Monroe County Divorce Decree Records
Monroe County divorce decree records go back to the 1820s and are maintained by the 38th Circuit Court Clerk in Monroe, and this page covers how to search those records, request certified copies in person or by mail, and understand the legal framework governing divorce filings in this southeastern Michigan county that borders both Ohio and Lake Erie.
Monroe County Overview
Where to Get Monroe County Divorce Decree Records
The 38th Circuit Court Clerk in Monroe handles divorce decree records for Monroe County. The courthouse is at 106 E. First Street, Monroe, MI 48161. The clerk's general phone is (734) 240-7020 and the Circuit Court can be reached at (734) 240-7346. Both in-person and mail requests are accepted.
Monroe County is one of Michigan's oldest counties, organized in 1817. The county seat, Monroe, sits near the Ohio state line and the western shore of Lake Erie. The 38th Circuit Court handles all family law matters for the county, including divorce filings. Records from this county's long history make it particularly valuable for genealogy research.
For in-person requests, visit 106 E. First Street during regular business hours. Bring valid photo identification and the case number if you have it. Staff can locate the case and process your request while you wait. For mail requests, send a written request to the Monroe County Clerk at 106 E. First Street, Monroe, MI 48161. Include the full names of both parties, the year of the divorce, the case number if available, and a check or money order payable to the Monroe County Clerk. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
The image below shows the official Monroe County website, which provides contact information and access links for the circuit court and clerk's office.
| Office | 38th Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 106 E. First Street, Monroe, MI 48161 |
| General Phone | (734) 240-7020 |
| Circuit Court Phone | (734) 240-7346 |
Searching Monroe County Divorce Decree Records Online
The statewide MiCOURT Case Search system is the best online tool for searching Monroe County divorce decree cases. MiCOURT is run by the Michigan Supreme Court and covers circuit court filings across all 83 Michigan counties, including Monroe. Search by party name or case number to find basic case index information.
MiCOURT provides case names, filing dates, and basic status information. It does not let you download the actual decree. Once you identify a case number, contact the 38th Circuit Court Clerk to request a certified copy. Having the case number in hand makes the process much faster.
Monroe County's records dating to the 1820s are valuable for genealogy research. For very old records from the 19th century, some materials may be in physical archives and require additional time to retrieve. Call the clerk's office before visiting if you are looking for records from the 1800s to confirm what is available and how long retrieval might take.
The image below shows the Michigan order-by-mail option for certified divorce records, which can be used as an alternative to visiting the courthouse in Monroe.
Fees for Monroe County Divorce Decree Copies
Call the Monroe County Clerk at (734) 240-7020 or the Circuit Court at (734) 240-7346 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.
For mail requests, make payment by check or money order payable to the Monroe County Clerk. Do not send cash through the mail. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return of your documents. Incomplete requests may be delayed or returned. Recent records are typically processed within a few business days. Historical records may take additional time to retrieve.
In-person requests at the Monroe courthouse are generally the fastest option. Bring valid identification and be prepared to pay by check or money order. Staff can confirm the current fee and process your request on site.
Note: Call (734) 240-7346 to confirm current fees before mailing a payment. Court fees may change under state statute or local court rules.
Michigan Divorce Law and the 38th Circuit Court
Michigan is a no-fault divorce state. Under MCL 552.6, neither party has to prove fault or misconduct to obtain a divorce. The legal standard is that the marriage has broken down and cannot be restored. Monroe County divorces are filed with the 38th Circuit Court.
Residency requirements under MCL 552.9 require at least one spouse to have lived in Michigan for 180 days and in Monroe County for at least 10 days before filing the complaint. Michigan's residency requirements are the same in every county.
Mandatory waiting periods apply. Cases without minor children require 60 days after the complaint is filed. Cases with minor children require at least 180 days before the court can enter a final decree. Once the waiting period is met and all issues are resolved, the judge signs the final decree. That signed order is the Monroe County divorce decree you can request certified copies of from the 38th Circuit Court Clerk.
Property is divided according to equitable distribution. The court considers the length of the marriage, contributions of both spouses, and their respective economic situations. Under MCL 552.18, property acquired during the marriage is generally treated as marital property subject to division. Spousal support may also be ordered based on the facts of the case.
What Monroe County Divorce Decrees Contain
A Monroe County divorce decree is the final signed court order ending a marriage. It is filed with the 38th Circuit Court Clerk and is a court document, not a vital record. The divorce certificate is a separate vital record issued by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
Monroe County divorce decrees typically include the names of both parties, the filing and judgment dates, the case number, and all terms the court ordered. Those terms cover property and debt division, spousal support if ordered, and when children are involved, legal and physical custody, parenting time schedules, and child support calculations. More complex cases may address pensions, retirement accounts, real estate transfers, insurance, and tax dependency matters.
Most Monroe County divorce decrees are public court records and accessible to anyone who requests them. Some content may be restricted in cases involving domestic violence protections or sensitive details about minor children. The clerk's office can advise on any access restrictions before you submit a formal request.
Monroe County's records dating to the 1820s make this a particularly rich source for genealogy research into southeastern Michigan and Ohio border area families. For very old records, the clerk's office or the State Archives of Michigan may hold relevant materials. Contact the clerk first to find out what they have on site.
Legal Help for Divorce in Monroe County
The 38th 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 court clerks statewide.
Michigan Legal Help is a free online resource for all Michigan residents. It provides guided tools to help you identify the right forms and understand the steps in the divorce process. It is a useful resource for Monroe County residents handling a straightforward uncontested divorce.
Legal aid organizations serving southeastern Michigan may assist qualifying low-income Monroe County residents with family law matters. Contact the 38th Circuit Court for current referral information. If you need certified vital records such as a divorce certificate rather than the court decree, use the VitalChek service or contact the Michigan MDHHS Vital Records office directly.
Cities in Monroe County
Monroe County has no cities that meet the population threshold for a dedicated records page. The county seat is the city of Monroe.
Nearby Counties
Counties near Monroe in southeastern Michigan include: