Access Washtenaw County Court Records

Washtenaw County civil court records are filed and stored at the courthouse in Ann Arbor, one of the largest cities in southeast Michigan. The 22nd Circuit Court handles major civil disputes, and multiple district courts serve different parts of the county. Washtenaw County stands out for offering its own online name search and docket lookup tools on top of the statewide MiCOURT system. This page covers how to search, request, and obtain copies of civil court documents in Washtenaw County.

Washtenaw County Court Clerk

The Washtenaw County Clerk manages civil court records for the 22nd Circuit Court. The main office is at 101 E. Huron Street in Ann Arbor. The records unit has its own phone line for document requests and case inquiries.

The 22nd Circuit Court covers civil cases where the amount in dispute exceeds $25,000, as set by MCL 600.8301. This includes major contract lawsuits, personal injury claims, and significant property disputes. Washtenaw County also has the 14A District Court (serving Ypsilanti and surrounding areas) and the 15th District Court (serving Ann Arbor) for civil matters up to $25,000 and small claims up to $6,500.

With Ann Arbor as the county seat and home to the University of Michigan, Washtenaw County has a busier court system than most Michigan counties of its size. The clerk's office handles a high volume of record requests throughout the year.

How to Search Washtenaw Court Records

Washtenaw County offers several ways to search civil court records online. The county has its own Name Search tool, which lets you look up cases filed with the 22nd Circuit Court. Enter a party name or case number to see results. The county also provides a Docket/Calendar search for finding upcoming hearings and recent court activity.

The MiCOURT Case Search portal is the statewide option. It covers the 22nd Circuit Court and the district courts in Washtenaw County. Search by name, case number, or attorney. Results show case status, docket entries, and hearing schedules. MiCOURT is free and does not require a login.

None of these online tools show the full text of filed documents. They give you docket information and case status. To read the actual complaint, motion, or order, you need copies from the clerk's office. MCR 8.119 says court records are presumed public. MCL 600.1420 requires all courts of record to be open.

Requesting Washtenaw County Court Documents

In person, visit the clerk's office at 101 E. Huron Street, Room 1106, in Ann Arbor. The records unit can pull case files for you to review at the counter. Pick out the documents you want copied, and the staff will make copies on the spot. Having the case number speeds up the process.

Washtenaw County also has an online Records Request form. You can use this to submit a request without visiting the courthouse. Fill in the case details, specify which documents you need, and submit the form. The records unit will process your request and let you know about fees and pickup or mailing options.

Mail requests can go to the Washtenaw County Clerk, 101 E. Huron Street, Room 1106, Ann Arbor, MI 48104. Include the case number, party names, and a description of the documents you want. Add a check or money order for the copy fees. Processing typically takes one to two weeks. Electronic filing is also available through MiFILE for submitting new court documents.

Washtenaw County Court Fees

Standard copies of civil court records in Washtenaw County cost $2.00 per page. This is on the higher end of the $1.00 to $2.00 range set by MCL 600.2546. Certified copies carry an extra $10.00 certification fee plus $1.00 per additional page.

Filing fees for new civil cases vary by claim amount. Small claims under $600 cost about $30 to file. Cases between $601 and $1,750 run $50 to $55. Circuit court filings for larger amounts cost more and scale up with the size of the claim. The clerk accepts checks and money orders. Some transactions may be payable by credit card. Call the records unit at (734) 222-3024 to confirm payment options before your visit.

Civil Case Types in Washtenaw County

Washtenaw County courts handle a wide range of civil case types. Contract disputes between businesses and individuals are among the most common filings. Personal injury lawsuits from auto accidents, medical malpractice, and premises liability cases fill a significant portion of the circuit court docket. Property disputes also come up regularly, including boundary disagreements, easement conflicts, and construction defect claims.

The district courts handle smaller civil cases and small claims. The 15th District Court in Ann Arbor deals with civil disputes up to $25,000 and small claims to $6,500. The 14A District Court covers Ypsilanti and surrounding communities with the same jurisdiction. Small claims hearings are less formal. Parties often represent themselves. Debt collection cases appear in all the courts depending on the amount. All case documents are public under MCR 8.119 unless sealed by court order. Personal data like Social Security numbers and financial accounts is redacted per MCR 1.109.

The Washtenaw County Docket/Calendar search tool lets you look up court schedules and recent case activity. Below is a screenshot of this tool.

This county-specific tool shows upcoming hearings and recent activity on cases filed with the 22nd Circuit Court in Washtenaw County.

The Washtenaw County Name Search lets you look up civil court cases by party name or case number. The screenshot below shows the search page.

Use this tool to find specific cases filed with the circuit court. It is maintained by the Washtenaw County Clerk's office and is free to use.

Legal Help in Washtenaw County

Michigan Legal Help offers free self-help resources, including court forms, guides, and tools for common civil matters. Washtenaw County is also served by Legal Aid of Southeastern Michigan, which provides free legal assistance to qualifying residents. The University of Michigan Law School runs legal clinics that sometimes help with civil matters in the area. The Michigan Courts portal has court forms and general information about the state court system.

Remember that court records are not subject to FOIA requests in Michigan. MCL 15.232(h)(iv) exempts the judiciary. All requests for court documents must go through the clerk's office, not through a freedom of information process.

Washtenaw County Cities

Ann Arbor is the largest city in Washtenaw County and the county seat. It has its own page with details about accessing civil court records for cases connected to the city.

Nearby Counties

Washtenaw County is in southeastern Michigan. These neighboring counties each have their own court systems and clerk offices.