Divorce records in Hillsdale County, Michigan, can be accessed through several channels. HillsdaleCourt.us can help you find publicly available divorce record information. You can also obtain records directly from the circuit court that issued the decree, the Hillsdale County Clerk's office, or the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) Vital Records Division. The right office depends on whether you need a full court file or a divorce certificate.
Hillsdale Divorce Records Search
In Hillsdale County, divorce case files are maintained by the 1st Judicial Circuit Court, which handles all divorce and family law matters. The County Clerk's office also keeps vital records, including divorce records for events that occurred in the county. At the state level, MDHHS maintains divorce certificates for divorces granted anywhere in Michigan.
The divorce records collection at the circuit court typically includes:
- Complaints for divorce and responsive pleadings
- Judgments of divorce (divorce decrees)
- Property settlement agreements
- Custody and parenting-time orders
- Spousal support orders
- Motions and post-judgment modifications
Some circuit court cases can be searched through the county's online case lookup tool, though the level of detail available online may be limited to case numbers, party names, and hearing dates per Michigan court records management policies. For full documents, contact the court directly.
1st Judicial Circuit Court
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Hillsdale
Michigan's circuit courts have exclusive jurisdiction over divorce cases. In Hillsdale County, that means the 1st Judicial Circuit Court is where all divorce actions are filed, heard, and decided. Once a judgment of divorce is entered, the original record stays with the circuit court clerk's office at the courthouse.
The state vital records office at MDHHS also maintains a record of each divorce granted in Michigan. However, the state office issues only a divorce certificate — a summary document that confirms the divorce occurred — not the full judgment or settlement agreement.
Which office to contact depends on what you need:
- Full divorce case file (decree, settlement, custody orders, motions): Contact the 1st Judicial Circuit Court.
- Divorce certificate (verification that a divorce was granted, with basic details): Request from the Hillsdale County Clerk's vital records division or from MDHHS Vital Records in Lansing.
1st Judicial Circuit Court (Divorce Case Files)
Hillsdale County Clerk — Vital Records
MDHHS Vital Records Division
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Hillsdale
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Circuit court record copy (standard, per page) | $1.00 | Same day to several business days |
| Circuit court certified copy (per document) | $10.00 (first page) + $1.00 each additional page | Same day to several business days |
| County Clerk — certified divorce certificate | $12.00 | Same day if in person; 2–4 weeks by mail |
| MDHHS — divorce certificate (mail request) | $26.00 | Approximately 3–6 weeks |
| MDHHS — expedited processing (additional fee) | Additional fee applies | Approximately 1–2 weeks |