Search Dearborn Civil Court Records

Dearborn civil court records are filed through the 19th District Court, which serves the city exclusively within Wayne County. Civil disputes valued at $25,000 or less go to this court. For higher-value cases, the Wayne County 3rd Circuit Court in Detroit has jurisdiction. Dearborn is one of the larger cities in Wayne County and sits just west of Detroit. This page details how to search Dearborn civil court records online, request copies of case documents, and navigate the court's filing process, including the mandatory MiFILE electronic filing system.

Dearborn's 19th District Court

The 19th District Court is located at 16077 Michigan Avenue in Dearborn. It handles civil cases up to $25,000, small claims up to $7,000, and civil infractions under MCL 600.8301. The court also runs specialized programs including a Sobriety Court and a Veterans Court, though these focus on criminal matters rather than civil filings.

One big change at this court: as of October 31, 2024, all filings must go through MiFILE. Paper filing is no longer accepted. This applies to both attorneys and self-represented parties. If you need to file a civil case in Dearborn, you have to use the electronic system. The court made this switch to speed up processing and reduce paper backlogs.

Searching Dearborn Court Records Online

You can search Dearborn civil court records through the MiCOURT Case Search portal. Select the 19th District Court from the dropdown and enter a party name or case number. Results include the case type, filing date, status, and register of actions. Actual document images are not available online, only docket entries and case summaries.

For Wayne County Circuit Court records, use the Odyssey Public Access system. This covers civil cases filed in the 3rd Circuit Court. The Wayne County Clerk also maintains records at the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center in Detroit. You can search or request records from that office for any circuit-level case originating in Dearborn.

Requesting Dearborn Court Documents

To get copies of Dearborn civil court records, visit the 19th District Court at 16077 Michigan Avenue during business hours. Provide the clerk with the case number or party names. The clerk can look up the case and print copies for you. Standard copies cost about $1 per page. Certified copies run $10 per document plus per-page fees.

Wayne County Circuit Court records require a separate request. The Wayne County Clerk's Records Division is at 2 Woodward Avenue, Room LL-61, in Detroit. You can visit in person, mail a request, or email wcrecordroom@waynecountymi.gov for non-certified copies. For mail requests, include a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment by check or money order. Circuit court standard copies cost $1.50 per page. MCR 8.119 requires that courts provide public access to records during business hours.

Dearborn Court Filing and Fees

Since the 19th District Court switched to MiFILE, all civil filings go through the electronic filing system. Create an account at mifile.courts.michigan.gov. Self-represented parties get free accounts. Upload your documents as PDFs, pay any filing fees online, and submit. You will receive a confirmation email with a timestamp.

Filing fees vary by case type. Small claims cases have lower fees than general civil actions. Copy fees at the district court follow standard Michigan rates. MCL 600.2546 governs the fees courts can charge for copies of records. The Michigan Courts website has general info on filing fees across the state.

The 19th District Court website is the official page for the court handling Dearborn civil court records.

This page has info on court services, hours, and links to MiFILE for electronic filing of civil cases.

What Dearborn Civil Records Include

Dearborn civil court records contain the same types of documents you find in any Michigan civil case. The file starts with the complaint and summons. It includes answers, counterclaims, motions, and court orders. The register of actions is the permanent docket that tracks every event in the case. Final judgments, settlement agreements, and dismissal orders are also part of the record.

Under MCR 1.109, personal info like Social Security numbers and full birth dates are removed from public view. Sealed cases and expunged records do not appear in any search. Dearborn civil court records are public under MCR 8.119 unless a judge orders otherwise. Courts must allow public inspection during normal business hours.

Dearborn Civil Case Records Content

A Dearborn civil court record includes the full set of documents filed in a case from beginning to end. The complaint starts the file. It lays out what the plaintiff is claiming and what relief they are seeking. The defendant files an answer, and from there the case builds with motions, court orders, and possibly discovery materials. The register of actions is the permanent log that tracks every event in the case with dates and brief descriptions of each filing or hearing.

Final judgments, settlement agreements, and dismissal orders are part of the record too. Some cases include consent judgments where both sides agree to a resolution. Under MCR 1.109, full dates of birth and Social Security numbers are protected and will not appear in public records. Cases that have been sealed by a judge or expunged under Michigan law will not show up in any search. Court records under MCL 600.1420 must remain open to the public unless a specific exception applies.

Legal Help for Dearborn Residents

Michigan Legal Help is a free resource for people who need to find court forms, understand procedures, or locate legal aid offices. The site covers small claims, general civil cases, and many other topics. If you are searching Dearborn civil court records as part of a legal matter, the guides on this site can help you understand what you are looking at and what steps to take next.

Wayne County Court Records

Dearborn is in Wayne County. Circuit court civil cases from Dearborn are filed at the Wayne County Clerk's office in Detroit.

Nearby Cities

Several Wayne County cities near Dearborn have their own district courts. You can search court records in these locations too.