Search Michigan Civil Court Records
Michigan civil court records are filed and stored by Circuit Courts and District Courts across all 83 counties. These records track lawsuits, judgments, motions, and court orders in civil cases handled at the county and state level. You can look up case info through the free MiCOURT portal or visit a county clerk's office in person. Michigan keeps civil court records open to the public under state law. This page walks you through how to find Michigan civil court records, what they hold, where to search, and how to get copies. Whether you need a case number, a copy of a judgment, or want to check the status of a pending civil matter, the tools and steps are all here.
Michigan Civil Court Records at a Glance
Michigan Civil Court Records Overview
Michigan runs one of the largest court systems in the country. The state constitution creates what it calls "One Court of Justice." This single system includes Circuit Courts, District Courts, Probate Courts, and the appellate courts above them. For civil matters, there are two main courts you need to know. The Circuit Court handles larger cases. The District Court takes the smaller ones.
Michigan has 57 circuit courts that serve all 83 counties. Some circuits cover just one county while others handle two or more. Circuit Courts take civil cases where more than $25,000 is at stake, and they also hear appeals from District Courts and state agencies. District Courts handle Michigan civil court records for cases up to $25,000. Small claims go up to $6,500 in District Court. Every Michigan county has at least one District Court division. The county clerk serves as the clerk for the Circuit Court and keeps all case files. These are the offices you contact when you need copies of Michigan civil court records.
Under MCL 600.1420, all courts of record in Michigan must be open to the public. Michigan Court Rule 8.119 says court records are presumed public unless a judge orders them sealed or a specific law blocks access. Juvenile cases, adoption records, and mental health proceedings are not public. Protected personal information like dates of birth was removed from public case displays starting April 1, 2022 under MCR 1.109. Court records in Michigan are exempt from FOIA requests under MCL 15.232(h)(iv), so you must go straight to the court clerk for copies.
How to Search Civil Court Records
The fastest way to search Michigan civil court records is through the MiCOURT portal. This free tool at micourt.courts.michigan.gov/case-search lets you look up cases from courts across the state. You can search by party name, case number, attorney bar number, or business name. The portal shows case type, filing date, party names, hearing dates, and docket entries. No account is needed. It works around the clock.
The MiCOURT Case Search portal is the primary tool for finding Michigan civil court records from any county.
The portal covers cases from Circuit, District, and Probate Courts across Michigan. It updates on a regular basis but does not show full document images.
To search for Michigan civil court records on MiCOURT, pick a court from the drop-down or leave it set to all courts. Enter a last name first, then a first name. You can use just two letters for a wildcard search. Results list all matching cases. Click a case number to view the full register of actions, which is the docket that shows every filing and event in that case from start to finish.
MiCOURT does not let you download actual filings. For document access, you need to contact the clerk or use MiFILE, the state's e-filing system. Attorneys in many Michigan courts must file through MiFILE. Self-represented parties can sign up for free to view documents in their own cases. Check the list of available courts to see which courts participate.
Several Michigan counties also run their own search tools for civil court records. Oakland County has Court Explorer for Circuit and Probate cases. Ingham County offers a search tool at courts.ingham.org. Washtenaw County provides a name search portal, and Kalamazoo County has a court records search page. Wayne County uses the Odyssey Public Access system for 3rd Circuit Court cases going back to 1942. These local tools may show more detail than MiCOURT for civil court records in those counties.
Note: MiCOURT does not display document images, sealed cases, juvenile records, or cases expunged under Michigan's Clean Slate laws.
What Michigan Civil Court Records Contain
A Michigan civil court record starts with the complaint. This is the first document a plaintiff files. It names the defendant and describes the claim. The summons goes out next. It tells the other side about the case and sets a deadline to respond.
After the case gets going, more documents build up the file. Answers and counterclaims come from the defendant. Motions ask the judge to rule on specific issues. Court orders record each decision the judge makes during the case. Scheduling orders, rulings on motions, and discovery orders all go into Michigan civil court records. If the case reaches trial, verdict forms and exhibits may be part of the file too. Depositions and expert reports sometimes get filed as well.
Most Michigan civil cases end with a judgment or a settlement. The final judgment states what the court decided and how much, if anything, one side must pay. A settlement agreement shows the terms both parties agreed to. Both become part of the public civil court record unless the judge seals them.
Every entry gets logged on the register of actions. This is the running list of all filings and court events in Michigan civil court records. It tracks dates, document types, and case status from the day the case was filed to the day it closed.
Fees for Michigan Court Record Copies
Getting copies of Michigan civil court records costs money. Fees vary a bit by court but most follow a similar range set by state guidelines. Standard copies run $1.00 to $2.00 per page across most Michigan courts. Certified copies cost more because the clerk adds a raised seal and signature.
Michigan courts charge the following common fees for civil court records and filings:
- Standard copies: $1.00 to $2.00 per page
- Certified copies: $10.00 to $11.00 certification plus per-page fees
- Civil filing (up to $600 in dispute): $30.00 to $35.00
- Civil filing ($601 to $1,750): $50.00 to $55.00
- Motion filing fee: $20.00
You can request copies of Michigan civil court records in person, by mail, or by email in some courts. In-person requests at the clerk's office are often filled the same day. Mail requests may take a week or more. Some Michigan courts accept email requests for non-certified copies only. Wayne County, for example, takes email requests through its records office but will not send certified copies electronically because those need a raised seal. Always check with the specific court before you send a request for civil court records.
Note: Fees change from time to time, so call the clerk's office or check the court website to confirm current rates before you visit.
Michigan Laws on Civil Court Records
Michigan law makes civil court records open to the public. MCL 600.1420 says all courts of record must be public and all cases must be tried in open court. This is one of the broadest public access rules in the state. It gives anyone the right to view Michigan civil court records at the courthouse.
Michigan Court Rule 8.119 spells out how courts manage records and provide access. Under subrule (H), case records are public unless a court rule, statute, or court order restricts them. The clerk must let people view and copy case records. Courts can also post civil court records on public websites. Under subrule (I), a party can ask the court to seal records. The judge must find good cause and decide that no less restrictive option will work. Sealed civil court records in Michigan are not common, but they do happen in cases with trade secrets or sensitive financial details.
MCL 600.8301 sets the line between Circuit and District Court for Michigan civil cases. District Courts hear cases up to $25,000. Small claims max out at $6,500. Anything above that amount goes to Circuit Court. MCL 600.2546 covers fees for certified copies of court records. Michigan Court Rule 1.109 defines what counts as a court record and lists the personal information that must be kept out of public filings. Since April 2022, Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and dates of birth cannot appear in public civil court records.
Free Legal Help in Michigan
If you need help with a Michigan civil court matter, several organizations offer free or low-cost services. Michigan Legal Help provides self-help tools, court forms, and step-by-step guides on civil court procedures. The site covers many types of civil cases and links to local courts across the state.
The Michigan Courts website has a forms section and a full court directory. You can find the right court for your Michigan county and download standard forms there. The State Court Administrative Office publishes rules and reports that explain how Michigan civil court records work. Court clerks at any county can help you with forms and basic procedures, though they cannot give legal advice. Contact your local legal aid organization if you need a lawyer for a civil case in Michigan.
Browse Michigan Civil Court Records by County
Each Michigan county has its own Circuit Court and District Court that handle civil cases. The county clerk keeps all civil court records for the Circuit Court. Pick a county below to find contact info, local search tools, and details on how to get copies of civil court records in that area.
Civil Court Records in Major Michigan Cities
Residents of major Michigan cities file civil cases at the District Court that serves their area. Larger claims go to the county Circuit Court. Pick a city below to find which courts handle civil court records for that location.