Alcona County Divorce Decree Records
Alcona County divorce decree records are held by the 23rd Circuit Court Clerk in Harrisville, and this guide explains the steps to search, request, and obtain certified copies of those records whether you visit in person, send a mail request, or use online tools.
Alcona County Overview
Where to Get Alcona County Divorce Decree Records
The Circuit Court Clerk in Harrisville is the official keeper of Alcona County divorce decree records. Circuit Court Clerk Suzette Hawley maintains the case files, and County Clerk Stephany Eller handles related vital record functions. Divorce case files are public records and can be inspected at the Clerk's office during normal business hours. If you need a certified copy of an Alcona County divorce decree, you must request it directly from this office either in person or by mail.
| Address | PO Box 308, Harrisville, MI 48740 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (989) 724-9410 |
| Fax | (989) 724-9419 |
| Website | 23rd Circuit Court |
The 23rd Judicial Circuit is one of the largest circuits geographically in the state of Michigan. It covers Alcona, Arenac, Iosco, and Oscoda counties. This means that circuit judges travel across a wide area to hear cases, but each county's Clerk office keeps its own local divorce decree records. For Alcona County cases, the Harrisville office is the correct place to start your request.
Walk-in access is available during regular office hours. If you plan to visit, bring photo ID and the case details you know, such as the names of the parties and the approximate year the divorce was finalized. Staff can help locate older records going back to 1869.
How to Search Alcona County Divorce Decree Records Online
Michigan offers a statewide online case lookup tool called MiCOURT Case Search. You can use this portal to find Alcona County divorce cases by name, case number, or date range. MiCOURT shows basic case information, party names, filing dates, and case status. It does not provide the full text of a divorce decree, but it can confirm a case exists and give you the case number you need to request a certified copy.
The Alcona County website at alconacountymi.com also provides some court-related information. For the most current details on online access options for local records, check the 23rd Circuit Court page directly.
Note: MiCOURT is the primary free online tool for Michigan divorce case lookups, but certified copies must still be ordered from the county Clerk's office.
Fees for Certified Alcona County Divorce Decree Copies
The fee for a certified copy of an Alcona County divorce decree is $15 for the first copy. Each additional certified copy of the same record costs $5. These fees apply whether you request records in person or by mail. Payment must be made by check or money order payable to the Alcona County Clerk. Cash is not accepted for mail requests.
When you send a mail request, include the full names of both parties, the year the divorce was finalized, and the case number if you have it. A written request letter explaining what you need is helpful. Enclose your check or money order for the correct amount. If the search turns up no record, some offices may keep a portion of the fee, so call ahead to confirm the current policy before mailing payment.
Processing times for mail requests can vary. In a smaller county like Alcona, turnaround is often quicker than in large urban counties, but allow at least one to two weeks for your request to be processed and mailed back to you.
Michigan Divorce Laws and Alcona County Proceedings
Michigan is a no-fault divorce state. Under MCL 552.6, a divorce can be granted simply because the marriage has broken down and there is no reasonable chance it can be saved. Neither party has to prove fault or wrongdoing. This makes the legal process somewhat more straightforward, though divorce cases can still be complex when children or significant assets are involved.
Before filing in Alcona County, at least one spouse must meet the residency requirements under MCL 552.9. This means living in Michigan for 180 days and in Alcona County for at least 10 days before the case is filed. Divorces where no minor children are involved have a minimum 60-day waiting period from the date of filing before a judge can sign the final decree. When minor children are part of the case, that waiting period extends to 180 days.
The signed divorce decree, also called a judgment of divorce, is the controlling legal document. It covers property division, spousal support under MCL 552.13, and if applicable, matters like pension rights addressed under MCL 552.18. This document is different from the divorce certificate issued by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. MDHHS certificates confirm a divorce happened but do not contain the full terms of the decree.
Note: The MDHHS divorce certificate is a verification document only; the full signed decree with all terms is held exclusively by the Circuit Court Clerk.
What Alcona County Divorce Decree Records Contain
A divorce decree from the Alcona County Circuit Court is the complete judgment entered by the judge at the close of the case. It includes the names of both parties, the date the divorce was granted, and all terms the court ordered. Property division, real estate transfers, vehicle assignments, and the division of debts are spelled out in the decree. If the couple had minor children, the decree will include custody arrangements, parenting time schedules, and child support amounts.
Spousal support, if ordered, appears in the decree along with the amount, duration, and any conditions for modification or termination. Retirement accounts and pension benefits divided between spouses are addressed through a separate Qualified Domestic Relations Order, but the divorce decree itself will reference that arrangement.
Beyond the final judgment, the case file held by the Clerk may also include the original complaint, financial disclosure statements, and any motions or orders entered during the case. Some documents within the file, such as those containing Social Security numbers or detailed financial records of minor children, may be restricted under court rules. Parties to the case and their legal representatives can access sealed portions; members of the general public can view the public portions of the file at the Clerk's office.
Legal Help for Divorce in Alcona County
If you need help with a divorce case in Alcona County or have questions about your rights under the decree, several resources are available. Michigan Legal Help is a free online resource with plain-language guides, forms, and tools for people handling family law matters without an attorney. The site covers the divorce process from start to finish and includes instructions for common post-divorce issues like modifying custody or enforcing support orders.
For those who cannot afford an attorney, legal aid organizations serve northern Michigan and may be able to assist with Alcona County cases. Contact Michigan Legal Help for referrals to local legal aid providers. The State Bar of Michigan's lawyer referral service can also connect you with a licensed family law attorney in the area.
State-level vital records, including divorce certificates (not decrees), can be ordered through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Remember that MDHHS only holds certificates verifying that a divorce occurred; the full decree with all its terms is only available from the Alcona County Circuit Court Clerk.
Michigan Legal Help provides free guidance on divorce proceedings, decree requests, and post-divorce modifications for residents across all 83 Michigan counties including Alcona.
Nearby Counties
Alcona County borders several other northern Michigan counties. Each has its own Circuit Court Clerk for local divorce decree records.