Dissolution Of Marriage Records in Hillsdale County
Hillsdale County dissolution of marriage records are filed with the 1st Circuit Court at the courthouse in Hillsdale. The 1st Circuit serves Hillsdale County on its own and handles all local divorce cases. Records are public in most instances, and you can search cases online through MiCOURT, visit the courthouse in person, or submit a written request by mail. This page explains how to find and get copies of dissolution of marriage records in Hillsdale County, what those files contain, and what Michigan law requires for filing and access.
Hillsdale County Overview
1st Circuit Court in Hillsdale County
The 1st Circuit Court handles all dissolution of marriage cases for Hillsdale County. The courthouse is at 29 N. Howell Street in the city of Hillsdale. The circuit court can be reached at (517) 437-7315, and the County Clerk is at (517) 437-3391. Both offices are in the same building, which makes it easy to handle court business and clerk document requests in a single visit.
Hillsdale County is in southern Michigan, near the Ohio and Indiana borders. It is a smaller county by population, and the court staff handles a manageable caseload. Walk-in visitors can usually get help with record lookups without a long wait if you arrive during business hours. Bring the names of both parties or the case number when you visit. Cases with minor children are coded DM; cases without are coded DO.
| Court | 1st Circuit Court - Hillsdale County |
|---|---|
| Address | 29 N. Howell Street, Hillsdale, MI 49242 |
| Phone | (517) 437-7315 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| County Clerk | Hillsdale County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 29 N. Howell Street, Hillsdale, MI 49242 |
| Phone | (517) 437-3391 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
Searching Hillsdale County Dissolution Records
The MiCOURT Case Search system from Michigan Courts is a free online tool for searching Hillsdale County dissolution cases. Search by name or case number. Results show basic case data, including party names, the filing date, and case status. Documents are not shown online, but the case number lets you follow up with the court for copies.
In-person access at the Hillsdale courthouse gives you the most complete view of any file. Staff can pull files by name or case number and let you review the contents. You can order copies at the counter on the same visit. Certified copies of the final judgment are the most common request and cost $10 for the certified seal plus $1 per page.
Mail requests are accepted at 29 N. Howell Street, Hillsdale, MI 49242. Include the full names of both parties, the approximate filing year, and a check or money order for fees. The clerk will mail copies once the request is completed.
Filing Requirements for Hillsdale County Dissolution Cases
Before filing a dissolution of marriage case in Hillsdale County, at least one spouse must have lived in Michigan for 180 days. There is also a 10-day county residency requirement in Hillsdale County. Both come from MCL 552.9. Courts check these requirements at intake and will not process a filing that does not meet them.
Michigan uses no-fault divorce law. Under MCL 552.6, you only need to state that the marital relationship has broken down with no reasonable likelihood of being saved. No proof of misconduct or fault is needed. This is the standard for every dissolution case filed at the 1st Circuit Court.
Waiting periods run after the date of filing. Cases without minor children must wait at least 60 days under MCL 552.9f. Cases with minor children have a 180-day wait. A judge may reduce the 180-day period in extreme hardship cases on a written motion, but it is not automatic. Filing fees are approximately $175 without children and $255 with minor children.
Note: Fee waivers are available at the 1st Circuit Court for those who meet the income guidelines; ask the clerk for the fee waiver application when you file.
What Hillsdale County Divorce Files Contain
A dissolution of marriage file at the 1st Circuit Court includes the initial complaint or joint petition, temporary orders entered while the case was open, financial disclosure statements, and the final judgment of divorce. The judgment covers all terms the court approved, including property division under MCL 552.19 and any spousal support ordered under MCL 552.23. If the case involves minor children, the judgment also includes the parenting plan, custody order, and child support amount. Access is governed by MCR 8.119, which keeps most of the file open to the public while restricting sensitive personal data like Social Security numbers and financial account numbers.
For a state-issued divorce certificate rather than the full court file, contact MDHHS Vital Records at 333 S. Grand Ave, Lansing, (517) 335-8666. Certified certificates cost $34 by mail or $58.50 online. They confirm the divorce but do not include case terms or supporting documents from the court file.
Friend of the Court in Hillsdale County
The Friend of the Court office in Hillsdale County is part of the 1st Circuit Court. The FOC is involved in any dissolution case that includes minor children. It calculates child support using the Michigan Child Support Formula, reviews custody and parenting time arrangements, and enforces court orders after the case is final. If your case involves children, expect early FOC involvement. Contact the circuit court at (517) 437-7315 for FOC contact information and hours.
Legal Resources for Hillsdale County Residents
Michigan Legal Help offers free guides, approved forms, and step-by-step instructions for people handling their own dissolution of marriage case in Hillsdale County. The site covers every stage of the process in plain language and includes forms that meet the requirements of the 1st Circuit Court.
The Michigan Legislature website has the complete text of all statutes governing dissolution of marriage in Michigan, including MCL 552.6, MCL 552.9, MCL 552.9f, MCL 552.19, and MCL 552.23. These are the laws that govern every case at the 1st Circuit in Hillsdale.
The Michigan Courts homepage links to MiCOURT Case Search, local court directories, and court forms for dissolution of marriage cases, including those filed in Hillsdale County at the 1st Circuit.
MDHHS Vital Records provides certified divorce certificates for Hillsdale County and all Michigan counties, available by mail or online with current fee information listed on the state portal.
Nearby Counties
Dissolution cases are filed in the county where at least one spouse lives when the case starts. Check these neighboring counties if you are not certain which court holds the record you need.