Find Antrim County Divorce Decree Records
Antrim County divorce decree records are held by the County Clerk in Bellaire and the 13th Circuit Court, which serves Antrim, Grand Traverse, and Leelanau counties, and this guide explains how to search for and request certified copies of those records.
Antrim County Overview
Where to Get Antrim County Divorce Decree Records
The Antrim County Clerk in Bellaire is the official keeper of Antrim County divorce decree records. County Clerk Sheryl Guy and Chief Deputy Connie Wing handle vital records and court-related requests. Divorce, death, and marriage records have been maintained since 1867, and birth records since 1869. For the specific fee for divorce decree copies, call the Clerk's office directly at (231) 533-6353, as divorce pricing may differ from the standard vital records fee schedule.
| Address | PO Box 520, Bellaire, MI 49615 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (231) 533-6353 |
| Website | Antrim County |
Bellaire is a small village in the northwestern part of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, close to Elk Lake and not far from Traverse City. The courthouse serves residents throughout Antrim County's townships and communities. If you are traveling from a distance, it is worth calling ahead to confirm hours and any specific requirements for the type of record you need.
All employees at the Antrim County Clerk's office are notaries and can perform notary services free of charge during your visit. This is helpful if you need to have documents notarized as part of a record request process or for other legal matters. The office also has a request form for vital records that must be completed and signed before a search is conducted.
How to Search Antrim County Divorce Decree Records Online
The 13th Circuit Court covers three counties: Antrim, Grand Traverse, and Leelanau. Circuit court case information for all three is searchable through MiCOURT Case Search. Enter the names of the parties or a known case number to pull up basic case information. MiCOURT shows filing dates, case status, and party names for Antrim County divorce cases. It does not display the full text of the decree, but it confirms a case exists and provides the case number for use in a certified copy request.
The 13th Circuit Court page hosted by Grand Traverse County provides additional information about how the circuit operates across all three counties, including Antrim. The Antrim County main website at antrimcountymi.gov also has department contact information and may have downloadable forms for record requests.
The 13th Circuit Court page at Grand Traverse County's website covers court services for Antrim, Grand Traverse, and Leelanau counties, including information relevant to Antrim County divorce decree records.
Note: The 13th Circuit Court covers three counties; when requesting Antrim County divorce decree records specifically, make sure to specify Antrim County to get the correct office and file location.
Fees and How to Request Antrim County Divorce Decree Copies
Standard vital records at the Antrim County Clerk's office cost $10 for the first copy and $3 for each additional copy of the same record. However, divorce pricing may differ from this schedule. Call (231) 533-6353 to confirm the current fee for a certified copy of an Antrim County divorce decree before submitting your request. This avoids sending the wrong amount and having your request returned.
For mail requests, include the full names of both parties in the divorce, the year the divorce was finalized, and the case number if you have it. A completed and signed request form is required. Include a check or money order payable to the Antrim County Clerk for the amount confirmed by phone. Staff will contact you if any issue arises with your request.
In-person requests are processed at the office in Bellaire. Bring photo ID. Staff can look up case details if you do not have the case number, but more information makes the search faster. The office's notary services are available at no cost during your visit if needed.
Michigan Divorce Laws and Antrim County Proceedings
Antrim County divorce cases are heard in the 13th Circuit Court. Michigan's divorce law under MCL 552.6 establishes the no-fault standard. A marriage can be dissolved when there is a breakdown with no reasonable expectation of recovery. Neither party has to prove fault. This applies to all 83 Michigan counties including Antrim.
Residency requirements under MCL 552.9 apply before a case can be filed in Antrim County. At least one party must have lived in Michigan for 180 days and in Antrim County for 10 days. After filing, a waiting period is imposed. Cases without minor children wait 60 days. Cases involving minor children require 180 days before the judge can sign the final decree.
The decree entered by the 13th Circuit Court is the binding legal document that governs the terms of the divorce. Property division is covered in full. Spousal support, if ordered, is set under MCL 552.13. Pension and retirement rights are addressed under MCL 552.18. The decree signed by the judge and filed with the Antrim County Clerk is the official record of all these terms.
What Antrim County Divorce Decree Records Contain
An Antrim County divorce decree is the final judgment entered in the case by the circuit court judge. It names both parties and gives the date the divorce was granted. All terms the court ordered are set out in the document, including how property is divided, which spouse receives which assets, and how debts are allocated between the parties. If the couple owned real estate, the decree will specify how the property is handled, whether it is to be sold or transferred to one party.
When minor children are part of the case, the decree includes custody orders, parenting time arrangements, child support amounts, and provisions for medical coverage. These orders are immediately binding and enforceable through the Friend of the Court in Antrim County. If either party fails to comply, the other can return to court to enforce the decree.
Beyond the signed judgment of divorce, the Clerk's office holds the complete case file. This includes the original complaint, any motions and hearings during the case, financial disclosures, and temporary orders. Financial records and documents involving minor children may have restricted access under Michigan court rules. The final judgment itself is fully public. It is different from the MDHHS divorce certificate available through MDHHS Vital Records, which is only a verification of the event and does not contain the court's ordered terms.
Legal Help for Divorce in Antrim County
Residents of Antrim County who need help with a divorce case or who have questions about an existing decree can turn to Michigan Legal Help. This free site covers the divorce process in plain language, provides forms, and includes interactive tools that walk users through common family law situations. It also covers post-decree matters like custody modifications, support enforcement, and property disputes.
Legal aid organizations serving northern Michigan may assist with Antrim County cases for those who qualify based on income. Michigan Legal Help can provide current referral information for area legal aid programs. Private attorneys in Grand Traverse County and the surrounding area often serve Antrim County clients. The State Bar of Michigan's lawyer referral service is a good starting point for finding a licensed family law attorney nearby.
Mail requests for Antrim County divorce decree records should include the party names, case year, a copy of your photo ID, and payment made out to the Antrim County Clerk in Bellaire.
Nearby Counties
Antrim County is in the northwest Lower Peninsula, bordered by counties that each maintain separate divorce decree records with their own circuit courts.