Find Dissolution Of Marriage Records in Clare County
Clare County dissolution of marriage records are maintained by the 55th Circuit Court in Harrison. You can search for filings and case information online or by contacting the court directly. This guide covers how to look up dissolution records, request copies, and learn about the filing process specific to Clare County.
Clare County Overview
55th Circuit Court, Clare County
The 55th Circuit Court serves both Clare and Gladwin counties. The Clare County courthouse is in Harrison at 225 W. Main Street. This court handles dissolution of marriage filings for residents of Clare County. The clerk's office accepts new filings, answers questions about existing cases, and provides copies of records to those who request them.
Clare County is in the northern part of Michigan's Lower Peninsula. It is a rural county with a mix of year-round and seasonal residents. All dissolution of marriage cases filed by Clare County residents are heard at the Harrison courthouse. If you live in Gladwin County, that courthouse handles your case, even though it is part of the same 55th Circuit.
The court uses MiCOURT for online case access. You can search dissolution cases on the MiCOURT Case Search portal before calling or visiting in person.
| Court | 55th Circuit Court (Clare County) |
|---|---|
| Address | 225 W. Main Street, Harrison, MI 48625 |
| Court Phone | (989) 539-7851 |
| Clerk Phone | (989) 539-7131 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
Searching Clare County Dissolution Records
Start your search on MiCOURT. This free state tool shows case names, filing dates, case numbers, and docket entries for dissolution of marriage cases in Clare County. No account is needed. Search by the last name of either party or by case number if you have it. Results come up fast and are current.
If you need certified copies or want to review the full case file, you go to the clerk's office at 225 W. Main Street in Harrison. Bring the names of both spouses and the approximate year of the divorce. The clerk can look up cases by name and pull the file. You can request plain copies or certified copies. Certified copies have an official seal and are used for legal purposes such as name changes, updating beneficiaries, or property transfers.
Note: Mail requests to the Clare County Clerk at 225 W. Main Street, Harrison, MI 48625. Include the case number or party names, the year of filing, and a check for copy fees.
Clare County Dissolution Filing Rules
To file a dissolution of marriage in Clare County, Michigan law under MCL 552.9 requires that one spouse live in Michigan for 180 days and in Clare County for at least 10 days before you file. The 55th Circuit Court will not accept a filing if these residency rules are not met.
After you file, the waiting period depends on whether the case involves minor children. Under MCL 552.9f, a case with no children must wait 60 days before the court can grant the divorce. If children are involved, the minimum wait is 180 days. These are floors, not deadlines. Contested cases often take much longer. The case type code is DO for cases without children and DM for cases with children.
Filing fees are set by state schedule. A dissolution without children costs around $175. One with children costs around $255. If you cannot afford the fees, ask the clerk for a fee waiver application. The court reviews your income and expenses to decide if a waiver applies.
Every dissolution case with children involves the Friend of the Court. The FOC handles custody evaluation, parenting time recommendations, and child support calculations. They work alongside the circuit court judge on family cases.
What Clare County Dissolution Files Contain
A dissolution of marriage file in Clare County holds the original complaint or joint petition, responses, temporary orders, financial disclosure forms, and the final judgment. The judgment of divorce is the core document. It states the final terms for property division under MCL 552.19, any spousal support under MCL 552.23, and if children are part of the case, custody and parenting time arrangements.
Public access to dissolution records in Michigan is governed by MCR 8.119. Most dissolution files are open to the public. You do not have to be a party to the case to request a copy. Some documents may be sealed or restricted, such as certain financial records or information involving minor children. The clerk can tell you what parts of the file are available to the public when you request it.
State Vital Records and Clare County Divorces
Beyond the circuit court, the state also keeps a record of divorces in Michigan. The MDHHS Vital Records office at 333 S. Grand Ave in Lansing holds statewide divorce records. You can order a certified copy by mail for $34 or online for $58.50. Call them at (517) 335-8666 for more information.
The state copy is useful if you don't know the case number or which county handled the filing. For full case documents and detailed records, the 55th Circuit Court clerk in Harrison is the right place to go.
MDHHS Vital Records maintains statewide divorce and dissolution records available for order by mail or online.
Legal Resources for Clare County Residents
Michigan Legal Help is the best free starting point for anyone filing or looking up a dissolution case in Clare County without an attorney. The site has plain-language guides for every step of the process, plus fillable court forms. It covers filing, service, responding to a petition, and what to expect at hearings.
The Michigan Courts website has contact information for the 55th Circuit Court and links to local court resources. The Michigan Legislature site gives you direct access to the statutes that govern dissolution cases in the state. If your case involves complex property, custody disputes, or you are unsure of your rights, speaking with a licensed family law attorney in the central Michigan area is a good step.
Michigan Legal Help offers free guides and tools for residents handling dissolution of marriage cases on their own.
Nearby Counties
These counties are near Clare County in central and northern Michigan. Each has its own circuit court. Your county is determined by where you or your spouse lives at the time of filing.