Ingham County Divorce Records
What Are Ingham County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Ingham County are official legal documents that provide documentation of the dissolution of marriage between two individuals within the jurisdiction of Ingham County, Michigan. These records are maintained pursuant to Michigan Compiled Laws § 552.6, which governs divorce proceedings in the state. Divorce records typically consist of various court filings, judgments, and certificates that collectively document the legal termination of a marriage.
The Circuit Court of Ingham County maintains divorce case files as part of its Family Division responsibilities. These records serve multiple important purposes:
- Legal proof of marital status change
- Documentation required for remarriage
- Evidence for name change processes
- Verification for Social Security benefits
- Supporting documentation for loan applications
- Required evidence for immigration matters
- Historical and genealogical research
Divorce records in Ingham County are categorized into two primary types:
- Court divorce case files - The complete set of documents filed during divorce proceedings
- Divorce certificates - Official documents verifying the dissolution of marriage
The Ingham County Circuit Court processes and maintains records of divorce proceedings, while the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services maintains the official vital records including divorce certificates for the entire state.
Are Ingham County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records in Ingham County maintain a complex status regarding public accessibility. Generally, court divorce case files are considered public records under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act § 15.231, but with significant exceptions and limitations.
The public accessibility of divorce records in Ingham County is governed by the following parameters:
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Court Divorce Case Files: Most divorce proceedings and their associated documents are available for public inspection at the Ingham County Circuit Court. However, certain sensitive information may be redacted or restricted, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account information
- Children's identifying information
- Victim information in cases involving domestic violence
- Information sealed by court order
-
Divorce Certificates: Access to certified divorce certificates is more restricted. According to Michigan Vital Records Access Law § 333.2882, only the following individuals may obtain certified copies:
- Either party named on the divorce record
- Legal representatives of either party
- Persons with a court order authorizing access
- Individuals who can demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record
Members of the public seeking to view divorce case files may do so by visiting:
Ingham County Circuit Court - Family Division
Veterans Memorial Courthouse
313 W. Kalamazoo Street
Lansing, MI 48933
(517) 483-6103
Ingham County Circuit Court
Court hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays.
How To Find a Divorce Record In Ingham County in 2026
Members of the public seeking divorce records in Ingham County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The process varies depending on the type of record sought and its age.
For divorce records filed with the Ingham County Circuit Court:
- Visit the Ingham County Circuit Court Family Division in person:
Ingham County Circuit Court - Family Division
Veterans Memorial Courthouse
313 W. Kalamazoo Street
Lansing, MI 48933
(517) 483-6103
Ingham County Circuit Court
-
Provide the following information to facilitate the search:
- Full names of both parties (including maiden name if applicable)
- Approximate date of divorce (month and year)
- Case number (if known)
-
Pay the applicable search and copy fees:
- Record search fee: $10.00 per name
- Copy fees: $1.00 per page
- Certified copies: $10.00 per document
For divorce certificates (official vital records):
- Contact the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Vital Records office:
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services - Vital Records
333 S. Grand Ave.
P.O. Box 30721
Lansing, MI 48909
(517) 335-8656
Michigan Vital Records
- Submit a completed application for a certified copy of a divorce record
- Provide proper identification
- Pay the required fee of $15.00 for the first copy and $15.00 for each additional copy of the same record
For older divorce records (generally over 75 years), researchers may also contact:
Archives of Michigan
702 W. Kalamazoo Street
Lansing, MI 48915
(517) 335-2576
Archives of Michigan
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Ingham County Online?
Ingham County provides limited online access to divorce record information through several digital platforms. While complete divorce records are not available online due to privacy considerations, case information and docket entries can be accessed through the following methods:
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MiCOURT Case Search: The Michigan Courts provide a centralized case search system that includes Ingham County Circuit Court cases.
- Visit the MiCOURT Case Search portal
- Select "Ingham County" from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Choose "Circuit Court - Family Division" as the court type
- Enter the party name or case number
- Review the basic case information, including filing date, case type, and status
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Ingham County Clerk's Office Online Services:
- Navigate to the Ingham County Clerk's website
- Select "Court Records" from the available services
- Follow the prompts to search for divorce cases by party name or case number
- Note that only basic case information is available online
-
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Online Services:
- For verification of divorce certificates (not full records), visit the Michigan DHHS Vital Records website
- Select "Divorce Verification" from the available services
- Complete the online verification request form
- Pay the applicable fee ($15.00)
- Receive verification of divorce (not a certified copy)
Important limitations of online divorce record searches include:
- Full divorce documents are not available online
- Sensitive information is redacted from online records
- Records sealed by court order will not appear in online searches
- Older records may not be included in digital databases
- Online searches may require creation of user accounts and payment of fees
For comprehensive divorce records, in-person requests remain the most reliable method.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Ingham County?
Members of the public seeking to access divorce records in Ingham County without incurring fees have limited but viable options. While most official copies and certified records require payment of statutory fees, the following methods may be utilized to view divorce records at minimal or no cost:
- In-Person Court Record Inspection:
- Visit the Ingham County Circuit Court Family Division during regular business hours
- Request to view specific divorce case files at the public access terminals
- While viewing records is free, printing or obtaining copies will incur standard fees ($1.00 per page)
Ingham County Circuit Court - Family Division
Veterans Memorial Courthouse
313 W. Kalamazoo Street
Lansing, MI 48933
(517) 483-6103
Ingham County Circuit Court
- Public Law Libraries:
- The Thomas M. Cooley Law Library provides public access to legal resources
- Court opinions and some case information may be available for research purposes
- Library staff can assist with locating publicly available divorce case information
Thomas M. Cooley Law Library
300 S. Capitol Avenue
Lansing, MI 48933
(517) 371-5140
Thomas M. Cooley Law Library
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Online Case Information:
- Basic case information can be viewed for free through the Michigan Courts case search system
- Limited to case numbers, party names, filing dates, and case status
- Does not include actual documents or detailed proceedings
-
Archives of Michigan (for historical records):
- Older divorce records (generally over 75 years) may be researched at no cost
- On-site research is available by appointment
Archives of Michigan
702 W. Kalamazoo Street
Lansing, MI 48915
(517) 335-2576
Archives of Michigan
It should be noted that while viewing records may be possible at no cost, obtaining official copies or certified documents will always require payment of statutory fees as established by Michigan Court Rules § 8.119.
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Ingham County
Divorce records in Ingham County comprise comprehensive documentation of the legal dissolution of marriage. These records contain various documents generated throughout the divorce proceeding, from initial filing to final judgment. Pursuant to Michigan Court Rules § 3.206, divorce records typically include the following components:
-
Complaint for Divorce:
- Names and addresses of both parties
- Date and place of marriage
- Names and birth dates of minor children (if applicable)
- Grounds for divorce
- Jurisdictional information
- Relief requested by the filing party
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Summons and Proof of Service:
- Official notice to the respondent about the divorce filing
- Documentation showing the respondent was properly notified
-
Answer to Complaint (if filed):
- Respondent's formal reply to the divorce complaint
- Admissions or denials of allegations
- Counterclaims (if any)
-
Financial Disclosures:
- Verified financial information statements
- Income documentation
- Asset and liability listings
- Property valuations
-
Child-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting time schedules
- Child support worksheets and calculations
- Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) affidavits
-
Settlement Agreements:
- Property division terms
- Spousal support arrangements
- Child custody and support provisions
- Other negotiated terms
-
Judgment of Divorce:
- Final court order dissolving the marriage
- Court's rulings on all contested issues
- Incorporation of settlement agreements
- Signatures of the judge and parties/attorneys
-
Post-Judgment Motions and Orders (if applicable):
- Modifications to the original judgment
- Enforcement proceedings
- Appeals documentation
-
Divorce Certificate:
- Official vital record documenting the divorce
- Names of parties
- Date and place of divorce
- Case number
The level of detail in divorce records varies significantly based on whether the divorce was contested or uncontested, the presence of minor children, and the complexity of property division. Records involving domestic violence allegations or minor children may have additional protective provisions and documentation.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Ingham County?
Individuals seeking official proof of divorce in Ingham County have several options depending on the type of documentation required and its intended use. The Michigan legal system provides multiple forms of divorce verification, each with distinct procedures for acquisition.
For a certified copy of the Judgment of Divorce:
- Visit or contact the Ingham County Circuit Court Clerk's office:
Ingham County Circuit Court Clerk
Veterans Memorial Courthouse
313 W. Kalamazoo Street
Lansing, MI 48933
(517) 483-6103
Ingham County Circuit Court
-
Provide the following information:
- Names of both parties to the divorce
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number (if known)
-
Pay the required fee:
- $10.00 for certification
- $1.00 per page for copies
For an official divorce certificate (vital record):
- Contact the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Vital Records office:
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services - Vital Records
333 S. Grand Ave.
P.O. Box 30721
Lansing, MI 48909
(517) 335-8656
Michigan Vital Records
- Complete the Application for a Certified Copy of a Michigan Divorce Record
- Submit the application with:
- Valid government-issued photo identification
- $15.00 fee for the first copy
- $15.00 for each additional copy of the same record
For expedited service or online verification:
- Visit the Michigan DHHS Vital Records website
- Select "Expedited Service" or "Online Verification"
- Follow the instructions for the selected service
- Pay the applicable fees (expedited service incurs additional charges)
For apostille or authentication for international use:
- First obtain a certified copy of the divorce record
- Submit the certified copy to the Michigan Secretary of State for apostille:
Michigan Department of State - Office of the Great Seal
7064 Crowner Drive
Lansing, MI 48918
(517) 373-2531
Michigan Secretary of State
- Pay the apostille fee of $1.00 per document
All requests for proof of divorce must comply with Michigan Vital Records Access Law § 333.2882, which restricts access to authorized individuals.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Ingham County?
While divorce proceedings in Ingham County are generally matters of public record, Michigan law provides several mechanisms through which certain aspects of divorce cases may be kept confidential. The confidentiality of divorce records is governed by Michigan Court Rules § 8.119 and various provisions of state law.
Circumstances under which divorce records may be confidential include:
-
Sealing of Records by Court Order:
- Parties may petition the court to seal all or portions of a divorce case
- The court must find that "good cause" exists and that no less restrictive means are available
- The public's right of access must be outweighed by specific privacy interests
- Even when records are sealed, basic case information (names and case numbers) typically remains public
-
Automatic Protection of Sensitive Information:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- Passport numbers
- Names and identifying information of minor children
- Victim information in cases involving domestic violence
-
Confidential Filing of Financial Information:
- Detailed financial disclosures may be filed under confidential cover
- Income tax returns and financial account statements are typically protected
- Only parties, their attorneys, and court personnel have access to these documents
-
Personal Protection Orders:
- When domestic violence is involved, related protective orders may be confidential
- Victim addresses and contact information are protected
- Safety plans and shelter information remain confidential
-
Alternative Dispute Resolution Records:
- Mediation communications are confidential by statute
- Settlement negotiations may be protected from public disclosure
To request confidentiality for divorce records, parties must:
- File a motion to seal records with the Ingham County Circuit Court
- Demonstrate specific, serious harm that would result from public access
- Attend a hearing where the court will balance privacy interests against the public's right to access
- Obtain a court order specifically identifying which documents are to be sealed
It should be noted that complete confidentiality of divorce proceedings is rare and generally limited to exceptional circumstances. Even in cases where certain documents are sealed, the fact that a divorce was filed and granted typically remains public information.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Ingham County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Ingham County varies significantly based on multiple factors, including case complexity, presence of minor children, and level of agreement between parties. Michigan law establishes certain minimum timeframes that affect all divorce cases in the county.
Statutory waiting periods pursuant to Michigan Compiled Laws § 552.9 include:
- For divorces without minor children: Minimum 60-day waiting period from filing to judgment
- For divorces with minor children: Minimum 180-day waiting period from filing to judgment
Beyond these statutory minimums, the following factors influence the timeline:
Uncontested Divorces:
- When parties agree on all issues: 2-3 months (no children), 6-7 months (with children)
- With a comprehensive settlement agreement: Typically finalized shortly after the statutory waiting period
- With minimal property division: Generally processed more quickly
Contested Divorces:
- With significant property disputes: 9-18 months
- With child custody disagreements: 12-24 months
- Requiring trial: 18-36 months
- With complex business valuations: May extend beyond 24 months
Other Timeline Factors:
- Court congestion and scheduling: Currently, Ingham County Circuit Court has an average case processing time of 9 months for domestic relations cases
- Discovery complications: Extended information gathering can add 3-6 months
- Alternative dispute resolution: Successful mediation may reduce timeline by 2-4 months
- Judge assignment: Individual judicial management styles affect scheduling
- Attorney availability: Scheduling conflicts may cause delays
According to the Michigan Supreme Court's Statistical Supplement, Ingham County Circuit Court processes approximately 75% of divorce cases within 12 months of filing, with the median time to disposition being approximately 8 months.
Parties seeking to expedite their divorce should consider:
- Utilizing collaborative divorce processes
- Engaging in early mediation
- Preparing complete financial disclosures promptly
- Developing parenting plans cooperatively
- Considering limited-scope legal representation if appropriate
The court may waive the statutory waiting period only in exceptional circumstances involving extreme hardship or compelling necessity.
How Long Does Ingham County Keep Divorce Records?
Ingham County maintains divorce records according to a structured retention schedule established by the Michigan Supreme Court and the State Court Administrative Office. The retention periods vary based on record type and format, pursuant to Michigan Court Rules § 8.119(K) and the Michigan Trial Court Records Management Standards.
The standard retention periods for divorce records in Ingham County are as follows:
Circuit Court Records:
- Case files (paper): Minimum of 40 years from date of filing
- Judgments of Divorce: Permanent retention
- Register of Actions (case summaries): Permanent retention
- Indexes: Permanent retention
- Recordings of proceedings: 10 years from date of hearing
- Judge's notes: Until case is closed and appeals exhausted
Vital Records (Divorce Certificates):
- Michigan Department of Health and Human Services: Permanent retention
- County Clerk's Office: Permanent retention
Electronic Records:
- Case Management System data: Permanent retention
- Digital document images: Same retention as paper equivalents
- Backup systems: Maintained according to State Court Administrative Office standards
After the initial retention period, certain divorce records may be:
- Transferred to the Archives of Michigan for historical preservation
- Converted to microfilm or digital format for space-saving storage
- Destroyed according to approved disposition schedules (applies only to non-permanent records)
Researchers seeking historical divorce records should note:
- Records from 1897-1980: May be available at the Ingham County Clerk's Office
- Records older than 75 years: May be transferred to the Archives of Michigan
- Records damaged by fire, flood, or other disasters: May have limited availability
Archives of Michigan
702 W. Kalamazoo Street
Lansing, MI 48915
(517) 335-2576
Archives of Michigan
The permanent retention of divorce judgments and certificates ensures that proof of divorce remains available regardless of when the divorce occurred, though accessing very old records may require specialized archival research.
How To Get a Divorce In Ingham County
Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Ingham County must follow specific procedures established by Michigan law. The divorce process, governed by Michigan Compiled Laws § 552.6, involves several distinct steps.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Either spouse must have resided in Michigan for at least 180 days
- Either spouse must have resided in Ingham County for at least 10 days before filing
- Michigan is a "no-fault" divorce state, requiring only that "there has been a breakdown of the marriage relationship to the extent that the objects of matrimony have been destroyed and there remains no reasonable likelihood that the marriage can be preserved"
Step 1: File Initial Documents
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Complete the required forms:
- Complaint for Divorce
- Summons
- Verified Statement (if children are involved)
- Filing fee waiver request (if applicable)
-
Submit documents to:
Ingham County Circuit Court - Family Division
Veterans Memorial Courthouse
313 W. Kalamazoo Street
Lansing, MI 48933
(517) 483-6103
Ingham County Circuit Court
- Pay the filing fee:
- $175.00 without minor children
- $255.00 with minor children
- Additional $80.00 if requesting a name change
Step 2: Serve the Other Spouse
- Arrange for service of the Summons and Complaint
- Service methods include:
- Personal service by a process server
- Certified mail with return receipt
- Publication (if spouse cannot be located)
- File proof of service with the court
Step 3: Wait for Response
- The served spouse has 21 days to file an Answer (28 days if served by mail)
- If no Answer is filed, the case may proceed as uncontested
Step 4: Financial Disclosure
- Both parties must complete and exchange:
- Verified Financial Information Form
- Income verification documents
- Property and debt listings
Step 5: Negotiation and Settlement
- Parties may negotiate directly or through attorneys
- Mediation services are available through:
Ingham County Dispute Resolution Center
2800 E. Grand River Ave., Suite B
Lansing, MI 48912
(517) 485-2274
Ingham County Dispute Resolution Center
Step 6: Judgment Preparation and Hearing
- Prepare Judgment of Divorce
- Schedule final hearing
- Attend hearing before the judge
- Judge signs Judgment if all requirements are met
Step 7: Post-Judgment Procedures
- Distribute copies of signed Judgment
- Implement property division and other orders
- Update personal records (name, insurance, etc.)
Individuals may represent themselves in divorce proceedings, but legal representation is advisable, particularly for complex cases. The Michigan Legal Help website provides resources for self-represented litigants.
How To Get Divorce Papers In Ingham County
Individuals initiating or responding to divorce proceedings in Ingham County have several options for obtaining the necessary legal forms. Michigan courts provide standardized forms for divorce cases that comply with state legal requirements.
Option 1: Ingham County Circuit Court
The Family Division of the Ingham County Circuit Court provides divorce packets containing all required forms:
Ingham County Circuit Court - Family Division
Veterans Memorial Courthouse
313 W. Kalamazoo Street
Lansing, MI 48933
(517) 483-6103
Ingham County Circuit Court
Available packets include:
- Divorce without children
- Divorce with children
- Answer to divorce complaint
- Fee waiver request
Court hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays. Cost: Nominal fee for printing (approximately $10-20)
Option 2: Michigan Courts Website
The Michigan Supreme Court provides standardized court forms that can be downloaded at no cost:
- Visit the Michigan Courts Forms website
- Navigate to the Domestic Relations section
- Select the appropriate forms:
- For divorce without children: Forms beginning with CC
- For divorce with children: Forms beginning with FOC
Option 3: Michigan Legal Help Website
The Michigan Legal Help program offers guided interviews that help prepare divorce forms:
- Visit Michigan Legal Help
- Select "Family & Children" then "Divorce"
- Choose the appropriate divorce type
- Complete the online interview
- Print the completed forms
Option 4: Ingham County Law Library
Reference copies of divorce forms and instructions are available at:
Ingham County Law Library
Veterans Memorial Courthouse
313 W. Kalamazoo Street, 3rd Floor
Lansing, MI 48933
(517) 483-6306
Option 5: Legal Services Organizations
Low-income residents may qualify for assistance through:
Legal Services of South Central Michigan
3490 Belle Chase Way, Suite 50
Lansing, MI 48911
(517) 394-3121
Legal Services of South Central Michigan
Required forms for a typical divorce filing include:
- Summons (MC 01)
- Complaint for Divorce (CC 04 or FOC 106)
- Verified Statement (FOC 23) - for cases with minor children
- Record of Divorce (Form VS-69) - filed after judgment
- Judgment of Divorce (CC 07 or FOC 10)
- Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Enforcement Act Affidavit (MC 416) - for cases with minor children
All forms must be completed accurately with required information about both spouses, the marriage, property, and children (if applicable).