Are Oakland County Divorce Records Public?

In Oakland County, MI, divorce records are generally open for public inspection and copying unless access to the specific record is restricted by statute, court rule, or a court order. State law permits parties involved in a divorce proceeding to file a written motion identifying specific interests they wish to protect. In such instances, the court may issue an order that seals the record, in whole or in part, from public access in accordance with the Michigan Court Rules (8.119 - I) and the Local Administrative Order.

Sensitive information that may be protected includes financial details, personal identifiers, or any information that could lead to potential harm if disclosed.

Who Can Access Oakland County Public Records?

In Oakland County, anyone may access, inspect, and obtain copies of divorce records, provided the record is not restricted by statute, court rule, or a court order. While court orders may be used to seal divorce records, statutes sometimes automatically restrict public access until protected personal identifying information is redacted from all documents.

Do I Need to State My Purpose and Use When Requesting Divorce Records in Oakland County?

In Oakland County, members of the public have the right to request divorce records without explaining why they need them. They will be entitled to immediately access these records, provided they are not restricted by statute, court rule, or court order.

People may seek divorce records for various purposes, such as name changes, verifying eligibility for remarriage, genealogical research, or personal curiosity.

How do you Request Divorce Records in Oakland County?

Court Explorer is a web-based application that may be accessed offsite or through public access terminals at the eServices Center in the Oakland County Courthouse. Individuals seeking access to divorce records may use Court Explorer to search, inspect, or purchase divorce records filed in the 6th Judicial Circuit Court.

Users will need to provide the names of either of the parties to the divorce proceeding or the case number. Divorce records dating back to the early 1990s are available. Older records not available online may be accessed in person or by mail through the Legal Records Division. To do this, email the Clerk or submit a written request to access and inspect physical case records or copies of those records to the Clerk at the

Oakland County Courthouse:
1200 North Telegraph Road
Dept 413
Pontiac, MI 48341
Phone: (248) 858-0582

The office is open for business, Mondays to Fridays between 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Those who prefer to mail their request should:

1. Provide the full names of the divorcees in the written request.
2. Include the case number to help expedite the search.
3. Specify the record type. It could be a certified copy (official, with a court seal) or a non-certified copy (informational).
4. Include a check or money order for the required fees (payable to "Oakland County Clerk"). Cost may vary. Contact the office to confirm.
5. Include a return envelope with their address and postage to ensure the records are mailed back to them.
6. Mail to the above address.

The Michigan Division for Vital Records and Health Statistics also maintains and issues certified copies of divorce certificates for divorces that occurred in Oakland County dating back to 1897. There are multiple options available to individuals who wish to request divorce records through the Department:

Mail Order

To order a record by mail from the Department via the US Postal Service:

• Download and complete the application form;
• Mail the completed application, a photocopy of your valid ID, and the fee to the mailing address listed on the application.

Order in person

• For in-person orders, requesters are required to schedule an appointment. Appointments are scheduled between 10:00 am - 2:00 pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Order by Using the Drop Box

• Drop off a completed application along with the required fee and any necessary ID and documentation. All required documents and fees must be in a sealed envelope. Drop Box is located in the main lobby at:

333 S. Grand Ave.,
Lansing, MI 48933
Monday-Friday, 7:00 am - 5:30 pm.

Note: Divorce records before 1987 and actual divorce decrees may only be accessed through the Record Division.

What Information is Included in an Oakland County Divorce Record?

Oakland County divorce records typically include the following information:

• Names of the divorcing parties.
• Case number, filing date, and court details.
• The final judgment and decree of divorce.
• Date of marriage, place of marriage, and any prenuptial agreements.
• The legal reason for the divorce.
• Details on how assets and debts were divided.
• Information on custody arrangements and child support orders.
• Details on alimony or spousal support, if applicable.
• Financial Statements
• Medical Records
• Mental Health Records
• Social Security Numbers

Sensitive details such as financial data, medical records, social security numbers, and other personal identifying information may be redacted by statute to prevent unwarranted privacy invasion.

Fees for Accessing Oakland County Divorce Records

• Regular copies: $1.00 per page.
• Certified copies: $10.00 (per case number) plus $1.00 per page.
• A Service Fee will be added when the order is finalized, starting at $2.50.
• All sales are final, with no refunds.
• Payment may be made by Visa, MasterCard, or Discover.

For individuals requesting Michigan Department of Health and Human Services:

• The base fee search cost (just for one year search)______________ $34.00
• If the exact divorce year is unknown, additional years to search____$12.00 per year
• Additional certified copies _________________________________$16.00 each
• Expedited Processing costs additional ________________________$12.00
• Exemplified records______________________________________ $42.00
• Optional overnight delivery fee_____________________________ $21.00

Requesters may have fees waived by showing inability to pay because of indigency. This involves showing that they live in a household with gross income under 125% of the federal poverty guidelines or receive means-tested public assistance. Means-tested public assistance includes:

• Food Assistance Program through the State of Michigan;
• Medicaid;
• Family Independence Program through the State of Michigan;
• Women, Infants, and Children benefits;
• Supplemental Security Income through the federal government; or
• Any other federal, state, or locally administered means-tested income or benefit.

If a party shows that he or she is receiving public assistance, the court clerk must waive the payment of fees on a form approved by the State Court Administrative Office. Fees may be waived only for individuals. A private or public organization is not eligible for a waiver of fees.

How Long Does It Take to Obtain Divorce Records in Oakland County?

Once a request is granted, access to the record will be provided within 72 hours unless the records are in storage. In that case, access will be provided within a reasonable amount of time. For in-person requests, if access to the record cannot be provided before the end of normal business hours, the requesting party may return on a later date to complete access to the record.

For those requesting records through the Department of Health, a regular search takes an average of 4 to 6 weeks, while expedited searches require approximately 2 to 3 weeks of in-office processing time, depending on the volume of requests received.

Can I Request Divorce Records Online in Oakland County?

Individuals seeking online access to divorce records may use Court Explorer, a web-based application that provides remote access to court records filed in the 6th Judicial Circuit Court. Using this platform, individuals may perform name and case searches and view the register of actions, including parties and attorneys involved in divorce proceedings, for free from locations outside the Oakland County courthouse.

Third-party sites like Michigancourtrecords.us also serve as a useful alternative for accessing Oakland County divorce records. They provide a user-friendly interface and convenience that may help record seekers locate divorce records quickly. However, these sites are not government-affiliated and typically have no connection with any government agency. While these platforms strive to make sure the information provided is accurate, they provide no guarantees as to the completeness or accuracy of a record.

Are There Any Exceptions to Accessing Oakland County Divorce Records?

Although divorce records are free, statutes, court rules, and court orders sometimes redact sensitive information or restrict access to an entire record to protect private interests. Statutes may automatically restrict public access until protected personal identifying information is redacted from all documents. In addition, a party involved in a divorce proceeding on record may file a written motion identifying specific interests they wish to protect. In such instances, the court may issue an order that partially or completely seals the record from public access. Furthermore, statutes may automatically limit public access until protected personal identifying information, such as Social Security numbers or financial details, is redacted from all documents. Nonetheless, these records may still be accessible if an individual has obtained a court order granting access.