Ann Arbor Civil Court Records
Ann Arbor civil court records are filed through the 15th Judicial District Court, which serves the city exclusively. Located in Washtenaw County, Ann Arbor is home to the University of Michigan and has a large volume of court activity for a city its size. Civil cases up to $25,000 go to the 15th District Court, while larger disputes are handled by the Washtenaw County 22nd Circuit Court. This page covers all the details on searching Ann Arbor civil court records, from online case lookup tools to the process for requesting certified copies and the fees involved.
Ann Arbor Court Overview
Ann Arbor's 15th District Court
The 15th Judicial District Court handles all Ann Arbor civil court records at the district level. It sits at 301 E. Huron Street in downtown Ann Arbor. The court has jurisdiction over general civil cases up to $25,000, small claims up to $7,000, and city ordinance violations. Because of the University of Michigan, the court also deals with University Regents Ordinance Violations, which is not something you see in most Michigan district courts.
The court offers a free expungement program for people who qualify. Business hours run Monday through Thursday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, and Friday from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM. All visitors go through a security screening with metal detectors and X-ray machines before entering the building.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Court | 15th Judicial District Court |
| Address | 301 E. Huron Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 |
| Phone | (734) 794-6750 |
| Hours | Mon-Thu 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Fri 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM |
Search Ann Arbor Civil Court Records Online
The 15th District Court uses the MiCourt Public Case Search for online lookups. The system is hosted by Michigan's Judicial Information Systems and covers cases from the court. You can search by party name or case number. Results show the case type code, filing date, status, and register of actions.
Ann Arbor civil court records use specific case type codes. GC stands for General Civil. SC is Small Claims. SP means Land Contract Summary Proceeding. GZ covers Miscellaneous Civil matters. These codes show up in search results next to each case. Knowing the right code helps you narrow your search if you are looking for a particular type of filing.
For Washtenaw County Circuit Court records, the county offers a name search tool and a docket and calendar search. You can also use MiCOURT statewide to search both courts from one place.
Note: Cases closed before August 5, 2006 may not appear online, so contact the court directly for older records.
Requesting Ann Arbor Court Documents
You can request copies of Ann Arbor civil court records in person or by submitting a record request form. The form asks for the date, your contact info, the case number, the case type, party names, and a list of specific documents you need. You can ask for the complete case file or just individual documents.
In-person requests are handled at the courthouse on E. Huron Street. Bring a valid ID. The clerk can look up your case and provide copies. For Washtenaw County Circuit Court records, use the county's records request form. The county clerk's office also accepts in-person and mail requests.
An important rule to know: the 15th District Court does not accept fax for General Civil cases as of April 3, 2023. E-filing through MiFILE is mandatory for attorneys as of July 13, 2023. Self-represented parties can still file in person if they prefer. Under MCR 8.119, the court must provide access to public records during normal business hours.
Ann Arbor Court Record Fees
Contact the 15th District Court at (734) 794-6750 for current copy rates. Certified copies at most Michigan district courts cost $10 per document. Standard copies typically run $1 per page. Transcript rates at the Ann Arbor court are $3.75 per original page and $0.90 per copy page, with a $50 minimum charge. These rates took effect April 2, 2025.
Washtenaw County Circuit Court charges similar fees. Standard copies are around $1 per page. Certified copies cost $10 for the certification plus per-page fees. The court has authority to set these rates under MCL 600.2546. Filing fees for new cases vary by case type and amount claimed.
The 15th District Court case search portal is the main tool for looking up Ann Arbor civil court records online.
The search tool lets you look up cases by party name or case number and view the register of actions for each result.
Filing Civil Cases in Ann Arbor
To file a civil case in Ann Arbor, attorneys must use the MiFILE e-filing system. This has been mandatory since July 2023. Self-represented parties can create a free account on MiFILE or file documents in person at the courthouse. The 15th District Court website has info on filing requirements, forms, and fees.
Small claims cases are simpler. You do not need a lawyer. File at the courthouse with the details of your claim and the amount you are seeking up to $7,000. The court will schedule a hearing. Ann Arbor civil court records for small claims follow the same public access rules as other case types under MCR 8.119. Personal info is protected per MCR 1.109.
Note: Fax filing for General Civil cases has not been accepted at the 15th District Court since April 2023.
Legal Resources in Ann Arbor
Michigan Legal Help is a free resource with guides, forms, and a directory of legal aid providers. The Michigan Courts website also provides court forms and procedural information. Washtenaw County has legal aid offices that serve Ann Arbor residents who qualify based on income. These resources can help if you are searching Ann Arbor civil court records on your own or preparing to file a case.
Washtenaw County Court Records
Ann Arbor is part of Washtenaw County. Circuit court civil cases are filed through the Washtenaw County Clerk's office.
Nearby Cities
Ann Arbor is the only qualifying city in Washtenaw County. The nearest cities with their own court pages are in neighboring counties.