Mackinac County Divorce Decree Records
Mackinac County divorce decree records are maintained by the 50th Circuit Court Clerk in St. Ignace, and this page covers how to search those records, request certified copies in person or by mail, and understand what information you will find in a Mackinac County divorce decree from one of Michigan's oldest counties.
Mackinac County Overview
Where to Get Mackinac County Divorce Decree Records
The 50th Circuit Court Clerk handles divorce decree records for Mackinac County. The courthouse is at 100 S. Marley, Room 10, St. Ignace, MI 49781. The main phone number is (906) 643-7300 and the Circuit Court can be reached directly at (906) 643-7305. Fax is available at (906) 643-7302. Hillary Vowell serves as County Clerk. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Both in-person and mail requests are accepted for certified copies of Mackinac County divorce decrees. For in-person visits, bring valid photo identification and, if available, the case number. Staff at Room 10 can help you locate the case and process the request on the spot.
For mail requests, write to the Mackinac County Clerk at 100 S. Marley, Room 10, St. Ignace, MI 49781. Include the full names of both parties, the year the divorce was finalized, the case number if you have it, and a check or money order payable to the Mackinac County Clerk. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return of your documents.
The image below shows the Mackinac County Clerk page, where you can find contact information and services related to divorce decree requests.
| Office | 50th Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 100 S. Marley, Room 10, St. Ignace, MI 49781 |
| Phone | (906) 643-7300 |
| Circuit Court Direct | (906) 643-7305 |
| Fax | (906) 643-7302 |
| Hours | Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM |
| First Certified Copy | $20.00 |
| Each Additional | $10.00 |
Searching Mackinac County Divorce Decree Records Online
Mackinac County does not have a local online case search tool. The statewide MiCOURT Case Search system is the primary online resource for locating case index information for Mackinac County divorce decrees. MiCOURT is maintained by the Michigan Supreme Court and covers all Michigan circuit courts.
To search MiCOURT, enter the name of one or both parties in the search fields. You can also search by case number if you already have it. Results show case names, filing dates, and basic case status. MiCOURT does not allow you to download the full decree. It is a starting point to identify cases before you make a formal records request.
Mackinac County is one of Michigan's oldest counties, with a history going back to the 1800s. Records from the 19th century and early 20th century may be in physical archives at the courthouse. For very old records, call ahead to confirm availability and ask about any special access procedures.
Because Mackinac County is a smaller, remote county, it is best to call the clerk's office before making a trip or sending a request. Staff can confirm whether a record exists and provide current fee information.
Fees for Mackinac County Divorce Decree Copies
A certified copy of a Mackinac County divorce decree costs $20.00 for the first copy. Each additional certified copy of the same document costs $10.00. These fees are higher than some other Michigan counties, so plan accordingly if you need multiple copies.
Mail payment by check or money order made payable to the Mackinac County Clerk. Do not send cash. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope. For in-person requests, have your identification ready and ask the clerk to confirm the total fee before paying. Processing times for mail requests typically run a few business days for recent records.
Note that birth records in Mackinac County are restricted to the individual, their parents, heirs, legal representatives, or guardians. This restriction applies to birth records specifically. Divorce decrees are court records and are generally accessible to the public, though the clerk can advise on any specific access limitations before you submit a request.
Note: Certified copy fees are $20.00 for the first copy and $10.00 for each additional copy. Call (906) 643-7305 to confirm fees before sending payment.
Michigan Divorce Law and Mackinac County
Michigan is a no-fault divorce state. Under MCL 552.6, no party has to prove fault to file for divorce. The legal standard is simply that the marriage has broken down and cannot be restored. Mackinac County divorces are filed with the 50th Circuit Court in St. Ignace.
Residency requirements under MCL 552.9 require at least one spouse to have lived in Michigan for 180 days and in Mackinac County for at least 10 days immediately before the complaint is filed.
Waiting periods apply before a final divorce decree can be entered. Cases without minor children require 60 days after filing. Cases involving minor children require at least 180 days. These periods allow time for the parties to negotiate and let the court address custody and support matters when needed.
Property is divided by the court according to equitable distribution principles. The final decree sets out how marital assets and debts are split, along with custody, parenting time, and support terms if children are part of the case. Under MCL 552.13, the court has broad authority to set and adjust financial terms in divorce proceedings.
What Mackinac County Divorce Decrees Contain
A Mackinac County divorce decree is the final court order ending a marriage. It is filed with the 50th Circuit Court Clerk and is distinct from a divorce certificate. The certificate is a vital record issued by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and serves different purposes than the court decree.
A Mackinac County divorce decree typically includes the names of both parties, the filing and judgment dates, the case number, and all terms the court ordered. Those terms can cover property division, debt allocation, spousal support, and if children are involved, legal and physical custody, parenting time schedules, and child support calculations. Cases with significant assets may also address pensions, retirement accounts, insurance, and tax-related matters.
Most divorce decrees in Mackinac County are public court records and accessible to anyone who requests them. Some information may be restricted if the case involved sensitive matters relating to minors or domestic violence. Ask the clerk about any access restrictions before submitting a formal request.
Mackinac County's long history means some records are quite old and may require extra time to locate. For genealogy work involving Mackinac County divorce records from the 19th century, the courthouse or the State Archives of Michigan may have the materials you need. Contact the clerk's office first to find out what they hold and what may be in the state archives.
Legal Help for Divorce in Mackinac County
Mackinac County is a small, remote county. Local legal services are limited. The 50th Circuit Court Clerk's office can provide forms and general procedural guidance but cannot give legal advice.
Michigan Legal Help is free and available online for all Michigan residents. It provides guided tools and plain-language explanations of the divorce process that work for people in any county, including remote Upper Peninsula counties like Mackinac. The site helps you identify the right forms and complete them correctly.
For more direct help, regional legal aid organizations serve Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The nearest legal aid office may be in Sault Ste. Marie or another nearby city. The clerk's office can provide referral information. If you want representation from a licensed family law attorney, the Michigan State Bar's lawyer referral service can connect you with someone who practices in the area.
If you need a divorce certificate rather than the court decree, contact the Michigan MDHHS Vital Records office directly. The MDHHS and the circuit court clerk handle different documents and you may need both for certain legal or administrative purposes.
Cities in Mackinac County
Mackinac County has no cities that meet the population threshold for a dedicated records page. The county seat is St. Ignace.
Nearby Counties
Counties near Mackinac in the eastern Upper Peninsula include: