Find Livingston County Divorce Decree Records
Livingston County divorce decree records are maintained by the 44th Circuit Court Clerk in Howell, and this page covers how to search those records, request certified copies in person or by mail, and understand the laws and procedures that apply to divorce filings in this fast-growing southeast Michigan county.
Livingston County Overview
Where to Get Livingston County Divorce Decree Records
The 44th Circuit Court Clerk in Howell is the official keeper of divorce decree records for Livingston County. The courthouse address is 204 S. Highlander Way, Howell, MI 48843. The general phone number is (517) 546-0270 and the Circuit Court can be reached directly at (517) 546-8070.
Both in-person and mail requests are accepted for certified copies of Livingston County divorce decrees. For in-person requests, visit the clerk's office during business hours. Bring valid photo identification and, if you have it, the case number. For mail requests, send a written request with the full names of both parties, the year the divorce was finalized, the case number if available, and a check or money order payable to the Livingston County Clerk. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return of your documents.
Contact the clerk's office by phone to confirm current fees before submitting a mail request. Standard Michigan fees for certified copies of civil judgments typically run between $10 and $20. The circuit court phone at (517) 546-8070 is the best starting point.
| Office | 44th Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 204 S. Highlander Way, Howell, MI 48843 |
| General Phone | (517) 546-0270 |
| Circuit Court Phone | (517) 546-8070 |
Searching Livingston County Divorce Decree Records Online
The primary online tool for searching Livingston County divorce decree cases is the statewide MiCOURT Case Search system. MiCOURT is run by the Michigan Supreme Court and covers circuit court filings across the state, including the 44th Circuit Court in Livingston County. You can search by party name or case number and get basic case index information at no charge.
The image below shows the MiCOURT case search interface, which is the main online tool for finding Livingston County divorce decree case information.
MiCOURT shows case names, filing dates, and basic status information. It does not let you view or download the full decree. Once you find a case number using MiCOURT, contact the 44th Circuit Court Clerk to request a certified copy of the full document.
Livingston County is one of the more populous counties in southeastern Michigan. Its court records go back to the 1840s, though electronic records extend only so far. For older records, the clerk's office may need to search physical archives. Having approximate dates and full party names helps speed up the search.
Fees for Livingston County Divorce Decree Copies
Call the 44th Circuit Court at (517) 546-8070 to confirm current fees before submitting a request. Michigan's standard fees for certified copies of civil court judgments typically run between $10 and $20 for a first copy, with additional per-page charges for longer documents.
For mail requests, make your payment by check or money order. Do not send cash. Address the check to the Livingston County Clerk. Include the full names of both parties, the divorce year, the case number if you have it, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Incomplete requests will be returned or delayed.
In-person requests at the Howell courthouse are generally faster. Staff can help you confirm the case, calculate the fee, and process your request on the spot. For time-sensitive needs, in-person pickup is the best option.
Note: Always confirm current fees by calling (517) 546-8070 before mailing payment. Fees may change and are set by state statute and local court rules.
Michigan Divorce Law in Livingston County
Michigan is a no-fault divorce state. Under MCL 552.6, neither spouse has to prove fault to seek a divorce. The legal standard is simply that the marriage has broken down and the relationship cannot be restored. Livingston County divorces are filed at the 44th Circuit Court in Howell.
Residency requirements under MCL 552.9 require at least one spouse to have lived in Michigan for 180 days and in Livingston County for at least 10 days immediately before filing. These requirements are relatively easy to meet for permanent residents but can matter for people who have recently moved to the county.
A mandatory waiting period applies before the court can enter a final decree. Cases without minor children require 60 days after filing. Cases involving minor children require at least 180 days. These waiting periods give both parties time to negotiate and let the court review custody and support arrangements when children are part of the case.
Property division follows equitable distribution principles. The court divides marital assets and debts in a way it determines is fair, considering factors like length of the marriage, financial contributions, and each party's earning capacity. Spousal support may also be ordered depending on the circumstances of the case.
What Is in a Livingston County Divorce Decree
A Livingston County divorce decree is the final signed court order that ends a marriage. It is filed with the 44th Circuit Court Clerk and is a court document, not a vital record. The divorce certificate, which is a separate vital record, is issued by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
Livingston County divorce decrees typically include the full names of both parties, the filing date, the case number, the date the judge signed the order, and all the terms of the dissolution. Those terms cover how marital property is divided, how debts are split, whether spousal support is ordered, and if children are involved, legal custody, physical custody, parenting time schedules, and child support amounts. More complex cases may also address pensions, retirement accounts, health insurance, and tax matters.
Most Livingston County divorce decrees are public records and can be accessed by anyone. Some content may be sealed if the case involved sensitive matters relating to minor children or domestic violence. The clerk's office can advise you on access restrictions for a specific record before you submit a formal request.
For a divorce certificate rather than the court decree, contact the Michigan MDHHS Vital Records office. These are different documents and come from different offices.
Legal Help for Divorce in Livingston County
The 44th Circuit Court Clerk's office can provide forms and general information. Clerks cannot give legal advice. That rule applies statewide under Michigan court rules.
Michigan Legal Help is available free online to all Michigan residents. It provides guided tools that help you identify the right forms, understand the steps in the process, and prepare your paperwork correctly. It is a strong resource for self-represented people in Livingston County.
Legal aid organizations that serve southeastern Michigan may be able to help qualifying residents. Contact the court clerk for referral information or check the Michigan Legal Help website for a list of legal aid providers serving Livingston County. The Michigan State Bar's lawyer referral service can also connect you with a licensed family law attorney who practices in the Howell area.
Cities in Livingston County
Livingston County has no cities that meet the population threshold for a dedicated records page. The county seat is the city of Howell.
Nearby Counties
Counties near Livingston with divorce decree record pages include: