Warren Divorce Decree Lookup
Warren divorce decree records are kept at the Macomb County 16th Judicial Circuit Court in Mount Clemens, not at Warren City Hall. Warren is the largest city in Macomb County, but like all cities in Michigan, it does not maintain divorce records at the city level. The circuit court in the county seat handles all divorce filings. This guide explains where to go, how to request copies, what to pay, and how to search cases online.
Warren Overview
Where Warren Divorce Decrees Are Filed
Warren residents file for divorce at the Macomb County 16th Judicial Circuit Court. The court address is 40 N. Main Street, Mount Clemens, MI 48043. The main phone number is (586) 469-7171. The clerk's court section is at (586) 469-5351. Office hours run Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
The Macomb County Clerk's office is also at 40 N. Main Street. Their general line is (586) 469-5120, and they can be reached by email at clerksoffice@macombgov.org. Vital records go through a separate division at (586) 469-5205. Vital records and divorce decrees are not the same document. The County Clerk issues vital record certificates. The circuit court maintains the actual divorce decree files.
Macomb County records go back to 1857. That makes this one of the more complete long-term archives among Michigan counties. If you need an older record, the clerk's office can advise you on whether the record you need still exists in retrievable form.
The Macomb County Circuit Court website has information on record access, current fees, and court procedures. Visit it before your trip to the courthouse to confirm current hours and requirements.
Warren City Clerk: What They Handle
The Warren City Clerk is at One City Square, Warren, MI 48093. Phone is (586) 574-4557. The city clerk handles local government records, elections, and some licensing. They do not maintain divorce records. If you contact Warren City Hall asking about a divorce decree, they will refer you to the Macomb County Circuit Court.
This is worth stating clearly because many Warren residents assume the city would keep this information. It doesn't. In Michigan, divorce is a matter of state law handled through county circuit courts. No city in Michigan keeps divorce records. The Warren city website can help you with city services, but divorce records are not among them.
The Warren City website provides city services information. Divorce decree records, however, are held at the Macomb County Circuit Court in Mount Clemens, not at Warren City Hall.
How to Request a Certified Copy
You have three options: go in person, send a mail request, or search online first. Certified copies cost $10.00 per document. Copies cost $1.00 per page. A case search fee of $10.00 applies if court staff must search for the case on your behalf.
In Person: Go to the Macomb County Clerk's Office court section at 40 N. Main Street, Mount Clemens. Bring a photo ID. Have the names of both parties and the approximate year the divorce was finalized. Bring a check, money order, or cash. Confirm current fee amounts by calling (586) 469-5351 before you go.
By Mail: Write a request letter with both parties' names, the year of divorce, and your contact information. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order payable to Macomb County Clerk. Mail to 40 N. Main Street, Mount Clemens, MI 48043. Processing can take days to weeks depending on volume.
Online: The CourtView Case Search portal allows online searches of Macomb County circuit court cases. Use it to verify a case exists and get the case number before submitting a copy request.
Michigan Divorce Law for Warren Residents
Michigan is a no-fault state. Under MCL 552.6, you do not need to prove your spouse was at fault to get a divorce. The only legal requirement is that the marriage has broken down with no reasonable likelihood it can be saved. This standard applies in Macomb County just as it does everywhere in Michigan.
To file in Macomb County, you must meet the residency requirement under MCL 552.9. You need 180 days of residence in Michigan and 10 days in the county. Warren residents who have been in Macomb County for 10 days before filing can file there without issue.
Waiting periods are set by law. If there are no minor children, the court must wait 60 days from the filing date before entering a final decree. If there are minor children involved, the wait is 180 days. A judge can shorten this in unusual cases, but it requires a motion and a showing of good cause. Most Warren cases follow the standard timeline.
The Macomb County Friend of the Court office handles child support, custody, and parenting time after a divorce. Their office is at 10 North Main Street, Mount Clemens, and their phone is (586) 469-5160. If your divorce decree includes any orders about children, Friend of the Court may be involved in enforcement.
Online Tools for Warren Divorce Case Searches
The fastest way to find a Warren divorce case online is through the CourtView Case Search system. Enter the name of either party and the approximate year to find matching cases. Case numbers, filing dates, and disposition information are usually available. Note that CourtView does not allow you to download the actual decree document. You still need to request that through the clerk's office.
Michigan's statewide MiCOURT Case Search also covers Macomb County cases. If you are not sure which county a case was filed in, the statewide tool can help narrow it down. Both tools are free to use.
Getting Legal Help in Warren
Michigan Legal Help is a free online resource covering all aspects of Michigan divorce law. It has forms, instructions, and county-specific information. Lakeshore Legal Aid serves Macomb County residents. Call (888) 783-8190 to ask about eligibility. The Macomb County Bar Association can refer you to a private attorney if you need paid representation.
The court also has self-help resources for people handling divorces without a lawyer. Ask at the clerk's counter about available materials when you visit.
Nearby Cities
Other qualifying cities in Macomb County and nearby areas also file divorce cases with the 16th Circuit Court or neighboring courts.
Macomb County Divorce Records
For more information about divorce decree records in Macomb County, visit the county records page.