Michigan Court Records

Accessing Michigan Court Records

A unique court record is created on each instance when a case reaches a court room in the US. These court records detail almost everything, starting from the full names of those involved, the addresses of the petitioners, defendants and attorneys, the charge, arguments and counter-arguments, court observations, judgments, and the penalty. From arrest records to information on bankruptcies, you will find several types of court records and court cases.

Court records will give you much information about the city or state and the people involved. Those who are law students want to learn about the situation and what the judge decided. Companies access the records to find out whether a person you are thinking of hiring has been in police custody or jail or not. Employees access the record to learn whether a future employer has been sued or not, and if yes, then what the charge was. Homeowners access the record to find out whether they can trust a nanny, a handyman or a neighbor.

Understanding the Legal System in Michigan

It is important to have some understanding of Michigan's legal system before accessing the records.

In 1796, when Wayne County was structured as part of the Northwest Territory, the county Clerk looked after all official matters in the area. After the Michigan Territory was created in 1805, it was the Supreme Court that handled probate and the other files. Later, when Michigan became a state in 1837, several Michigan courts maintained records of genealogical value.

The various courts in Michigan are: Circuit courts, District courts, Municipal courts and the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court is the final court of appeal.

What Information Can Be Found?

Public records or court records have an astonishing quantity of depth, so you can find a lot of information in these records. For instance, you can learn about criminal histories, marriage licenses, current addresses and much more.

As per the US Freedom of Information Act, most Michigan court records are meant for public viewing. However, there is certain information in these records which is considered as confidential. Certain court record information that might breach the privacy laws is not to be made available to the public. So, you should keep in mind that not all Michigan court records are published and accessible.

Where and How to Access Michigan Court Records?

You can locate Michigan court records through different identifiers, such as docket sheets, names of people involved in the court cases, lists of attorney cases. If you just have partial information, you can either search for a specific docket through the attorney name or vice-versa.

The online search option will allow you to search for information on closed cases, as well. There is a fee that you must pay to search for the record on the Internet. This fee cannot be refunded.

If you need further information, any of the district Clerk's offices can help you to perform a customized search. Also, it is at the Clerk's office that you can get a certified copy of the record.

Here, is the address to contact the Clerk's office for your Michigan court record:

District IV Lansing

Hall of Justice

925 W. Ottawa St.

P.O. Box 30022

Lansing, MI 48909

(517) 373-0786