Oakland County Divorce Decree Records
Oakland County divorce decree records are maintained by the 6th Circuit Court in Pontiac, one of the busiest circuit courts in Michigan, and this page explains how to search those records using the county's Court Explorer tool, how to request certified copies in person or by mail, what the decrees contain, and where to get legal help for cases filed in this large southeast Michigan county.
Oakland County Overview
Where to Get Oakland County Divorce Decree Records
The 6th Circuit Court in Pontiac handles all divorce cases filed in Oakland County. The main courthouse is at 1200 N. Telegraph Rd., Pontiac, MI 48341. The general circuit court line is (248) 858-1000, and the Family Division can be reached at (248) 858-0344. For records and certified copy requests, call (248) 858-0735. Oakland County was organized in 1819, and court records date back to the 1820s, making it one of the oldest circuit courts in the state.
Certified copies of Oakland County divorce decrees cost $10.00 per document. Uncertified page copies are $1.00 per page. Payment can be made in person at the courthouse. For mail requests, contact the office first to confirm the current accepted payment methods and any specific request forms required.
Oakland County also maintains a satellite office in Troy at 1151 Crooks Road, Troy, MI 48084, reachable at (248) 858-0571. This location offers convenience for residents in the eastern part of the county, including those in Troy, Rochester Hills, and other eastern Oakland communities. Note that appointments are required at the Troy location. Do not show up without calling ahead.
The county's main website at oakgov.com has full contact listings for both the main courthouse and the satellite office, along with department directories and links to online services.
| Office | 6th Circuit Court / Family Division |
|---|---|
| Main Address | 1200 N. Telegraph Rd., Pontiac, MI 48341 |
| Records Phone | (248) 858-0735 |
| Family Division | (248) 858-0344 |
| Troy Satellite | 1151 Crooks Rd., Troy, MI 48084 (by appointment) |
| Troy Phone | (248) 858-0571 |
| Certified Copy Fee | $10.00 per document |
| Per Page Copy | $1.00 per page |
| Methods | In-person, mail, Court Explorer online, satellite office |
Searching Oakland County Divorce Records with Court Explorer
Oakland County provides a free online case search tool called Court Explorer. This tool lets you search for Oakland County divorce decree cases by party name or case number without going to the courthouse. Court Explorer is maintained by Oakland County and is available at no cost to anyone with internet access.
When searching for divorce cases in Court Explorer, use the case type codes that Oakland County uses for family law. Divorce cases with minor children use the code "DM," and divorce cases without children use "DO." Knowing these codes can help you filter results and confirm you have the right case before submitting a records request.
The screenshot below shows the Court Explorer search interface for Oakland County divorce decree cases.
Court Explorer shows case index information including filing dates, case numbers, and party names. It does not provide full document access. To get a certified copy of the actual Oakland County divorce decree, you still need to contact the 6th Circuit Court and submit a formal request. But Court Explorer is a fast way to confirm a case number before you do that.
For cases not appearing in Court Explorer, use the statewide MiCOURT Case Search system as a backup. MiCOURT covers all Michigan circuit courts and may show cases that are not yet in Court Explorer.
Michigan Divorce Law in Oakland County
Michigan is a no-fault divorce state. Under MCL 552.6, neither party needs to prove fault to get a divorce. The legal ground is simply a breakdown of the marriage to the point where the objects of matrimony have been destroyed with no reasonable chance of restoration. This standard is the same throughout Michigan and applies to every Oakland County divorce decree case.
Residency requirements under MCL 552.9 require one spouse to have lived in Michigan for 180 days and in Oakland County for at least 10 days before filing. The case is filed with the 6th Circuit Court in Pontiac. If you live in Troy or Southfield, you still file with the circuit court in Pontiac, though you may be able to use the Troy satellite office for some services.
Waiting periods apply before a divorce can be finalized. Cases without minor children must wait at least 60 days from filing. Cases with minor children require a 180-day wait. Courts can shorten the 180-day period in cases of hardship or special circumstances. With Oakland County being one of Michigan's largest and most active circuit courts, the case load is significant, and scheduling realistic timelines is important.
The final Oakland County divorce decree covers all the terms the judge ordered. Property and debt division, any spousal support, custody arrangements if children are involved, parenting time schedules, and child support amounts are all in the decree. Once signed, it is a binding court order. Use a certified copy for name changes, property transfers, insurance updates, and other legal purposes that require proof of the divorce terms.
What Oakland County Divorce Decrees Contain
A divorce decree is the final circuit court order dissolving a marriage. It is not a vital record. The Michigan MDHHS issues a separate divorce certificate. The two documents are different and serve different purposes. The decree has the full terms of the case; the certificate is a shorter official record confirming the divorce happened.
An Oakland County divorce decree will include both parties' full legal names, the case number, the county and date of filing, the date the judge signed the order, and all the terms the court imposed. Property and debt division, spousal support if ordered, and for cases with children, custody type, parenting time, and child support figures are included. More complex Oakland County cases may also address retirement account division under a qualified domestic relations order, health insurance continuation, and other financial provisions.
Most Oakland County divorce decree records are public. Any person can request a copy. Some records are sealed when they involve domestic violence, juvenile records, or sensitive personal information. Before requesting a specific file, ask the 6th Circuit Court clerk whether the record is fully accessible or whether any portion is sealed.
For a divorce certificate rather than the court decree, contact the Michigan MDHHS Vital Records office or order through VitalChek. Both are handled separately from the circuit court, and many people need both documents at different points after a divorce.
Troy Satellite Office for Oakland County Records
The 6th Circuit Court maintains a satellite office at 1151 Crooks Road, Troy, MI 48084 to serve residents in the eastern part of Oakland County. This office handles some records requests and family division matters. Call (248) 858-0571 before visiting. Appointments are required. Walk-ins are not accommodated.
The Troy satellite offers convenience for people in Troy, Rochester Hills, Sterling Heights area residents who have Oakland County cases, and others in the eastern Oakland area who would otherwise need to drive to Pontiac. Confirm with the office by phone what specific services are available at Troy versus at the main Pontiac courthouse before making the trip.
Note: The Troy satellite office at 1151 Crooks Road, Troy, MI 48084 requires an appointment. Call (248) 858-0571 before visiting. Do not arrive without scheduling ahead.
Legal Help for Divorce in Oakland County
Oakland County has strong legal resources for people going through a divorce. The 6th Circuit Court clerk's office can provide forms and explain filing procedures, though staff cannot give legal advice. For legal guidance, several options exist.
Michigan Legal Help is a free nonprofit site that walks through the full Michigan divorce process. It has guided interviews that help you complete the right forms and understand what to expect at each stage. It is well-suited for people handling a divorce without an attorney.
Oakland County has a well-developed legal community. The Oakland County Bar Association maintains a lawyer referral service for people who want to hire a family law attorney. Legal aid organizations serving southeast Michigan may assist residents who qualify based on income. Check Michigan Legal Help or call the 6th Circuit Court Family Division at (248) 858-0344 for current referral resources. The Friend of the Court office is also a key contact for parents dealing with custody or support issues tied to their Oakland County divorce decree.
Cities in Oakland County
Oakland County includes several large cities. The following cities have dedicated divorce decree records pages on this site:
Nearby Counties
Oakland County borders several large southeast Michigan counties. Each has a dedicated records page: