Isabella County Court Records Search
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Isabella County is located in the central portion of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, with its county seat in Mount Pleasant. The county’s judicial system operates through a consolidated structure known as the Isabella County Trial Court, which brings together circuit, district, and probate functions under one roof at the Isabella County Courthouse. This consolidation means that residents, attorneys, and the public can access criminal, civil, family, and probate records from a single courthouse location rather than visiting separate court facilities.
Individuals looking for court records in Michigan can begin by consulting the resources available through MichiganCourts.us, which provides access to statewide judicial information. The MiCOURT Case Search portal is the state’s primary online tool for locating publicly available case information from circuit, district, and probate courts. In addition to online searches, records can be obtained by contacting the Isabella County Clerk’s Office directly, visiting the courthouse in person, or submitting written requests. The clerk’s office and individual court divisions each maintain their own procedures for providing copies of case documents.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Isabella County?
Court cases filed in Isabella County can be searched using several methods, depending on whether the case originated in the 21st Circuit Court, the 76th District Court, or the 37th Probate Court.
Online Case Search
The fastest way to look up a case is through the MiCOURT Case Search portal. Isabella County’s three courts each have dedicated search pages:
- 21st Circuit Court (Isabella County) — felonies, civil actions, divorce, custody, and other Circuit Court matters
- 76th District Court (Isabella County) — misdemeanors, civil infractions, traffic cases, small claims, and landlord-tenant disputes
- 37th Probate Court (Isabella County) — estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and other probate matters
Users can search by party name or case number. The portal displays docket information, hearing dates, and — depending on the case type — Civil, Traffic, Criminal, Domestic, and Probate filings. Note that the County Clerk’s Office does not perform case searches on behalf of the public; individuals must use these online tools or visit the courthouse.
In-Person Access
Court records may be viewed in person at the Isabella County Courthouse during regular business hours. The courthouse is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding holidays.
Isabella County Trial Court
Address: 300 North Main Street, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858
Phone: (989) 317-4097
Fax: (989) 779-8022
Email: trialcourt_info@isabellacounty.org
Requesting Copies from the County Clerk
The Isabella County Clerk serves as the custodian of Circuit Court records and can provide copies upon request. The clerk’s office handles circuit court record requests and filing at its Court Street location.
Isabella County Clerk’s Office
Physical Address: 207 Court Street, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858
Mailing Address: 200 North Main Street, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858
Phone: (989) 317-4070
Email: clerk@isabellacounty.org
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Court filings should be mailed to 300 North Main Street, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858.
Copy Fees (Circuit Court Records)
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy — first page per document | $10.00 |
| Certified copy — each additional page | $1.00 |
| Regular (uncertified) copies | $1.00 per page |
| New case filing fee | $175.00 |
Payment Methods
Payments to the Trial Court can be made in cash (in person only), by check or money order (in person or by mail), or by credit/debit card through AllPaid online or by calling (888) 604-7888. A convenience fee applies to card transactions.
Are Court Records Public in Isabella County?
Court records generated by the Isabella County Trial Court are broadly accessible to the public. Michigan’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) establishes a general right to inspect and obtain copies of public records held by government agencies. It is worth noting, however, that Michigan appellate courts have held that court records maintained by the judiciary are not technically “public records” subject to FOIA in the same way that executive-branch agency records are. Instead, public access to court records is governed by Michigan Court Rules, particularly MCR 8.119, which addresses court record access and provides that most case documents are open to public inspection.
Despite this broad presumption of openness, several categories of records are restricted from public view, either by statute, court rule, or court order. Records that are generally not available to the public without authorization include:
- Juvenile delinquency and child protective proceeding files
- Records containing identifying information about minors
- Records identifying victims of sexual offenses
- Mental health evaluation reports
- Certain sealed information in divorce and custody cases
- Sensitive information in domestic violence matters
- Trade secrets and proprietary commercial information
- Records related to active law enforcement investigations
- Attorney-client privileged communications
When a record is restricted, access is typically limited to the parties in the case, their legal representatives, or government officials with a demonstrated need. Others must obtain a court order to view sealed or confidential filings.
Isabella County Criminal Court Records
Criminal jurisdiction in Isabella County is split between two court levels. The District Court has exclusive original jurisdiction over misdemeanor offenses (punishable by up to one year in jail) and civil infractions. The District Court also conducts felony arraignments, issues arrest and search warrants, sets bail, and accepts bond. The Circuit Court handles all felony trials and those misdemeanor cases originally charged in District Court that proceed to the circuit level.
Searching Criminal Records Online
Criminal case information can be searched on MiCOURT through the 21st Circuit Court portal for felonies and the 76th District Court portal for misdemeanors and infractions.
Arraignment Procedures
Individuals appearing for arraignment should report to Windows #3, 4, or 5 at the Isabella County Courthouse and arrive at least 15 minutes early. For questions about scheduled arraignments, contact the Criminal Division Coordinator at (989) 317-4218. Individuals in custody at the county jail are typically arraigned via interactive video at 1:30 p.m. before the Magistrate and at 3:00 p.m. before the Judge.
Isabella County Sheriff’s Office
The Isabella County Sheriff’s Office maintains arrest records and local criminal history information within its jurisdiction. Requests for these records can be made in person during business hours.
Isabella County Sheriff’s Office
Address: 207 Court Street, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858
Phone: (989) 772-5911
Fax: (989) 773-2739
For jail and inmate information, call (989) 772-5915. The jail facility is located at 5270 East Remus Road, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858.
Statewide Criminal Background Checks
Records held by the Sheriff’s Office are limited to incidents within Isabella County. For statewide criminal history searches, the Michigan State Police offers a criminal history records service that provides both name-based and fingerprint-based background checks.
Isabella County Civil Court Records
Civil matters in Isabella County are handled by both the Circuit Court and the District Court. The Circuit Court has general jurisdiction over civil disputes, while the District Court adjudicates cases within its monetary limits, including small claims and landlord-tenant disputes.
District Court Civil Division
The Civil/Small Claims Division of the District Court handles small claims, landlord-tenant disputes, and other civil cases within its jurisdictional limits. The court offers an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) program in which eligible cases — particularly small claims and landlord-tenant matters — are referred to trained facilitators on the day of the hearing. Participation is voluntary, and cases that are not resolved through ADR proceed to a courtroom hearing. For more information about ADR, contact the District Court Civil Division at (989) 317-4211.
Searching Civil Records
Civil case records from both the Circuit and District Courts are searchable online through the MiCOURT Case Search portal using the links for the 21st Circuit Court and 76th District Court. Copies of civil case documents can be obtained from the Isabella County Clerk’s Office at the fees listed above ($10.00 for the first certified page, $1.00 for additional pages, and $1.00 per page for regular copies).
Property Records
Real property records in Isabella County — including deeds, mortgages, land contracts, and other recorded instruments — are maintained by the Isabella County Register of Deeds. These records can be searched through the official record search portal or the county’s land record search and document search pages. Printed copies from the online portals cost $1.00 per page.
Isabella County Register of Deeds
Address: 200 North Main Street, Room 220, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858
Phone: (989) 317-4089
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Isabella County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Isabella County fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Family Division of the Circuit Court, which assumed this role effective January 1, 1988. The Family Division handles divorce and ancillary matters, child custody and parenting time disputes, paternity actions, child protective proceedings, juvenile delinquency, emancipation petitions, personal protection orders, and name changes.
Friend of the Court
The Isabella County Friend of the Court is an arm of the Circuit Court that assists in domestic relations cases involving minor children. The Friend of the Court investigates custody and parenting time disputes, makes recommendations to the court, and helps enforce support orders. The office is located at the Isabella County Courthouse at 300 North Main Street, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858, and can be reached at (989) 772-0911.
Juvenile and Child Protective Proceedings
Juvenile delinquency petitions must be initiated by the Prosecuting Attorney. Child protective proceedings are governed by the juvenile code and follow a structured process: preliminary inquiry, adjudication, disposition, and — if reunification fails — permanency planning and potential termination of parental rights. These records are confidential and not accessible to the general public.
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses in Isabella County are issued by the Isabella County Clerk’s Office at 200 North Main Street. For information about obtaining a license, call (989) 317-4070. Marriage ceremonies can be performed at the courthouse by a Trial Court Judge or Magistrate; call (989) 317-4097 to schedule an appointment. A $10.00 ceremony fee is required at the time of booking.
To request a certified copy of a marriage record, complete the marriage vital request form and submit it to the Clerk’s Office in person or through the GOVPROS online payment system with valid identification. Fees are $20.00 for the first copy and $10.00 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously.
Alternatively, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issues copies of marriage records for $34.00 each.
Divorce Records
Divorce records are maintained by the Isabella County Clerk. Requests can be made in person at the Clerk’s Office during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) at 200 North Main Street, Mt. Pleasant. Copies may also be ordered from MDHHS for $34.00 per copy online through VitalChek, by phone at (866) 443-9897, in person, or by mail.
Birth and Death Records
The Clerk’s Office also handles birth and death records. Birth records are restricted and available only to the individual named, immediate family, or authorized representatives. Death records are public. Request forms are available for birth records and death records, and can be submitted online through GOVPROS. The fee is $20.00 for the first copy and $10.00 for each additional copy. Birth record requests must include a valid photo ID.
Isabella County Probate Court Records
The Probate Division of the Isabella County Trial Court handles decedent estate administration, guardianships, conservatorships, adoptions, name changes, and petitions for hospitalization of mentally ill individuals. For questions about probate matters, contact the Probate Division directly at (989) 317-4212.
Probate Filing Fees
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Petition for Probate of Decedent Estate (includes certified letter) | $186.00* |
| Petition for Guardianship of Incapacitated Individual or Minor (includes certified letter) | $186.00* |
| Petition for Conservatorship or Protective Order (includes certified letter) | $186.00* |
| Petition for Guardianship of Developmentally Disabled Individual | No filing fee* |
| Petition for Name Change | $185.00 |
| Petition for Adoption | $185.00 |
| Adoption Homestudy | $100.00 |
| Petition to Release Adoption Information | $20.00 – $55.00 |
| Petition to Appoint Confidential Intermediary | $20.00 |
| Statement and Proof of Claim | $20.00 |
| Petition to Open a Safe Deposit Box | $10.00 |
| Wills Filed for Safe Keeping | $25.00 |
| Petition and Order for Assignment (plus inventory and certified copy fees) | $25.00 |
| Additional Petitions/Motions/Objections/Accounts | $20.00 |
| Certified Copies (first page, plus $1.00 each additional page) | $10.00 |
| Regular (xerox) copies | $1.00 per page |
*Add $125.00 for guardian ad litem/attorney fee where applicable.
Searching Probate Records
Probate case information can be searched online through the 37th Probate Court page on MiCOURT. In-person requests for copies of probate documents should be directed to the Clerk’s Office, where certified and regular copies are available at the fees listed above.
Adoptions and Sealed Records
Adoption records are filed through the Probate Division. These proceedings are confidential, and the resulting records are sealed. Individuals seeking access to sealed adoption information must file a petition to release adoption information ($20.00–$55.00) or a petition to appoint a confidential intermediary ($20.00) through the probate court.