Roscommon County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Roscommon County in 2026
RoscommonRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Roscommon County, Michigan. Members of the public may find case summaries, filing dates, party names, and related court documents through official channels. Available record categories may include final divorce decrees, dissolution judgments, parenting plans, property settlement agreements, and docket entries. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the case and applicable privacy protections.
Divorce records in Roscommon County may be searched through official court resources, the Roscommon County Clerk of Court, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by the Michigan court system.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The MiCOURT Case Search system is the primary online tool for locating divorce case information in Michigan. Members of the public may use this portal to search by party name or case number at no charge for basic case information. Obtaining copies of actual documents may require payment of applicable fees.
- Free basic case information
- Search by party name or case number
- May require fee for certified or paper documents
- Note: "The information available here is presented on-line for informational use only and does not replace the official record on file with the court."
2. State Court System Portal
The Michigan Supreme Court Case Search portal provides access to cases across multiple jurisdictions, including the Roscommon Circuit Court, Roscommon Juvenile Division, and Roscommon Probate Court. This consolidated database allows searches across court divisions statewide.
- Search across Michigan jurisdictions
- Consolidated statewide database
- Covers circuit, probate, and juvenile divisions
3. State Vital Records
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services maintains vital records including divorce records. The state registers divorce certificates separately from full court case files. Fees apply for certified copies obtained through this office.
- Divorce certificates available through MDHHS
- Limited information compared to full court case files
- Fees apply for certified copies
- Members of the public may order a record online through the state's authorized vendor
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Family Division:
Roscommon County Circuit Court Clerk
500 Lake Street
Roscommon, MI 48653
Phone: (989) 275-5923
Roscommon County Courts
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Services available:
- 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
- Submit written copy requests
Records Department:
The Roscommon County Clerk's office maintains both current and archived divorce case files. Historical records predating electronic filing may be stored separately and may require additional retrieval time. Certified copy requests for archived cases should be submitted in writing.
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Roscommon County Circuit Court Clerk, 500 Lake Street, Roscommon, MI 48653
- Include the following:
- Full names of both parties (including maiden names if applicable)
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number (if known)
- Requester's full name and contact information
- Purpose of request (if required)
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
- Processing time: Approximately 1–2 weeks for standard requests; additional time may be required for archived records
By Phone
Limited Information:
- Clerk of Court: (989) 275-5923
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number
- Case status
- Filing date
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents by phone
- Copies of documents
- Confidential or restricted information
Through Attorneys
Members of the public involved in complex divorce matters may engage legal counsel to access records on their behalf. Attorneys may request sealed documents by demonstrating good cause before the court. The State Bar of Michigan provides a lawyer referral service for individuals seeking professional legal assistance.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or filing
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses in Roscommon County
- Names of children, if applicable
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Under Michigan law, divorce proceedings are filed in the circuit court of the county where either spouse resides at the time of filing. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple counties. A divorce may not be filed in the county where the marriage occurred unless one spouse also resides there.
Residency Requirement:
Pursuant to MCL § 552.9, one spouse must have been a resident of Michigan for at least 180 days and a resident of the county where the action is filed for at least 10 days immediately preceding the filing of the complaint.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Records may not appear in online systems immediately following a final hearing
- Allow several business days to weeks for processing after the final order is entered
- Court staff can confirm whether a case has been finalized
Older Divorces:
- Cases predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format
- Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time
- Some older records may not be digitized and must be retrieved manually
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- Incorrect county of filing
- 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 or subject to confidentiality order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Clerk's office at (989) 275-5923
- Attempt alternate name spellings
- Search under both spouses' names
- Check the Michigan MDHHS vital records database
- Engage a professional records search service
- Consult a licensed Michigan attorney
What Are Roscommon County Divorce Records?
Roscommon County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings filed in the Roscommon County Circuit Court. These records constitute part of the family law court file and are maintained by the Clerk of Court as public records, subject to applicable privacy restrictions.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Response or answer to petition
- Financial affidavits submitted by both parties
- Parenting plans and custody agreements
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, responses, and court orders
- Transcripts of court hearings
- Final judgment of dissolution of marriage
Final Decree:
The final judgment of dissolution is the official court order terminating the marriage. It constitutes legal proof of divorce and establishes the following:
- Date of dissolution
- Division of marital property and debts
- Alimony or spousal support terms, if any
- Child custody and parenting time arrangements, if applicable
- Child support orders, if applicable
- Restoration of former name, if requested
Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Roscommon County Circuit Court Clerk.
Supporting Documents:
- Marriage certificate (submitted as exhibit)
- Financial disclosure documents
- Property inventories and appraisals
- Parenting plan details
- Post-judgment modification orders
Purpose of Divorce Records:
Legal Purposes:
- Proof of marital status for remarriage
- Name change documentation
- Property transfer and title recording
- Estate planning and beneficiary designations
- Immigration proceedings
- Social Security benefit claims
Personal Purposes:
- Genealogical and family history research
- Personal records management
- Verification of divorce terms and obligations
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
The Roscommon County Circuit Court Clerk serves as the primary custodian of all divorce case files. The Clerk indexes records by party names, maintains complete case files, and provides certified copies upon request. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services also maintains divorce certificates through its vital records division, though these contain more limited information than the full court file.
Legal Framework:
Divorce proceedings in Michigan are governed by the Divorce Act, codified at MCL § 552.1 et seq. Public access to court records is governed by the Michigan Court Rules and the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL § 15.231 et seq., which establishes the presumption that public records are open to inspection and copying by members of the public.
Are Roscommon County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Roscommon County Circuit Court are public court records under Michigan law. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents. Certain categories of information are subject to restriction or redaction to protect sensitive personal and financial data.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and case status
- Court orders and judgments
- Final divorce decree
- Property division orders
- General docket entries reflecting the chronology of the case
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers (redacted from public filings)
- Bank account and credit card numbers (redacted)
- Detailed tax returns (may be filed under seal or with limited access)
- Salary and income details (subject to some restrictions)
Children's Information:
- Addresses where minor children reside
- Schools children attend
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children
- Child custody evaluations (may be sealed by court order)
- Guardian ad litem reports (restricted access)
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse records
- Medical records submitted as exhibits
- Personal addresses in cases involving domestic violence
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
Sealed Records:
A court may seal divorce records or specific documents upon a showing of good cause. Cases involving allegations of abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlement terms may be subject to sealing orders. Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for access.
Legal Basis for Public Access:
The presumption of public access to court records in Michigan is established under the Michigan Court Rules and the Michigan Freedom of Information Act. Restrictions on access require a specific legal basis, and courts apply a balancing test weighing transparency against privacy interests.
Who Can Access Records:
| Requester | Level of Access |
|---|---|
| General Public | Public documents, docket entries, final orders |
| Parties to the Case | Full access to their own case file |
| Attorneys of Record | Full access; may petition for sealed documents |
| Researchers and Media | Public portions; court permission required for sealed records |
| Law Enforcement | Statutory access to restricted information |
Restrictions on Use:
Access to divorce records is subject to restrictions on use. Prohibited uses include stalking, harassment, identity theft, fraudulent purposes, and violation of protective orders. Permitted uses include legal proceedings, background research, genealogical research, news reporting protected by the First Amendment, and academic research.
Obtaining Confidential Records:
Members of the public seeking access to confidential or sealed divorce records must file a motion with the Roscommon County Circuit Court demonstrating good cause. The court evaluates each request on a case-by-case basis, applying a balancing test between the public interest in transparency and the privacy interests of the parties and any minor children involved.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Roscommon County?
The Roscommon County Circuit Court Clerk charges standard fees for copying and certifying divorce records. Current fees are established pursuant to MCL § 600.1988, which governs court filing and copy fees in Michigan.
Standard Copy and Certification Fees:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain paper copies | $1.00 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree | $11.00 (first page) + $1.00 per additional page |
| Certification fee | Included in certified copy fee |
| Electronic copies (where available) | Varies; contact Clerk's office |
| Search fee | No separate search fee for in-person requests |
Vital Records Fees (MDHHS):
Members of the public ordering divorce certificates through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services pay a separate fee schedule. Current fees for ordering records online are available through the state's Order A Record Online portal. Additional fees may apply for expedited processing through the state's authorized vendor, VitalChek.
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash (in-person only)
- Check or money order payable to Roscommon County Clerk
- Credit or debit card (availability subject to confirmation with Clerk's office)
Fee Waivers:
Michigan law provides limited fee waiver provisions for indigent parties in civil proceedings. Members of the public who believe they qualify for a fee waiver may submit an affidavit of indigency to the court for consideration. Fee waivers do not apply to third-party requesters seeking copies of another party's records.
What Is Available at No Charge:
- Online case status and docket information through MiCOURT Case Search
- In-person inspection of public case files (no copy fee for viewing only)
- Verbal confirmation of case existence and status by phone
What's Included in Divorce Records in Roscommon County
A complete Roscommon County divorce case file contains all documents filed with the court from the initial petition through final judgment and any post-judgment proceedings. The scope of documents varies depending on whether the divorce was contested or uncontested and whether children or significant assets were involved.
Basic Case Information:
- Case number, court name, and division
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Judge assigned to the case
- Attorneys of record and their contact information
- Filing date and case type
Initial Pleadings:
The petition for dissolution of marriage sets forth the petitioner's identifying information, the date and location of the marriage, the grounds for divorce (Michigan is a no-fault state, requiring only a showing of irretrievable breakdown of the marriage), information regarding minor children, and the relief requested. The respondent's answer or counterpetition, if filed, is also part of the public record.
Financial Affidavits:
Both parties are required to submit financial affidavits disclosing income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets (including real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investments, and retirement accounts), and liabilities. Social Security numbers and account numbers are redacted from the public-facing versions of these documents.
Discovery Documents:
In contested cases, the file may contain interrogatories and responses, requests for production of documents, deposition notices, and financial records submitted as exhibits. Business financial statements and expert reports on asset valuation may also be included.
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory with descriptions and values
- Debt inventory including mortgages, loans, and credit obligations
- Real property appraisals
- Business valuations
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for division of retirement accounts
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting plan establishing legal and physical custody
- Timesharing schedule including regular, holiday, and summer provisions
- Child support calculation worksheets
- Income deduction orders for support payments
- Custody evaluations ordered by the court (may be sealed)
- Guardian ad litem reports (restricted access)
Support Documents:
- Spousal support or alimony orders specifying type, amount, duration, and termination conditions
- Calculation worksheets reflecting income, standard of living, and statutory factors
Settlement Documents:
The marital settlement agreement (MSA) is a comprehensive document resolving all issues between the parties, including property division, debt allocation, spousal support, and child-related provisions. If the parties participated in mediation, a mediation agreement may be incorporated into the MSA. Mediation communications themselves are confidential under Michigan law.
Court Orders and Judgments:
- Temporary orders for custody, support, and use of property
- Temporary restraining orders or injunctions, if issued
- Final judgment of dissolution of marriage, including all findings of fact, conclusions of law, and orders
- QDROs for retirement account division
Post-Judgment Documents (if applicable):
- Petitions to modify custody or support
- Court orders on modification requests
- Contempt motions and enforcement actions
- Income deduction orders and liens
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:
- Social Security numbers (redacted)
- Bank and financial account numbers (redacted)
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence details (may be sealed)
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluations
- Mediation communications
- Trade secrets in business valuations
How Information Is Organized:
Documents in a Roscommon County divorce case file are organized chronologically in the order received by the Clerk. Each document is assigned a filing date, and the docket sheet reflects the complete filing sequence. Recent cases are maintained in electronic format; older cases may exist in paper form or as scanned digital copies.
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Roscommon County?
Proof of divorce in Roscommon County is obtained through a certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution of marriage, issued by the Roscommon County Circuit Court Clerk. A certified copy bears the court's official seal and the Clerk's signature, making it legally acceptable for remarriage, name change, immigration, and other official purposes.
Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy:
- Identify the case by searching the MiCOURT Case Search system using the names of both parties or the case number.
- Note the case number and the date the final judgment was entered.
- Submit a request to the Roscommon County Circuit Court Clerk in person, by mail, or by phone to confirm availability.
- Pay the applicable certification fee (currently $11.00 for the first page plus $1.00 per additional page).
- Receive the certified copy in person or by mail with a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Members of the public who need a divorce certificate rather than a full certified court copy may obtain one through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services vital records division. Divorce certificates issued by MDHHS confirm the fact of divorce but contain less detail than a certified court copy of the final decree.
Roscommon County Circuit Court Clerk
500 Lake Street
Roscommon, MI 48653
Phone: (989) 275-5923
Michigan Supreme Court Case Search
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services — Vital Records
333 S. Grand Avenue
Lansing, MI 48909
Phone: (517) 335-8656
Vital Records - State of Michigan
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Roscommon County?
Divorce proceedings in Roscommon County are presumptively public under Michigan law; however, specific records or entire case files may be made confidential under certain circumstances.
Circumstances Under Which Records May Be Sealed or Restricted:
- Domestic violence cases: Courts may restrict access to addresses, contact information, and details of abuse allegations to protect the safety of victims and minor children.
- Children's information: Names, addresses, schools, and medical or psychological records pertaining to minor children may be redacted or sealed pursuant to Michigan Court Rules.
- Mental health and substance abuse records: Records reflecting a party's mental health treatment or substance abuse history are subject to heightened privacy protections under state and federal law.
- Mediation communications: Under Michigan law, all communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and are not part of the public court record.
- Court-ordered sealing: Either party may petition the court to seal specific documents or the entire case file upon a showing of good cause. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in open proceedings against the privacy interests at stake.
- Confidential settlements: Terms of settlement reached outside of court are not automatically part of the public record unless incorporated into a court order.
Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the Roscommon County Circuit Court. The Roscommon Township Clerk also notes that Michigan law provides public access to certain public records of public bodies, subject to applicable exemptions.
How Long Does Roscommon County Keep Divorce Records?
Roscommon County Circuit Court retains divorce records in accordance with Michigan's court records retention schedule, which establishes minimum retention periods for different categories of court documents.
Retention Periods by Record Type:
- Final judgments of dissolution: Retained permanently as part of the official court record. These documents are never destroyed and remain accessible indefinitely.
- Complete case files (contested divorces): Retained for a minimum of 25 years following the close of the case under Michigan's records retention schedule for circuit court civil files.
- Complete case files (uncontested divorces): Retained for a minimum of 10 years following the close of the case, subject to the court's local retention policies.
- Financial affidavits and discovery documents: Retained as part of the case file for the applicable retention period; may be purged after the minimum retention period has elapsed.
- Post-judgment modification orders: Retained as part of the original case file for the duration of the applicable retention period.
- Archived paper records: Older records that have exceeded the active retention period may be transferred to off-site storage or converted to microfilm or digital format. Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time.
Members of the public seeking records from cases that may have been archived should contact the Roscommon County Circuit Court Clerk directly at (989) 275-5923 to confirm availability and retrieval procedures. Michigan's court records retention requirements are established under the Michigan Trial Court Case File Management Standards issued by the State Court Administrative Office.