Clare County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Clare County in 2026
ClareRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Clare County, Michigan. Members of the public may find case summaries, filing dates, party names, and court disposition data through official and third-party resources. Available record categories may include final divorce decrees, case docket entries, property settlement orders, custody arrangements, and support orders. Access and completeness vary depending on the age of the record and the method of search.
Divorce records in Clare County may be searched through the Clare County Circuit Court, the MiCOURT Case Search portal, public access terminals at the courthouse, and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services vital records office. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking these records.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The MiCOURT Case Search system is the primary online tool for locating divorce case records in Michigan. As noted by the Michigan courts system, "The information available here is presented on-line for informational use only and does not replace the official record on file with the court." Basic case information is available at no charge; fees apply for certified copies or document retrieval.
2. State Court System Portal
The Cases, Opinions & Orders portal maintained by the Michigan Supreme Court provides statewide access to court records, including those filed in the Clare Circuit Court, Clare Juvenile Division, and Clare Probate Court. This consolidated database allows searches across multiple jurisdictions.
3. State Vital Records
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services maintains a Vital Records office that registers divorce certificates for proceedings finalized in Michigan. Divorce records through this office are available for a fee and provide summary-level information rather than the full case file.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Clare County Circuit Court Family Division:
Clare County Circuit Court
225 W. Main St.
Harrison, MI 48625
Phone: (989) 539-6681
Clare County Courts
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Services available in person:
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Staff assistance for locating records
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Clare County Circuit Court, 225 W. Main St., Harrison, MI 48625
- Include the following with each request:
- Full names of both parties (including maiden names if applicable)
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Purpose of request (required for certain record types)
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
- Processing time: Requests are processed within approximately one to two weeks, subject to court volume.
By Phone
Limited Information Available:
- Clare County Circuit Court: (989) 539-6681
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number and filing date
- Current case status
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents by phone
- Copies of filed documents
- Confidential or sealed case information
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Michigan may access divorce case files on behalf of a client, including requesting sealed documents upon a proper showing to the court. The State Bar of Michigan maintains a lawyer referral service for members of the public seeking legal representation in family law matters. Attorney access is particularly useful in complex cases involving sealed financial records or custody evaluations.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or filing
- Case number, if previously obtained
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Prior addresses of either party
- Names of children, if applicable
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Divorce proceedings in Michigan are filed in the circuit court of the county where either spouse resided at the time of filing. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple counties. Under MCL § 552.9, at least one party must have been a resident of Michigan for 180 days and a resident of the filing county for 10 days prior to filing.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Records may not appear in online systems immediately following a final hearing
- Allow several business days to several weeks for processing after the final order is entered
Older Divorces:
- Records predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format
- Archived records require additional retrieval time and may not be digitized
- Contact the clerk's office directly for records older than approximately 10–15 years
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- Incorrect county of search
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- Case still pending and not yet finalized
- Very old records held in off-site storage
- Case sealed by court order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Clare County Circuit Court at (989) 539-6681
- Attempt alternate name spellings for both parties
- Search under both spouses' names separately
- Check the Michigan vital records database for a divorce certificate
- Consult a licensed Michigan attorney for assistance with sealed or difficult-to-locate records
What Are Clare County Divorce Records?
Clare County divorce records are official court documents generated during the legal dissolution of a marriage in the Clare County Circuit Court. These records are maintained by the Clerk of Court as part of the family law case file and constitute public records subject to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, MCL § 15.231 et seq., with certain statutory exceptions.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files contain the full record of proceedings, including:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Response or answer to the petition
- Financial affidavits from both parties
- Parenting plans and custody agreements
- Settlement agreements
- Motions, responses, and court orders
- Transcripts of court hearings
- Final judgment of dissolution
Final Decree is the official court order terminating the marriage. It establishes the date of dissolution, division of marital property, spousal support terms if any, child custody and parenting time arrangements, child support orders, and any court-ordered name changes. Certified copies of the final decree are available through the clerk's office.
Supporting Documents filed during the case may include the original marriage certificate, financial disclosure statements, property inventories, parenting plan attachments, and any post-judgment modification orders.
Purpose of Divorce Records:
Divorce records serve a range of legal and personal purposes, including:
- Proof of marital status for remarriage
- Documentation for name change proceedings
- Property transfer and title documentation
- Estate planning and beneficiary designations
- Immigration and naturalization proceedings
- Social Security benefit determinations
- Genealogical and family history research
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
The Clare County Circuit Court Clerk is the primary custodian of all divorce case files. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services vital records office maintains a separate registry of divorce certificates, which provide summary information. Under Michigan family law, governed in part by MCL § 552.1 et seq., the circuit court retains jurisdiction over divorce proceedings and the records generated therein.
Are Clare County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Clare County Circuit Court are public court records, accessible to any member of the public under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act and applicable court rules. However, certain categories of information within those records are subject to restriction or redaction to protect sensitive personal and financial data.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and docket entries
- Court orders and judgments
- Final divorce decree
- Property division orders
- General case status
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers (redacted pursuant to court rules)
- Bank account and credit card numbers (redacted)
- Detailed tax returns (may be filed under seal)
- Salary and income details (subject to limited access in some circumstances)
Children's Information:
- Addresses where minor children reside
- Schools children attend
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children
- Child custody evaluations (may be sealed)
- Guardian ad litem reports (restricted access)
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse records
- Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders
- Medical records of either party
Sealed Records:
A court may seal specific documents or an entire case file upon a showing of good cause. Cases involving allegations of abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlement terms may be subject to sealing orders. Mediation communications are confidential by statute and are not part of the public record.
Who Can Access Records:
- General public: May access most case information, view docket summaries, and obtain copies of public documents upon payment of applicable fees
- Parties to the case: Entitled to full access to their own case file, including confidential portions
- Attorneys of record: Access to all filed documents; may petition for sealed records with appropriate showing
- Researchers and media: Access to public portions; court permission required for sealed records; First Amendment protections apply to news reporting
Prohibited Uses:
- Stalking, harassment, or intimidation of any party
- Identity theft or fraudulent purposes
- Violation of existing protective orders
- Any use prohibited by Michigan law
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Clare County?
The Clare County Circuit Court charges standard fees for copies and certified documents in accordance with Michigan court rules and applicable statutes. Current fees are as follows:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy (per page) | $1.00 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree | $11.00 (first page) + $1.00 per additional page |
| Certification fee | Included in certified copy fee |
| Electronic copy (where available) | Varies; contact clerk |
| Search fee | No separate search fee at the clerk's office |
- Accepted payment methods at the Clare County Circuit Court include cash, money order, and checks made payable to the Clare County Clerk. Credit card acceptance should be confirmed directly with the clerk's office prior to submitting payment.
- Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors upon submission of an affidavit of indigency. Members of the public seeking a fee waiver should inquire directly with the clerk's office.
- Copies obtained through the MiCOURT Case Search portal may carry separate electronic transaction fees.
- Vital records divorce certificates obtained through the Michigan MDHHS vital records office carry a separate fee schedule established by the state.
- Basic case information, including case number, filing date, and party names, is available at no charge through the online case search portal.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Clare County
A complete Clare County divorce case file contains all documents filed with the court from the date of initial petition through final judgment and any post-judgment proceedings. The following categories of documents are part of the official record.
Basic Case Information:
- Case number, court name, and division
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Judge assigned to the case
- Attorneys of record for each party
- Filing date and case type designation
Initial Pleadings:
The Petition for Dissolution of Marriage sets forth the petitioner's identifying information, the date and location of the marriage, the date of separation if applicable, grounds for divorce (Michigan is a no-fault state under MCL § 552.6, requiring only a showing of irretrievable breakdown of the marriage), information regarding minor children, property claims, and relief requested. The Response or Answer states the respondent's position, admissions or denials, and any counterpetition for relief.
Financial Affidavits filed by both parties disclose income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets including real property, vehicles, bank and investment accounts, and retirement accounts, as well as all liabilities.
Discovery Documents may include interrogatories and answers under oath, requests for production of financial records, tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, investment and retirement account statements, and business financial records where applicable.
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory with descriptions and values
- Debt inventory including mortgages, loans, and credit obligations
- Appraisals and expert valuations of real property, businesses, and personal property
Children-Related Documents (where applicable):
- Parenting plan specifying legal and physical custody, parenting time schedules, holiday and vacation provisions, and decision-making responsibilities
- Child support calculation worksheets reflecting income, overnights, health insurance, and childcare costs
- Custody evaluations prepared by court-appointed psychologists or evaluators
- Guardian ad litem reports and recommendations
Support Documents:
- Alimony or spousal support orders specifying type, amount, duration, and termination conditions
- Income analysis and standard of living documentation
Settlement Documents:
- Marital Settlement Agreement resolving all issues including property division, debt allocation, support, and child-related provisions
- Mediation agreement, if the case was resolved through mediation (note: mediation communications themselves are confidential)
Court Orders and Judgments:
- Temporary orders for custody, support, and use of property during the pendency of the case
- Final Judgment of Dissolution containing the court's findings of fact, conclusions of law, and all final orders
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) if retirement accounts are divided
Post-Judgment Documents (where applicable):
- Petitions to modify custody or support
- Court orders on modification requests
- Contempt motions and enforcement actions
- Income deduction orders and liens
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted)
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence details subject to protective orders
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluations
- Mediation communications
- Trade secrets in business valuations
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Clare County?
Proof of divorce in Clare County is obtained through a certified copy of the Final Judgment of Dissolution issued by the Clare County Circuit Court. This document bears the court's official seal and the clerk's certification, and it constitutes legally recognized proof that a marriage was dissolved.
Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy:
- Identify the case number using the MiCOURT Case Search portal or by contacting the clerk's office directly.
- Submit a written request to the Clare County Circuit Court Clerk, either in person, by mail, or through available electronic request methods.
- Provide the full names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, and the case number if known.
- Pay the applicable certification fee (currently $11.00 for the first page plus $1.00 per additional page).
- Receive the certified copy in person or by mail with a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Clare County Circuit Court
225 W. Main St.
Harrison, MI 48625
Phone: (989) 539-6681
Clare County Courts
For summary-level proof of divorce, members of the public may also request a divorce certificate through the Michigan MDHHS vital records office. This document confirms that a divorce was granted but does not contain the full terms of the decree.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Clare County?
Divorce proceedings in Clare County are presumptively public, but Michigan law and court rules permit certain records or entire case files to be sealed under defined circumstances.
Circumstances Under Which Records May Be Sealed or Restricted:
- Domestic violence cases: Addresses and identifying information of protected parties may be withheld from public access pursuant to Michigan's address confidentiality program and applicable protective order statutes.
- Cases involving minor children: Psychological evaluations, guardian ad litem reports, and child custody evaluations may be restricted or sealed to protect the best interests of the children.
- Mental health and medical records: Records pertaining to a party's mental health treatment or medical condition are subject to confidentiality protections under state and federal law, including HIPAA.
- Mediation communications: Under Michigan court rules, all communications made during mediation are confidential and are not part of the public court record.
- Court-ordered sealing: Either party may file a motion requesting that specific documents or the entire case file be sealed. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties and any minor children.
- Confidential settlements: Settlement terms agreed to outside of court and not incorporated into a court order may not appear in the public record.
Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the Clare County Circuit Court demonstrating a legitimate legal basis for access.
How Long Does Clare County Keep Divorce Records?
Clare County Circuit Court retains divorce records in accordance with Michigan's court records retention schedule established by the State Court Administrative Office.
Retention Periods:
- Final judgments and decrees: Retained permanently. The final order dissolving a marriage is a permanent court record and is not subject to destruction.
- Complete case files (contested divorces): Retained for a minimum of 25 years from the date of final judgment under current Michigan court records management standards.
- Uncontested divorce case files: Retained for a minimum of 10 years from the date of final judgment, subject to applicable court rules.
- Financial affidavits and discovery documents: Retained as part of the case file for the applicable case file retention period.
- Post-judgment modification records: Retained as part of the original case file and subject to the same retention schedule.
- Archived records: Cases beyond the active retention period may be transferred to off-site storage or microfilm. Retrieval of archived records requires additional processing time and should be requested directly through the clerk's office.
Members of the public seeking records from older cases should contact the Clare County Circuit Court Clerk directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures.
Clare County Circuit Court
225 W. Main St.
Harrison, MI 48625
Phone: (989) 539-6681
Clare County Courts