Ingham County Court Records Search
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Ingham County, home to Michigan’s capital city of Lansing, maintains an active court system that produces a wide range of legal records. The 30th Judicial Circuit Court, three district courts, and the Probate Court each handle distinct categories of cases — from felony prosecutions and civil lawsuits to family law disputes and estate administration. The county’s courthouses in Mason and Lansing house the offices responsible for filing, storing, and releasing these records to the public.
Searching for court records in Michigan can be done through clerk offices, public terminals at the courthouse, and several online tools. The MiCourt Case Search platform, maintained by the state judiciary, provides free online access to case information filed in circuit, district, and probate courts across the state. Ingham County also operates its own court record search portal for circuit and probate cases. For those looking for broader information about Michigan’s court structure, MichiganCourts.us may help locate publicly available case data and identify the right court for a particular inquiry.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Ingham County?
Finding a court case in Ingham County depends on the type of case and the court that handled it. Several search options are available.
Online Searches
Two primary online tools cover Ingham County court records:
- Ingham County Court Record Search — The county’s case search portal allows searches 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, while 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. Users can search by case number or party name.
In-Person Access
Each courthouse provides public computer terminals where visitors can search case records during office hours. The Probate Court specifically invites the public to visit the Probate Register’s Office to review case records, with computer terminals and workspace available for use.
Submitting Records Requests
The Circuit Court Clerk’s Office does not accept filings or requests by email or fax. To obtain copies, you must:
- 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 generated in Ingham County are accessible to the public. Michigan’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) establishes the framework for requesting government records, while court-specific access is governed by Michigan Court Rules.
MCL Section 15.243 identifies categories of information that public bodies may exempt from disclosure. 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 governing access, inspection, reproduction, and creation of court records. This order details how the public may view records, what copying fees apply, and which records are restricted.
Viewing court records in person at the courthouse during business hours is generally permitted at no cost. Obtaining copies, however, triggers applicable fees. Under MCR 8.119, case files are available for public inspection unless sealed or otherwise restricted by law.
Ingham County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Ingham County are divided among several courts based on severity. 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 of cases from 1972 to the present; cases before that date must be requested through the Lansing Police Department.
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 case lookups.
Copy Fees
The fee structure varies 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 custodian of statewide criminal history records. Two types of checks are available:
Name-based search (iCHAT): The Internet Criminal History Access Tool allows online searches of 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 comprehensive check, applicants must:
- 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 the 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 maintains arrest records, incident reports, and other law enforcement files. The office’s Central Records division handles firearm permits, fingerprints, and background checks. An online request form is available, or you may visit in person:
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 in Ingham County are distributed among the circuit and district courts based on the amount in controversy 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
Civil case information can be found 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. Include the case number and the specific documents you need. 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, requests for records can be directed 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 procedures.
Ingham County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Ingham County — including divorce, child custody, child support, parenting time, spousal support, paternity, and adoption — fall under the jurisdiction of the 30th Circuit Court, Family Division. The Circuit Court Clerk’s Office maintains 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 provides information on accessing these records, which are sealed under Michigan law and require a court order or qualifying relationship for access.
Marriage Records
The Ingham County Clerk’s Office maintains marriage license records for events in the county, dating back to 1837. Records can be obtained:
- Online: Through the Clerk’s online request portal
- By mail: Complete a marriage certificate request form and mail it with payment to Ingham County Clerk, P.O. Box 179, Mason, MI 48854. The fee is $30.00.
- 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)
Requests may be submitted 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 the filing and safekeeping of wills, probating of decedent estates, supervision of trusts, appointment of guardians and conservators for minors and adults, and processing of mental health treatment matters. The court is presided over by Chief Judge Shauna Dunnings (hearings at Veterans Memorial Courthouse in Lansing) and Judge Richard J. Garcia (hearings at Mason Historical Courthouse, 341 S. Jefferson St., Mason).
Searching Probate Records
Probate case records are searchable 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 case records can be requested in person, by mail, by fax, by phone, or by email. For the fastest service, email your request to ProbateCourtRecords@ingham.org. The Probate Register’s Office for in-person filings and services is located 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 be submitted on 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
Information about conservatorship classes — which also cover estate guardianships of developmentally disabled individuals — is available on the Probate Court’s website. These classes are typically required for individuals appointed as conservators or guardians.