Find Dissolution Of Marriage Records in Wexford County

Wexford County dissolution of marriage records are held by the 28th Circuit Court in Cadillac. The 28th Circuit covers both Wexford and Missaukee counties. You can search cases online through MiCOURT Case Search, visit the courthouse at 437 E. Division Street, or send a written request to the clerk. This guide covers how to find and obtain dissolution of marriage records in Wexford County, what the files include, what fees apply, and where to get legal help if you need it.

28th Circuit Court in Wexford County

The 28th Circuit Court serves both Wexford and Missaukee counties and handles all dissolution of marriage cases filed in Wexford County. The courthouse is at 437 E. Division Street, Cadillac, MI 49601. You can reach the court at (231) 779-9490. The Family Division processes both DM cases, which involve minor children, and DO cases, which do not. Cadillac is the county seat of Wexford County and the location where all case files are maintained.

The County Clerk is at the same address, 437 E. Division Street, Cadillac. Phone for the Clerk is (231) 779-9450. The Clerk's office handles a range of county functions and can assist with some records requests. For circuit court dissolution case files, the clerk at this location is your primary contact. Wexford County is a smaller, rural county, so staff can often assist you directly without the longer waits you might encounter at larger courts.

Cases with minor children are coded DM in the court's system. Cases without children are coded DO. The distinction matters for how the Friend of the Court office participates and what waiting periods apply. Both case types are filed at the same courthouse and processed through the same clerk's office in Cadillac.

How to Search Wexford County Dissolution Records

The fastest way to check for a case online is through MiCOURT Case Search, the statewide system run by Michigan Courts. Search by party name or case number at no charge. Results show filing dates, party information, and current status. The system does not display full documents, but it confirms whether a case was filed and gives you the case number you need for a records request.

In-person access at the Cadillac courthouse is the most direct way to review a complete file. Bring the names of both parties or the case number. Clerk staff can pull the file and let you review it in the office. You can request plain copies or certified copies while you are there. Because Wexford County has lower case volume than larger counties, in-person requests tend to be straightforward and fast.

Written requests should be mailed to the Wexford County Clerk, 437 E. Division Street, Cadillac, MI 49601. Include both party names, the approximate year of filing, and the case number if you have it. Attach a check or money order for the estimated copy fees. The clerk will mail back the copies. Calling (231) 779-9450 before you write is a good idea, since staff can tell you the exact fee and confirm the case exists before you send a check.

Wexford County Dissolution Filing Requirements

Under MCL 552.9, at least one spouse must have lived in Michigan for 180 days before filing and in Wexford County for at least 10 days before the filing date. Both requirements must be met. If only the state residency requirement is met but not the county requirement, the case cannot be filed in Wexford County and may need to be filed in a different county.

Michigan is a no-fault divorce state. Under MCL 552.6, the only allegation needed is that there has been a breakdown of the marriage relationship with no reasonable likelihood of saving it. You do not prove fault by either party. This standard applies to every case filed at the 28th Circuit.

Waiting periods apply after filing. Cases without minor children wait a minimum of 60 days under MCL 552.9f. Cases with minor children wait 180 days. A judge can shorten the wait for extreme hardship, but it requires a formal motion and court approval. Filing fees run approximately $175 for DO cases and $255 for DM cases with children. Fee waivers are available for those who qualify based on income. Ask the clerk about the waiver application when you come in.

What Wexford County Dissolution Files Contain

A dissolution of marriage file at the 28th Circuit in Cadillac typically includes the original complaint or joint petition, proof of service on the other party, any temporary orders entered during the case, financial disclosure documents, and the final judgment of dissolution. The judgment covers all terms the court approved or the parties agreed to. Property division follows MCL 552.19. Spousal support, if any, is governed by MCL 552.23. Cases with children include a parenting plan, child support order, and FOC recommendations.

Public access rules under MCR 8.119 make most of the case file open to the public. Restricted information includes Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and details that identify minor children. Anyone can request copies of the public portions of the file. You do not need to have been a party to the case.

The initial complaint must meet the requirements of MCR 3.206. The final judgment must comply with MCR 3.211. These rules govern how cases are started and how they conclude in all Michigan circuit courts, including the 28th Circuit in Wexford County.

MDHHS Vital Records and Wexford County Divorce Certificates

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issues certified divorce certificates for all Michigan counties through the MDHHS Vital Records office at 333 S. Grand Ave, Lansing, MI 48933. Call (517) 335-8666. A mail order for a certified certificate costs $34. Online ordering costs $58.50. Each additional copy is $16. These certificates show that a dissolution occurred and provide basic identifying information for both parties. They do not include the full case file, property terms, or custody orders. For complete documents, contact the 28th Circuit Court in Cadillac.

The MDHHS Vital Records portal shows ordering options, current fee amounts, and processing methods for certified divorce certificates from Wexford County and all other Michigan counties.

Legal Help for Wexford County Dissolution Cases

Michigan Legal Help is the primary free resource for people handling their own dissolution case. The site provides forms, plain-language guides, and step-by-step instructions that apply to cases in Wexford County and the 28th Circuit. It covers both DM and DO case types and walks you through every stage from the initial complaint through the final hearing. For people in smaller, rural counties like Wexford, where in-person legal clinics may be less available, these online resources are especially useful.

The full text of the statutes that apply to Wexford County dissolution cases is available at the Michigan Legislature website. You can read MCL 552.6, MCL 552.9, MCL 552.9f, MCL 552.19, and MCL 552.23 directly without needing a law background to understand the basic provisions. This is a good starting point before you decide whether to hire an attorney or proceed on your own.

Michigan Legal Help provides free forms and plain-language guides for dissolution of marriage cases filed in Wexford County at the 28th Circuit Court in Cadillac.

Nearby Counties

Dissolution cases must be filed in the county where at least one spouse resides. If you are not certain which county holds a case, check the counties near Wexford.