Genesee County Court Records Search
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Genesee County occupies a central position in Michigan’s lower peninsula, with the city of Flint serving as its county seat and the hub of its judicial operations. The county’s court system is composed of three primary courts — the 7th Judicial Circuit Court, the 67th District Court, and the Probate Court — each responsible for distinct categories of cases. These courts collectively generate and maintain records for felony prosecutions, civil lawsuits, domestic relations matters, juvenile proceedings, probate filings, misdemeanor offenses, small claims disputes, and much more. Locating a specific record requires knowing which court handled the case and which office serves as the custodian of that file.
Court records in Michigan can be accessed through a combination of online portals, in-person visits, mail requests, and telephone inquiries. The Genesee County government website provides links to local court offices and record-search tools, while the statewide MiCourt system offers electronic case indexes for participating courts. For broader court information, including links to rules, forms, and court administration resources, MichiganCourts.us may help users identify where publicly available case records can be found across the state.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Genesee County?
The approach to looking up a case depends on the court of origin and whether the records are available electronically.
Online Case Search Tools
Michigan’s MiCourt platform hosts case-search portals for each of Genesee County’s courts:
- 7th Circuit Court — The Circuit Court Case Index allows users to search felony, civil, and domestic relations case records by party name, attorney name, or case number. Indexes and registers of action are viewable online.
- 67th District Court — The District Court Case Search provides docket information for misdemeanor, traffic, civil, and small claims cases across all eight district court divisions.
- Probate Court — The Probate Court Case Search indexes estate, guardianship, conservatorship, and other probate matters. Use the filter menu to narrow results to specific case types.
In-Person Access
Walk-in visitors can review case files and request copies at each court’s clerk office during regular business hours. The primary courthouse locations are:
| Court | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| 7th Circuit Court | 900 S. Saginaw St., Flint, MI 48502 | (810) 257-3220 |
| 67th District Court – Central | 630 S. Saginaw St., Suite 124, Flint, MI 48502 | (810) 257-3170 |
| Genesee County Probate Court | 900 S. Saginaw St., Rm. 502, Flint, MI 48502 | (810) 257-3528 |
The 67th District Court also operates division courthouses in Burton, Davison, Fenton, Flushing, Grand Blanc, Mt. Morris, and the city of Flint. Hours are generally Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or 5:00 p.m., depending on the location.
Off-Site Records
Older Circuit Court files are maintained at an off-site storage facility. The following records must be ordered at least three business days in advance by calling (810) 257-3220 (press 9 for a Legal Division Clerk):
- Domestic files — all years through 1999
- Criminal files — all years through 2001
- Civil files — all years through 2007
Mail and FOIA Requests
Written requests can be sent by mail to the appropriate court clerk. For records not otherwise available, a Freedom of Information Act request may be submitted to the Genesee County FOIA Specialist at 1101 Beach Street, Room 312, Flint, MI 48502. The FOIA office can also be reached by phone at (810) 257-3014 or by email at foia@geneseecountymi.gov.
Are Court Records Public in Genesee County?
Michigan establishes a strong presumption that court records are open to the public, subject to specific statutory and rule-based exceptions.
Legal Framework for Public Access
Two primary authorities govern access to Genesee County court records. The Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified at MCL 15.231 et seq., grants individuals the right to inspect, copy, or receive copies of public records maintained by government bodies, including courts. Separately, Michigan Court Rule (MCR) 8.119 establishes detailed rules for access to case records in every trial court. Under MCR 8.119(H), only “case records” as defined in the rule are considered public records subject to access provisions.
Records That Are Publicly Accessible
Most filings in civil, criminal, and probate cases are open for public inspection, including:
- Complaints, answers, and motions
- Court orders and judgments
- Registers of action (docket sheets)
- Sentencing orders and plea records
- Probate petitions and estate inventories
Records That Are Restricted or Confidential
The following categories are generally not available to the public without legal clearance or a court order:
- Juvenile records
- Adoption records
- Sealed or expunged cases
- Records protected under state or federal statutes (including medical and mental health information)
- Domestic violence victim information
- Confidential informant information
- Grand jury proceedings
- Records connected to ongoing law enforcement or judicial investigations
- Financial information in certain domestic cases
Michigan courts are also prohibited from providing public access to document images through the internet under MCR 8.119(H), though case index information and registers of action may be viewed online.
Copy Fees at the Circuit Court Clerk
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified or exemplified copy | $10.00 |
| Photocopies | $1.00 per page |
| Name search | $5.00 per name |
| Video recording | $20.00 |
Fees at the 67th District Court differ slightly — certified copies of conviction cost $11.00, standard copies are $1.00 each, forms are $1.00 each, and registers of action cost $2.00 per page. Fee waivers may be available to indigent parties under MCL 600.2529(5) or MCR 2.002.
Genesee County Criminal Court Records
Criminal matters in Genesee County are split between the Circuit Court and the District Court based on offense severity.
Court Jurisdiction
The 7th Circuit Court handles all felony prosecutions, from arraignment through sentencing and any post-conviction proceedings. Circuit Court criminal records — indictments, plea agreements, sentencing orders, and appeal filings — are maintained by the Legal Division of the Genesee County Clerk’s Office.
The 67th District Court processes misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic offenses, local ordinance violations, and conducts preliminary examinations in felony cases. Each of the eight district court divisions maintains its own criminal case files.
Searching Criminal Court Cases
To locate a criminal court record:
- Use the 7th Circuit Court Case Index to search felony cases by defendant name, case number, or attorney.
- Use the 67th District Court Case Search to search misdemeanor and traffic cases.
- For district court records dated before July 31, 2014, submit a records request using the court’s Records Request Form — by email, in person, or by mail to: 67th District Court, Attn: Records Processing, 630 S. Saginaw St., Flint, MI 48502. This requirement is due to Michigan’s Automatic Clean Slate law, which may have set aside older convictions.
Criminal History Background Checks
Statewide criminal history information is available through the Michigan State Police Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT). ICHAT searches public criminal history records maintained by the Criminal Justice Information Center. The fee is $10.00 per search, payable by credit card. Nonprofit organizations may qualify for no-fee access by contacting the ICHAT Coordinator.
Arrest Records and Inmate Information
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office maintains arrest and booking records for individuals processed through the county detention facility.
Genesee County Sheriff’s Office
1002 South Saginaw Street
Flint, MI 48502
Phone: (810) 257-3426
Current inmate information can be searched through the Michigan Department of Corrections Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS) for individuals who have been transferred to state custody. For local arrests, contact individual police departments within Genesee County or submit a FOIA request.
Genesee County Civil Court Records
Civil disputes in Genesee County are heard by either the 7th Circuit Court or the 67th District Court, depending on the amount in controversy and the nature of the claim.
Jurisdictional Breakdown
- Circuit Court — Civil lawsuits seeking relief exceeding $25,000, equity actions, name changes, emancipation petitions, and appeals from the District Court.
- District Court — General civil claims up to $25,000, small claims up to $7,000, landlord-tenant disputes (summary proceedings), and claims for claim and delivery.
Circuit Court Civil Filing Fees
Per the Genesee County Clerk’s fee schedule, the following fees apply to Circuit Court civil filings:
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Civil filing fee | $175.00 |
| Electronic filing system fee | $25.00 |
| Petition for name change | $175.00 |
| Petition for emancipation | $175.00 |
| Appeal to Circuit Court | $175.00 |
| Appeal from Circuit Court | $25.00 |
| Jury demand | $85.00 |
| Motion fee | $20.00 |
| Foreign judgment | $175.00 |
| Writ of garnishment, attachment, execution, or judgment debtor discovery subpoena | $15.00 |
No fee is charged for personal protection order (PPO) filings or criminal motions.
67th District Court Civil Filing Fees
The 67th District Court fee schedule is based on the claim amount:
| Claim Amount | General Civil | Small Claims |
|---|---|---|
| Up to $600 | $35.00 | $30.00 |
| $600.01–$1,750 | $55.00 | $50.00 |
| $1,750.01–$7,000 | $75.00 | $70.00 |
| $7,000.01–$10,000 | $75.00 | — |
| $10,000.01–$25,000 | $160.00 | — |
Landlord-tenant summary proceedings range from $55.00 (possession only) to $215.00 depending on the monetary claim amount. An order of eviction costs $15.00. All litigants must provide stamped, self-addressed envelopes for the return of pleadings and documents.
Searching Civil Records
Civil case records can be searched through the same MiCourt portals used for criminal cases. For the Circuit Court, the case index provides registers of action for civil filings. In-person review is available at the Genesee County Clerk’s Legal Division. Written requests should include the case number or full party names and the applicable copy fees.
Genesee County Family Court Records
The Family Division of the 7th Circuit Court has exclusive jurisdiction over domestic relations and juvenile matters in Genesee County. Three judges and four domestic referees are assigned to the family bench, and the Genesee County Friend of the Court serves as the investigative and enforcement arm for cases involving minor children.
Types of Family Court Cases
The Family Division handles divorce, child custody and parenting time, child support, paternity, spousal support, personal protection orders, adoption, foster care placement, termination of parental rights, emancipation of minors, and juvenile delinquency and abuse/neglect proceedings.
Domestic Relations Filing Fees
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Initiating domestic case with children | $255.00 |
| Initiating domestic case without children | $175.00 |
| Initiating case for support | $40.00 |
| Motion regarding custody and/or parenting time | $100.00 |
| Motion regarding support only | $60.00 |
| Judgment/order entry fee (custody or parenting time determined) | $80.00 |
| Judgment/order entry fee (support determined) | $40.00 |
| Friend of the Court investigation | $40.00 |
| Order of filiation | $59.00 |
| Driver’s license clearance fee (FOC suspensions) | $45.00 |
Friend of the Court Services
The Friend of the Court office assists parents with custody, support, and parenting time orders. Parents who are in agreement can use FOC staff to complete and file consent orders. When disputes arise, the office can refer parties to mediation or provide motion paperwork.
Friend of the Court
630 S. Saginaw St., Suite 2500, Flint, MI 48502
Phone: (810) 257-3300
Fax: (810) 257-3244
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Child support payments are processed through the Michigan State Disbursement Unit (MiSDU). Account information is available 24/7 at (877) 543-2660 or online through the MiChildSupport portal. The Michigan Child Support Calculator can be used to estimate support amounts.
Access Restrictions
Family court records carry significant access limitations. Juvenile delinquency and child protective proceedings records are confidential under Michigan law. Adoption records are sealed. Financial details such as child support calculations, income information, and property settlements may be redacted from public view. Domestic violence victim information is also protected. Only involved parties, their legal representatives, authorized government entities, or individuals with a court order may access restricted family records.
Searching Family Division Records
Case information for the Family Division can be looked up through the 7th Circuit Court Case Index. Hearing date information is also accessible through this portal. In-person record requests should be directed to the Legal Division of the Genesee County Clerk’s Office at 900 S. Saginaw St., Flint, MI 48502, or by calling (810) 257-3220.
Marriage Certificates and Vital Records
Marriage licenses and certificates of marriage, birth, and death are maintained by the Vital Records Division of the Genesee County Clerk’s Office at 324 S. Saginaw St., Flint, MI 48502. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Phone: (810) 257-3225
Certified copies can be ordered online through the Clerk’s certified copy portal or by downloading the Vital Records Certified Copy Request Form and mailing it with a money order. Key fee and eligibility details:
- Certified copy fee: $25.00; each additional copy of the same record at the same time: $10.00
- Seniors aged 65+ requesting their own birth record: $5.00 per copy
- Death and marriage records are available to any requester under MCL 333.2882(1)
- Birth records are restricted to the individual named on the record, parents named on the record, and legal guardians — photo ID is required
- Express mail option (online orders only): additional $30.00
- FedEx overnight shipping: $40.00; FedEx 2-day: $22.00
- Fee waivers are available for qualified low-income Genesee County residents through an online application
Mail orders are processed with records shipped within two business days of receipt.
Genesee County Probate Court Records
The Genesee County Probate Court has jurisdiction over decedent estates, wills, trusts, guardianships, conservatorships, and related proceedings. The Probate Records Office, located on the fifth floor of the Genesee County Courthouse, is the public access point for all court filings, records, and deposits of wills.
Probate Court Location
Genesee County Probate Court
900 S. Saginaw St., Room 502
Flint, MI 48502
Phone: (810) 257-3528
Fax: (810) 257-3234
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Filings are accepted in person and by mail. Documents that do not require a filing fee may be submitted by fax.
Types of Probate Records
Records maintained by the Probate Court include:
- Petitions for probate of a will or for administration of an intestate estate
- Last wills and testaments, codicils, and trust instruments
- Letters testamentary and letters of administration
- Estate inventories and appraisals
- Claims against the estate
- Annual and final accountings
- Guardianship and conservatorship petitions and reports
- Court orders, including orders of discharge
Searching Probate Records Online
The Probate Court Case Search Portal provides online access to case index data. To search:
- Navigate to the portal and expand the filter menu.
- Select the “Probate” case-type option.
- Enter the decedent’s or ward’s name and, if known, birth year.
- Review the register of action for filing dates, hearing dates, and case status.
Requesting Copies
In-person visitors can request copies at the Records Office window. Written requests should be mailed to: Genesee County Probate Court, 900 S. Saginaw St., Rm. 502, Flint, MI 48502. Include the full name of the decedent or ward, the case number if known, and payment for applicable copy fees. Probate Court copy fees follow the county’s general schedule — certified copies are $10.00 and photocopies are $1.00 per page at the Circuit Court clerk level, though the Probate Court may apply its own schedule for certain filings.
Guardianship and Conservatorship
The Probate Court appoints guardians for incapacitated adults and minors, and conservators to manage the financial affairs of protected individuals. Filing fees for guardianship cases in Michigan Circuit and Probate Courts are set at $150.00 for the initial petition, consistent with the civil filing fee under MCL 600.2529(1)(a). Ancillary guardianship and conservatorship filings also carry a $150.00 fee. Annual reports filed by guardians and conservators become part of the case record and are generally accessible to the public, though medical or psychological evaluations may be restricted.