Charlevoix County Court Records Search
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Charlevoix County, Michigan maintains a layered court system that handles everything from traffic infractions to complex civil litigation, felony prosecutions, estate administration, and family law matters. Case filings, orders, judgments, and transcripts produced by these proceedings are official public documents under Michigan Court Rule (MCR) 8.119. Most records can be accessed through the county courthouse, the appropriate clerk's office, or certain online platforms — though specific categories remain sealed or restricted under state law.
If you're starting a records search, MichiganCourts.us is a useful resource for understanding how Michigan's court system is organized and where publicly available case information can be found. In Charlevoix County, you can search records through official court portals, public-access terminals at the courthouse, or by submitting written requests directly to clerk offices — each explained in detail below.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Charlevoix County?
Whether you're researching a pending case, verifying a past judgment, or conducting a background investigation, Charlevoix County offers several ways to access court case information.
Online Search
The Michigan Judicial Branch runs the MiCOURT Case Search portal, which gives the public access to basic case data across participating courts. Depending on the court, you may be able to search civil, criminal, traffic, domestic relations, and probate case records by name or case number. Not all courts or case types have complete data available online, and documents filed by parties aren't always viewable through this system — but it's the best free option for a statewide case lookup.
In-Person Access
Public-access terminals are available inside the Charlevoix County Courthouse during regular business hours. You can search case indexes at no charge; copy fees apply if you need printed pages. To locate physical case files or request certified copies, visit the appropriate clerk's office:
- 33rd Circuit Court / County Clerk — 203 Antrim Street, Charlevoix, MI 49720 | Phone: (231) 547-7200 | Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
- 90th District Court — 301 State Street, Charlevoix, MI 49720 | Phone: (231) 547-7227 | Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
- 7th Probate District Court — 301 State Street, 2nd Floor, Charlevoix, MI 49720 | Phone: (231) 547-7214 | Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Mail Requests
Most clerk offices accept written requests by mail. Include the full name of the party, approximate case dates, and the case number if you have it. Enclose a check or money order for the appropriate copy fees, and allow extra processing time for mailed requests.
Court-Approved Forms
Standardized forms for requesting records and initiating filings are available through the Michigan Supreme Court Administrative Office (SCAO). These forms are required whenever one exists for the filing type, per MCL 600.855.
Are Court Records Public in Charlevoix County?
Michigan has a strong presumption of public access to court records. Under MCR 8.119(H), any person may inspect and copy case records unless a specific legal provision, court rule, or judicial order limits access. The Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL 15.231 et seq., further reinforces this right by broadly making government records available upon request.
That said, several categories of records are confidential or restricted:
- Juvenile records — Files involving minors in delinquency or child protective proceedings are not public.
- Adoption records — Sealed by statute; access requires a court order.
- Personal Identifying Information (PII) — Dates of birth, Social Security numbers, and financial account numbers must be redacted from public documents under MCR 1.109(D)(9).
- Sexual assault victim information — Protected from public disclosure under Michigan law.
- Set-aside convictions — Records of expunged or set-aside criminal convictions are sealed and inaccessible without a court order.
- Sealed case files — Any party may petition to seal records under MCR 8.119(I), which requires a written motion, a showing of good cause, and a narrowly tailored court order.
If you can't find a record through public channels, ask the clerk's office whether it exists in a restricted or sealed form.
Charlevoix County Criminal Court Records
Criminal matters in Charlevoix County are divided between two courts based on the severity of the offense.
The 33rd Circuit Court (203 Antrim Street) handles all felony prosecutions and serious misdemeanors — cases where a conviction could result in a prison sentence, covering everything from property felonies to violent offenses. The court's Family Division also has jurisdiction over juvenile delinquency matters through a concurrent jurisdiction arrangement. Circuit Court criminal records are maintained by the Charlevoix County Clerk.
The 90th District Court (301 State Street) handles all misdemeanor criminal cases, defined as offenses carrying a maximum sentence of one year or less. It also processes most traffic violations, including serious traffic misdemeanors. The District Court's criminal division can be reached at (231) 547-7227.
Arrest and Jail Records
The Charlevoix County Sheriff's Office operates the county jail at the Charlevoix County Jail facility. The jail is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and can be reached at (231) 547-4461. Booking and inmate information may be available through the Sheriff's Office during business hours. Visitation is permitted every day except Tuesdays, during the hours of 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
Statewide Criminal History Records
For a comprehensive criminal history — beyond what appears in individual court case files — the Michigan State Police operates the ICHAT (Internet Criminal History Access Tool), which allows searches of public criminal history maintained by the Criminal Justice Information Center. Each search costs $10.00, payable by credit card, and requires the subject's full name and date of birth. ICHAT results reflect publicly available convictions but do not include sealed, expunged, or juvenile records. For certified criminal history reports requiring fingerprint verification, contact the Michigan State Police Criminal History Records division directly.
Charlevoix County Civil Court Records
Civil cases in Charlevoix County are split between the circuit court and the district court based on the dollar amount at issue.
| Court | Civil Jurisdiction |
|---|---|
| 33rd Circuit Court | Claims exceeding $25,000; equity actions, property disputes, personal injury, malpractice, contract disputes |
| 90th District Court | Civil claims up to $25,000; landlord-tenant matters |
| 90th District Court — Small Claims Division | Claims up to $7,000 (simplified process) |
Filing and Searching Civil Records
Civil case files are maintained by the Charlevoix County Clerk for circuit court matters and by the 90th District Court clerk for district-level cases. The District Court's Civil Division can be reached at (231) 547-7254. Both in-person access and mail requests are accepted.
Small claims cases follow a simplified procedure designed for self-represented litigants. Michigan Legal Help's guide to small claims court explains filing steps, service requirements, and what to expect at a hearing. Filing fees are tiered: $30 for claims at or below $600, $50 for claims between $600 and $1,750, and $70 for claims between $1,750 and $7,000.
Property Records
Real estate documents — including deeds, mortgages, liens, and plats — are recorded and maintained by the Charlevoix County Register of Deeds, located at 13513 Division Street, Charlevoix, MI 49720. Copies of recorded documents cost $1.00 per page; certified copies are $5.00 per document. Document recording fees are a flat $30.00 per document effective January 2, 2025, regardless of page count. Records can also be searched through the county's Register of Deeds Online Services portal, where copies are available for $1.05 per page plus a small transaction fee. Full statutory fee details are listed on the Register of Deeds fee schedule.
Charlevoix County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Charlevoix County fall under the Family Division of the 33rd Circuit Court, presided over by the Honorable Valerie K. Snyder. The Division handles the following:
- Dissolution of marriage (divorce)
- Child custody, visitation, and parenting time
- Child support enforcement and modification
- Paternity actions
- Personal protection orders (PPOs) / domestic violence
- Separate maintenance actions
- Actions under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA)
The Friend of the Court office assists the Family Division with support calculations, custody investigations, and enforcement. The Circuit Court is located at 203 Antrim Street, Charlevoix, MI 49720, and the general clerk's line is (231) 547-7200. Self-represented parties can find guidance and official forms through Michigan Legal Help.
Vital Records Through the County Clerk
The Charlevoix County Clerk maintains vital records — birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates — for events that occurred in the county. These records are often needed as documentation in family law proceedings. Fees and procedures are as follows:
| Record Type | First Certified Copy | Each Additional Copy |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | $15.00 | $5.00 |
| Death Certificate | $10.00 | $5.00 |
| Marriage Certificate | $10.00 | $5.00 |
Submit requests in person or by mail to the Charlevoix County Clerk, Attn: Vital Records, 203 Antrim Street, Charlevoix, MI 49720. Downloadable application forms are available for birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage certified copies. Payment must be made by check or money order payable to the Charlevoix County Clerk. Valid photo identification is required.
Birth records are restricted by law to the individual named, immediate family members, or persons with legal authority. Death and marriage records are generally accessible to the public.
For records of events occurring elsewhere in Michigan, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Division of Vital Records maintains statewide birth records from 1867, marriage records from 1869, divorce records from 1897, and death records from 1867. VitalChek is available for online ordering.
Marriage licenses are issued by the County Clerk. The fee is $20.00 and requires a Marriage License Application. Both parties must apply in the county where they reside. A three-day waiting period applies before the license is issued; a waiver may be granted for good cause at an additional cost of $50.00. Out-of-state applicants must apply in the county where the ceremony will occur and pay an extra $10.00. The license is valid for 30 days from issuance.
Charlevoix County Probate Court Records
The Charlevoix County Probate Court — formally designated as the 7th Probate District Court — is located on the second floor of the county building at 301 State Street, Charlevoix, MI 49720. Reach the court by phone at (231) 547-7214 or by email at probatecourt@charlevoixcounty.org. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Honorable Valerie K. Snyder presides over the court.
The Probate Court handles matters governed by the Michigan Estates and Protected Individuals Code (EPIC), MCL 700.1101 et seq., including:
- Decedent estates (both formal and informal proceedings)
- Wills filed for safekeeping
- Petitions to determine heirs
- Adult and minor guardianships
- Adult and minor conservatorships
- Trusts and trust administration
- Mental health proceedings (including Baker Act-equivalent petitions)
Probate Filing Fees
The court's probate fee schedule lists statutory fees for all common filings:
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Commencement of a decedent estate | $175.00 |
| Small estate (less than $22,000) — Petition and Order for Assignment | $25.00 |
| Petition to determine heirs (no estate pending) | $175.00 |
| Petition for full guardianship (no proceeding pending) | $175.00 |
| Petition for conservatorship (no proceeding pending) | $175.00 |
| Motions or petitions filed after a case is open | $20.00 |
| Will for safekeeping | $25.00 |
| Demand for jury trial | $30.00 |
| Petition to open a closed file | $175.00 |
| Certified copy of Letters of Authority | $12.00 |
| Certified copy of Order to Use Funds (adult ward) | $11.00 |
| File copies | $1.00 per page |
In addition to the filing fee, estates are subject to a statutorily mandated inventory fee calculated based on the total value of estate assets. An online Inventory Fee Calculator is available on the Probate Court's website.
Accessing Probate Records
Most probate records are open to public inspection. However, wills filed for safekeeping are not public until after the testator's death and a petition is filed. To review records, visit the Probate Court in person or submit a written request. Standard SCAO-approved forms are required for most petitions and must comply with the updated PII filing standards effective July 1, 2021, under MCR 1.109(D)(9). Specifically, forms MC97 and MC97a must accompany most filings to certify that personal identifying information has been properly handled.
Probate case histories can be searched through the MiCOURT portal for participating case types, or directly through the Probate Court clerk's office. Court staff can help you navigate the process — the court recommends calling ahead or emailing before visiting to make sure you're directed to the right staff member for your specific matter.