Ingham County Court Records Search
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Ingham County is home to Michigan's capital city of Lansing, and its courts handle a substantial volume of legal matters each year. The 30th Judicial Circuit Court, three district courts, and the Probate Court each cover distinct categories of cases — from felony prosecutions and civil lawsuits to family disputes and estate administration. The county's courthouses in Mason and Lansing are where records are filed, stored, and made available to the public.
You can search for court records through clerk offices, public terminals at the courthouse, and several online tools. The MiCourt Case Search platform, run by the state judiciary, offers free online access to case information filed in circuit, district, and probate courts statewide. Ingham County also runs its own court record search portal for circuit and probate cases. If you're trying to get your bearings on Michigan's court structure more broadly, MichiganCourts.us may help you locate publicly available case data and identify the right court for your inquiry.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Ingham County?
The best place to start depends on which court handled the case. Several search options are available, both online and in person.
Online Searches
Two main online tools cover Ingham County court records:
- Ingham County Court Record Search — The county's case search portal lets you search by party name or business name for cases filed in the 30th Circuit Court and the Probate Court. Criminal cases are available back to 2000; all other circuit and probate cases go back to 1986. Note that victim information is suppressed from search results.
- MiCourt Case Search — The statewide MiCourt platform covers civil, traffic, criminal, domestic/family, and probate cases depending on the court. You can search by case number or party name.
In-Person Access
Each courthouse has public computer terminals where you can search case records at no charge during office hours. The Probate Court specifically welcomes visitors to its Probate Register's Office to review case files, with terminals and workspace available on-site.
Submitting Records Requests
The Circuit Court Clerk's Office does not take filings or records requests by email or fax. To get copies, you have three options:
- Visit in person at either courthouse location during business hours.
- Mail your request via U.S. Postal Service or courier.
- Use the 55th District Court's record request form for district court records.
Court Locations and Contact Information
| Court | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| 30th Circuit Court (Lansing) | Veterans Memorial Courthouse, 313 W. Kalamazoo St., 1st Floor, Lansing, MI 48933 | (517) 483-6500 |
| 30th Circuit Court (Mason) | Ingham County Courthouse, 315 S. Jefferson St., 3rd Floor, Mason, MI 48854 | (517) 483-6500 |
| 54A District Court | City Hall, 124 W. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48933 | (517) 483-4433 |
| 54B District Court | 101 Linden St., East Lansing, MI 48823 | (517) 351-7000 |
| 55th District Court | 700 Buhl Ave., Mason, MI 48854 | (517) 676-8400 |
| Ingham County Probate Court | Veterans Memorial Courthouse, 313 W. Kalamazoo St., Lansing, MI 48933 | (517) 483-6300 |
Circuit Court Clerk's Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. All pleadings received before 4:30 p.m. are file-stamped for that business day. The Probate Court is open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with public filing hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Are Court Records Public in Ingham County?
Most court records in Ingham County are open to the public. Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) sets the general framework for requesting government records, while court-specific access follows the Michigan Court Rules.
MCL Section 15.243 lists the categories of information that public bodies may withhold. In the court context, records that are typically restricted or redacted include:
- Documents containing information about victims of sexual crimes
- Materials protected by attorney-client privilege
- Records with medical information that would violate an individual's privacy
- Any record sealed by court order or exempted by state or federal statute
- Juvenile case records, which carry heightened confidentiality protections
- Adoption records, which are sealed under Michigan law
The Ingham County Probate Court has issued a Local Administrative Order that spells out how the public may view records, what copying fees apply, and which records are restricted. It's worth reviewing if you need probate documents.
Viewing court records in person at the courthouse during business hours is generally free. Getting copies, however, triggers copying fees. Under MCR 8.119, case files are available for public inspection unless they are sealed or otherwise restricted by law.
Ingham County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Ingham County are split among several courts based on the severity of the offense. The 30th Circuit Court has exclusive jurisdiction over felonies and juvenile criminal matters. The three district courts — 54A in Lansing, 54B in East Lansing, and the 55th in Mason — handle misdemeanors, traffic infractions, and ordinance violations. The 54A District Court holds records going back to 1972; for anything before that, you'll need to contact the Lansing Police Department directly.
Searching Criminal Case Records
Criminal case records from the circuit court are searchable through the Ingham County case search portal (criminal cases from 2000 onward) and through MiCourt. Public terminals at each courthouse also allow on-site lookups at no charge.
Copy Fees
Fees vary by court:
- Probate Court: $1.50 per page; certification is an additional $10.00 per record
- Circuit and District Courts: Contact the specific clerk's office for current per-page rates
Criminal History Background Checks
The Michigan State Police (MSP) is the official keeper of statewide criminal history records. Two types of checks are available:
Name-based search (iCHAT): The Internet Criminal History Access Tool lets you search publicly available criminal history information maintained by the MSP Criminal Justice Information Center. The fee is $10.00 per search, payable by credit card.
Fingerprint-based search: For a more thorough check, follow these steps:
- Get fingerprinted at a local law enforcement agency. In-state applicants use an RI-008 card; out-of-state applicants use an FD-258 card.
- Attach a cover letter explaining the purpose of your request.
- Enclose a $30.00 money order or check payable to the State of Michigan.
- Mail everything to:
Michigan State Police CJIC
P.O. Box 30266
Lansing, MI 48909-7766
Sheriff's Office Records
The Ingham County Sheriff's Office keeps arrest records, incident reports, and other law enforcement files. The office's Central Records division handles firearm permits, fingerprints, and background checks. You can submit an online request form or visit in person at:
Ingham County Sheriff's Office
630 North Cedar Street
Mason, MI 48854
For FOIA requests directed to the Sheriff's Office, the county provides a separate FOIA request process. Many records are already available online without requiring a formal FOIA submission.
Ingham County Civil Court Records
Civil matters are distributed among the circuit and district courts based on the dollar amount at stake and the nature of the claim. The 30th Circuit Court handles general civil cases, civil equity matters, and appeals. The district courts adjudicate small claims, landlord-tenant disputes, land contract cases, and civil claims within their monetary jurisdiction.
Searching Civil Records
You can search civil case information through:
- The Ingham County case search portal for circuit court civil cases (from 1986 onward)
- MiCourt for district court civil cases
- Public computer terminals at any Ingham County courthouse
Requesting Copies
For circuit court records, submit your request by mail or in person to the Circuit Court Clerk's Office at either the Lansing or Mason location. Have the case number and a description of the specific documents you need ready before you reach out. The office does not accept email or fax requests.
For 55th District Court civil records, complete the record request form and submit it in person. For the 54A District Court, direct your request to the court at 124 W. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48933, Phone: (517) 483-4433, Fax: (517) 483-4108 The 54B District Court in East Lansing handles civil inquiries at (517) 351-1730 or by email at 54BCivil@54bdistrictcourt.com.
E-Filing
Michigan courts accept electronic filings through the state's e-filing system. Check with the specific court for supported case types and current procedures.
Ingham County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Ingham County — divorce, child custody, child support, parenting time, spousal support, paternity, and adoption — fall under the 30th Circuit Court, Family Division. The Circuit Court Clerk's Office keeps all family case files.
Friend of the Court
The Ingham County Friend of the Court (FOC) plays a central role in domestic cases involving minor children. Under MCR 3.206(G), an additional copy of all filings in cases involving child custody, child support, parenting time, or spousal support must be provided to the Circuit Court Clerk's Office for forwarding to the FOC. Contact information:
Ingham County Friend of the Court
303 W. Kalamazoo Street, 1st Floor
Lansing, MI 48933
Phone: (517) 483-6103
Fax: (517) 483-6107
Email: focinfo@ingham.org
The FOC offers informational meetings and help with forms for self-represented litigants navigating family law matters.
Searching Family Court Records
Family case records can be searched through the Ingham County case search portal and through MiCourt, which includes a domestic/family case search option. In-person access is available at the Circuit Court Clerk's Office during regular hours.
Adoption Records
All adoption records formerly held by the Probate Court were transferred to the 30th Circuit Court in the late 1990s. The circuit court's adoptions page explains how to access these records. They are sealed under Michigan law and require a court order or a qualifying relationship for access.
Marriage Records
The Ingham County Clerk's Office maintains marriage license records for events in the county going back to 1837. You can request them in a few ways:
- Online: Through the Clerk's online request portal
- By mail: Complete a marriage certificate request form and mail it with a $30.00 payment to Ingham County Clerk, P.O. Box 179, Mason, MI 48854.
- Through the state: The Michigan Vital Records Department accepts mail requests with a completed state form and a $34.00 fee (one-year search) payable to the State of Michigan. Mail to Vital Records Requests, P.O. Box 30721, Lansing, MI 48909.
Divorce Records
Divorce records are available through the circuit court's online case database and in person at the Clerk's Office. The Michigan Vital Records Department also processes divorce record requests using the application for divorce record form. The fee is $34.00 for a one-year search, with additional years at $12.00 each.
Birth and Death Records
The Ingham County Clerk's Office maintains birth records from 1867 and death records from the same period. Requests require:
- A completed birth or death certificate request form
- A copy of government-issued photo ID
- A $30.00 fee (check, credit/debit card, or money order payable to Ingham County Clerk)
Submit your request by mail or in person at:
Ingham County Clerk Main Office
341 S. Jefferson Street
Mason, MI 48854
Phone: (517) 676-7201
Branch Office: Veterans Memorial Courthouse, 313 W. Kalamazoo St., Lansing, MI 48933
Hours: 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Monday–Friday (closed 12:30–1:30 p.m. for lunch)
Access to birth and death records is restricted to the record subject, close family members, and other authorized individuals.
Ingham County Probate Court Records
The Ingham County Probate Court handles wills, decedent estates, trusts, guardianships and conservatorships for minors and adults, and mental health treatment matters. Chief Judge Shauna Dunnings holds hearings at the Veterans Memorial Courthouse in Lansing; Judge Richard J. Garcia holds hearings at the Mason Historical Courthouse, 341 S. Jefferson St., Mason.
Searching Probate Records
Probate case records can be searched through the MiCourt online search for Probate Court P33 and through the Ingham County case search portal, which includes probate cases from 1986 onward.
Requesting Copies
Copies of probate records can be requested in person, by mail, by fax, by phone, or by email. If you want the fastest turnaround, email your request to ProbateCourtRecords@ingham.org. For in-person filings and services, the Probate Register's Office is at:
Ingham County Probate Court
Veterans Memorial Courthouse
313 West Kalamazoo Street
Lansing, MI 48933
Phone: (517) 483-6300
Fax: (517) 483-6150
Filing Hours: 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Monday–Friday
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copies of case records | $1.50 per page |
| Copies of filed transcripts | $0.30 per page |
| Certification | $10.00 per record (in addition to copy cost) |
| Blank SCAO forms | $1.00 per form |
| Transcript preparation (original) | $3.75 per page (minimum $50.00) |
| Transcript preparation (copy) | $0.90 per page |
All filings must use the most current SCAO-approved form when one exists, as required by MCL 600.855 and MCR 5.113(A). The Probate Court's forms page lists available forms and resources.
Name Change Records
The Probate Court holds name change records for cases filed in 1997 and before. For name changes filed in 1998 onward, contact the 30th Circuit Court through its name change page.
Conservatorship and Guardianship
The Probate Court's website has information about conservatorship classes, which also cover estate guardianships of developmentally disabled individuals. These classes are typically required for anyone appointed as a conservator or guardian.