Livingston County Dissolution Of Marriage Records
Livingston County dissolution of marriage records are held by the 44th Circuit Court in Howell, the county seat of this fast-growing southeastern Michigan county. Livingston County has expanded significantly over recent decades as part of the suburban Detroit metro area, and the volume of dissolution cases at the 44th Circuit has grown with the population. Records go back to the 1830s. You can search cases online through MiCOURT, visit the Howell courthouse in person, or submit a mail request to the clerk's office. This page covers how to find and obtain Livingston County dissolution records, what those files include, and where to get legal help if you need it.
Livingston County Overview
44th Circuit Court in Livingston County
The 44th Circuit Court at 204 S. Highlander Way in Howell handles all dissolution of marriage cases filed in Livingston County. The court can be reached at (517) 546-3730. The county clerk's office is located at 304 E. Grand River Avenue in Howell and can be reached at (517) 546-7200. Both offices are open Monday through Friday. The court and clerk are in different buildings, so it is worth confirming which office handles the specific type of request you need before heading downtown.
The Family Division of the 44th Circuit handles dissolution cases, both with and without minor children. DM cases involve minor children; DO cases do not. The Friend of the Court serves Livingston County through the 44th Circuit and is responsible for child support enforcement, custody investigations, and parenting time matters after a case closes. For cases with children, the FOC is an active participant from filing through any post-judgment enforcement proceedings.
Livingston County is one of the fastest-growing counties in Michigan. The volume of family law cases at the 44th Circuit reflects that growth. Calling ahead to confirm current processing times and hours for both the court and the clerk is a smart step before you visit or send a mail request.
| Court | 44th Judicial Circuit Court - Family Division |
|---|---|
| Address | 204 S. Highlander Way, Howell, MI 48843 |
| Phone | (517) 546-3730 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| County Clerk | Livingston County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 304 E. Grand River Avenue, Howell, MI 48843 |
| Phone | (517) 546-7200 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
Search Livingston County Dissolution Records Online
The statewide MiCOURT Case Search maintained by Michigan Courts is the primary online tool for Livingston County dissolution of marriage cases. Searches are free. You can look up cases by party name or case number, and results show case status, party names, and filing dates. MiCOURT does not display full document text, but it provides the case number you need to request specific records from the Howell courthouse or clerk's office.
In-person access is available at both the circuit court and the county clerk buildings. Bring both parties' full names or the case number. For most dissolution file requests, working with the circuit court Records Division is the right approach. Mail requests should go to the Livingston County Clerk at 304 E. Grand River Avenue, Howell, MI 48843. Include party names, approximate filing year, and a money order for estimated copy fees.
Note: The court and clerk are in separate buildings in Howell; call (517) 546-3730 to confirm which office handles your specific record request before visiting.
Livingston County Dissolution Filing Requirements
Under MCL 552.9, one spouse must have lived in Michigan for 180 days and in Livingston County for at least 10 days before the 44th Circuit Court will accept a dissolution petition. Both conditions must be met at the time of filing. Livingston County's growth means a significant number of filers have moved here recently, so verifying residency dates before paying the filing fee is a practical step.
Michigan is a no-fault state. Under MCL 552.6, filing for dissolution requires only that you state the marriage has broken down with no reasonable likelihood of being preserved. No fault by either party needs to be proved. This applies to every dissolution case at the 44th Circuit Court in Howell.
Waiting periods are required by MCL 552.9f. Cases without minor children must wait 60 days from filing before a final judgment can be entered. Cases with minor children face a 180-day wait. A judge may reduce the 180-day period under documented extreme hardship, but a formal motion is required. Filing fees are approximately $175 for cases without children and $255 for cases that involve minor children. Income-based fee waivers are available; ask the clerk for the application form when you file.
What Livingston County Divorce Files Contain
A dissolution of marriage file at the 44th Circuit Court in Howell includes the original petition or complaint, any temporary orders entered during the case, financial disclosure forms, parenting plan documents if children are involved, and the final judgment of divorce. The judgment addresses property division under MCL 552.19 and spousal support if any was ordered under MCL 552.23. Custody, parenting time, and child support terms are included when minor children are part of the case.
Public access to dissolution records follows MCR 8.119. Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and identifying details about minor children are sealed from public view. Everything else in the file is publicly accessible. You do not need to be a party to the case to view or request copies. Any person can ask the Livingston County Clerk or circuit court staff for dissolution case documents.
MDHHS Vital Records for Livingston County Divorces
Certified divorce certificates are available through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services at the MDHHS Vital Records office, 333 S. Grand Ave, Lansing. Call (517) 335-8666 to ask about ordering. Certified certificates cost $34 by mail or $58.50 online. Each additional copy is $16. MDHHS certificates confirm a dissolution occurred and include basic identifying data, but they do not contain property orders, custody terms, or other case details. For the full case file, contact the 44th Circuit Court or the Livingston County Clerk in Howell.
The MDHHS Vital Records portal shows current fees and ordering methods for certified divorce certificates applicable to Livingston County and all Michigan counties.
Legal Help for Livingston County Cases
Michigan Legal Help provides free guides and forms for people managing their own dissolution case. The site covers both DM and DO case types and walks through the process from initial filing through the final hearing. For Livingston County residents navigating the 44th Circuit Court, this resource offers practical, plain-language guidance that does not require any legal background. Whether you plan to hire an attorney or proceed on your own, Michigan Legal Help is a solid first step for understanding what the process involves.
The full text of Michigan dissolution statutes is available at the Michigan Legislature website. You can read MCL 552.6, 552.9, 552.9f, 552.19, and 552.23 directly. The Michigan Courts site has court forms and procedural information that applies to filings at the 44th Circuit.
Michigan Legal Help provides step-by-step guides and forms suited for dissolution of marriage cases filed at the 44th Judicial Circuit Court in Livingston County.
Nearby Counties
Dissolution cases must be filed where at least one spouse lives. Livingston County is in southeastern Michigan, between the Detroit metro and Lansing. Check bordering counties if you are not certain which court has the record.