Case Studies
Plans & Pricing
Log InGet a Demo
Get Started
No Credit Card Required
Product
Resources
Case Studies
Plans & Pricing

Table of Contents

DCH 0838 Guidance: Record of Divorce or Annulment (Michigan)

The DCH 0838 Record of Divorce or Annulment form is used in Michigan to officially document the dissolution of a marriage through divorce or annulment, as part of the legal finalization process following a court's decision. Jump to guide on filling it out.

Don't settle for the empty PDF.

See how Gavel’s workflows can generate a DCH 0838 form for you or your clients

Tips for filling out form DCH 0838

When completing form DCH 0838, pay special attention to these less obvious sections:

Item 12

Defendant's Marriage Number

Indicate which marriage this is for the defendant, similar to the plaintiff's marriage number. Clarifying this helps identify which prior legal documents might be relevant.
Item 16

Minor Children Count

Include the total number of minor children living in the household as of the date of separation or filing if no separation occurred. This is crucial for custody considerations.
Item 19

Custody Allocation

Clearly indicate the number of minor children whose physical custody was awarded to each party. If custody is split between multiple parties, make sure the numbers add up and that 'Joint' or 'Other' is properly marked if applicable.
Item 21

Judgment Date

Ensure that the recorded date reflects when the judgment was officially entered into court records, not just the date of the court decision. This can affect subsequent actions like appeals.
Item 3

Previous Last Name

If the plaintiff's last name was different before their first marriage, make sure to provide that last name here. This can be important for cross-referencing with other legal documents.
Item 6

Marriage Number

Specify which number marriage this is for the plaintiff. For example, if the plaintiff has been married three times, you would write 'Third.' This helps in verifying historical marital data.
Item 9

Defendant's Previous Name

Similar to the plaintiff's previous last name, ensure that you enter the last name the defendant had before their first marriage, if it was different, for accurate historical records.

What to do after filing form DCH 0838

1
Review the filed copy for accuracy and ensure all information matches your records.
2
Submit the Record of Divorce or Annulment form to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services as required.
3
Await confirmation of filing from the court, which typically arrives via mail or through the court's online system.
4
Prepare for a court hearing if required, where further discussion on divorce terms might be needed.
5
Consult with your attorney regarding the next legal steps and any additional documents that may be required.
Gavel automates client intake, document drafting, and revenue generation so you can focus on practicing law.