Find Family Court Records in Wexford County
Wexford County family court records are filed and maintained at the 28th Judicial Circuit Court in Cadillac. The 28th Circuit Court is shared between Wexford and Missaukee counties, with the primary courthouse at 437 E Division Street in Cadillac. The Family Division handles divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, and adoption cases for all Wexford County residents. You can search basic case information through the statewide MiCOURT Case Search portal at no cost, or contact the county clerk directly for copies, certified records, and full case files.
Wexford County Court Overview
Where Wexford County Family Court Records Are Filed
All family court filings in Wexford County go through the 28th Judicial Circuit Court at 437 E Division Street, Cadillac, MI 49601. The 28th Circuit is a shared circuit covering both Wexford and Missaukee counties. Court sessions are also held at the Missaukee County Courthouse in Lake City when needed. The county clerk's phone number is (231) 779-9450. Fax is (231) 779-0447. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
The clerk's office in Cadillac is the primary point of contact for Wexford County family court records. Custody, divorce, and paternity all fall under the Circuit Court's jurisdiction. If you are unsure whether a case is in Wexford or Missaukee, call the Cadillac office first. Staff can tell you which court holds the file and how to request it.
Note: Mail requests to Wexford County Circuit Court must include a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment by check or money order payable to the Wexford County Clerk.
Searching Wexford County Family Court Records Online
The main online tool for Wexford County family court records is MiCOURT Case Search, Michigan's free statewide database. You can search by party name, case number, attorney, or business name. Results include case numbers, filing dates, party names, hearing schedules, and docket entries. MiCOURT does not show document images or full case files. For actual records, contact the Wexford County Circuit Court clerk directly at (231) 779-9450.
Because the 28th Circuit covers two counties, always confirm which county courthouse holds the file you need before making a trip. MiCOURT results will indicate which court has the case on record. If a case was filed in Missaukee County, contact that clerk's office instead.
Wexford County Courts Online Portal
The Wexford County website at wexfordcounty.org provides county department contacts including the clerk's office, which handles 28th Circuit Court family court records for all Wexford County residents.
The Wexford County website is a useful first stop when looking for court contacts or office hours before visiting the courthouse at 437 E Division Street in Cadillac. The clerk's office handles case lookups, copy requests, and certified document orders for Wexford County family court records.
Copy Fees for Wexford County Family Court Records
Standard copy fees in Wexford County align with Michigan's statewide rates under MCL 600.2546. Regular copies run $1.00 per page at most Michigan circuit courts. Certified copies require a $10.00 certification fee per document plus the per-page charge. Marriage records run $10.00 for a first copy and $5.00 for each additional copy. Birth and death records also carry a $10.00 fee for the first copy. Viewing records in person at the courthouse is free under MCR 8.119.
If you need a certified copy of a divorce judgment or custody order for use in another state or jurisdiction, you must obtain it in person or by mail with the official court seal. Call (231) 779-9450 ahead of time for a cost estimate before mailing payment. Include enough to cover the estimated copy cost, plus postage for the return envelope.
Types of Family Court Records in Wexford County
The 28th Circuit Court Family Division in Wexford County handles a full range of domestic relations cases. Divorce files include the complaint, proof of service, judgment of divorce, and all orders entered during the case. Custody files hold parenting time orders and any modifications filed over time. Paternity files establish the legal father and include the order of filiation and child support orders.
Child support matters run through the Wexford County Friend of the Court office. The FOC keeps separate records on payment histories and enforcement actions. For statewide policy guidance, the Friend of the Court Bureau at courts.michigan.gov covers FOC rules and procedures. The FOC can initiate wage garnishment and other enforcement when support orders go unpaid.
Adoption records in Wexford County are sealed under MCL 710.67. Juvenile records are restricted under MCL 712A.28. Personal protection order details are not publicly available under MCR 3.705. These restrictions apply statewide.
In-Person and Mail Requests for Wexford County Records
The most direct way to get Wexford County family court records is to visit 437 E Division Street, P.O. Box 490, Cadillac, MI 49601. Bring a valid photo ID. Clerks can pull case files and make copies while you wait for readily available records. Public access terminals at the courthouse let you view records at no charge before deciding what to copy.
Mail requests are accepted. Include the case number if known, full names of both parties, the approximate filing year, and the specific documents you need. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment by check or money order payable to the Wexford County Clerk. Mail turnaround depends on file size and office workload. For urgent needs, in-person visits are faster. Court forms approved by the SCAO are available at courts.michigan.gov/scao-forms.
Note: Because the 28th Circuit covers two counties, confirm the case is at the Cadillac courthouse before mailing a records request.
Michigan Laws That Govern Wexford County Family Court Records
Family court records in Wexford County follow the same legal rules as all Michigan courts. MCR 8.119 establishes that court records are public unless a statute, court rule, or court order restricts access. MCL 600.2546 sets the framework for copy fees. Michigan's Freedom of Information Act does not apply to court records because the judiciary is exempt under MCL 15.232(d)(v). If the court denies a records request, you must file a motion directly with the court, not a FOIA appeal.
The Michigan Legislature's website at legislature.mi.gov has the full text of all Michigan Compiled Laws related to family court records. SCAO-approved forms are required for most family court filings in Wexford County and cover divorce, custody, paternity, support modification, and protection orders.
Nearby Counties
Family court records for residents near Wexford County may also be filed in one of the neighboring counties below.