Alcona County Civil Court Records
Alcona County civil court records are kept at the county courthouse in Harrisville. The 23rd Circuit Court and 81st District Court both handle civil case filings in this rural northeast Michigan county. If you need to look up a case, get copies of court documents, or file new civil claims, the Alcona County Clerk's office can help. You can also search for civil court records through the state's online case search tool. This page walks through how to find and request Alcona County court records, what fees to expect, and where to go for help.
Alcona County Overview
Alcona County Court Offices
All civil court records in Alcona County go through the courthouse in Harrisville. The clerk's office sits on the main floor. Staff there can pull case files, make copies, and answer questions about pending civil matters. Hours run Monday through Friday during normal business days, but it helps to call first if you plan to visit.
| Office | Details |
|---|---|
| Circuit Court Clerk | Stephany Eller |
| Address | 106 5th Street, Harrisville, MI 48740 |
| Mailing Address | PO Box 308, Harrisville, MI 48740-0308 |
| Main Phone | (989) 724-9400 |
| Circuit Court Phone | (989) 724-9410 |
| Fax | (989) 724-9419 |
| District Court Civil Clerk | Devin Jagelewski |
| District Court Phone | (989) 724-9500 |
The 23rd Circuit Court is a multi-county court. It serves Alcona, Arenac, Iosco, and Oscoda counties. Civil cases worth more than $25,000 go to circuit court, as set out in MCL 600.8301. Smaller civil disputes up to $25,000 land in the 81st District Court. Small claims cases up to $6,500 also go through district court.
How to Search Alcona Civil Court Records
There are two main ways to look up civil court records in Alcona County. You can search online or visit the courthouse in person.
The MiCOURT Case Search portal lets you look up cases from anywhere. This free tool covers civil, criminal, and traffic cases across Michigan courts. You can search by party name, case number, business name, or attorney name. The system shows docket entries, hearing dates, and case status. Keep in mind that actual document images are not available online in most cases. You will need to contact the clerk for copies of specific filings.
For in-person searches, head to the Alcona County Courthouse at 106 5th Street in Harrisville. The clerk's staff can help you find cases and pull files. Under MCR 8.119, court records are presumptively public. That means anyone can ask to see them, with some limits. Juvenile cases, adoption files, and sealed records are not open to the public. Mental health cases also stay private, as do records with protected personal information under MCR 1.109.
Note: Court records are exempt from FOIA requests under MCL 15.232(h)(iv), so you must request them directly from the court clerk.
Alcona County Record Request Steps
Getting copies of civil court records in Alcona County is fairly straightforward. You have a few options depending on your situation and what you need.
Walk into the clerk's office during business hours. Tell the staff which case you need. They will pull the file and make copies for you right there. Bring cash or a check to pay the copy fees. If you know the case number, that speeds things up. You can also search by party name, but having the number makes it much faster.
Mail requests work too. Send a written request to Alcona County Clerk, PO Box 308, Harrisville, MI 48740. Include the case number or the names of the parties involved. Note what documents you need. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope. Include payment for copy fees. The clerk's office will mail your copies back once they process your request. Allow extra time for mail to arrive and for staff to locate your records.
You can also file documents electronically through MiFILE, the state's e-filing system. Attorneys must use MiFILE for most filings. Self-represented parties can use it too, but it is optional for them. The system runs around the clock, so you can file at any time.
Civil Court Records Fees in Alcona
Copy fees in Alcona County follow state guidelines set under MCL 600.2546. Standard copies cost between $1.00 and $1.50 per page. Certified copies run about $10.00 per document plus the per-page fee. If you need a certified copy for use in another court or for legal purposes, expect to pay more than for a plain copy.
Filing fees depend on the type of case and the amount at stake. Civil cases in district court with claims up to $600 cost about $30 to $35 to file. Larger cases cost more. Circuit court filings for cases over $25,000 have higher fees still. Small claims filings are the cheapest option for disputes under $6,500. The court can provide a full fee schedule when you call or visit.
Note: Fees may change, so call the clerk at (989) 724-9410 to confirm current rates before sending payment.
Court Records Access and Privacy
Michigan law makes court records public as a general rule. MCL 600.1420 says courts must be open to the public. That applies to Alcona County courts just like every other court in the state. You do not need to give a reason to look at civil court records. Anyone can walk in and ask to see a file.
Some records stay private, though. As of April 2022, protected personal identifying information gets redacted from public files. This includes dates of birth, Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and bank account numbers. The court follows MCR 1.109 to keep this data out of public view. If you are filing a document, you need to be careful about what personal details you include.
The 23rd Circuit Court page on the Alcona County website has more details about how the court handles records. You can also check the 81st District Court page for information about smaller civil cases.
Legal Help for Alcona County Cases
If you need legal aid or guidance on a civil case in Alcona County, a few resources can help. Michigan Legal Help offers free tools and information for people handling cases on their own. The site has do-it-yourself forms and step-by-step guides for common civil matters.
The Michigan Courts portal lists court forms, rules, and contact details for all state courts. You can find everything from motion templates to fee schedules there. For questions about specific Alcona County procedures, calling the clerk's office directly is usually the fastest route. The staff cannot give legal advice, but they can explain how the court process works and what forms you need to file.
The Alcona County website also has general information about county services and departments. Check back regularly since online tools and procedures do get updated from time to time.
Note: Court staff can explain procedures but cannot give legal advice or recommend attorneys.
The MiCOURT Case Search portal is the main online tool for looking up Alcona County civil court records from home.
This free statewide search tool lets you look up civil case filings by name, case number, or attorney across all Michigan courts, including the 23rd Circuit Court serving Alcona County.
Nearby Counties
Several counties near Alcona also maintain civil court records that may be relevant to your search.