Berrien County Court Records Search
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Berrien County sits in the southwestern corner of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, with its county seat in St. Joseph. The county’s trial court system consolidates three court divisions — circuit, district, and probate — under a single administrative umbrella known as the Berrien County Trial Court. This unified structure means that criminal felonies, civil disputes, family law proceedings, traffic matters, small claims, and probate cases are all processed through coordinated clerk offices operating out of two courthouse locations. The County Clerk’s Office serves as the official custodian of Circuit Court records, while the District Court and Probate Court maintain their own case files within the same courthouse buildings.
For individuals seeking Michigan court records, the process typically begins with identifying which division handled the case and then contacting the appropriate clerk office. Michigan’s statewide judiciary operates the MiCOURT Case Search portal, which provides online access to case information across circuit, district, and probate courts. Additional guidance on Michigan’s court structure and record-keeping practices can be found through MichiganCourts.us. Beyond these digital resources, Berrien County residents and researchers may search records in person at either courthouse, submit written requests by mail, or file formal Freedom of Information Act requests for certain categories of documents.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Berrien County?
Berrien County offers both online and in-person methods for locating court case information. The approach depends on the type of case and how much identifying information the requester already has.
Online Searches
The MiCOURT Case Search portal is the primary electronic tool for finding Berrien County case data. This statewide system, maintained by the Michigan judiciary, covers civil, criminal, traffic, domestic, and probate cases. Users can search by case number, party name, or attorney name and filter results by court type and jurisdiction. Guest access is available, though registered users receive expanded access to documents and case details.
In-Person Searches
Both Berrien County courthouses maintain public-access areas where visitors can review case files during business hours. The two courthouse locations are:
Berrien County Courthouse
Address: 811 Port Street, St. Joseph, MI 49085
Phone: (269) 983-7111
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Berrien County South County Building
Address: 1205 Front Street, Niles, MI 49120
Phone: (269) 684-5274
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Circuit Court civil files stored at the St. Joseph courthouse include the current year plus the two preceding years. Older files are maintained at a county warehouse and require staff retrieval.
Written Record Requests
To request a formal records search, complete the Berrien County Trial Court request form and submit it in person or by mail to the clerk’s office at the courthouse where the case was heard. This form covers circuit, district, and probate court records.
Fees for Record Searches and Copies
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Record check (per individual) | $10.00 |
| Copies (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certified copies — certification fee | $10.00, plus $1.00 per page |
| Exemplified copies — exemplification fee | $10.00, plus $1.00 per page |
For Circuit Court records specifically, the County Clerk’s Office at the courthouse handles all requests. Direct questions to the Berrien County Clerk at (269) 983-7111 or by email at clerk@berriencounty.org.
Are Court Records Public in Berrien County?
Michigan law establishes a strong presumption that court records are open to public inspection. Michigan Court Rule (MCR) 8.119 governs access to records held by the state’s courts, while the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) applies to records maintained by county offices, including the Sheriff’s Office and other executive-branch departments.
Records That Are Generally Public
Under these frameworks, anyone may access, inspect, and obtain copies of most court records in Berrien County. Publicly accessible records include:
- Criminal case filings, charges, and dispositions
- Civil complaints, motions, orders, and judgments
- Divorce decrees and related non-confidential filings
- Probate case documents, including wills admitted to probate and estate inventories
- Land records, deeds, and liens recorded with the Register of Deeds
- Marriage license records (indexes dating back to 1831)
- Death record indexes (name, date of death, and record number)
Records That Are Restricted
MCR 8.119 identifies specific categories of court records that are nonpublic or subject to limited access:
- Sealed or expunged records — Accessible only by court order
- Juvenile delinquency and neglect/abuse records — Confidential under Michigan law
- Adoption records — Not available for public inspection
- Mental health commitment records — Restricted to authorized parties
- Records involving sexual assault victims — Certain identifying information is protected
- Personal identifiers — Social Security numbers, financial account details, and similar sensitive information are redacted or withheld
Vital Records Confidentiality
The Michigan Public Health Code (MCL 333.2895) separately restricts vital records. Birth certificates are sealed for 100 years and available only to eligible individuals. Death certificates are not open to general public inspection, although the death index is publicly accessible. Vital records are expressly excluded from FOIA (MCL 333.2888(1)).
Berrien County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Berrien County are split between the Circuit Court and the District Court based on offense severity. All felony cases — those carrying potential prison sentences — are prosecuted in the 2nd Circuit Court. Misdemeanor cases, carrying jail terms of up to one year, and most traffic violations are handled by the 5th District Court. All criminal cases initially begin in District Court; felony cases are bound over to Circuit Court following a preliminary examination.
Searching Criminal Court Records
Criminal case information can be located through:
- MiCOURT Case Search — Search by defendant name or case number, filtering for criminal case types in Berrien County
- In-person at the courthouse — Visit the Criminal Division at either the St. Joseph or Niles courthouse during business hours (8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Monday–Friday)
- Written request — Submit a completed Trial Court request form with the $10 record check fee
For felony records maintained by the Circuit Court, requests should be directed to the County Clerk’s Office at 811 Port Street, Room 123, St. Joseph, MI 49085.
Sheriff’s Office Criminal Records
The Berrien County Sheriff’s Office maintains separate records of arrests, incidents, and criminal history information. To request these records, complete the Sheriff’s FOIA Request Form, specifying “Criminal History Record” as the report type. FOIA fees are generally based on the length of the report and staff time involved. Submissions must be made by appointment at:
Berrien County Sheriff’s Office
Address: 919 Port Street, St. Joseph, MI 49085
Phone: (269) 983-7141, ext. 7211
Records Fax: (269) 982-8650
Records Email: sdrecords@berriencounty.org
A Niles substation is also available at 1205 North Front Street, Niles, MI 49120, at (269) 684-5274.
Statewide Criminal History Checks
For searches that extend beyond Berrien County, the Michigan State Police Criminal Justice Information Center (CJIC) offers statewide background checks. Name-based searches are available through the Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT). Fingerprint-based background checks, required when mandated by statute or executive order, can be arranged through the CJIC or an approved live scan vendor. The CJIC also publishes a step-by-step guide for requesting and managing criminal history records, including information on the expungement process.
Expungement
Michigan’s Clean Slate laws have expanded eligibility for setting aside certain convictions. Criminal expungement applications in Berrien County are filed through the Criminal Division of the Trial Court. The Self-Help Legal Resource Center at the courthouse can provide the necessary forms.
Berrien County Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in Berrien County is divided between the Circuit Court and the District Court based on the dollar amount at stake.
Jurisdictional Breakdown
| Court | Jurisdiction |
|---|---|
| 2nd Circuit Court | Civil claims exceeding $25,000; appeals from District Court and administrative agencies |
| 5th District Court | Civil claims up to $25,000; landlord-tenant disputes; small claims ($6,500 and under) |
All Circuit Court civil cases are heard at the St. Joseph courthouse. District Court civil cases are assigned to either St. Joseph or Niles based on the defendant’s address or the location where the cause of action arose.
Accessing Civil Court Records
Circuit Court civil records are maintained by the County Clerk’s Office. Requests can be submitted in person at 811 Port Street, Room 123, St. Joseph, MI 49085, or by mail with a completed request form and payment. District Court civil records are available at whichever courthouse — St. Joseph or Niles — handled the case.
The Civil Division offices can be reached directly:
Civil Division — St. Joseph
Address: 811 Port Street, 3rd Floor, St. Joseph, MI 49085
Phone: (269) 982-8683
Fax: (269) 983-3604
Civil Division — Niles
Address: 1205 N. Front Street, Niles, MI 49120
Phone: (269) 684-5274
Fax: (269) 684-4461
Filing Fees and Forms
Key civil filing fees in Berrien County include:
- Opening a new file (complaint): $175
- Motions and petitions: $20
- Garnishment (per writ): $15
- Request and order to seize property: $15
- Subpoena (judgment debtor): $15
- Jury demand: $85
- Appeal to Circuit Court: $150
- Appeal to Court of Appeals: $25
The Self-Help Legal Resource Center at the courthouse provides small claims forms for $0.50 and single-sheet civil forms at no charge. Landlord-tenant forms, answers to civil complaints, and other standard documents are also available through the center or from the Michigan Courts forms page. For legal guidance, the court directs self-represented parties to Michigan Legal Help.
Property Records
Although not court records, real property records are frequently needed alongside civil litigation involving foreclosure, liens, or quiet title actions. The Berrien County Register of Deeds maintains deeds, mortgages, liens, and fixture filings at 701 Main Street, 3rd Floor, St. Joseph, MI 49085 ((269) 983-7111, ext. 8562). Online searches of land records from 1831 to the present are available through the Land Records Search portal and the Register of Deeds public search system. In-office search fees are $0.50 per name per year, with a $5.00 minimum. Copies cost $1.00 per page, and certified copies of recorded documents cost $5.00 plus $1.00 per page.
Berrien County Family Court Records
The Family Division of the Berrien County Trial Court operates on the 3rd and 4th floors of the St. Joseph courthouse. This division is part of the Circuit Court and handles a broad range of domestic and juvenile matters, including divorce, child custody, paternity, personal protection orders, juvenile delinquency, child abuse and neglect, and adoptions.
Searching and Requesting Family Court Records
Family court case information appears in the MiCOURT Case Search portal under the “Domestic” case type for Berrien County. In-person requests for family court records follow the same procedure as other Circuit Court records: complete the Trial Court request form, pay the $10 record check fee, and submit it to the County Clerk’s Office. Certified copies cost $10 for certification plus $1.00 per page.
Friend of the Court
The Berrien County Friend of the Court (FOC) assists the court with investigations and enforcement of custody, parenting time, child support, and spousal support orders. The FOC also provides mediation services for custody and parenting time disputes. Contact the FOC at:
Friend of the Court
Address: 811 Port Street, 4th Floor, St. Joseph, MI 49085
Phone: (269) 983-7111, ext. 8575
Fax: (269) 982-8624
Parents can access child support payment information through the MiChildSupport online portal.
Personal Protection Orders
Petitions for personal protection orders (PPOs) are filed through the County Clerk’s Office. The court makes every effort to process PPO petitions within 48 hours. Approved petitions result in a phone notification; denied petitions are communicated by mail. Forms and service instructions are included in the PPO packet available at the clerk’s office. Violations should be reported to police immediately; the court may impose up to 93 days in jail and a $500 fine for violations.
Confidentiality of Family Records
While most family court filings are public, significant exceptions exist. Juvenile delinquency records, child abuse and neglect proceedings, and adoption records are confidential under Michigan law and are not available for public inspection. Adoption services can be reached at (269) 983-7111, ext. 8454.
Marriage and Divorce Records
The County Clerk maintains marriage license records and divorce records. Marriage license indexes date back to 1831 and are public. To request a certified copy of a marriage certificate, complete the Marriage License Copy Request form and submit it with $15 for the first certified copy and $5 for each additional copy to the Berrien County Clerk’s Office at 701 Main Street, St. Joseph, MI 49085. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for mail requests, with payment by check or money order payable to “Berrien County Clerk”.
Divorce records are available through the County Clerk’s Office for the standard $10 record check fee plus $10 certification and $1 per page for certified copies. Marriage and divorce records from 1897 to the present are also available through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Vital Records Department.
Birth and Death Records
Birth records in Berrien County are sealed for 100 years and may only be requested by eligible persons — the individual named on the certificate, a parent listed on the record, an heir, a legal guardian, or their legal representative. Requesters must present valid identification. Death certificates are not open to public inspection, though the death index (name, date of death, record number) is accessible. A written request and fee are required for detailed death certificate information.
Certified copies of vital records cost $15 for the first copy and $5 for each additional copy of the same certificate. Requests can be made in person at the Clerk’s Office, by mail using the Birth Certificate Request Form or Death Certificate Request Form, or online through VitalChek (which adds a $12.95 processing fee). Phone orders are accepted at (888) 243-0055 through the same service.
Berrien County Probate Court Records
The Berrien County Probate Court handles estates of deceased persons, wills, trusts, guardianships for adults, minors, and developmentally disabled individuals, conservatorships, name changes, emancipations, and commitments of persons alleged to be mentally ill. The Probate Court is located on the 4th floor of the Berrien County Courthouse.
Berrien County Probate Court
Address: 811 Port Street, 4th Floor, St. Joseph, MI 49085
Phone: (269) 983-7111, ext. 8365
Fax: (269) 982-8644
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Searching Probate Records
Probate case information can be searched through the MiCOURT Case Search portal by selecting probate as the case type and Berrien County as the jurisdiction. In-person inspection of probate files is available at the Probate Court office during regular business hours.
Requesting Copies
Copies of any filed probate document are available at $1.00 per page. Certified copies carry an additional $10.00 certification fee. Documents can be provided by mail (include a postage-paid return envelope with payment), by Fax: ($5.00 additional fee), or by email (no additional fee). Contact the Probate Court to confirm the page count before submitting payment.
Filing Fees
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Open a new estate, conservatorship, guardianship, or name change | $175.00 |
| Certified copy of Letters (testamentary, authority, etc.) | $12.00 |
| Motions and petitions (filed on a separate day from case opening) | $20.00 |
| Family post-judgment motions | $60.00 or $100.00 depending on relief sought |
| Filing a claim against an estate | Included with motion fee |
| Filing foreign letters | $20.00 |
The court accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. A $2.50 surcharge applies to debit card payments and $5.00 to credit card payments. Phone payments by credit card incur a $5.00 fee.
Important Procedures
Original documents must be filed with the Probate Court — copies and faxed or emailed documents are not accepted for filing purposes. If a hearing is required, the court will contact the filer with a date and time. To confirm receipt of a mailed filing, include an extra copy of the document and a postage-paid return envelope; staff will file-stamp the copy and return it.
While the Probate Court strongly recommends retaining an attorney for probate proceedings, Michigan law does not require legal representation. Free court-approved probate forms are available through the Michigan Courts SCAO forms index, and the Self-Help Legal Resource Center at the courthouse can assist with locating appropriate forms and providing procedural information.