Grand Traverse County Dissolution Of Marriage
Grand Traverse County dissolution of marriage records are maintained by the 13th Circuit Court in Traverse City. The 13th Circuit covers Grand Traverse, Antrim, and Leelanau counties. Records go back to the 1850s, and online access is available through MiCOURT Case Search and the Grand Traverse County online records portal. This page explains how to search dissolution of marriage records in Grand Traverse County, what those records contain, how to get certified copies, and what fees and wait times to expect when you contact the court.
Grand Traverse County Overview
13th Circuit Court in Grand Traverse County
The 13th Circuit Court is the primary court for dissolution of marriage cases filed by Grand Traverse County residents. The main courthouse is at 280 Washington Street in Traverse City. That is where you go for walk-in record access and to file new cases. The County Clerk's office is located separately at 400 Boardman Avenue, Traverse City, and can be reached at (231) 922-4761.
Grand Traverse County is the major population center for northern Michigan. Case volume here is higher than in most northern Michigan circuits. The court handles a steady flow of dissolution cases, both DM cases (with minor children) and DO cases (without). The court has maintained records since the 1850s. Both older and current records can be searched online or in person.
Online access at Grand Traverse County is better than average for a northern Michigan circuit. In addition to MiCOURT, the county has its own online records portal and Court Explorer access. These tools can return more detail than the statewide search system.
| Court | 13th Circuit Court - Grand Traverse County |
|---|---|
| Address | 280 Washington Street, Traverse City, MI 49684 |
| Phone | (231) 922-4701 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| County Clerk | Grand Traverse County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 400 Boardman Avenue, Traverse City, MI 49684 |
| Phone | (231) 922-4761 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
Searching Grand Traverse County Divorce Records Online
Start with the MiCOURT Case Search system from Michigan Courts. It is free to use and covers all Michigan circuit courts including the 13th. Search by name or case number. Results include basic case data: party names, filing date, case type, and status. Documents are not shown, but the case number lets you request specific files.
Grand Traverse County also offers online record access through its own county records portal and Court Explorer. These systems may provide more detailed case information than MiCOURT for certain case types. Check the court's website at (231) 922-4701 for current links and access instructions.
In-person access at 280 Washington Street remains the most thorough option. Staff can pull any case file by party name or case number. You can view the file at the courthouse and request copies. Mail requests can be sent to the court with party names, filing year, and a check for copy fees.
Note: The 13th Circuit covers three counties; when contacting the court, specify that your request involves a Grand Traverse County case to avoid confusion with Antrim or Leelanau filings.
Grand Traverse County Dissolution Filing Requirements
Under MCL 552.9, at least one spouse must have lived in Michigan for 180 days before the case can be filed. There is also a 10-day residency requirement in Grand Traverse County specifically. Both requirements must be met before the 13th Circuit Court will accept the filing. Missing either one will result in the case being rejected at intake.
Michigan uses no-fault divorce law. Under MCL 552.6, the petitioner only needs to state that the marital relationship has broken down with no reasonable chance of being saved. No fault, no proof of wrongdoing, no contested grounds are needed. The no-fault standard applies to every case at the 13th Circuit, from simple uncontested filings to complex contested cases.
Waiting periods apply after filing. Cases without minor children must wait at least 60 days under MCL 552.9f. Cases with minor children require a 180-day wait. A judge may shorten the 180-day period in cases of extreme hardship if a motion is filed and approved. Filing fees are approximately $175 for cases without children and $255 for cases with minor children. Fee waivers are available based on income.
What Grand Traverse County Divorce Records Contain
A dissolution of marriage file at the 13th Circuit in Traverse City includes the original complaint or joint petition, any temporary orders entered during the pendency of the case, financial disclosure statements, parenting plans if applicable, and the final judgment of divorce. The judgment contains all terms approved by the court, including property division under MCL 552.19, any spousal support under MCL 552.23, and all child custody and support orders for cases involving minor children.
These records are generally open to the public. Access rules are governed by MCR 8.119, which restricts certain sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and identifying details about minor children, but allows access to the rest of the file. You do not need to be a party to request copies.
For a certified divorce certificate rather than the full court file, contact MDHHS Vital Records at 333 S. Grand Ave, Lansing, (517) 335-8666. Certificates cost $34 by mail or $58.50 online. They confirm the divorce but do not include the case terms or supporting documents.
Friend of the Court in Grand Traverse County
The Friend of the Court office in Grand Traverse County is part of the 13th Circuit Court. The FOC handles all cases that involve minor children, including child support calculations under the Michigan Child Support Formula, custody and parenting time recommendations, and enforcement of court orders after a judgment is entered. If your dissolution case involves children, the FOC will be involved throughout the process. Contact the circuit court at (231) 922-4701 for FOC contact information. The FOC can also help with post-judgment modifications when circumstances change after the case closes.
Legal Resources for Grand Traverse County Cases
Michigan Legal Help has free guides, fillable forms, and step-by-step instructions for people handling their own dissolution of marriage case. The site is written in plain language and covers every stage of the process, including cases filed in Grand Traverse County at the 13th Circuit.
The Michigan Legislature website has the complete text of statutes governing dissolution of marriage, including MCL 552.6, MCL 552.9, and MCL 552.9f. You can read the law directly without needing access to a law library.
Michigan Legal Help provides free forms and instructions for dissolution of marriage cases in Grand Traverse County, covering both contested and uncontested filings at the 13th Judicial Circuit Court in Traverse City.
The Michigan Legislature site hosts the full text of MCL 552 statutes governing dissolution of marriage in Grand Traverse County and across the state, including residency, waiting periods, and property division rules.
Nearby Counties
Dissolution records are filed in the county where at least one spouse lives when the case is started. Check these nearby counties if you are not sure which court holds the record you need.