Livonia Divorce Decree Records
Livonia divorce decree records are kept at Wayne County's Third Judicial Circuit Court in Detroit, not at Livonia City Hall. The Livonia City Clerk certifies birth and death records for city events but does not hold divorce records at all. For a certified copy of a Livonia divorce decree, you contact the Wayne County clerk's Records Division in Detroit.
Livonia Overview
The Third Circuit Court Holds Livonia Divorce Records
Wayne County's Third Judicial Circuit Court is where Livonia residents file for divorce and where the records are kept. The court address is the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, 2 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48226. The main clerk number is (313) 224-0157. The Records Division is in Room LL-61, reachable at (313) 224-6262. The Family Division phone is (313) 224-5300. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Divorce case records in this system go back to 1942. If you need records from before that date, contact the clerk's office to ask about older archives. Most Livonia divorce records are easily searchable by name through the Third Circuit's online portal.
The Wayne County records page has current information on how to access court records, including divorce decrees. The Odyssey Public Access portal for the Third Circuit Court allows free online case searches by name or case number.
Livonia City Clerk: Birth and Death Only, Not Divorce
The Livonia City Clerk is at 33000 Civic Center Drive, Livonia, MI 48154. The main phone is (734) 466-2121. For birth and death records specifically, call (734) 466-2229. The city clerk's office certifies birth and death records filed within Livonia. Marriage licenses in Michigan go through the Wayne County Clerk at (313) 224-5514, not the city clerk.
Divorce records are not maintained at the city level in Michigan. The Livonia City Clerk does not have them, cannot order them, and cannot direct you to them from its own records system. If you go to Livonia City Hall looking for a divorce decree, staff will tell you to go to the Wayne County courthouse in Detroit.
The Livonia city website describes city services clearly. Divorce record access is not a city function in Michigan.
The Livonia City Clerk's office website shows the records it maintains. Divorce decrees are not included. Those records belong to Wayne County's Third Circuit Court.
How to Request a Certified Copy of a Livonia Divorce Decree
You can get a certified copy in person, by mail, or by using the online portal to locate the case first. Fees are $2 per page, $10 for certification, plus $1 to $2 per additional page. Credit or debit adds a $2.50 convenience fee. Cash or check saves that surcharge.
In Person: Visit Room LL-61 at the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, 2 Woodward Avenue, Detroit. Bring photo ID, the names of both parties, and the approximate year of the divorce. A case number helps but is not required. Court staff can find cases by name.
By Mail: Send a written request to 2 Woodward Ave., Room LL-61, Detroit, MI 48226. Include both parties' names, the divorce year, your return address, and a check or money order payable to Wayne County Clerk. Attach a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Online: Search the Odyssey Public Access portal to find the case and confirm details before visiting or mailing. The portal is free and shows case numbers, filing dates, and disposition information.
Livonia city government provides municipal services to residents. For divorce decree records, visit Wayne County's Third Judicial Circuit Court at 2 Woodward Avenue in Detroit.
Michigan Divorce Law and Livonia Residents
Michigan uses a no-fault divorce standard. Under MCL 552.6, you do not have to prove wrongdoing by your spouse. You file stating the marriage has broken down irreparably. The Third Circuit Court accepts these filings for Wayne County residents including those in Livonia.
The residency rule under MCL 552.9 requires 180 days in Michigan and 10 days in Wayne County before filing. Livonia residents who have been in the city for 10 days meet the county requirement. The 180-day state requirement is the longer wait for newer Michigan residents.
Once a case is filed, a waiting period applies before the court can enter the final decree. The wait is 60 days if there are no minor children. It is 180 days if minor children are part of the case. The waiting period starts on the date of filing and cannot be shortened without a formal request to the judge showing good cause.
Legal Resources for Livonia Residents
Michigan Legal Help offers free online guides and forms for Michigan divorce cases. Wayne County Legal Aid is available at (313) 964-4130 for residents who qualify based on income. The Wayne County Bar Association lawyer referral service is at (313) 961-3545 for those who want a private attorney. The Third Circuit Court also has self-help materials at the clerk's counter for people handling their own cases.
Nearby Cities
These qualifying cities are also in Wayne County or nearby and share access to the Third Circuit Court divorce records system.
Wayne County Divorce Records
For more information about divorce decree records in Wayne County, visit the county records page.