Wexford County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Wexford County in 2026
WexfordRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Wexford County, Michigan. Members of the public may find case numbers, party names, filing dates, final decrees, and related court documents. Available record categories may include:
- Divorce decrees and judgments
- Family court case filings
- Property settlement agreements
- Child custody and support orders
- Post-judgment modification records
Records can be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking divorce records in Wexford County.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The MiCOURT Case Search portal is the most common method for locating divorce case information in Michigan. As noted by the Michigan court system, "The information available here is presented on-line for informational use only and does not replace the official record on file with the court." Basic case information is available at no charge; fees apply for obtaining copies of documents.
2. State Vital Records
Michigan's Vital Records office through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) maintains divorce records as part of its vital records system. The state registers divorce records alongside birth, death, and marriage records. Fees apply for certified copies obtained through this office.
Members of the public may also order a record online through the state's authorized vendor, VitalChek. Restrictions apply: individuals may request their own records, and certain records require documentation of eligibility.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Family Division:
Wexford County Clerk's Office
437 E. Division Street
Cadillac, MI 49601
Phone: (231) 779-9450
Wexford County Clerk
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Services available in person:
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees
- Staff assistance for locating records
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Wexford County Clerk's Office, 437 E. Division Street, P.O. Box 303, Cadillac, MI 49601
- Include the following with each request:
- Full names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number (if known)
- Requester's contact information
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return
- Processing time: Requests are processed within approximately 1–2 weeks, depending on volume and record age.
By Phone
Limited Information Available:
- Wexford County Clerk: (231) 779-9450
- Staff can confirm:
- Whether a case exists
- Case number
- Case status
- Filing date
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents
- Copies of filed documents
- Confidential or restricted information
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Michigan can access divorce case files, request sealed documents upon proper showing, and obtain certified copies on behalf of a client. The State Bar of Michigan provides a lawyer referral service for individuals who require professional assistance with complex or sealed records.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses in Michigan
- Names of children, if applicable
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Divorce proceedings in Michigan are filed in the county where either spouse resided at the time of filing. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple counties. A divorce cannot be located by searching the county where the marriage ceremony occurred unless one spouse also resided there.
Under Michigan law, at least one spouse must have been a resident of the state for a minimum of 180 days and a resident of the filing county for at least 10 days prior to filing, as required by MCL § 552.9.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Records may not appear in online systems immediately following a final hearing
- Allow several days to weeks for processing after the court enters a final judgment
Older Divorces:
- Records predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format
- Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time
- Not all historical records have been digitized
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- Incorrect county searched
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- Case still pending and not yet finalized
- Very old records held in off-site storage
- Case sealed by court order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Wexford County Clerk at (231) 779-9450
- Attempt alternate name spellings
- Search under both spouses' names
- Check the Michigan MDHHS vital records portal
- Consult a licensed Michigan attorney
What Are Wexford County Divorce Records?
Wexford County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings filed in the Wexford County Circuit Court's Family Division. These records constitute part of the public court file and are maintained by the Wexford County Clerk's Office as the primary custodian.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files include the full range of documents filed during litigation:
- Petition for divorce (complaint)
- Response or answer to the petition
- Financial affidavits from both parties
- Parenting plans and custody agreements
- Settlement agreements
- Motions, orders, and hearing transcripts
- Final judgment of divorce
Final Decree of Divorce is the official court order dissolving the marriage. It establishes the date of dissolution, division of marital property, spousal support terms (if any), child custody and parenting time arrangements, child support orders, and any court-ordered name changes. Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Wexford County Clerk's Office.
Supporting Documents filed in the case may include marriage certificates submitted as exhibits, financial disclosure statements, property inventories, appraisals, and any post-judgment modification orders entered after the original decree.
Purpose of Divorce Records:
Divorce records serve numerous legal and personal purposes, including:
- Providing proof of marital status for remarriage
- Supporting name change documentation
- Facilitating property transfers and estate planning
- Documenting eligibility for Social Security or pension benefits
- Supporting immigration proceedings
- Enabling genealogical and family history research
Legal Framework:
Michigan divorce proceedings are governed by the Divorce Act, codified at MCL § 552.1 et seq. Public access to court records is governed by Michigan Court Rule 8.119, which establishes the presumption that court records are open to inspection by members of the public. The Wexford County Clerk Family Court Administrator, Alaina Nyman, oversees the administration of family court records in the county.
Are Wexford County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Wexford County are public court records subject to Michigan's court access rules. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need or interest.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of both parties
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and outcomes
- Court orders and judgments
- Final divorce decree
- Property division orders
- General case status and docket entries
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers are redacted from all public filings under Michigan Court Rule 1.109
- Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
- Detailed tax returns may be subject to limited access
Children's Information:
- Names and addresses of minor children may be partially redacted
- Schools attended by children are not disclosed
- Child custody evaluations and guardian ad litem reports may be sealed by court order
- Psychological evaluations of children are restricted
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence may be sealed
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records are restricted
- Personal addresses of domestic violence victims are protected under Michigan law
Sealed Records:
A court may seal divorce records upon a showing of good cause. Sealed cases are not accessible to the general public. Parties seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for disclosure.
Who Can Access Records:
| Requester | Access Level |
|---|---|
| General public | Public documents and docket entries |
| Parties to the case | Full access to their own case file |
| Licensed attorneys | Case files; sealed records upon proper showing |
| Law enforcement | Statutory access to restricted records |
| Researchers and media | Public portions; court permission required for sealed records |
Restrictions on Use:
Members of the public who obtain divorce records may not use them for stalking, harassment, identity theft, or any purpose that violates a court-issued protective order. Permitted uses include legal proceedings, background research, genealogical research, news reporting, and personal verification.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Wexford County?
The Wexford County Clerk's Office charges standard fees for copies and certified documents in accordance with Michigan law. Current fees are as follows:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copies | $1.00 per page |
| Certified copy of divorce decree | $11.00 (first page) + $1.00 per additional page |
| Certification seal | Included in certified copy fee |
| Online case search (MiCOURT) | Free for basic information |
| VitalChek online order (state vital records) | Varies; service fee applies |
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash (in-person only)
- Check or money order payable to Wexford County Clerk
- Credit or debit card (in-person; availability subject to change)
Copy fees for court records are authorized under MCL § 600.1988, which governs fees charged by clerks of court in Michigan. Fee waivers may be available for indigent parties who have an active case before the court; members of the public seeking a fee waiver must submit a completed fee waiver application to the court.
What Is Available at No Charge:
- Viewing case docket entries through MiCOURT Case Search
- In-person inspection of public case files at the clerk's office (no copying)
- Verbal confirmation of case existence and status by phone
What's Included in Divorce Records in Wexford County
A complete divorce case file maintained by the Wexford County Clerk's Office contains documents generated at every stage of the proceeding. The scope of the file depends on whether the case was contested or uncontested and whether children or significant assets were involved.
Basic Case Information:
- Case caption with case number, court name, and division
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Name of assigned judge
- Names of attorneys of record
- Filing date and case type
Initial Pleadings:
The Complaint for Divorce identifies both parties, states the date and place of marriage, identifies any minor children, and sets forth the relief requested, including property division, spousal support, and custody. The Answer or Countercomplaint filed by the respondent states that party's position and requests for relief.
Financial Affidavits submitted by both parties disclose income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets (real property, vehicles, bank accounts, retirement accounts, investments, and personal property), and liabilities (mortgages, loans, and credit card debt).
Discovery Documents may include interrogatories answered under oath, requests for production of financial records, tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and business financial statements where applicable.
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory with descriptions and values
- Debt inventory
- Real property appraisals
- Business valuations
- Expert reports on asset value
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting plan specifying legal and physical custody, parenting time schedule, holiday schedule, and decision-making responsibilities
- Child support calculation worksheet
- Income deduction orders
- Custody evaluations (which may be sealed)
- Guardian ad litem reports (which may be restricted)
Settlement Documents:
The Judgment of Divorce or Consent Judgment of Divorce is the comprehensive final order resolving all issues. It incorporates or references the marital settlement agreement, establishes property division, sets spousal support terms, orders child custody and support, and may restore a former name. The judgment bears the judge's signature and the court seal.
Post-Judgment Documents:
- Petitions to modify custody or support
- Court orders on modification requests
- Income deduction orders for support enforcement
- Contempt motions and orders
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) dividing retirement accounts
What Is Typically Confidential or Redacted:
- Social Security numbers
- Bank account and financial account numbers
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence evidence (may be sealed)
- Mental health evaluations
- Substance abuse treatment records
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Wexford County
Proof of divorce in Wexford County is obtained through a certified copy of the Judgment of Divorce issued by the Wexford County Clerk's Office. A certified copy bears the clerk's official seal and signature and is accepted by government agencies, financial institutions, and courts as legal proof that a marriage was dissolved.
Step 1 — Identify the Case: Locate the case number using the MiCOURT Case Search portal by entering the full names of both parties and the approximate year of the divorce.
Step 2 — Submit a Request:
In Person:
Wexford County Clerk's Office
437 E. Division Street
Cadillac, MI 49601
Phone: (231) 779-9450
Wexford County Clerk
Present a valid government-issued photo ID and pay the applicable certified copy fee at the time of request. Copies are prepared while the requester waits or within the same business day for most requests.
By Mail: Submit a written request to the address above. Include the names of both parties, the case number, the approximate divorce date, a check or money order for the applicable fee, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Through State Vital Records: The Michigan MDHHS vital records office maintains divorce records and issues certified divorce certificates. Members of the public may order a record online through VitalChek. A divorce certificate issued by the state provides proof of the dissolution but contains less detail than a certified copy of the full court judgment.
Step 3 — Receive the Document: In-person requests are fulfilled at the counter. Mail requests are returned by first-class mail within approximately 1–2 weeks. Online VitalChek orders are processed according to the vendor's current delivery schedule.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Wexford County?
Divorce proceedings in Wexford County are presumptively public under Michigan Court Rule 8.119; however, specific records or entire cases may be made confidential under defined legal circumstances.
Records that may be sealed or restricted include:
- Domestic violence cases: Personal address information and evidence of abuse may be withheld from public access to protect victim safety under Michigan's domestic violence statutes.
- Children's sensitive information: Custody evaluations, psychological assessments of minor children, and guardian ad litem reports may be sealed by court order to protect the best interests of the child.
- Financial account numbers and Social Security numbers: These are redacted from all public filings as a matter of standard court practice under Michigan Court Rule 1.109.
- Mediation communications: Under MCL § 552.513, communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and are not part of the public record.
- Court-ordered sealing: Any party may petition the court to seal specific documents or the entire case file upon a demonstrated showing of good cause. The court balances the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties.
Members of the public who encounter a sealed case will receive confirmation that the case exists but will not be permitted to view its contents without a court order.
How Long Does Wexford County Keep Divorce Records?
Wexford County retains divorce records in accordance with Michigan's court records retention schedule established by the State Court Administrative Office (SCAO).
Retention periods for divorce records are as follows:
- Final judgments of divorce: Retained permanently. The Wexford County Clerk's Office maintains final decrees indefinitely as part of the permanent court record.
- Complete case files (contested divorces): Retained for a minimum of 25 years following the close of the case under Michigan's court records retention schedule.
- Uncontested divorce case files: Retained for a minimum of 10 years following the close of the case.
- Post-judgment modification orders: Retained as part of the original case file for the duration of that file's retention period.
- Financial affidavits and discovery documents: Retained with the case file; subject to the same retention schedule as the underlying case.
Michigan's court records retention requirements are administered by the SCAO under the authority of Michigan Court Rule 8.119. Records that have exceeded their retention period may be destroyed in accordance with approved schedules, though final judgments are preserved permanently. Members of the public seeking records from cases closed many years ago should contact the Wexford County Clerk's Office directly to confirm availability, as older paper records may be held in off-site archival storage.