Cass County Court Records

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    Cass County, tucked into the southwestern corner of Michigan, keeps its court records through a consolidated judicial complex in Cassopolis. The county's court system includes the 43rd Circuit Court, the 4th District Court, and the Cass County Probate Court—each responsible for its own category of cases, from serious felonies and high-value civil disputes to traffic matters, family proceedings, and estate administration. Records from these courts include case filings, docket entries, orders, judgments, warrants, transcripts, and supporting documents.

    Whether you need to verify a criminal history, review a civil judgment, confirm a probate filing, or get a certified copy of a marriage certificate, the county's clerks and online portals can help. MichiganCourts.us can also assist you in identifying publicly available court case data across the state. For Cass County specifically, the clerk offices at both the Law and Courts Building and the County Administration Building accept in-person inquiries, while statewide digital platforms allow remote searching for many case types.

    How to Look Up a Court Case in Cass County?

    There are several ways to find a court case in Cass County. The best approach depends on the type of case, how far back it dates, and whether you need certified copies or just want to review basic docket information.

    Online Search Options

    Start with the MiCOURT Case Search portal operated by the Michigan Supreme Court's State Court Administrative Office. This free tool lets you search civil, criminal, traffic, domestic, and probate cases filed in participating Michigan courts—including Cass County's courts—by party name, case number, or attorney name.

    The Cass County Courts website also offers a Court Case Lookup feature along with live court feeds and docket schedules, which can be useful if you want to track upcoming hearing dates.

    In-Person Research

    You can review case files and indexes at the following locations during regular business hours:

    Cass County Law and Courts Building
    Address: 60296 M-62, Cassopolis, MI 49031
    Phone: (Circuit File Room): (269) 445-4416
    Phone: (District File Room): (269) 445-4424
    Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

    Cass County Clerk-Register Office
    Address: 120 N. Broadway, Suite 200, Cassopolis, MI 49031
    Phone: (269) 445-4464
    Fax: (269) 445-4406
    Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (closed 12:00–1:00 p.m.)

    Public-access computer terminals are available at the Law and Courts Building for viewing electronic case indexes during office hours at no charge.

    Mail Requests

    You can submit a written request for a record search to the appropriate clerk's office. Include the full name of the party, the approximate case year or number if known, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Search and copy fees must be prepaid—contact the relevant division by phone to confirm current amounts before mailing your request.

    Are Court Records Public in Cass County?

    Michigan law establishes a strong presumption of public access to court records. Under Michigan Court Rule 8.119, court records are generally open for public inspection and copying unless a statute, court rule, or court order restricts access. In practice, most filings in civil, criminal, probate, and domestic relations cases can be examined by anyone at the clerk's office or through approved electronic access systems.

    Records That Are Restricted or Sealed

    Certain categories carry access limitations under Michigan law:

    • Juvenile delinquency and child protective proceedings — These records are confidential under MCL 712A.28 and cannot be inspected without a court order.
    • Adoption records — Sealed upon finalization and accessible only through the Michigan Central Adoption Registry or by court order under MCL 710.67.
    • Records sealed by court order — A judge may seal any record upon motion and a showing of good cause; once sealed, the file cannot be viewed without further court authorization.
    • Personal protected information — Michigan Court Rule 1.109 requires that Social Security numbers, dates of birth (except the year), financial account numbers, and minor children's names be redacted from publicly filed documents. Parties must redact this information before filing.
    • Set-aside or expunged criminal records — When a conviction is set aside under MCL 780.621 et seq., the record is typically removed from public-facing databases, though law enforcement agencies may retain access.

    Obtaining Copies

    Photocopies of publicly accessible records are generally available from the clerk's office. The Clerk-Register Office handles copy requests for documents in its custody. Fees for copies and certifications are set by statute and court administrative order; payment is typically accepted by cash, personal check, money order, or credit card.

    Cass County Criminal Court Records

    Criminal cases in Cass County are split between two courts depending on the severity of the offense. The 43rd Circuit Court handles all felony prosecutions—offenses punishable by more than one year of imprisonment. The 4th District Court takes misdemeanor offenses carrying penalties of up to one year in jail or a fine, along with all traffic and ordinance violations.

    How Criminal Cases Move Through the System

    All adult criminal cases begin in District Court regardless of charge severity. For felony matters, the District Court handles the arraignment, sets bail, and holds the preliminary examination. If the judge finds probable cause, the case is bound over to the Circuit Court for trial. Misdemeanor cases remain in District Court from arraignment through sentencing.

    Searching Criminal Records

    1. Use the MiCOURT Case Search to look up criminal and traffic cases by defendant name or case number.
    2. Visit the District or Circuit file room at the Law and Courts Building in Cassopolis to review physical case files during business hours.
    3. For statewide criminal history checks, the Michigan State Police Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT) provides public access to conviction records for a per-search fee.

    Specialty Courts

    Cass County operates an Adult Treatment Court and a Sobriety Court under the District Court's supervision. These programs serve defendants dealing with substance abuse or addiction-related offenses and may include modified record-access rules for participants while the case is pending.

    Arrest and Booking Records

    The Cass County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest logs and booking information. If you need arrest records or inmate information, direct your request to the Sheriff's Office—the court clerk does not maintain these records.

    Cass County Civil Court Records

    Civil litigation in Cass County is divided between the Circuit and District courts based on the dollar amount at issue and the type of relief sought.

    Jurisdictional Breakdown

    CourtJurisdiction
    43rd Circuit CourtCivil cases exceeding $25,000; equitable actions (injunctions, foreclosures); appeals from District Court and administrative agencies
    4th District CourtCivil claims up to $25,000; landlord-tenant disputes; land contract forfeitures; small claims up to $6,500; attachment and garnishment proceedings

    Filing and Searching Civil Cases

    Civil case records are stored in the file rooms of the respective courts at the Law and Courts Building (60296 M-62, Cassopolis, MI 49031). Reach the Circuit File Room at (269) 445-4416 and the District File Room at (269) 445-4424. Both are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

    To search for a civil case online, the MiCOURT Case Search supports queries by party name, case number, or attorney. Results typically display the case type, filing date, parties, and scheduled hearing dates.

    Small Claims

    Small claims cases—disputes involving $6,500 or less—are filed and heard in the 4th District Court. These proceedings use simplified procedures, and parties typically represent themselves. You can pick up filing forms at the District Court file room or through the Michigan Legal Help website, which offers step-by-step guided interviews for preparing court documents.

    Copy and Certification Fees

    Copies of civil documents are available from the appropriate file room. Standard copy charges apply per the court's fee schedule, and certified copies carry an additional certification fee. If you need a certified copy of a judgment after initial entry, there may be a per-copy charge for subsequent requests. Contact the file room for current fee amounts before visiting.

    Garnishments and Post-Judgment Collections

    Garnishment and wage deduction filings in the District Court require payment of a fee that varies based on the underlying judgment amount. These fees are tiered—confirm the current amounts with the clerk before filing.

    Cass County Family Court Records

    Family-related legal matters in Cass County are handled primarily through the Domestic Relations division of the 43rd Circuit Court, with certain functions handled by the Probate Court and the Clerk-Register Office.

    Divorce and Custody

    The Circuit Court handles all divorce proceedings, child custody disputes, parenting time modifications, and spousal support matters. Case files are kept at the Circuit File Room in the Law and Courts Building. If you need to file for divorce, forms are available through the Michigan Legal Help website, which offers do-it-yourself tools tailored to Michigan's family law procedures, or through the Michigan Supreme Court's approved forms library. The Friend of the Court office—which assists the Circuit Court with custody evaluations, support enforcement, and parenting time recommendations—is also housed in the Law and Courts Building.

    Domestic Violence

    Personal protection orders (PPOs) in domestic violence situations are filed in the Circuit Court. Emergency ex parte orders may be issued without a hearing if the judge finds an immediate danger of harm. PPO case records are generally public, though victim addresses and other identifying information may be redacted for safety purposes.

    Marriage Licenses and Certificates

    Marriage licenses are issued by the Cass County Clerk-Register Office at 120 N. Broadway, Suite 200, Cassopolis. You can complete an application in person using a downloadable Marriage License Application, or submit it through the county's online application portal. Both applicants must present valid identification. Call (269) 445-4464 for current license fees and processing times.

    Certified Copies of Vital Records

    The Clerk-Register Office issues certified copies of birth, marriage, and death certificates for events recorded in Cass County. Eligibility for a certified birth certificate is limited to the individual named on the record, a parent listed on the certificate, a legal guardian with certified documentation, a legal representative with proof of representation, or an heir who provides a death certificate.

    Acceptable identification includes a driver's license, passport, or state-issued ID—or alternatively, three documents showing the applicant's name. Mail requests must include a photocopy of a current driver's license. Payment is accepted by cash, credit card, personal check, or money order payable to the Cass County Clerk Register. Printable request forms are available for birth certificates and for marriage and death certificates.

    Juvenile Records

    Juvenile proceedings in Cass County are handled through the court system's juvenile division. As noted above, records of juvenile delinquency and child protective cases are confidential under Michigan law and cannot be accessed by the public without a specific court order.

    Cass County Probate Court Records

    The Cass County Probate Court is located in the Law and Courts Building at 60296 M-62, Suite 10, Cassopolis, MI 49031. Reach the court at (269) 445-4454. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

    Subject Matter Jurisdiction

    The Probate Court oversees a range of matters, including:

    • Decedent estates — Formal and informal probate of wills, intestate estate administration, determination of heirs, and creditor claims.
    • Trusts — Proceedings related to the validity, administration, or modification of trusts.
    • Guardianships — Appointment of guardians for minors and legally incapacitated adults.
    • Conservatorships — Appointment of conservators to manage the financial affairs of protected individuals.
    • Mental health commitments — Petitions for involuntary admission or treatment under the Michigan Mental Health Code.
    • Name changes — Petitions for legal name changes for adults and minors.

    Searching Probate Records

    Probate case information is available through the MiCOURT Case Search portal under the Probate case type. In-person review of probate files is available at the Probate File Room in the Law and Courts Building during the hours listed above.

    Requesting Copies

    To get copies of probate documents—such as wills, letters of authority, or estate inventories—visit the Probate Court file room or call (269) 445-4454. Standard photocopying fees and certification charges apply. Because probate records may contain sensitive personal and financial information, certain documents within a probate file—such as mental health evaluations or financial accounts—may have restricted access depending on the nature of the proceeding and any applicable protective orders.

    Helpful Resources

    The Michigan Legal Help website offers guidance specific to the Cass County Probate Court, including information for individuals navigating estate administration, guardianship petitions, or conservatorship proceedings without an attorney. Michigan's Estates and Protected Individuals Code (EPIC), codified at MCL 700.1101 et seq., governs the substantive and procedural rules for most probate matters in the state.

    Recording of Deeds and Land Records

    Although not a court function, the Cass County Clerk-Register Office records deeds, mortgages, liens, and other land-related instruments. The Clerk-Register Office at 120 N. Broadway, Suite 200, accepts documents for recording during regular business hours and also processes electronic recordings through authorized e-recording providers. Standard recording fees, plat filing charges, and document formatting requirements are set by statute and posted by the Clerk-Register's office. Contact (269) 445-4464 for current fee schedules and recording standards.