Oakland County marriage and divorce records help people confirm legal events, request official copies, and trace family history. This section explains what these records mean, where they are kept, and the main ways someone can request copies through the Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds and the Michigan Division for Vital Records and Health Statistics. These records support name changes, legal filings, and personal documentation needs. Many visitors also use them to piece together older family timelines for genealogy projects.
Marriage and divorce files fall under vital records and court records, which include marriage licenses, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, and divorce judgments. Readers will see clear definitions of certified and non-certified copies, plus simple paths for online lookups, genealogy searches, in-person forms, mail requests, and Oakland County Court-based record searches so they can choose the method that fits their needs. Each path works for different situations, from quick personal research to official document requests. This page lays out those steps in plain language so users can move forward with confidence.
How Marriage and Divorce Records Work in Oakland County
Marriage and divorce records in Oakland County come from different offices and serve different public needs. Marriage details fall under vital records, while divorce details fall under court family records kept by county courts.
What Each Record Type Means
Marriage records: contain information about a legal marriage ceremony. These records include the marriage license, the marriage certificate, officiant details, and basic vital stats for both spouses. Oakland County’s Clerk/Register of Deeds handles these civil records and keeps them as part of the county’s vital statistics collection.
Divorce records: document the end of a marriage. These files include the divorce judgment, case filings, support orders, and other court-issued documents. They are maintained by the Oakland County Circuit Court, since divorce is a legal case handled through a courtroom and not through the vital records office.
Vital records: include birth, death, and marriage documents held by the Clerk/Register of Deeds. These records fall under Michigan’s public health system and often serve for ID, benefits, passports, and other personal documentation.
Court family records: (sometimes called domestic case files) include divorce, custody, parenting-time, and support cases. These come from the county court system, where judges issue orders and maintain official case histories.
Who Maintains Each Type
Oakland County does not place all family-related information in one place. Instead, records are split by office:
- Marriage records: Clerk/Register of Deeds (oakgov.com)
- Divorce and domestic case records: Oakland County Circuit Court
- Statewide reference for Michigan court documents: michigancourtrecords.us (informational resource)
This separation helps residents find the right record faster and keeps each office focused on its specific duties.
Public vs. Restricted Information
Michigan treats most marriage records as open to the public, though certified copies may require identity checks for security. Divorce records are open as well, except for certain case types that a judge may seal, such as those involving minors or sensitive safety concerns. Basic file details—case numbers, dates, and docket entries—are usually open. Sealed material stays restricted and cannot be released without court permission. This structure protects personal data while still keeping core civil family records available for lawful personal use.
Quick Reference Table
| Record Type | Maintained By | Public Status | Sample Contents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marriage Records | Clerk/Register of Deeds | Mostly public | License, certificate, officiant info, vital stats |
| Divorce Records | Circuit Court | Public unless sealed | Judgment, filings, support orders, case history |
| Vital Records | Clerk/Register of Deeds | Controlled access | Birth, death, marriage documents |
| Court Family Records (Domestic) | Circuit Court | Public unless restricted | Custody, support, parenting-time orders |
Search for Oakland County Marriage & Divorce Records
Finding marriage and divorce records in Oakland County is straightforward when the correct method is used. Users can search online, in person, or by mail, with each method offering different access options, costs, and record types.
How to Search Oakland County Court Records
Searching for court records effectively requires knowing where to look and how to input information. The most accurate searches use full legal names of parties, approximate dates or years, and correct case type codes. For genealogical research, including maiden names or alternate spellings can improve results.
Step methods:
- Online Search: Quick access to records and certified copies via official portals.
- In-Person Search: Access to older records and detailed case files at Clerk/Register offices.
- Mail Requests: Convenient for users unable to visit offices, with delivery via post.
Online Search Options
Oakland County provides several online tools for searching marriage and divorce records. These portals allow users to quickly find certificates, case filings, and genealogy information from the comfort of home.
Marriage Records Online
Users can search marriage records and certificates through the Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds portal: https://www.oakgov.com/government/clerk-register-of-deeds/life-events-services/marriage-records
Steps:
- Go to the Clerk/Register of Deeds website.
- Select “Marriage Records / Certificates.”
- Enter the full names of both spouses and specify dates if known.
- Submit the search.
Divorce Records Online
The Oakland County Court Explorer provides access to family court divorce records, docket entries, and case filings: https://courtexplorer.oakgov.com/OaklandCounty/SearchCases/
Steps:
- Go to the Court Explorer website.
- Select “Advanced Search.”
- Choose case type codes:
- DM – Divorce with minor children
- DO – Divorce without children
- Enter the names of parties and filing year, if known.
- Review docket entries, case filings, or judgments.
In-Person Search
The Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds offices in Pontiac and Troy allow users to view records not available online.
Tips for visiting:
- Bring a valid photo ID.
- Bring a payment method (cash, card, or check).
- Check office hours and consider scheduling an appointment.
- Older records and genealogy indexes are often available only in person.
Official office info: https://www.oakgov.com/government/clerk-register-of-deeds/pages/office-locations.aspx
Mail Requests
Users can request records by mail using official request forms available on the Clerk’s website: https://www.oakgov.com/government/clerk-register-of-deeds/life-events-services/marriage-records
Steps:
- Complete the request form with full names, dates, and relationship info.
- Include payment via check or money order.
- Attach a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Quick Reference Table
| Record Type | Search Method | Cost (per record) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marriage Certificate | Online | $20 certified, $10 non-certified | Online portal, includes genealogy indexes |
| Marriage Certificate | In-Person | $20 certified, $10 non-certified | Older records may require an office visit |
| Marriage Certificate | Mail Request | $20 certified, $10 non-certified + $2–$5 mail fee | Older records often available only in the office |
| Divorce Record | Court Explorer | Free view, $1–$5 PDF download | Case filings, docket entries |
| Divorce Record | In-Person | $25 certified | Older records are often available only in the office |
| Divorce Record | Mail Request | $25 certified + $2–$5 mail fee | Include a self-addressed stamped envelope |
How to Access Oakland County Marriage Records
Obtaining a marriage record in Oakland County is straightforward and can be done online, in person, or by mail. Individuals can choose the method that best fits their needs, whether they need a recent certified certificate or a historical record for research purposes.
Online Ordering
For marriages that occurred recently, the fastest option is ordering through the Oakland County Clerk’s Office website. The online portal allows users to request certified copies of marriage certificates securely from home.
Steps to order online:
- Visit the https://www.oakgov.com/clerkrod/Pages/Marriage.aspx website.
- Click “Order Marriage Certificate Online.”
- Enter the full names of both spouses (before marriage) and the exact date of marriage.
- Provide a mailing address for delivery.
- Submit payment by credit card. Note that the card is charged after the certificate is mailed.
Turnaround and shipping: Most online requests are processed within 3–5 business days, with delivery times depending on USPS or courier service. Expedited options may be available for an additional fee.
In-Person Requests
For those who prefer visiting the office, the Oakland County Clerk provides services at two locations:
- Pontiac Office: No appointment required.
- Troy Office: Appointment recommended for faster service.
Best times to visit: Between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., when the office is less crowded, though mornings are usually busy.
What to bring:
- Valid government-issued photo ID
- Payment (cash, check, or credit card)
- Any information related to the marriage: full names and marriage date
Processing in person typically takes less time than mail requests, and certified copies can often be issued the same day if all information is complete.
Mail Requests
Requests by mail are available for those who cannot visit the Clerk’s office.
Steps for mail requests:
- Complete the official marriage record request form from the Clerk’s website.
- Include payment (check or money order). If using a credit card, provide a copy of the card and a valid ID.
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery.
- Mail all documents to the Oakland County Clerk’s Office.
Processing time: Typically 3 business days for processing, plus 7–10 days for delivery via USPS.
Genealogy / Historical Searches
For marriages before 1942, or when exact dates are unknown, the Oakland County Genealogy Research Service is the best option.
- Available records: Indexes, non-certified copies, and historical archives.
- Access methods: Some records are available online, but many require an in-person visit to the Clerk’s archival office.
- Out-of-county marriages: If the marriage license was issued elsewhere, records must be requested from the county of origin.
Genealogy copies are typically non-certified, making them useful for research, family history, and legal documentation is not accepted with these records.
Fees & What You Get
Understanding fees helps avoid surprises when requesting marriage records:
| Service Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| First certified copy | $15 |
| Additional certified copies | $5 each |
| Discounts | Seniors 65+ may qualify (check Clerk’s site) |
How to Access Oakland County Divorce Records
Divorce records in Oakland County are considered court records, not vital records, and are maintained by the county’s family court system. For matters such as estate settlements, guardianships, or wills, the Oakland County Probate Court handles related proceedings, which can sometimes intersect with family cases involving divorce or custody disputes. These records include case filings, judgments, and docket entries, but they do not provide a “certificate of divorce” like a marriage certificate. These records require using the court’s online tools, requesting copies from the Legal Records Division, or exploring alternative statewide resources for older or out-of-county cases.
Why Divorce Records Are Court Records
Divorce cases in Oakland County are civil family records handled by the court system. Unlike marriage certificates, which are vital records issued by the state, divorce records exist as court family records. They document legal actions between spouses and reflect judgments, settlements, and procedural filings.
The distinction is important:
- Civil family records include docket entries, case numbers, judge assignments, and filing and disposition dates.
- Divorce records do not include a certificate like a marriage record. Instead, they show the court’s official actions and decisions.
- This system ensures all divorce filings are properly documented as part of the legal record rather than a public vital record archive.
In Oakland County, these records are maintained primarily by the Oakland County Court and can also be referenced through tools like michigancourtrecords.us for research or verification purposes.
Searching Divorce Records via Court Explorer
The easiest way to locate Oakland County divorce records online is through the Court Explorer system. Follow these steps:
- Visit the Oakland County Court Explorer portal.
- Select Advanced Search to refine results.
- Use case type codes:
- DM – Divorce with minor children
- DO – Divorce without children
- Enter the parties’ names and any additional known details.
Once the search is submitted, results typically include:
- Case number
- Names of the parties involved
- Assigned judge
- Filing and disposition dates
- Archive status of the case
After locating a case, documents such as registers of action and docket entries can be viewed directly in-browser. For official copies, users can purchase pages individually through the court’s system. Payments are processed online, ensuring secure access to legal family records.
Requesting Copies (Certified / Non-Certified)
Oakland County allows requests for both certified and non-certified copies of divorce records:
- Regular copy: $1.00 per page
- Certified copy: $10.00 per case number (plus service fees for card or ACH payment)
Delivery options:
- Non-certified copies: Can be sent by standard mail or email.
- Certified copies: Only available via mail to maintain authenticity.
Typical turnaround is within two business days of request. Payment and request forms are processed through the county’s official portal, making it simple to receive accurate civil family records.
What if Divorce Records Are Old or Not Online
Not all divorce records are available online. For Oakland County:
- Online records generally date back to the early 1990s.
- Older records must be requested via mail or in person through the Legal Records Division.
- If a divorce occurred in another county, statewide resources like MiCOURT Case Search or Michigan Vital Records may provide access.
These options ensure that researchers, genealogists, or family historians can obtain civil family records even if they are not digitized.
What Information Divorce Records Provide — Limitations & What to Expect
Divorce records vary depending on case type and accessibility:
- Docket/case file: Includes party names, filing dates, judgments, and general outcomes.
- Divorce decree: Contains the court’s formal decision but may not always include financial or custody details.
- Public summary: Some information may be limited, and sensitive records may be sealed.
Users should expect:
- Case numbers, parties, and judge information
- Filing and disposition dates
- General notes on settlements or rulings
Records do not always reveal detailed reasons for divorce, but they are valuable for research, legal verification, and personal history. Keywords like divorce filings, civil family records, and court family records are commonly associated with these documents, helping researchers locate relevant files efficiently.
When to Use County vs State-Level Vital Records
County clerks in Oakland County handle most marriage and divorce records, making them the first place to request these documents. State-level records through Michigan’s Division for Vital Records and Health Statistics are necessary when county records are unavailable or for older or sealed documents.
County Records: Local Access and Convenience
For marriages or divorces that occurred in Oakland County, the County Clerk’s office is the primary source. County records are usually faster to obtain and may be available for walk-in requests, mail, or online services. Common reasons to use county records include:
- Recent marriages or divorces within Oakland County
- Copies for legal or personal use, such as name changes or family documentation
- Quick verification of records for employment or background checks
The Oakland County Clerk’s office maintains records in its system, often dating back decades. Requesters typically provide the names of the parties, the date of the event, and sometimes a valid ID. Fees vary but generally range from $15–$30 per certified copy, with same-day or expedited options depending on availability.
When County Options Are Limited
Some situations require requesting records from the Michigan Division for Vital Records and Health Statistics:
- Marriages or divorces that occurred in other counties within Michigan
- Older records have not yet been archived at the county level
- Sealed or restricted records due to court orders
State-level requests can be made online through Michigan.gov, by mail, or in person. The standard process usually includes:
- Completing a vital records request form
- Providing identification and payment for fees, typically $25 per certified copy
- Waiting for processing, which can take 2–4 weeks, depending on the delivery method
The state maintains a comprehensive database, making it possible to locate records when county offices cannot. Some third-party portals, such as michigancourtrecords.us, can help identify which office holds the record before submitting a request.
Fees, Processing Times & What to Request
Oakland County charges modest fees for marriage and divorce records, with different rates depending on whether a certified or non-certified copy is requested. Processing times vary, typically ranging from a few days for standard requests to several weeks for mailed deliveries.
Residents and researchers can choose between certified copies for legal purposes or non-certified copies for genealogical or personal use. Payment methods accepted usually include credit/debit cards, checks, or money orders, and requests can be made in person, by mail, or online, where available.
Table: Oakland County Marriage & Divorce Records
| Record Type | Copy Type | Fee | Typical Processing / Delivery Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marriage Certificate | First certified copy | $20 | 3–5 business days | Legal use, accepted for ID or benefits |
| Marriage Certificate | Additional certified copies | $10 each | 3–5 business days | Same as above |
| Marriage Certificate | Non-certified (genealogical) | $5 | 1–3 business days | Only for personal/research purposes |
| Divorce Record | Certified copy | $15–$20 | 5–7 business days | Legal proof for court or benefits |
| Divorce Record | Non-certified copy | $5 | 2–4 business days | Genealogical or personal reference |
| Payment Methods | — | Credit/debit, check, money order | — | Some offices may accept cash in person |
For genealogical research, non-certified copies provide a faster and lower-cost option, suitable for family history projects. Certified copies are required for legal transactions, including name changes, insurance claims, and government documentation. Turnaround times may vary depending on the request volume and method of delivery.
Location & Contact
If someone wants marriage or divorce records in Oakland County, they usually go to the county’s Clerk/Register of Deeds office for marriage records — and to the county’s circuit court (Family Court) for divorce records.
Clerk/Register of Deeds Office
Main and Satellite Locations
- Pontiac (main office): 1200 North Telegraph Road, Dept 413, Pontiac, MI 48341
- Troy (satellite office): South Oakland County Office Building — appointment only.
Contact Information
- Phone: 248‑858‑0571
- Email: clerkvital@oakgov.com
Office Hours & Visits
- Pontiac office: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM — walk-ins accepted.
- Troy office: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM — by appointment only.
- Busy hours at Pontiac are often 11:30 AM–1:30 PM, so visiting outside that time can save waiting.
Notes for Requesting Records
- Certified marriage certificates can be ordered in person, by mail, or online.
- For in-person requests, same-day service is available.
- For mail or online requests, credit card, money order, or other accepted payment methods may apply. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for mail requests.
6th Judicial Circuit Court / Family Court
Court Address & Contact
- Address: 1200 N Telegraph Rd, Department 404, Pontiac, MI 48341‑0404
- Phone: 248‑858‑0344
Hours & Visiting Info
- Court hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Weapons or cutting instruments are not allowed inside the court building.
How to Access Divorce Records
- Use the county’s Court Explorer portal to search, view, or purchase public court records (including divorce filings).
- You can search by name or case number. Public records date back to the early 1990s online.
- For older or non‑online records, you may need to visit in person or send a mail request to the Court Clerk’s Office.
Mail & Online Requests
If visiting in person is not convenient, both marriage and divorce record requests can often be handled by mail or online:
- Mailing address (for vital records): Dept 413, 1200 North Telegraph Road, Pontiac, MI 48341
- For marriage certificates: send a completed request form, payment (credit card copy or money order), and a stamped self-addressed envelope.
- Online ordering: a valid credit card is required; the card is charged only once the request is fulfilled and mailed.
- For divorce/court records: use the Court Explorer portal to order copies (standard or certified).
FAQ: About Marriage and Divorce
Oakland County marriage and divorce records can be searched with partial information, and most divorce records are public. Records go back many decades, and certified copies can often be mailed outside Michigan.
Can I search for marriage records online even if I don’t know the exact date?
Yes, it is possible to search using names rather than exact dates. Users can enter the first and last names of the couple to locate marriage records through Oakland County’s public databases or authorized record services. Narrowing results is easier when approximate years or locations are included. For older records not digitized, visiting the county clerk’s office may be necessary.
Are divorce records public in Oakland County?
Most divorce records are open to the public, but access may vary. Divorce records filed in Oakland County courts are generally public unless sealed by court order. Basic details such as names, case numbers, and divorce dates can be obtained, while sensitive information like financial settlements or minor children’s details may be restricted.
How far back do marriage records go in Oakland County?
Marriage records date back to the early 1800s. Oakland County began recording marriages in the mid-19th century. Digital databases cover more recent decades, while older paper records may require a visit to the county clerk’s archives. Historical records are often used for genealogical research, legal proof, or verification of marital history.
What’s the difference between a marriage certificate and a genealogical record?
A marriage certificate is official; a genealogical record is for research.
- Marriage Certificate: Issued by the county, legally recognized, and can be used for legal purposes.
- Genealogical Record: Compiled from historical documents, often for family history or research, not legally valid.
Genealogical records may include additional notes about the couple or witnesses, making them useful for historians and family researchers.
Can I get a certified copy mailed outside Michigan?
Yes, certified copies can usually be mailed internationally or out of state. Oakland County offers mailed copies through the clerk’s office. Requests require proper identification and payment of fees. Using an authorized third-party service may also speed up delivery.