12th Circuit Court

Information

The Circuit Court has jurisdiction in all civil cases involving more than $25,000, cases in which equitable relief is requested, personal protection orders and divorces without children. All other family matters are under the jurisdiction of the Family Court division of the Circuit Court. The Circuit Court has jurisdiction in all criminal cases where the offense involves a felony or certain serious "high court" misdemeanors. The Circuit Court hears cases appealed from the Probate and District Courts and from other administrative agencies of state government.

Divorce Information

Divorce paperwork may be obtained through michiganlegalhelp.org. It will require some time on your part to read, fill out, print, file and serve the paperwork.

You can file for divorce without the aid of an attorney. This is called filing in Pro Persona, "ProPer", and means you are representing yourself rather than hiring an attorney to represent you.

Please note Judges and the staff of the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office cannot give you legal advice and they will not call or write you concerning the filing of any documents pertaining to your case. It is your responsibility to read the instructions provided to you at michiganlegalhelp.org prior to filling out any of the documents.

The waiting periods below are set forth by the State of Michigan. Final hearing dates are scheduled according to Court calendar availability.

Without Minor Children:
You have to wait a minimum of 60 days from the date of filing the Complaint to have your Divorce finalized.

With Minor Children:
You have to wait a minimum of 180 days from the date of filing the complaint to have your Divorce finalized.

Fees:

Filing fee civil cases: $175.00
Jury demand civil cases: $85.00
Appeal to higher court: $25.00
Motion fee: $20.00
Garnishment fee: $15.00

Copy charges are $1.00 per page
Certified Copy charges are $10.00 plus $1.00 per page

Documents:

Transcript Request Form

Service Links:

MiCourt Case Search
Michigan Legal Help