Keweenaw County Civil Court Records
Keweenaw County civil court records are kept at the courthouse in Eagle River, at the tip of Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula. This is the least populated county in Michigan, and the 12th Circuit Court handles civil matters with Judge Brittany A. Bulleit presiding. Despite its small size, the county follows the same state rules for court records access as every other Michigan county. This page explains how to search for Keweenaw County civil court records, request copies, and use the available online tools for case lookups.
Keweenaw County Overview
Keweenaw County Clerk Office
Julie Carlson serves as the Keweenaw County Clerk. The clerk's office is in the courthouse on 4th Street in Eagle River. This is the smallest county clerk's office in Michigan by population served, but it handles the same types of civil cases and record requests as larger counties. The 12th Circuit Court, with Judge Brittany A. Bulleit, covers civil disputes in Keweenaw County.
| Office | Keweenaw County Clerk / 12th Circuit Court |
|---|---|
| Clerk | Julie Carlson |
| Judge | Hon. Brittany A. Bulleit |
| Address | 5095 4th St., Eagle River, MI 49950 |
| Phone | (906) 337-2229 |
| clerk@keweenawcountymi.gov | |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
Because of the county's size, you may find the office has limited hours or may close for lunch. Call ahead before making the drive. Staff are helpful and can process most record requests on the spot.
Note: Keweenaw County is Michigan's least populated county, so court office hours may be more limited than in larger counties.
How to Search Keweenaw County Court Records
The MiCOURT Case Search covers Keweenaw County civil court records. Select Keweenaw County from the dropdown, and search by name or case number. MiCOURT is free and available at any time. Results show case types, filing dates, and docket entries. It is the best online tool for finding Keweenaw County civil filings.
The Keweenaw County Clerk page has contact information and basic details about the office. It does not offer its own case search tool. The 12th Circuit Court page provides court contact details. For actual record searches, MiCOURT is the tool to use.
In-person searches are possible at the Eagle River courthouse. Given the small number of civil cases filed here, staff can usually find what you need quickly. For older records that may not be in the MiCOURT system, visiting the courthouse is the most reliable option. MCR 8.119 allows courts to post records online, and Keweenaw County relies on the statewide system for this.
Below is the Keweenaw County 12th Circuit Court page from the county website.
This page provides contact details for the 12th Circuit Court serving Keweenaw County.
Requesting Copies of Court Records
Copies of Keweenaw County civil court records can be obtained in person or by mail. Walk-in requests are handled at the clerk's window. Standard copies cost $1.00 per page. Certified copies run $10.00 for the certification plus $1.00 per page, per MCL 600.2546.
For mail requests, write to Keweenaw County Clerk, 5095 4th St., Eagle River, MI 49950. Include the case number, names of parties, and a check or money order. You can also email clerk@keweenawcountymi.gov with questions before sending a formal request. The office is small but responsive.
Keweenaw County participates in MiFILE for electronic filing. Attorneys must use MiFILE for many case types. Self-represented parties can file through it voluntarily. E-filing is especially useful here, given that Eagle River is in one of the most remote parts of Michigan.
Civil Cases in Keweenaw County
The 12th Circuit Court takes civil cases where the amount in dispute exceeds $25,000. Contract claims, property disputes, and personal injury cases go through the Circuit Court. The court also hears appeals from District Court decisions.
The District Court covers civil cases up to $25,000 per MCL 600.8301. Small claims go up to $6,500. With Keweenaw County's small population, the number of civil cases filed each year is quite low. Both courts keep their records public under MCL 600.1420. MCR 1.109 requires that personal information be redacted from public records. Sealed cases and juvenile matters are not available.
Court records in Michigan are exempt from FOIA. MCL 15.232(h)(iv) makes the judiciary exempt from Freedom of Information requests. All record requests go through the clerk. This applies statewide, including Keweenaw County.
Keweenaw County Court Fees
Filing fees and copy costs in Keweenaw County follow the state schedule. The county has published some specific fees:
- Civil filing fee: $175.00
- Motion fee (civil): $20.00
- Criminal name search: $10.00 per name
- Standard copies: $1.00 per page
- Certified copies: $10.00 certification plus $1.00 per page
Cash, checks, and money orders are accepted. Call (906) 337-2229 to confirm whether the clerk takes card payments. Michigan Legal Help can provide information on fee waivers for those who qualify.
Note: Keweenaw County's $175.00 civil filing fee covers standard Circuit Court civil case filings.
Keweenaw County Court Resources
The Michigan Courts website has forms, rules, and a court directory for the entire state. The SCAO sets the record management standards all Michigan courts must follow. Michigan Legal Help offers free self-help guides for people handling civil court matters on their own.
Keweenaw County sits at the very tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula in the Upper Peninsula. Eagle River is remote even by UP standards. The good news is that MiCOURT and MiFILE give you digital access to court services that would otherwise require a long drive. Winter weather can make road travel difficult here, so the online tools are genuinely useful for residents and anyone else who needs Keweenaw County civil court records.
Nearby Counties
Keweenaw County is at the northern tip of the Upper Peninsula. These counties are closest.