Divorce records in Bay County, Michigan, can be accessed through several channels, including online search tools, the court that issued the decree, the county clerk, and the state vital records office. BayMICourt.us can help you find publicly available divorce record information for Bay County. You can also request records directly from the 18th Judicial Circuit Court, the Bay County Clerk's Office, or the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Vital Records Division.
Bay County Divorce Records Search
Divorce cases in Bay County are handled by the 18th Judicial Circuit Court, which serves as the trial court of general jurisdiction in Michigan. The Circuit Court clerk's office maintains the official case files for all divorce actions filed in the county, including divorce decrees, judgments of divorce, settlement agreements, custody and parenting time orders, property division orders, and related motions or filings.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Vital Records Division also maintains a statewide index of divorce records. That office issues divorce certificates — a summary document confirming that a divorce occurred — rather than the full decree.
To search Bay County court records online, you can use the MiCOURT Case Search tool, which provides informational case data for Michigan courts. Note that this online data does not replace the official court file and certain information may be restricted under Michigan and federal law.
The primary office for in-person requests is:
Bay County Court Facility (18th Judicial Circuit Court)
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Bay County
In Michigan, circuit courts have exclusive jurisdiction over divorce and family law matters. In Bay County, all divorce cases are filed with and adjudicated by the 18th Judicial Circuit Court. After a judge signs the judgment of divorce, the decree becomes part of the permanent court file maintained by the circuit court clerk.
The state vital records office at MDHHS separately maintains a record of each divorce granted in Michigan. This office can issue a divorce certificate, which verifies the divorce but does not contain the full terms of the settlement or custody arrangement.
Which office you contact depends on what you need:
- Full divorce decree, settlement agreement, or custody orders — Request from the 18th Judicial Circuit Court clerk at the Bay County Court Facility. Court records must be requested at the Court Facility located at 1230 Washington Avenue, Bay City, Michigan 48708.
- Divorce certificate (summary verification) — Request from the Michigan MDHHS Vital Records Division.
- Friend of the Court records (custody, support, parenting time) — Contact the Bay County Friend of the Court office. Relevant forms and applications are available on the Bay County website. Note that some Friend of the Court records are confidential and require a release for access.
18th Judicial Circuit Court — Bay County Court Facility
Michigan MDHHS — Vital Records Division
Bay County Clerk's Office
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Bay County
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Circuit Court record copy (per page) | $1.00 | Same day to several business days (in person or by mail) |
| Court record certification fee | $10.00 | Same day to several business days |
| Michigan vital records divorce certificate | $26.00 | Approximately 3–6 weeks (by mail) |
| Michigan vital records — expedited processing | $26.00 + additional shipping fee | Approximately 1–2 weeks |
| MiCOURT online case search | Free | Immediate (informational only) |