Van Buren County Divorce Decree Records
Van Buren County divorce decree records are maintained by the County Clerk at 212 E. Paw Paw Street in Paw Paw, which serves as the Clerk of Circuit Court and Register of County Vital Statistics. The 36th Circuit Court handles all divorce matters in this southwest Michigan county, with records going back to 1857. Certified divorce copies cost $15.00 for the first copy and $5.00 for each additional copy of the same record. An online Vital Records Request Form is also available for mail requests.
Van Buren County Overview
County Clerk and 36th Circuit Court
The Van Buren County Clerk in Paw Paw handles divorce decree records, vital statistics, and circuit court filings all through one office. The Clerk also functions as the Register of County Vital Statistics, so births from 1867, deaths from 1867, and marriages from 1836 are all managed here alongside divorce records from 1857.
| Office | Van Buren County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 212 E. Paw Paw Street, Paw Paw, MI 49079 |
| Phone (Clerk) | (269) 657-8218, Option 6 |
| Fax | (269) 657-8298 |
| clerk@vanburencountymi.gov | |
| District Court (Paw Paw) | (269) 657-8222 |
| District Court (South Haven) | (269) 637-5258 |
| Hours | Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Website | vanburencountymi.gov |
To request a certified divorce record, you need the full names of both spouses and the year of divorce. A case number helps but is not required. An online Vital Records Request Form is available through the county website for mail requests. For birth records, note that those are restricted and not publicly available. Probate matters like estates and guardianships are handled separately from the circuit court.
Michigan MDHHS Vital Records handles state divorce certificates separately from the court-held divorce decree records.
MDHHS Vital Records issues divorce certificates at the state level, separate from the full divorce decree documents held by the Van Buren County Clerk in Paw Paw.
Searching Van Buren Cases Online
The statewide MiCOURT Case Search system includes 36th Circuit Court cases from Van Buren County. You can search free by party name or case number. MiCOURT shows case details like filing date and parties but does not provide the actual documents.
For a certified copy of the divorce decree, use the online Vital Records Request Form on the county website and mail it to the Clerk's office, or call (269) 657-8218, Option 6. You can also email clerk@vanburencountymi.gov for guidance on what to submit. Older cases from 1857 through the early 20th century may require a manual search.
Michigan Divorce Law in Van Buren County
Van Buren County follows Michigan's no-fault divorce law. Under MCL 552.6, either spouse may file for divorce by stating the marriage has broken down and there is no reasonable likelihood it can be saved. No proof of fault is needed. This applies at the 36th Circuit Court in Paw Paw just as everywhere else in Michigan.
Residency is required before filing. MCL 552.9 requires at least one spouse to have lived in Michigan for 180 days and in Van Buren County for at least 10 days before the complaint is submitted to the Clerk.
Once filed, waiting periods apply. Divorces without minor children require a minimum 60-day wait before the court can issue the final decree. Cases with minor children require 180 days. Neither period can be waived without specific court action. Van Buren County has two District Courts: the 7th District Court in Paw Paw at (269) 657-8222 and a second location in South Haven at (269) 637-5258. These handle lower-level civil and criminal matters, while the 36th Circuit Court handles divorce. Once the judge signs and the Clerk files the final decree, it becomes a public court record available by request.
Decree vs. Certificate: Which One Do You Need
Two records, two purposes. The question is which one fits your situation.
The divorce decree is the full court order from the 36th Circuit Court judge. It contains every term of the divorce, including property division, debt allocation, custody, and support. If you need to show a financial institution, attorney, or court exactly what was ordered, you need the decree. Request it from the County Clerk at 212 E. Paw Paw Street. Cost is $15.00 for the first certified copy, $5.00 for each additional.
The divorce certificate is a shorter vital record from Michigan MDHHS Vital Records. It confirms a divorce took place and lists the parties and date. For most administrative uses, the certificate works. You can order it through VitalChek online.
What Is in a Van Buren County Divorce Decree
The final divorce decree from the 36th Circuit Court is a detailed legal document. It names both parties in full, states the legal end date of the marriage, and contains all terms the court ordered or the parties agreed to. Real property, vehicles, bank accounts, and debt responsibilities are covered for most cases.
When minor children are involved, the decree addresses legal and physical custody, parenting time, child support amounts, and health insurance. Spousal support terms are specified if ordered, including amount, duration, and conditions for modification. Retirement account splits may involve a Qualified Domestic Relations Order attached to or referenced in the decree. The signed decree is filed with the Clerk and becomes a permanent public record accessible from the Paw Paw courthouse.
Legal Help in Van Buren County
Michigan Legal Help offers free guides and self-help tools for Michigan divorce cases. It's a practical resource for people who want to handle a straightforward case on their own or just want to understand the process before hiring an attorney.
For cases requiring an attorney, the State Bar of Michigan's referral service can connect you with family law practitioners in southwest Michigan. Some offer free initial consultations. The Clerk's office can answer procedural questions but cannot provide legal advice about your specific case.
Cities in Van Buren County
Paw Paw is the county seat of Van Buren County. No cities in Van Buren County meet the population threshold for a dedicated records page on this site. All residents request divorce decree records through the County Clerk at 212 E. Paw Paw Street.
Nearby Counties
Van Buren County is in southwest Michigan, adjacent to several other counties with their own circuit courts.