Find Dissolution Of Marriage Records in St. Clair County

St. Clair County dissolution of marriage records are held at the 31st Circuit Court in Port Huron, along Michigan's eastern border with Canada near the Blue Water Bridge. You can search cases online through the MiCOURT system, visit the courthouse in person, or send a written mail request to the clerk's office. This guide covers how to find St. Clair County divorce filings, what those case files contain, how to get certified copies, and which resources are available to help you through the process.

31st Circuit Court in St. Clair County

All dissolution of marriage cases in St. Clair County are handled by the Family Division of the 31st Circuit Court. The court and the county clerk's office are both located at 201 McMorran Boulevard in Port Huron. This is the only court in the county with authority to grant a divorce. The clerk's office keeps all case files and can issue copies of divorce decrees, final judgments, and other documents on request.

Port Huron sits on the eastern edge of the state, bordering Ontario, Canada, across the St. Clair River. The 31st Circuit Court serves residents throughout St. Clair County, including those in smaller communities away from the county seat. If you are trying to get records from a case filed years ago, call ahead before visiting. The clerk's staff can tell you how to locate older files and what information you will need to provide for an accurate search.

Search St. Clair County Divorce Records Online

You can search St. Clair County dissolution of marriage cases online through MiCOURT Case Search. This is the statewide court records tool operated by the Michigan court system. Select St. Clair County from the court list, then search by party name or case number. MiCOURT shows case status, docket entries, and scheduled hearings at no charge. It works well for cases filed in recent years and includes many older records that have been entered into the statewide system.

When using the name search, knowing the case type code helps. DM designates cases involving minor children. DO is used for cases with no children. Using the right code can save time if the party name returns many results. Both codes apply to dissolution of marriage filings at the 31st Circuit Court.

Older records from before the digital era may not show up through MiCOURT. For those, you need to contact the clerk's office directly. Staff can search paper indices by name and year and tell you what records exist and how to get copies.

Filing Dissolution of Marriage in St. Clair County

To file in St. Clair County, you must satisfy the residency requirements under MCL 552.9. You need 180 days of Michigan residency and at least 10 days of St. Clair County residency before filing. The case starts with a complaint for divorce filed with the 31st Circuit Court clerk. Filing fees are approximately $175 for cases without minor children and $255 for cases with children. Check current fees with the clerk before you submit, since amounts can be updated.

After the complaint is filed, the case enters a mandatory waiting period set by MCL 552.9f. Cases without minor children require a 60-day wait before a final judgment can be entered. Cases with minor children require 180 days. The clock starts on the date of filing. Judges have limited authority to waive or shorten this period and do so only in rare situations.

Michigan follows a no-fault divorce standard under MCL 552.6. You do not need to show that one spouse was at fault. The only ground needed is that the marriage has broken down and there is no realistic chance of saving it. St. Clair County courts apply this same standard as every other circuit court in Michigan.

The Friend of the Court office in St. Clair County is involved in every dissolution case where minor children are part of the picture. They handle child support calculations, parenting time orders, and custody enforcement. If you have questions about child-related matters after filing, the Friend of the Court is the right contact.

What Records Contain and How to Get Copies

A dissolution of marriage file at the 31st Circuit Court includes the complaint, any amended pleadings, proof of service on the other party, financial disclosure forms, custody or parenting time agreements, and the final judgment of divorce. The final judgment is the most requested document. It names the parties, lists the divorce date, and spells out how property was divided, whether support was ordered, and what custody arrangement was put in place. Many agencies and institutions want a certified copy of this judgment for official purposes.

Court file access in St. Clair County follows the public access rules under MCR 8.119. Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and minor children's personal details are restricted. If you were a party to the case, you can see those restricted sections with proper identification. Third parties can view the public portions only. Ask the clerk which parts of a file are open before you request copies.

Copy fees are generally $1 to $2 per page for standard copies. Certified copies run $10 to $15 each. If you need a copy from the state rather than the court, contact MDHHS Vital Records at 333 S. Grand Ave, Lansing, (517) 335-8666. The state charges $34 for a certified copy by mail and $58.50 for the online option. Property division in these cases is governed by MCL 552.19, and spousal support is covered under MCL 552.23.

State Resources for St. Clair County Dissolution Cases

St. Clair County residents can access free help and forms through statewide resources. The Michigan Legal Help website provides detailed guidance on each phase of a dissolution case, from how to file to what happens at the final hearing.

Michigan Legal Help at michiganlegalhelp.org offers free forms, guided interviews, and step-by-step instructions for people handling a dissolution case on their own in St. Clair County or anywhere in Michigan.

The Michigan Courts website is another key resource for St. Clair County residents working through a divorce case.

At courts.michigan.gov, you can find forms, court rules, and contact information for the 31st Circuit Court and every other circuit court in the state.

Legal Help for St. Clair County Residents

Free and low-cost legal help is available to St. Clair County residents going through a dissolution of marriage. The Michigan Legal Help site covers the full process and includes a tool that helps you create your own court forms. The Michigan Courts site has procedural information and forms approved for use in Michigan circuit courts. The Michigan Legislature website has the complete text of every statute that applies, including MCL 552.6, MCL 552.9, and MCL 552.19, all free to read online.

For certified copies needed by government agencies or for administrative purposes outside the court, the MDHHS Vital Records office is the right place to go. These state-issued copies differ from court-certified copies and are often required for benefits programs or passport applications.

Nearby Counties

These counties border St. Clair County or sit close by. Each has its own circuit court for dissolution of marriage cases. If you are not sure which county handled a filing, the county where the petitioner lived at the time of filing is usually the right place to look.