Sanilac County Civil Court Records Search

Sanilac County civil court records are kept at the county courthouse in Sandusky, Michigan. Located in the Thumb region of the state, Sanilac County uses the 24th Circuit Court for larger civil disputes and the 73rd District Court for smaller claims. The county clerk's office manages these records and provides copies to the public on request. This page covers how to search for, access, and obtain civil court documents from Sanilac County courts.

Sanilac County Clerk's Office

The Sanilac County Clerk is the official keeper of circuit court civil records. The office sits inside the courthouse on West Sanilac in Sandusky. Staff there can help you look up cases, request copies of filings, and get certified documents.

The 24th Circuit Court serves Sanilac County exclusively. Under MCL 600.8301, the circuit court has jurisdiction over civil cases exceeding $25,000. These include contract lawsuits, personal injury claims, and property disputes that go past the district court limit. The 73rd District Court picks up civil matters under $25,000 and handles small claims up to $6,500.

Both courts operate from the Sandusky courthouse. Having them in the same building makes it simpler to search records or file documents for either court in one visit.

Searching Sanilac County Court Records

The MiCOURT Case Search portal is the main online option for looking up Sanilac County civil court records. You can search by party name, case number, or attorney. The tool covers both the 24th Circuit Court and 73rd District Court. Results display the case status, hearing dates, and the full register of actions.

MiCOURT is free. No account is needed. It runs around the clock. However, it does not show the full text of filed documents. You see docket entries that describe each filing, but to read the actual motion or order, you need to get copies from the clerk. Under MCR 8.119, Michigan court records are presumed public and the clerk must allow the public to view them. MCL 600.1420 also requires courts to be open to the public.

For in-person searches, visit the clerk's office in Sandusky. Tell the clerk what you are looking for and they will pull the case file.

How to Request Civil Court Documents

In person, go to 60 W. Sanilac in Sandusky and ask the clerk for the case file you need. You can review documents at the counter and then ask for copies. The clerk makes them while you wait. Bring the case number if you have it. That speeds up the search.

By mail, send a letter to the Sanilac County Clerk at 60 W. Sanilac, Sandusky, MI 48471. Your letter should include the case number, names of the parties, and a list of the specific documents you want. Include a check or money order payable to Sanilac County Clerk. The office will process your request and mail copies back, usually within one to two weeks. Electronic filing through MiFILE is available for those who need to submit documents to the court. Attorneys are often required to use this system, and self-represented parties can use it too.

Sanilac County Court Fees

Standard copies cost $1.00 to $2.00 per page. Certified copies add a $10.00 certification fee. These rates follow the statewide schedule under MCL 600.2546.

Filing fees for new civil cases depend on the amount of the claim. Small claims under $600 cost about $30 to file. For cases between $601 and $1,750, the fee is roughly $50 to $55. Larger circuit court cases cost more. Payment is accepted by check or money order. Call the clerk's office at (810) 648-3212 to ask about credit card options before your visit.

Civil Case Records in Sanilac County

Sanilac County courts handle many types of civil cases. Contract disputes between individuals and businesses are among the most common filings. Property-related claims, including boundary disputes and mechanics' liens, also appear on the docket. Personal injury cases from car accidents and other incidents go to the circuit court when the damages exceed $25,000.

The 73rd District Court's small claims division is designed for simpler disputes where the total is $6,500 or less. Parties usually represent themselves in small claims hearings, and the process moves quickly compared to regular civil court. Debt collection actions make up another share of the civil caseload in both courts. All filings and orders become part of the public court record under MCR 8.119 unless sealed by a judge. Personal information like Social Security numbers and bank account numbers is redacted from public filings per MCR 1.109.

The MiCOURT Case Search portal is the statewide tool for looking up Sanilac County civil court records online. Below is the search interface used across Michigan.

This free portal lets you search by name or case number across both the 24th Circuit Court and 73rd District Court in Sanilac County.

Legal Resources for Sanilac County

Michigan Legal Help offers free guides, court forms, and self-help tools for people handling civil cases without a lawyer. The Michigan Courts portal is another resource for forms and general information about the court system. Legal Aid of Southeastern Michigan serves the Thumb region and may provide free legal help to people who meet income requirements. These resources can be especially useful for small claims cases and straightforward civil matters where hiring an attorney may not be practical.

Nearby Counties

Sanilac County sits in Michigan's Thumb region. Its neighbors each maintain civil court records through their own clerk's offices.