files and detailed documents, go to the 50th Circuit Court.
The MDHHS vital records site is a good resource for older records or when you don't know which county handled the case.
The MDHHS Vital Records office maintains statewide dissolution of marriage records and issues certified copies by mail or online.
Legal Help in Chippewa County
If you need help with a dissolution case in Chippewa County, a few resources are available. Michigan Legal Help is a free statewide site with step-by-step guides, forms, and instructions for people who file without a lawyer. It covers every stage of a dissolution case from filing to the final judgment.
The Michigan Courts website links to local court information and forms. The Michigan Legislature site lets you look up any statute referenced in your case. For complex cases involving property, support, or child custody disputes, consulting a family law attorney is worth considering. The State Bar of Michigan has a referral service that can connect you with attorneys in the Upper Peninsula region who handle family law matters.
Michigan Legal Help provides free tools and guides for those navigating dissolution of marriage cases without an attorney.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Chippewa County in the Upper Peninsula. Each has its own circuit court. If you are not sure which county applies to your case, check which county you or your spouse lives in.