Newaygo County Dissolution Of Marriage Filings
Newaygo County dissolution of marriage records are maintained by the 27th Circuit Court in White Cloud, a shared circuit that also serves Oceana County in western Michigan. If you need to search for a dissolution case in Newaygo County, you can use the statewide MiCOURT system online, contact the clerk's office at 300 E. State Street, or submit a written request by mail. This page explains how the court works, what state law requires for a dissolution filing, what case files contain, and how to get copies of records.
Newaygo County Overview
27th Circuit Court in Newaygo County
The 27th Circuit Court serves Newaygo County from the courthouse at 300 E. State Street in White Cloud. The circuit covers both Newaygo and Oceana counties, with judges assigned across both locations. The Family Division handles all dissolution of marriage cases. Cases involving minor children carry the DM designation; cases without children are coded DO. Both types are public records under Michigan court access rules.
The court number is (231) 689-3392. The county clerk's office is at the same address, 300 E. State Street. The clerk's direct line is (231) 689-7235. Clerk staff handle case lookups by party name or case number, copy requests, and mail-in record requests. If you are trying to find a specific dissolution case, the clerk is the best starting point. They can tell you what is in the file and what it costs to get copies.
The Friend of the Court operates through the 27th Circuit for Newaygo County. The FOC handles child support enforcement, custody investigations, and parenting time disputes in cases that involve minor children. Even after a final judgment is entered, the FOC is available for ongoing matters related to children in the case.
| Court | 27th Judicial Circuit Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 300 E. State Street, White Cloud, MI 49349 |
| Phone | (231) 689-3392 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| County Clerk | Newaygo County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 300 E. State Street, White Cloud, MI 49349 |
| Phone | (231) 689-7235 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
Search Newaygo County Divorce Records Online
The statewide MiCOURT Case Search system from Michigan Courts covers Newaygo County dissolution cases at the 27th Circuit Court. You can search by party name or case number at no cost. Results return basic case information including case numbers, party names, and filing dates. This is enough to identify a case and guide a document request to the clerk at (231) 689-7235.
Newaygo County does not have its own county-specific online case search system. MiCOURT is the primary online option. For full documents, contact the clerk or visit the courthouse in White Cloud. Staff can confirm what is in the file and the current copy fee schedule before you place an order.
The MiCOURT Case Search tool from Michigan Courts provides online access to Newaygo County dissolution of marriage case records at the 27th Circuit Court.
Michigan Courts' MiCOURT portal covers Newaygo County dissolution of marriage cases and allows free name or case number searches.
Newaygo County Dissolution Filing Rules
Michigan law requires one spouse to have lived in the state for at least 180 days before a dissolution can be filed. A 10-day county residency period also applies before filing in Newaygo County, as set out in MCL 552.9. The 27th Circuit Court verifies residency at filing and will not proceed without it.
Michigan follows a no-fault standard under MCL 552.6. You state that the marriage has broken down with no reasonable likelihood it can be preserved. No fault by either party needs to be proven. This standard applies to every dissolution filing at the 27th Circuit, whether in Newaygo County or in Oceana County.
Property division in Newaygo County cases follows MCL 552.19, giving the court wide latitude to divide marital assets. Spousal support, if ordered, is governed by MCL 552.23. Waiting periods under MCL 552.9f require at least 60 days before a final judgment in cases without children. Cases with minor children face a 180-day wait. Filing fees run approximately $175 for DO cases and $255 for DM cases. Fee waivers are available for those who qualify.
Note: Ask the Newaygo County Clerk at (231) 689-7235 about fee waiver forms if the filing cost is a barrier, as income-based waivers are available at the 27th Circuit.
What Newaygo County Dissolution Files Contain
A dissolution of marriage file in Newaygo County includes the original complaint or joint petition, temporary orders entered by the court during the case, financial disclosure statements, any parenting plan the parties submitted, and the final judgment of divorce. The final judgment is the central document. It covers all court-ordered terms, including property division, support orders if any, and when children are involved, all custody, parenting time, and child support provisions. Public access rules under MCR 8.119 mean most of each file is open. Sealed items include Social Security numbers, account numbers, and details identifying minor children. Any person can request public portions of a dissolution file from the 27th Circuit Court clerk.
MDHHS Vital Records and Legal Resources
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issues certified divorce certificates through the MDHHS Vital Records office at 333 S. Grand Ave, Lansing. The number is (517) 335-8666. Mail orders cost $34; online portal orders are $58.50. Each extra copy is $16. Certificates confirm a dissolution happened and give basic identifying details. They do not include property terms, custody orders, or any case documents. For the full file, contact the 27th Circuit Court clerk in White Cloud at (231) 689-7235.
Michigan Legal Help offers free guides and forms for people handling their own dissolution case in Newaygo County. The site covers both DM and DO case types. The Michigan Legislature website has the full text of each relevant statute. The Michigan Courts site offers procedural guides and forms that apply statewide, including to filings at the 27th Circuit.
Michigan Legal Help provides free dissolution of marriage guides and forms for Newaygo County residents filing at the 27th Circuit Court in White Cloud.
Nearby Counties
Dissolution cases must be filed where at least one spouse lives. If you are not sure which county holds the record you need, check these counties that border Newaygo.