Find Dissolution Of Marriage Records in Monroe County
Monroe County dissolution of marriage records are filed with and maintained by the 38th Circuit Court in Monroe, a southeastern Michigan county along the Ohio border. You can search for cases online through the statewide MiCOURT system, visit the courthouse at 106 E. 1st Street, or contact the clerk's office by phone. This page covers how to find, access, and request copies of dissolution of marriage records in Monroe County, what documents those files contain, and how Michigan law applies to cases filed here.
Monroe County Overview
38th Circuit Court in Monroe County
The 38th Circuit Court is located at 106 E. 1st Street in Monroe and handles all dissolution of marriage cases in the county. The court has a Family Division that processes cases with and without minor children. Cases with children carry the DM designation; cases without children are coded DO. Both types are public records under Michigan court rules. The main court number is (734) 240-7300.
The Monroe County Clerk's office is at the same address, 106 E. 1st Street. The clerk's line is (734) 240-7303. Clerk staff handle record requests, copy orders, and general case inquiries. If you know a party name or case number, staff can confirm what is on file and what documents are available. Certified copies cost more than plain copies. Ask about current fees when you call.
The Friend of the Court serves Monroe County through the 38th Circuit. The FOC handles child support enforcement, custody investigations, and parenting time disputes in cases that involve minor children. The FOC is an ongoing resource even after a final judgment has been entered.
| Court | 38th Judicial Circuit Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 106 E. 1st Street, Monroe, MI 48161 |
| Phone | (734) 240-7300 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| County Clerk | Monroe County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 106 E. 1st Street, Monroe, MI 48161 |
| Phone | (734) 240-7303 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
Monroe County Government and Court Resources
The Monroe County website provides contact information for the circuit court clerk's office and resources for residents seeking dissolution of marriage records and filings.
The statewide MiCOURT Case Search tool run by Michigan Courts also covers Monroe County cases. You can search by party name or case number at no cost. Results show case numbers, filing dates, and party names. For full documents, contact the 38th Circuit Court clerk at (734) 240-7303.
Monroe County Dissolution Filing Rules
Before filing in Monroe County, one spouse must have lived in Michigan for at least 180 days. A 10-day county residency period also applies under MCL 552.9. Both requirements must be met at the time you file. The court will confirm residency before accepting a case.
Michigan is a no-fault divorce state. Under MCL 552.6, you state that the marriage has broken down with no reasonable likelihood of being saved. You do not need to prove any wrongdoing by either spouse. This is the only ground for dissolution in Michigan and applies to all cases at the 38th Circuit Court.
Waiting periods differ based on whether children are involved. Under MCL 552.9f, cases without minor children have a 60-day wait after filing before a final judgment can be entered. Cases with minor children carry a 180-day waiting period. A judge can cut the 180-day period in situations of extreme hardship on a motion filed with the court. Filing fees are approximately $175 for DO cases and $255 for DM cases at the 38th Circuit.
Note: Fee waivers are available for those who qualify on income grounds; ask the Monroe County Clerk at (734) 240-7303 for the appropriate form.
What Monroe County Divorce Case Files Include
A Monroe County dissolution of marriage file contains the original complaint or joint petition, temporary orders entered during the case, financial disclosure statements, any parenting plan submitted by the parties, and the final judgment of divorce. The final judgment is the core document. It covers all terms the court ordered, including property division under MCL 552.19, spousal support if ordered under MCL 552.23, and custody, parenting time, and child support in cases with children.
Public access rules under MCR 8.119 apply to all Monroe County dissolution files. Most of each file is open to the public. Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and information that identifies minor children are sealed. You do not have to be a party to request or view public portions of a file. Copies cost $1 per page, and certified copies carry an extra fee per document.
MDHHS Vital Records for Monroe County Divorces
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services handles statewide divorce certificates through the MDHHS Vital Records office at 333 S. Grand Ave, Lansing. Call (517) 335-8666 for ordering details. A certified certificate costs $34 by mail; the online portal charges $58.50. Each additional copy is $16. These certificates show that a dissolution occurred and list basic identifying information. They do not include property terms, custody details, or any case documents. For the full case file, contact the 38th Circuit Court clerk in Monroe.
The MDHHS Vital Records portal covers certified divorce certificates for Monroe County and all Michigan counties, with current fee information and online and mail ordering options.
Legal Help for Monroe County Residents
Michigan Legal Help provides free guides, step-by-step instructions, and forms for people handling their own dissolution of marriage case. The site addresses both DM and DO case types and covers the full process from initial filing to final hearing. All instructions apply to Monroe County cases at the 38th Circuit Court. This is a useful first resource if you need to understand the process before you go to the courthouse.
The Michigan Legislature website has the complete text of the statutes that govern dissolution cases, including MCL 552.6, MCL 552.9, MCL 552.9f, MCL 552.19, and MCL 552.23. You can read the law as written. The Michigan Courts website also offers procedural guides and downloadable forms that apply statewide, including to cases filed at the 38th Circuit in Monroe.
Nearby Counties
Dissolution cases must be filed in the county where at least one spouse lives. If you are not certain which county has a record, check the counties that border Monroe.