Access to Court Records

Although the courts are not subject to the Freedom of Information Act pursuant to Michigan Compiled Laws 15.232(b)(v), a Michigan Court Rule governs citizen access to most court records. The local Administrative Order will advise you what type of cases are non-public records by statute.

Notice - Public Access Computer Terminal - Please Read & Check in at the Counter

Use and access of information from this public terminal is governed by MCR 8.119 and Public Access to Court Records – Inspection, Reproduction, and Creation of Court Records - Local Administrative Order 2013-05, copies of which are available to review upon request.

Access & Time Allowed

It is the courts policy that access to the terminal is generally available on Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Other access times may be made available by the Court. The Court reserves the right to restrict access to the terminal at any time because of computer maintenance, upgrades, computer problems or other court related matters so as to prevent excessive and unreasonable interference with the courts discharge of its functions.

The court will not take reservations for use of the public terminal. All use will be on a first come/first serve basis. To afford everyone access, users are limited to 30 minutes per day. Time may be extended in the event there is no other request to use the terminal.

Users must be legally competent in the use of the computer terminal and must sign in and out when using the terminal. Users are responsible to notify the court clerk when their research is finished.

Printing Copies

Users may print a screen at the cost of $1 per page. All pages will print in the clerk’s area and users will be responsible for any page printed from the terminal. Each user understands and agrees that they will be charged for and will pay $1 per page for each copy printed.

Staff Availability

Please be advised this court does provide record checks by mail, phone, fax or in person with the assistance of court staff. However, staff availability to provide service will vary on any given day and we ask that you please be patient. Although we computerized in 1996, all records before that date are available through a manual search of our index books.

You may review the books at the counter and make requests to see any public file.

Payments

Individuals who request copies by mail, phone or fax will be required to pay the amount due, depending on the number of copies, prior to receiving those copies. Payments can be made online. Please contact court staff to inquire as to the total amount that will be due at 989-875-5240 or email the court.

Scheduling an Appointment

You may review our records at any time during working hours. However, it is suggested that you consider scheduling your record check from 1:30 through 3:30 p.m. For your convenience, these times will allow court staff to fulfill your request on the same day since the court closes for business at 4:30 p.m. If you appear at other times you may find court staff processing cases and not readily available to process your request.

Privilege

Notice: Please remember that while public access to court information not otherwise exempt by law from disclosure is a right, this public terminal is an efficient access method furnished by the court. Its use is subject to reasonable regulations as authorized by MCR 8.119(E)(4) and the court retains the right to limit and control how and when the terminal may be utilized. Anyone who fails to follow court policies or misuses the court terminal may have future access limited or restricted.