Marquette County Divorce Decree Records
Marquette County divorce decree records are maintained by the 25th Circuit Court Clerk in Marquette, and as the largest county in Michigan by land area and the hub of the Upper Peninsula, this page covers how to search those records, request certified copies, and understand the fees and procedures at the Marquette courthouse.
Marquette County Overview
Where to Get Marquette County Divorce Decree Records
The 25th Circuit Court Clerk handles divorce decree records for Marquette County. The courthouse is at 234 W. Baraga Avenue, Marquette, MI 49855. The general clerk's office phone is (906) 225-8330 and the Circuit Court can be reached at (906) 225-8205. Both in-person and mail requests are accepted.
Marquette is the largest city in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and the county seat of Marquette County, the largest county in the state by land area. The 25th Circuit Court handles a significant volume of family law cases for the region, including divorces from residents across this large, geographically spread county.
For in-person requests, visit the courthouse at 234 W. Baraga Avenue during business hours. Bring valid photo identification and the case number if you have it. Staff can locate cases and process requests on site. For mail requests, send a written request to the same address with the full names of both parties, the case number if available, the year the divorce was finalized, and a check or money order payable to the Marquette County Clerk. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
The image below shows the official Marquette County website, which provides contact information and access to the circuit court and clerk's office.
| Office | 25th Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 234 W. Baraga Avenue, Marquette, MI 49855 |
| General Phone | (906) 225-8330 |
| Circuit Court Phone | (906) 225-8205 |
Searching Marquette County Divorce Decree Records Online
The statewide MiCOURT Case Search system covers Marquette County circuit court cases. MiCOURT is run by the Michigan Supreme Court and provides public access to case index data across all Michigan circuits. Search by party name or case number to find basic case information for Marquette County divorce decrees.
MiCOURT shows party names, filing dates, and case status. It does not let you download the full decree. Once you find a case number, contact the 25th Circuit Court Clerk to request a certified copy. Having the case number ready makes the request process straightforward and reduces processing time.
Marquette County has records going back to the 1850s when the county was formally organized. For historical records from the 19th century, the clerk may need to search physical archives. Call (906) 225-8205 ahead of time if you are looking for older records so staff can check availability and let you know what to expect.
The image below shows the Michigan MDHHS vital records page, which handles divorce certificates. This is a separate document from the court decree and is obtained from a different source.
Fees for Marquette County Divorce Decree Copies
Call the 25th Circuit Court at (906) 225-8205 before submitting a mail request to confirm current fees. Michigan's standard fees for certified copies of civil court records typically run between $10 and $20 for a first copy, with per-page charges for longer documents. Fees are set by statute and local court rules and may change over time.
For mail requests, make payment by check or money order payable to the Marquette County Clerk. Do not send cash. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return of your documents. Complete requests are generally processed within a few business days for recent records. Older archived records may take longer.
In-person requests at the Marquette courthouse are typically the fastest option. Bring valid photo identification and be ready to pay by check or money order. Staff can confirm the fee on the spot and process your request while you wait.
Note: Call (906) 225-8205 to confirm current fees before sending a mail request. Fees may vary by document type and length.
Michigan Divorce Law and the 25th Circuit Court
Michigan is a no-fault divorce state. Under MCL 552.6, no one has to prove fault or misconduct to file for divorce. The legal standard is that the marriage has broken down and the relationship cannot be restored. Marquette County divorces are filed with the 25th Circuit Court in Marquette.
Residency requirements under MCL 552.9 require at least one spouse to have lived in Michigan for 180 days and in Marquette County for at least 10 days before filing. These requirements apply uniformly across all Michigan counties.
Waiting periods are mandatory. Cases without minor children require 60 days after filing. Cases involving children require at least 180 days before the judge can sign a final decree. These waiting periods exist to allow time for settlement negotiations and to give the court time to address custody and support matters when children are part of the case.
Property is divided according to equitable distribution principles. The final decree sets out how all marital property and debts are split, along with any custody, support, and parenting time terms. Under MCL 552.13, the court retains broad authority to set and adjust financial terms in divorce proceedings.
What Marquette County Divorce Decrees Contain
A Marquette County divorce decree is the final signed court order ending a marriage. It is a court document filed with the 25th Circuit Court Clerk, distinct from a divorce certificate issued by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
Divorce decrees from Marquette County typically include the names of both parties, the case number, the filing and judgment dates, and all the terms the court ordered. Those terms cover property and debt division, any spousal support orders, and if children are involved, legal and physical custody, parenting time schedules, and child support calculations. More complex cases may also address pension division, insurance obligations, real estate transfers, and other financial matters specific to the case.
Most Marquette County divorce decrees are public court records. Some content may be restricted in cases involving domestic violence protections or sensitive information about minor children. The clerk's office can advise on access restrictions before you submit a request.
Marquette County's records from the 1850s make it a useful source for genealogy and historical research on Upper Peninsula families. Researchers can request older records through the same channels as recent ones, though very old records may require extra time to locate and retrieve from physical archives.
Legal Help for Divorce in Marquette County
The 25th Circuit Court Clerk's office provides forms and procedural information. Staff cannot give legal advice under Michigan court rules. That rule applies to all Michigan courts.
Michigan Legal Help is free online for all Michigan residents. It walks you through the divorce process with guided tools that help you complete the right forms and understand each step. It is a strong resource for self-represented people in Marquette County and across the Upper Peninsula.
Legal aid organizations serving the Upper Peninsula have offices or coverage that includes Marquette County. Northern Michigan legal aid providers can assist qualifying low-income residents with family law matters. Contact the 25th Circuit Court for current referral information. The Michigan State Bar's lawyer referral service can also connect you with a licensed family law attorney who practices in the Marquette area.
If you need a divorce certificate rather than a court decree, contact the Michigan MDHHS Vital Records office. The two documents serve different purposes and come from different state offices.
Cities in Marquette County
Marquette County has no cities that meet the population threshold for a dedicated records page. The county seat is the city of Marquette, which is the largest city in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
Nearby Counties
Counties near Marquette in the Upper Peninsula include: