Macomb County Civil Court Records
Macomb County civil court records are filed through the 16th Circuit Court and several district courts that serve communities across this large suburban county north of Detroit. The county seat is Mt. Clemens, where the circuit court is headquartered. As Michigan's third most populated county, Macomb has a high volume of civil case filings each year. The county clerk's office and individual district court clerks maintain these records and provide public access. This page explains how to search for civil court records in Macomb County, request copies, understand fees, and use online tools.
Macomb County Overview
Macomb County Court Clerk Offices
The Macomb County Clerk serves as the clerk of the 16th Circuit Court. This office handles all circuit-level civil case records. The circuit court is at 40 N. Main Street in Mt. Clemens. Macomb County also has multiple district courts that handle smaller civil cases in different parts of the county.
| Circuit Court | 16th Circuit Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 40 N. Main Street, Mt. Clemens, MI 48043 |
| County Website | macombgov.org |
| 40th District | St. Clair Shores |
| 41A District | Sterling Heights, Shelby Township |
| 41B District | Clinton Township, Mount Clemens |
| 42nd District | Romeo, New Baltimore |
Each district court has its own clerk staff. If your case involves an amount under $25,000, it was likely filed in the district court that covers your area. For cases over $25,000, the 16th Circuit Court handles the filing. Knowing which court has your case makes the search process much faster.
Note: Macomb County has four separate district courts, so make sure you contact the right one for your case.
How to Search Macomb Civil Court Records
The MiCOURT Case Search portal is the best starting point for searching Macomb County civil court records online. This free tool covers both the 16th Circuit Court and all Macomb County district courts. You can search by party name, case number, business name, or attorney name. Results show the register of actions, case status, and hearing dates.
The Macomb County Circuit Court page on the county website has additional information about court operations. The district courts page lists all four district courts with their locations and contact details.
In-person searches are available at any Macomb County court clerk's office. For circuit court records, go to the Mt. Clemens courthouse at 40 N. Main Street. For district court records, visit the specific district court that handles your area. Staff can look up cases and provide copies while you wait, though high-volume days may involve some wait time given the county's busy docket.
Court Record Copies and Fees
Getting copies of civil court records in Macomb County follows the same process used across Michigan. Under MCR 8.119, most civil case records are public. Anyone can request copies.
Standard copies cost $1.00 to $2.00 per page. Certified copies are $10.00 for certification plus the per-page fee, as specified by MCL 600.2546. Given the high volume of cases in Macomb County, it may take a few days for the clerk to process a mail-in request. Walk-in requests are usually handled the same day, but plan for possible wait times during busy periods.
To request records by mail, write to the appropriate court clerk. For circuit court records, send your request to the Macomb County Clerk at 40 N. Main Street, Mt. Clemens, MI 48043. For district court records, send it to the specific district court. Include the case number, party names, and payment. A self-addressed stamped envelope will help speed up the return.
Macomb County Civil Filing Fees
Filing fees in Macomb County use Michigan's statewide fee schedule. The 16th Circuit Court and district courts all follow the same fee structure based on the amount in controversy.
- Small claims up to $600: $30 to $35
- Claims from $601 to $1,750: $50 to $55
- Claims from $1,751 to $10,000: $70 to $130
- Claims from $10,001 to $25,000: $130 to $215
- Motion filing: $20
Circuit court filing fees for cases over $25,000 vary by case type. District courts handle cases up to $25,000 under MCL 600.8301. The clerk's office at each court location can provide exact fee amounts when you file. Most Macomb County courts accept cash, check, money order, and credit cards.
16th Circuit Court Records
The 16th Circuit Court is one of the busiest in Michigan. It handles all civil cases in Macomb County where the amount in dispute exceeds $25,000. This includes major contract disputes, personal injury lawsuits, medical malpractice claims, property cases, and appeals from district courts. The family division handles divorce, custody, and other domestic relations cases.
Macomb County's population of over 870,000 people makes the 16th Circuit one of the largest courts in the state by caseload. Multiple judges serve on the bench to handle the volume. The court has embraced electronic filing through MiFILE, which is mandatory for attorneys and available to self-represented parties. E-filing helps the court manage its heavy caseload more efficiently.
The MiCOURT statewide case search covers all Macomb County courts and provides free case lookups.
This tool is the fastest way to find Macomb County civil court records without visiting the courthouse in person.
Privacy and Public Access to Records
MCL 600.1420 requires that Michigan courts be open to the public. Civil court records in Macomb County are available for public inspection and copying. You do not need to show ID or explain why you want the records.
Certain records are restricted. Sealed cases cannot be viewed without a court order. Juvenile proceedings, adoptions, and mental health cases are not public. MCR 1.109 requires redaction of protected personal information from public filings. Social Security numbers, dates of birth, financial account numbers, and similar data must be removed before a document can be provided to the public. These rules took effect across Michigan in April 2022.
Court records are exempt from FOIA under MCL 15.232(h)(iv). You cannot submit a FOIA request to obtain court documents. All record requests must go through the court clerk's office directly.
Note: For large or complex record requests, call the clerk's office first to get an estimate of the cost and processing time.
Legal Resources in Macomb County
Michigan Legal Help offers free self-help guides, court forms, and legal information for people handling civil matters without an attorney. The Michigan Courts website has statewide court forms and rules that apply to all Macomb County courts.
Macomb County has a large legal community with many attorneys who handle civil litigation. The State Bar of Michigan's lawyer referral service can help you find one. Legal aid organizations also serve Macomb County residents who qualify based on income. For small claims cases and straightforward disputes, self-representation is common and the court staff can point you to the right forms.
Macomb County Cities
Several major cities in Macomb County have their own civil court record resources and district court coverage.
Nearby Counties
Macomb County is in southeast Michigan, bordering Wayne and Oakland counties and Lake St. Clair.