Lenawee County Divorce Records
What Are Lenawee County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Lenawee County are official legal documents that provide evidence of the dissolution of a marriage within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Michigan Compiled Laws § 552.6, which governs divorce proceedings throughout the state. Divorce records typically consist of multiple documents filed throughout the divorce process, from the initial complaint for divorce to the final judgment.
The Michigan divorce statute establishes that divorce proceedings are handled by the Family Division of the Circuit Court in each county. In Lenawee County, these records are maintained by the County Clerk's office, which serves as the Clerk of the Court for the Family Division as designated in the Lenawee County Family Court Plan.
Divorce 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
Under Michigan law, divorce records have been systematically maintained at the county level since 1867 and at the state level since 1897, as documented by the Library of Congress Michigan Genealogy Guide.
Lenawee County Clerk's Office
301 N. Main Street
Adrian, MI 49221
517-264-4599
Lenawee County Clerk
Are Lenawee County Divorce Records Public?
Lenawee County divorce records have a complex public access status that varies depending on the specific document type and information contained therein. Generally, court divorce case files are considered public records under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act § 15.231, but with significant exceptions.
The public accessibility of divorce records is governed by several legal frameworks:
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Court files: Basic divorce case information is generally public and accessible through the Lenawee County Circuit Court. However, pursuant to Michigan Court Rule 8.119(F), certain sensitive information may be restricted or redacted, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account information
- Information about minor children
- Certain personal identifying information
-
Certified divorce certificates: These documents, which provide official verification of a divorce, have restricted access under Michigan law. According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, only the following individuals may obtain certified copies:
- Either party named in the divorce record
- Legal representatives with proper authorization
- Persons with a court order
- Individuals who can demonstrate a direct and tangible interest
-
Confidential filings: Certain documents filed in divorce proceedings may be sealed by court order if they contain sensitive information that could cause undue harm if made public. This is determined on a case-by-case basis by the presiding judge.
Members of the public seeking divorce record information should be aware that while basic case information may be publicly accessible, detailed personal information and certain documents may be restricted to protect privacy interests as balanced against the public's right to information.
How To Find a Divorce Record In Lenawee County in 2026
Individuals seeking divorce records in Lenawee County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The appropriate approach depends on the specific information needed and the requester's relationship to the case.
For court case records:
-
Visit the Lenawee County Clerk's Office in person:
- Bring identification and any relevant case information
- Complete a records request form
- Pay applicable search and copy fees
- Staff will assist in locating the requested records
-
Submit a written request by mail:
- Include names of both parties
- Provide the approximate date of divorce
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Include payment for search and copy fees
- Mail to the County Clerk's office address
-
Access the MiCOURT Case Search system:
- This online portal provides basic case information
- Search by party name or case number
- Note that complete case files are not available online
For certified divorce certificates:
-
Contact the Lenawee County Clerk directly:
- Certified copies are available for $15 for the first copy and $5 for each additional copy
- Proper identification and proof of eligibility are required
-
Request from the State Vital Records Office:
- For divorces from 1897 to present
- Submit an application through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
- Provide required identification and eligibility documentation
- Pay the applicable state fees
Lenawee County Clerk's Office
301 N. Main Street
Adrian, MI 49221
517-264-4599
Lenawee County Clerk
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Lenawee County Online?
Lenawee County offers limited online access to divorce record information through several digital platforms. While complete divorce files are not available online due to privacy considerations, basic case information can be accessed through the following methods:
-
MiCOURT Case Search System:
- Navigate to the MiCOURT Case Search portal
- Create a free user account if you don't already have one
- Select "Lenawee County" from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Choose "Family Division" as the case type
- Enter search criteria (party name or case number)
- Review the basic case information provided
- Note that this system provides only limited information such as:
- Case number
- Filing date
- Party names
- Case type
- Current status
- Scheduled hearings
-
Lenawee County Clerk's Online Services:
- Visit the Lenawee County Clerk's website
- Navigate to the public records section
- Follow the instructions for accessing the court records database
- Search using available parameters
- Note that document images are generally not available online
-
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services:
- For verification of divorce only (not full records)
- Visit the MDHHS Vital Records page
- Complete the online verification request form
- Pay the required fee
- Receive basic verification of divorce (not a certified copy)
Users should be aware that online access is limited by design to protect privacy while still providing necessary public information. For comprehensive divorce records or certified copies, in-person or mail requests remain necessary as outlined in the previous section.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Lenawee County?
Members of the public seeking no-cost access to divorce records in Lenawee County have limited but viable options. While certified copies and extensive searches typically involve fees, the following methods may provide basic divorce record information without charge:
-
In-person inspection at the Lenawee County Clerk's Office:
- Visit during regular business hours
- Request to view publicly available divorce case files
- Bring identification and any known case information
- While viewing is free, copying documents incurs standard fees
- Note that certain sensitive information may be redacted
-
Public access terminals at the courthouse:
- Located in the Lenawee County Courthouse
- Provide free access to basic case information
- No printing capabilities without payment
- May require assistance from court staff
-
Public libraries with legal research resources:
- The Adrian District Library offers free public computer access
- Some libraries maintain microfilm archives of local newspapers
- Historical divorce notices may be found in legal notices sections
- Library staff can assist with navigating available resources
-
Basic online case information:
- Limited information is available through MiCOURT Case Search
- Creating an account is free
- Provides case numbers, filing dates, and status information
- Does not include document images or detailed case information
Researchers should be aware that while viewing basic public records may be free, comprehensive searches, document copies, and certified records will involve fees as established by Michigan Court Rule 8.119(J) and county fee schedules. Additionally, staff time constraints may limit extensive free research assistance.
Adrian District Library
143 E. Maumee Street
Adrian, MI 49221
517-265-2265
Adrian District Library
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Lenawee County
Divorce records in Lenawee County comprise a comprehensive collection of documents that chronicle the entire legal process of marriage dissolution. These records are maintained pursuant to Michigan Court Rule 3.211, which governs divorce proceedings documentation requirements. A complete divorce file typically contains the following components:
-
Initial pleadings:
- Complaint for Divorce - the document that initiates the divorce proceeding
- Summons - official notice to the respondent about the divorce action
- Proof of Service - documentation showing the respondent received the divorce papers
- Answer to Complaint - the respondent's formal reply to the divorce filing
-
Financial documentation:
- Verified Financial Information Form - detailed disclosure of assets and liabilities
- Property settlement agreements - documents outlining division of marital property
- Child support worksheets - calculations for determining support obligations
- Spousal support determinations - documentation of alimony arrangements
-
Child-related documents (if applicable):
- Parenting time schedules
- Custody determinations
- Child support orders
- Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) affidavits
-
Court orders and judgments:
- Temporary orders - provisions for the period during divorce proceedings
- Judgment of Divorce - the final decree that legally terminates the marriage
- Post-judgment modifications - any changes to the original divorce judgment
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) - for division of retirement accounts
-
Procedural documents:
- Court hearing notices
- Transcripts of proceedings
- Mediation agreements
- Settlement conference summaries
-
Miscellaneous filings:
- Name change orders
- Personal protection orders (if applicable)
- Friend of the Court recommendations
- Expert witness reports
The certified divorce certificate, available through the County Clerk or the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, contains only basic information including:
- Names of both parties
- Date of divorce
- County where divorce was granted
- Case number
- Date of marriage
- Official certification
Researchers should note that while the divorce judgment is generally public, supporting documentation may contain sensitive information with restricted access as determined by court rules and judicial discretion.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Lenawee County?
Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in Lenawee County have several options for obtaining this documentation. The type of proof needed often depends on the specific purpose for which it is required.
For a certified copy of the divorce decree (judgment):
-
Request from the Lenawee County Clerk's Office:
- Visit in person or submit a written request by mail
- Provide full names of both parties to the divorce
- Include the approximate date of divorce
- Present valid photo identification
- Pay the required fee ($15 for the first copy, $5 for each additional copy)
- Specify whether you need a complete copy of the judgment or just the certificate page
-
Obtain a divorce verification from the State of Michigan:
- For divorces granted from 1897 to present
- Complete the application form available through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
- Submit proof of identity and eligibility
- Pay the state fee ($34 for the first copy, $16 for each additional copy)
- Allow 3-4 weeks for processing by mail or expedite for an additional fee
For verification of divorce status without a certified copy:
-
Request a Letter of No Record:
- If you need to prove no divorce record exists in Lenawee County
- Submit a written request to the County Clerk
- Pay the applicable search fee
- Receive an official letter stating no record was found
-
Court docket or register of actions:
- Provides a summary of all filings and actions in the case
- Available from the County Clerk for a nominal fee
- Contains case number, parties' names, and disposition
- Acceptable for some purposes requiring proof of divorce
Lenawee County Clerk's Office
301 N. Main Street
Adrian, MI 49221
517-264-4599
Lenawee County Clerk
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Lenawee County?
While divorce proceedings in Lenawee County are generally matters of public record, Michigan law provides several mechanisms through which certain aspects of divorce cases may be kept confidential. The balance between public access and privacy is governed by Michigan Court Rule 8.119(I), which establishes procedures for sealing court records.
Circumstances under which divorce records may be confidential include:
-
Sealed records by court order:
- Either party may file a motion to seal specific documents or the entire case
- The court must find that "good cause" exists and that no less restrictive means exist
- The judge must determine that the harm to privacy outweighs the public interest
- A court order specifies exactly which documents are sealed and for what duration
-
Automatically confidential information:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- Names and identifying information of minor children
- Medical and mental health information
- Victim information in cases involving domestic violence
-
Use of confidential reference lists:
- Sensitive identifying information may be filed separately from public documents
- The court maintains a confidential reference list connecting identifiers to case documents
- Public documents use alternative identifiers to maintain privacy
-
Protective orders:
- In cases involving domestic violence, stalking, or harassment
- Details of personal protection orders may be restricted
- Victim addresses and contact information remain confidential
-
Alternative dispute resolution:
- Mediation communications are confidential by statute
- Settlement negotiations may remain private
- Only the final agreement becomes part of the public record
Parties seeking confidentiality should be aware that complete sealing of divorce cases is rare and granted only in exceptional circumstances. The court presumes public access to judicial proceedings and records, with confidentiality being the exception rather than the rule. Legal counsel should be consulted regarding specific confidentiality concerns in divorce proceedings.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Lenawee County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Lenawee County varies significantly based on multiple factors. Michigan law establishes certain minimum timeframes, but the actual length depends on case complexity and the parties' cooperation.
Statutory waiting periods:
- For couples without minor children: A minimum 60-day waiting period from filing to judgment, as required by Michigan Compiled Laws § 552.9f
- For couples with minor children: A minimum 180-day waiting period, though this may be waived in exceptional circumstances if the court finds it in the best interest of the children
Beyond these statutory minimums, several factors influence the timeline:
-
Uncontested vs. contested divorce:
- Uncontested cases (where parties agree on all issues): Typically 2-3 months after the waiting period
- Contested cases (requiring court intervention): 6-12 months or longer
-
Property division complexity:
- Simple estates: Minimal additional time
- Complex assets (businesses, multiple properties, retirement accounts): May add 3-6 months
- Valuation disputes requiring expert testimony: Can extend proceedings by several months
-
Child custody and parenting time disputes:
- Cases requiring Friend of the Court investigations: Add 1-3 months
- Custody evaluations by mental health professionals: Add 2-4 months
- Contested hearings on custody matters: Add 1-2 months per hearing
-
Court scheduling factors:
- Current caseload of the Lenawee County Circuit Court
- Judge availability for hearings
- Time required for mandatory mediation
- Scheduling of required parenting classes
-
Alternative dispute resolution impact:
- Successful mediation: Can reduce timeline by 1-3 months
- Failed mediation requiring trial: May add 2-4 months to the process
According to statistics from the Michigan State Court Administrative Office, the average time from filing to disposition for divorce cases in Lenawee County is approximately:
- 4-5 months for uncontested divorces without children
- 7-8 months for uncontested divorces with children
- 9-14 months for contested divorces
Parties should consult with legal counsel for case-specific timeline estimates based on their particular circumstances and the current court calendar.
How Long Does Lenawee County Keep Divorce Records?
Lenawee County maintains divorce records according to a structured retention schedule established by the Michigan Supreme Court and the State Court Administrative Office. This schedule ensures the preservation of these important legal documents while managing storage resources effectively.
The retention periods for divorce records in Lenawee County are as follows:
-
Case files and judgments:
- Permanent retention at the county level
- After 30 years, physical files may be transferred to microfilm or digital format
- Original judgments of divorce are never destroyed
- This permanent retention is mandated by Michigan Court Rule 8.119(K)
-
Register of actions and case indices:
- Maintained permanently
- Serves as a finding aid for locating specific case files
- Contains basic case information including parties, case number, and disposition
-
Exhibits and evidence:
- Retained until 56 days after the case is closed
- May be reclaimed by the submitting party during this period
- After 56 days, may be destroyed or returned at the court's discretion
-
Recordings of proceedings:
- Digital or electronic recordings: Minimum 10-year retention
- Transcripts: Permanent retention when prepared
- Audio recordings may be destroyed after the appeal period has expired
-
Friend of the Court records:
- Case files: Retained for 3 years after the youngest child reaches age 18
- Financial records: Minimum 7-year retention
- Enforcement records: Retained until satisfaction of judgment
At the state level, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services maintains divorce certificates from 1897 to the present. These state records serve as a secondary source for divorce verification when county records might be difficult to access.
Researchers seeking historical divorce records should note that older records may be stored off-site or in archival facilities. The Lenawee County Register of Deeds office can provide guidance on accessing historical property records that may relate to divorce settlements.
How To Get a Divorce In Lenawee County
Obtaining a divorce in Lenawee County requires following specific legal procedures established by Michigan law. The process involves several steps that must be completed in sequence.
Initial filing requirements:
-
Residency qualification:
- Either spouse must have resided in Michigan for at least 180 days
- At least one spouse must have lived in Lenawee County for at least 10 days
- These requirements are established by Michigan Compiled Laws § 552.9
-
Prepare and file initial documents:
- Complaint for Divorce
- Summons
- Verified Statement (if children are involved)
- Filing fee payment ($175, plus $80 if children are involved)
- Documents must be filed with the Lenawee County Clerk's Office
-
Serve documents on the other spouse:
- Personal service by a process server
- Certified mail with return receipt
- Other court-approved methods
- Proof of service must be filed with the court
Procedural steps after filing:
-
Mandatory waiting periods:
- 60 days minimum for couples without minor children
- 180 days minimum for couples with minor children
-
Financial disclosure:
- Both parties must complete and exchange financial information forms
- Discovery process may include interrogatories, depositions, and document requests
- Valuation of assets may require professional appraisals
-
Dispute resolution:
- Mediation is often required before trial
- Friend of the Court may conduct investigations for child-related matters
- Settlement conferences with the judge may be scheduled
-
Judgment preparation:
- Draft a Judgment of Divorce covering all relevant issues
- Submit to the court for review and approval
- Attend the final hearing if required by the court
For assistance with the divorce process, individuals may contact:
Lenawee County Legal Assistance Center
301 N. Main Street, Courthouse
Adrian, MI 49221
517-264-4701
Lenawee County Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Legal Services of South Central Michigan
420 N. Fourth Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
734-665-6181
Legal Services of South Central Michigan
How To Get Divorce Papers In Lenawee County
Individuals seeking divorce papers in Lenawee County have several options for obtaining the necessary documents to initiate or respond to divorce proceedings. These forms are standardized according to Michigan Court Rules and are available through multiple channels.
Sources for divorce forms:
-
Lenawee County Circuit Court:
- Visit the County Clerk's Office in person
- Request the divorce packet appropriate to your situation (with or without children)
- Basic forms are provided at minimal or no cost
- Staff cannot provide legal advice but can answer procedural questions
-
Michigan Legal Help website:
- Access free, state-approved divorce forms online
- Interactive interviews guide users through form completion
- Forms can be printed or saved electronically
- Available at Michigan Legal Help
-
Lenawee County Law Library:
- Located in the Lenawee County Courthouse
- Reference copies of Michigan family law forms
- Self-help legal resources and guides
- Public computers for accessing online resources
-
Friend of the Court office:
- Provides specialized forms related to child support and custody
- Offers information on parenting time guidelines
- Located in the Lenawee County Courthouse
Essential divorce forms typically include:
- Summons and Complaint for Divorce
- Verified Statement (for cases involving children)
- Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Enforcement Act Affidavit
- Child Support Worksheet
- Notice of Hearing
- Proof of Service
- Judgment of Divorce
For assistance with form completion:
Lenawee County Legal Assistance Center
301 N. Main Street, Courthouse
Adrian, MI 49221
517-264-4701
Lenawee County Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Individuals should note that while forms are readily available, proper completion requires attention to detail. Errors or omissions can cause delays in the divorce process. Those with complex situations may wish to consult with an attorney before filing.
Lookup Divorce Records in Lenawee County
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