How to Search Michigan Court Records (Start Here)
Michigan court records are filed with the County Clerk in each county. The Circuit Court / District Court / Probate Court handles trial-level cases. Michigan does not have a single statewide court search portal — you must go to the county where the case was filed.
What this page covers: Michigan state court case records. What it does not cover: Federal court cases (PACER) or sealed/juvenile records.
Where to start: Identify the county where the case was filed, then contact the County Clerk in that county. Some counties courts offer online case search on their individual websites.
Common mistake: Without a statewide portal, many people search the wrong county. If you are unsure where a case was filed, start with the county where the defendant lived or where the incident occurred.
Trial court of general jurisdiction
Statewide civil case search
Statewide criminal docket search
Number of counties
83 counties
Population
10,140,459
Households
4,023,700
Median Income
$68,505
Median Home Value
$199,100
SearchSystems Editorial
Edited by Sam Rokni — Editor & Owner, SearchSystems.net. Public records professional since 1999. NAPBS founding member. Full bio & credentials.
Last reviewed: June 04, 2026 · Methodology: all Michigan court URLs verified against the official .gov / state-judiciary publisher on the review date. 6 primary .gov / .uscourts.gov sources cited below.
Michigan Court Records — Key Numbers (2025)
Michigan's Interactive Court Data Dashboard provides searchable caseload statistics across all trial courts.
Michigan Courts
Court system
Statewide
2025
Latest fiscal year
Official .gov data
.gov
Primary source
Never data brokers
Free
Public access
Most case records
June 04, 2026
Last reviewed
By SearchSystems editorial
What Michigan court records actually cost
Michigan case lookups are free at most district and circuit courts, and the new statewide portal doesn't charge for searches. Copies run per page plus certification at each clerk, and expungement filing is free under Michigan's clean-slate framework — many older convictions now clear automatically.
Exact amounts are set by each court's current fee schedule — check the official source before you order.
What Changed in 2026 — Michigan Court Records
2026
Michigan 2025 caseload report active
The Michigan Courts publishes its current 2025 case filings, dispositions, and trends on the official statistics portal.
2026
Michigan statewide case-access portal live
Michigan Courts's public case-access portal continues to operate at www.courts.michigan.gov with statewide coverage.
2026
Latest Michigan judiciary annual report
The most recent annual report from the Michigan Courts is publicly available with full statistical addenda.
2026
Michigan courts main directory
Michigan's primary judicial-branch directory at www.courts.michigan.gov continues to be the canonical entry point for all state court matters.
The 4-Step Michigan Court Records Pathway
1
Step 1 — Identify the court level
In Michigan, civil and criminal trial cases sit in Michigan Courts trial courts. Appellate matters go to the state's appellate courts.
2
Step 2 — Use the state case-access portal
Start at https://www.courts.michigan.gov/case-search/ — the official public case-access for Michigan.
3
Step 3 — Federal cases are separate
Federal cases involving Michigan parties live on PACER (pacer.uscourts.gov), not the state system.
4
Step 4 — Sealed / expunged records
Records sealed or expunged under Michigan law are NOT searchable on public portals. To verify, contact the originating court clerk directly.
Five Things People Get Wrong About Michigan Court Records
MYTH"Michigan court records are on PACER."
FACTPACER only has federal cases. Michigan state court records live on www.courts.michigan.gov.
MYTH"All Michigan case files are free."
FACTPartly true. Searching and viewing dockets is usually free. Downloading full documents or certified copies often costs $1-$5 per item.
MYTH"Sealed = deleted in Michigan."
FACTSealed records still exist — they're just hidden from public search. The court clerk and law enforcement can still access them.
MYTH"Third-party search sites are official."
FACTOnly www.courts.michigan.gov and the linked official portals are authoritative for Michigan.
MYTH"Same-day filings show online immediately."
FACTMost Michigan courts have a 24-48 hour processing lag before new filings appear in public search.
Primary Sources and Official Record Portals
- www.courts.michigan.gov — Michigan Courts — Main judicial-branch portal for Michigan
- Michigan case access — Public case-search portal
- Michigan court statistics — Official caseload statistics
- Michigan annual report — Most recent annual report (PDF)
- uscourts.gov — PACER — Federal court records (separate system)
- uscourts.gov — Judicial Business 2025 — Federal caseload context
Related Court Records Resources
📍 Other Michigan records:
- Michigan Criminal Records →
- Michigan Property Records →
- Michigan Vital Records →
- Michigan Voter Records →
- Michigan Wants & Warrants →
- Michigan Licenses →
- Michigan Recorded Documents →
🇺🇸 Court Records in other states:
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National: U.S. Court Records hub →
Related Public Records
More Michigan records: Criminal records · Wants & warrants · Property records · Vital records · Voter records · Licenses · Recorded docs
National view of this topic: All states: Court records
Court Records Databases
54 official Michigan court records sources.
Court Records
26th Circuit Court Motion Day Calendars - 2025 | Alpena County, MI
Official Free
=================================== MONTMORENCY COUNTY 26TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COURT Domestic 8:45 am: Honorable K. Edward Black Criminal 9:45 am: Honorable K. Edward Black Civil 11:15 am: Honorable K. Edward Black. ================================= MONTMORENCY COUNTY FAMILY DIVISION JUVENILE/NEGLECT MOTION DAYS Honorable Lora E. Greene · MONTMORENCY COUNTY FAMILY DIVISION – JUVENILE/neglect motion days · =================================== ALPENA COUNTY DOMESTIC RELATIONS CASES * Referee: Russell L.
Circuit Court Criminal Records Search - 13th Circuit Court
Official Free
CRIMINAL: Felony offenses that are bound over to 13th Circuit Court are those charges which are punishable by more than one (1) year in a state prison. Any misdemeanor offenses are considered part of District Court and are not included in this database. The database includes cases filed from 1981 to current. Older cases which do not have indexes listed can be viewed on microfilm at the Records Office. **** Antrim and Leelanau county.
Michigan
Official Free
This is the court-records channel for Michigan: case searches and docket details. It sits outside government; official offices remain the record of authority.
Berrien County, Michigan Court Records | BerrienRecords.us
Official Free
Court records are distinct from other public records maintained by Berrien County, such as:. Pursuant to Michigan Compiled Laws § 600.1428, court records include documentation from various case types including civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic matters.
Visiting Judges in Calhoun County
Official Free
The grant allows visiting judges to provide docket assistance in the county beginning June 20, 2023. The Circuit Court has two visiting judges who hear civil motions for Judge Lincoln and Judge Hallacy two days a week. All motions on circuit court civil matters will be scheduled with the visiting judges. Cases will remain assigned to Judges Lincoln and Hallacy, but motions will be scheduled with one of the visiting judges. Find dockets for these judges here. The District Court has one visiting judge assisting with the Landlord Tenant docket and expungement hearings two days a week.
Clinton County
Official Free
See the Interactive Court Data Dashboard for this performance measure. Clearance Rates, Case Age Rates, and Pending Caseload
Court of Claims - Michigan Courts
Official Free
The Court of Claims is a statewide, limited jurisdiction court (PA 164 of 2013) to hear and determine all civil actions filed against the State of Michigan
One Court of Justice | Home
Official Free
Michigan Courts Independent • Accessible • Engaged • Efficient General General Cases Business Courts Popular Resources Court Communications
46th Circuit Court, Crawford County Northern Michigan
Official Free
Case records from the Michigan courts serving Crawford County surface through this system. It sits outside government; official offices remain the record of authority.
Genesee County Clerk/Register Public Web Access
Official Free
Welcome to the Genesee County Clerk/Register's Public Access Web Service. We're working hard to serve you better by bringing our office to your desktop. You can search for death records from 1930 and marriage records from 1963.
County Clerk & Register of Deeds
Official Free
The Genesee County Clerk & Register oversees three major divisions of the Clerk's office: Vital Records, Elections and Register of Deeds.
kentcountymi.gov
Official Free
This is the court-records channel for Michigan: case searches and docket details. It is independently run, so verify anything critical against the official court office.
2021 Court Caseload Report 29th Circuit Court of Gratiot ...
Official Free
Michigan Children's Institute or the Court. 4. Children in the System Who are. 29th Circuit Court of Gratiot County Detail. 2021 Court Caseload Report.
Court Calendar – Isabella County Michigan
Official Free
Court case information for Isabella County — dockets, hearing dates, and case lookups. It sits outside government; official offices remain the record of authority.
Judges | Jackson County, MI
Official Free
12th District Court Judges for Jackson County, Michigan · View the court calendar and select the days or cases you want displayed. See a chronological archival history of previous judges, including a picture and brief overview. Find specific information on the history of the judicial division and the recording practices of the judge / recorder.
Information | Jackson County, MI
Official Free
View court records for civil cases and criminal / traffic cases. Coordinate how to arrive at the courthouse by viewing these detailed step-by-step directions. View an extremely comprehensive glossary of terms related to the 12th District Court. Find the Jackson County 12th Judicial District Court Job Description information.
Michigan Courts: MiCOURT
Official Free
Case records from the Michigan courts serving Michigan surface through this system. It is independently run, so verify anything critical against the official court office.
Kalkaska County Courts and Friend of the Court
Official Free
This online calendar does not alter. court records of any case. The Kalkaska County Judicial System is comprised of three different constitutional or statutory courts. These courts are the 46th Circuit Court, the 87-B District Court and the Kalkaska County Probate Court. With the approval from the Michigan Supreme Court,.
Resources | Kent County, MI
Official Free
Case records from the Michigan courts serving Kent County surface through this system. It is independently run, so verify anything critical against the official court office.
Search Court Records | Kent County, MI
Official Free
This is the court-records channel for Kent County: case searches and docket details. Confirm details with the official court office before relying on them.
44th Circuit Court - Livingston County, MI
Official Free
The 44th Circuit Court of Livingston County handles felony criminal cases, civil liability cases where damages are alleged to be above $25,000, all Family Court cases including divorce, custody, support, and related cases and all Juvenile Court cases.
Record & Research Services - Livingston County, MI
Official Free
All you need is a web browser for 24 X 7 access to county land records. From the Tapestry web site, users can access information from ALL participating counties. Tapestry allows for both pay-as-you-go access, and an open account payment plan. Get Started: Click the Tapestry button above and log on to begin your search. Designed for users who consistently search in LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MI
Macombgov
Official Free
Court case information for Michigan — dockets, hearing dates, and case lookups. Confirm details with the official court office before relying on them.
County of Midland, MI | USA
Official Free
Court case information for Michigan — dockets, hearing dates, and case lookups. Confirm details with the official court office before relying on them.
County of Midland, MI | USA
Official Free
Court case information for Michigan — dockets, hearing dates, and case lookups. Confirm details with the official court office before relying on them.
Starting a Child Support Case
Official Free
Case records from the Michigan courts serving Michigan surface through this system. It is independently run, so verify anything critical against the official court office.
Circuit Court Records | Ottawa County, MI
Official Free
Have questions about court processes? Need help with forms? Visit the Legal Self Help Center or use one of their free kiosks. Filings for most case types must be e-filed. Find more information about e-filing with MiFile. Circuit Court fines, fees, and restitution can be paid online with a credit card.
County of Saginaw, MI - Probate Court
Official Free
Judge McGraw currently serves as Senior Judge of the Saginaw County Probate Court, and Judge of the 10th Judicial Circuit Court. In 1818, a Court of Probate was established in each county, the members of which were appointed by the Governor and from which appeals might be taken to the Supreme Court.
County of Saginaw, MI - 10th Circuit Court
Official Free
This is the court-records channel for Michigan: case searches and docket details. It is independently run, so verify anything critical against the official court office.
Traffic | Washtenaw County, MI - Official Website
Official Free
If you have been issued a Civil Infraction citation, instructions for the "next steps" for you to take are found on the back of the citation. Also, the police officer will normally inform you of your obligations. Continue reading to learn how to make payments, cancel transactions, or obtain.
Civil / Criminal | Washtenaw County, MI - Official Website
Official Free
3This division has jurisdiction over all actions except those given by state law to another court. Generally speaking, the civil/criminal division has original jurisdiction in all civil cases involving more than $25,000, and in all criminal.
General Info | Washtenaw County, MI - Official Website
Official Free
View useful links regarding the District Court. All locations of the 14A District Court are open for service from 8 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday, except for holidays listed in MCR 8.110 (D)(2) and the corresponding Local Administrative Orders of the 14A District Court 2025-05 Court Holidays for observing holidays - with the exception of 14A-3 District Court, which is closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
3rd Circuit Court
Official Free
The Third Judicial Circuit of Michigan offers electronic access to public case records through public access kiosks located in the lower level of the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center. Members of the public may access locally-stored, public case records in paper form by visiting the Wayne County Clerk’s Office.
Probate Records Office
Official Free
The Probate Court Records Office is the public access point for court filings, court records, and deposits of wills. The office is located on the 5th floor of the Genesee County Courthouse, in Room 502. The office is staffed by Deputy Registers,.
Circuit Court | Oakland County, MI
Official Free
Oakland County, MI — court case dockets and calendars.
67th District Court of the State of Michigan
Official Free
All proceedings with the exception of Small Claims and Civil Infraction Informal Hearings are recorded. If you wish to order a transcript of a specific proceeding, you should contact the court recorder for the judge who heard the case.
Pay Tickets
Official Free
The 52nd District Court offers an online payment service in an effort to make paying assessments more convenient. Civil Infraction offenses and misdemeanor offenses (some exceptions apply) for the following courts may be paid by VISA, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express via this Web site:.
1 STATE OF MICHIGAN IN THE 18TH CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF BAY
Official Free
An 18th Circuit Court Clerk will. of the Bay County Courts regarding the · matter. A course of action will be determined by Chief Judge, Joseph K. Sheeran. If the Chief Judge is not available, an 18th Circuit Court Clerk will contact the Honorable Jessie · Scott Wood. A course of action will then be determined by Judge Wood. If a hearing is needed, support staff (including a court recorder and law clerk).
Court Calendar | Gratiot County, MI
Official Free
The 65B District Court docket is live. It refreshes and updates continuously every 30 minutes. The calendar lists the defendants names alphabetically by last name under the corresponding date and the time the case is scheduled follows the name. All cases that indicate Hearing under Room are.
City of Sterling Heights Municipal Court. MI - Online Payments
Official Free
IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ! Pay WARRANTS and LICENSE SUSPENSIONS in person. Otherwise, it may take up to two (2) business days to clear/cancel. This site ONLY processes payments for 41A District Court in Sterling Heights, NOT the 41A District Court in Shelby Township.
CM/ECF - LIVE DATABASE
Official Paid
Welcome to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
Case Statistics US Bankruptcy Court ...
Official Paid
Court case information for Michigan — dockets, hearing dates, and case lookups. It is independently run, so verify anything critical against the official court office.
LINK your upgraded PACER ACCOUNT to your CM/ECF ...
Official Paid
Welcome to the official Web site for the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan.
Justitia - Tribal Courts in Michigan
Official Free
This is the court-records channel for Michigan: case searches and docket details. Confirm details with the official court office before relying on them.
Michigan Counties
83 Michigan counties are indexed on SearchSystems.net — top 28 counties shown below. Browse the full directory or click any county for local court, sheriff, recorder and assessor links.
Which Michigan counties publish court dockets online
61 of Michigan's 83 counties run their own online source for court dockets, based on what this directory indexes. Every other county is covered by the statewide systems listed above — click a county for its full records page.
Alger Allegan Alpena Arenac Benzie Berrien Branch Calhoun Cass Charlevoix Cheboygan Chippewa Clare Clinton Crawford Delta Eaton Genesee Gladwin Gogebic Gratiot Hillsdale Houghton Ingham Ionia Iosco Isabella Jackson Kent Keweenaw Lapeer Leelanau Lenawee Luce Mackinac Macomb Manistee Marquette Mason Mecosta Menominee Midland Missaukee Monroe Montcalm Montmorency Muskegon Newaygo Oscoda Ottawa Presque Isle Roscommon Saginaw Sanilac Schoolcraft Shiawassee Tuscola Van Buren Washtenaw Wayne Wexford
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I search Michigan court cases online?▼
Michigan's trial courts publish case lookups through the Michigan Courts. Start at www.courts.michigan.gov — most case dockets, filings, and hearing calendars are searchable by name, case number, or filing date. County-level clerks publish additional searches; see the cards below for direct county court links.
Is there a free statewide court case search in Michigan?▼
The Michigan Courts operates Michigan's official statewide judicial portal at www.courts.michigan.gov. Basic case lookups are typically free of charge; certified copies and bulk-data exports may incur a per-document or per-search fee. Federal cases for Michigan residents are searched separately through PACER.
What's the difference between trial and appellate courts in Michigan?▼
Trial courts in Michigan handle the original filing of civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic matters. Appellate courts review questions of law from trial-court decisions. The Michigan Courts publishes the full court structure, judge rosters, and jurisdiction maps at www.courts.michigan.gov.
How far back do Michigan court records go online?▼
Online coverage varies by court and case type. Most Michigan county courts have digitized records from approximately the late 1990s or early 2000s forward; older case files may require an in-person clerk visit or a written record request. Check the Michigan Courts portal at www.courts.michigan.gov for each court's coverage window.
Are sealed or expunged Michigan cases visible in the online search?▼
No. Michigan courts redact or remove sealed, expunged, juvenile, and certain confidential records from public-facing searches as required by state statute and court rule. If a record was previously visible and has since been sealed, it will no longer appear in the Michigan Courts portal. For verification you can contact the county clerk where the case was filed.