Records of divorce in Livingston County, Michigan, are available through several channels. LivingstonCourt.us allows quick access to publicly available information regarding divorce records. Additionally, complete court files are stored in the Circuit Court that issued the judgment, and divorce certificates can be ordered through the county clerk's office or the Michigan Vital Records Office. Online case search is also available through the state's judicial system portal.
Livingston Divorce Records Search
In Michigan, divorce cases are handled by the Circuit Court — a court of general jurisdiction. In Livingston County, this function is performed by the 44th Circuit Court. The court's office maintains a full set of documents: judgment of divorce, property settlement agreements, child custody orders, and all related procedural documents.
Separately from the court, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) maintains a registry of divorce certificates for events that occurred in the state starting from 1867. A certificate is a shortened document that confirms the fact of divorce but does not contain details of the settlement.
For online case information search, use MiCOURT Case Search — this portal covers cases from all state courts, including the 44th Circuit Court.
44th Circuit Court — Livingston County
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Livingston
When a couple files for divorce in Livingston County, the case is registered in the 44th Circuit Court. This court handles all domestic relations cases in the county, including divorces, separations, and custody modifications. After a decision is made, the original judgment of divorce remains in the court's office.
The court also sends a notification to the state's vital records department. Based on this notification, MDHHS creates a divorce certificate — a brief document that records the date, place, and names of the parties.
What you need determines where to go:
- Full text of the court decision, property agreement, custody order — 44th Circuit Court office.
- Divorce certificate (for confirmation, document changes, remarriage) — Michigan Vital Records Office.
You can file documents electronically with the court through the MiFILE system, which supports Livingston County Circuit Court. Viewing the schedule of hearings is available on the Livingston County Docket page.
44th Circuit Court — County Clerk's Office
Michigan Vital Records Office (MDHHS)
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Livingston
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy of court judgment (Circuit Court) | $1.00 per page + $10.00 for certification | During visit or 5–10 business days by mail |
| Regular copy of court document (Circuit Court) | $1.00 per page | During visit or 5–10 business days by mail |
| Certified divorce certificate (MDHHS) | $26.00 | Approximately 3–4 weeks with standard processing |
| Expedited certificate processing (MDHHS) | $26.00 + additional delivery fee | Depends on the chosen delivery method |