Records of divorce in Kent County, Michigan, are available through several channels. KentCourt.us allows you to quickly find public information about divorce cases. Additionally, you can contact the court that issued the decision, the county clerk's office, or the Michigan Vital Records Office. Online case search tools, in-person visits, and mail requests are all viable options for obtaining copies.
Kent Divorce Records Search
Divorce cases in Kent County are handled by the 17th Circuit Court, located in the Kent County Courthouse in Grand Rapids. The Clerk of the Court maintains complete records of all civil suits filed in the county court, including divorce cases. The document collection includes:
- Judgments of Divorce
- Settlement Agreements
- Custody Orders
- Child and spousal support orders
- Related procedural documents
Separate from court records, the state of Michigan has maintained a registry of divorce certificates since 1867 — a short form that confirms the fact of divorce without case details.
For online searches, use the MiCOURT Case Search or the Kent County Court Records Search page. Search results are informational and do not replace the official record kept by the court.
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Kent
In Michigan, divorce cases fall under the jurisdiction of the Circuit Courts. When a judge signs a judgment, the 17th Circuit Court Clerk's office registers it and keeps the original. This is where you should go if you need a full copy of the judgment or any procedural document from the case.
The state also records each divorce. The Vital Records Office at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issues divorce certificates — a one-page document with the parties' names, date, and place. Such a document is usually sufficient to confirm marital status.
Where to Go Depending on Your Need
Full court judgment, property agreement, custody order:
Certified copies of divorce judgments can be ordered online through the Certified Court Record Request page on the county's website.
Divorce certificate (short form, vital record):
At the county level, the Kent County Vital Records department processes requests for birth and marriage certificates; for divorce certificates, contact the court clerk or the state office.
If you need to file documents electronically, the MiFILE system supports the 17th Circuit Court and allows for the online submission and receipt of procedural documents. Public records can also be requested through the FOIA procedure if a standard request is not suitable.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Kent
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy of Judgment of Divorce — 17th Circuit Court | $10.00 for the first 10 pages, $1.00 for each additional page | 5–10 business days |
| Uncertified copy of court document | $1.00 per page | 3–7 business days |
| Divorce Certificate — Michigan Vital Records | $26.00 | 3–4 weeks by mail |
| Expedited certificate processing — Michigan Vital Records | $26.00 + additional shipping fee | Approximately 1–2 weeks |
| MiCOURT Case Search database (online) | Free | Instant results |