Kalamazoo County Court Records Search

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    Kalamazoo County’s court system handles a substantial volume of criminal, civil, family, and probate matters each year across multiple courthouses in the Kalamazoo area. The county is served by the 9th Judicial Circuit Court, the 8th District Court, and the Probate Court, each maintaining its own set of case records. Whether you need to verify a criminal case, look up a civil dispute, trace a divorce filing, or research a probate estate, this guide walks through the specific offices, search tools, fees, and procedures involved in accessing Kalamazoo County court records.

    Individuals looking for court case information in Michigan can begin by using official resources maintained by the state judiciary. MichiganCourts.us offers a centralized starting point for locating court contact information and publicly available case data across the state. In Kalamazoo County specifically, records may be accessed through the clerk’s offices at each court, through public access terminals at court locations, and through online search portals operated by the Michigan judicial system. The state courts website can help identify where cases were filed and which digital tools are available for a given court division.

    How to Look Up a Court Case in Kalamazoo County?

    Kalamazoo County court records can be found through several channels depending on the type of case, the court that handled it, and the level of detail required.

    Online Case Search

    The most accessible starting point is the MiCOURT Case Search portal, operated by the Michigan Judicial System. This tool allows searches by county, party name, case number, attorney name, and case type. Results may include case numbers, party names, case status, hearing dates, judge assignments, and disposition details. The portal covers civil, criminal, traffic, domestic, and probate cases, though the depth of information varies by court and case type.

    For 8th District Court cases specifically, the court provides a dedicated District Court case search link. The Kalamazoo County Probate Court also maintains a free Probate Court Index with real-time case data for cases from 1995 to the present.

    In-Person Searches

    Active case files, closed files, and microfilmed records may be viewed at the relevant court location during business hours. The three primary locations are:

    CourtAddressPhone
    9th Circuit Court (Criminal Division & General Administration)330 Eleanor St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007(269) 383-8898
    9th Circuit Court (Family Division) & Probate Court1536 Gull Rd., Kalamazoo, MI 49048(269) 383-8837 / (269) 383-8666
    8th District Court330 Eleanor St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007(269) 384-8171

    8th District Court hours:

    • Monday through Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
    • Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

    Probate Court hours:

    • Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

    Requesting Copies by Mail or Online

    The 8th District Court accepts record requests through an online Court Record/Copy Request Form. Requesters must provide their name, preferred contact method, case number, party names, and the nature of the request.

    For 9th Circuit Court and Probate Court records, individuals may send a written request by mail to the appropriate division. The letter should include the requester’s name, mailing address, case number or party names, and the specific records sought. Requests may also be submitted in person or, for certain divisions, by fax or email.

    E-Filing

    Beginning June 12, 2025, attorneys filing documents with the 8th District Court are required to use MiFILE, Michigan’s electronic filing system. Self-represented parties may use MiFILE voluntarily but are not required to do so.

    Are Court Records Public in Kalamazoo County?

    Kalamazoo County court records are generally public documents. Under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), enacted as Public Act 442 of 1976, records maintained by public bodies — including courts — are presumed to be open for inspection and copying by Michigan residents.

    However, several categories of records are exempt from public disclosure. These restrictions apply across all Kalamazoo County courts:

    • Adoption records — sealed by statute and accessible only to parties with a direct legal interest
    • Juvenile delinquency records — generally confidential under Michigan law
    • Records containing Social Security numbers — subject to redaction
    • Information protected by attorney-client or physician-patient privilege
    • Personal data whose disclosure would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of privacy
    • Records sealed by court order

    The Family Division reminds attorneys and parties that documents filed in support of pleadings and motions are public information. Court staff are not authorized to redact Social Security numbers or other identifying information from original filings unless a judge orders redaction. With the expansion of online public access through the Odyssey case management system, filers should be cautious about including sensitive identifiers in documents unless the file is designated non-public or sealed.

    Requests for confidential or closed court proceedings — including video records and transcripts — require the approval of the presiding judge or compliance with court policy AD-1005.

    Kalamazoo County Criminal Court Records

    Criminal cases in Kalamazoo County are processed through two courts. The 8th District Court handles all misdemeanor cases from arraignment through sentencing, as well as felony cases from arraignment through the preliminary examination. Felony cases that are bound over after preliminary examination proceed to the 9th Judicial Circuit Court Criminal Division for trial and sentencing.

    Searching Criminal Court Records

    1. Use the MiCOURT Case Search to look up criminal cases by defendant name, case number, or attorney.
    2. Use the District Court Case Search for misdemeanor and preliminary felony matters.
    3. Visit the clerk’s office at 330 Eleanor St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007, to review case files in person.
    4. Submit an online record request for copies from the 8th District Court.

    Copy Fees (8th District Court)

    • Copies/forms/register of actions: $1 per page after the first five free pages per person or law firm per day
    • Certified records: $10 per record
    • DVD recordings: $20 per hearing (must be requested in person)
    • Transcripts: $2.05 per page

    Circuit Court Video and Transcript Fees

    The 9th Circuit Court charges $20 per court date for video record copies, plus mailing fees of $5 for one to four copies or $10 for five or more. Transcripts are $3.00 per page for originals (with a $50 minimum) and $0.90 per page for additional copies. Requests require completion of specific forms — 9CC-1308 for video copies, 9CC-1307 for viewing, and 9CC-1013 for transcripts — obtainable from Circuit/Probate Court staff.

    Criminal History Records (Statewide)

    County-level criminal history records are not compiled locally. The Michigan State Police Criminal Justice Information Center maintains the statewide criminal history database. Public name-based searches can be conducted through the Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT) for $10 per search. Fingerprint-based background checks for personal review or official purposes can be submitted through approved live scan vendors or by mailing fingerprint cards and fees to:

    Michigan State Police – CJIC
    P.O. Box 30266
    Lansing, MI 48909-7766

    Inmate and Arrest Information

    The Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office maintains an online inmate search tool that allows searches by name, booking number, or subject number. For arrest records, contact the arresting agency directly. Arrest records do not contain conviction information and should not be treated as a substitute for a full criminal history report.

    Kalamazoo County Civil Court Records

    Civil litigation in Kalamazoo County is divided between two courts based on the amount in controversy. The 8th District Court Civil Division has jurisdiction over civil actions claiming $25,000 or less, including landlord-tenant disputes and small claims matters. The 9th Circuit Court handles civil cases with claims exceeding $25,000, as well as appeals from the District Court and state agency decisions. As of 2025, Circuit Court civil cases fall under the newly consolidated Civil/Probate Division, located at the Gull Road Justice Complex.

    District Court Civil and Small Claims

    The Small Claims division of the 8th District Court handles money damage claims up to $7,000 (effective January 1, 2024). To file a small claims action, the plaintiff needs the defendant’s name and address, a concise statement of the claim, and copies of supporting documents. Small claims filing fees in Michigan are:

    • $30 for claims up to $600
    • $50 for claims over $600 up to $1,750
    • $70 for claims over $1,750 up to $7,000

    Small claims forms, including form DC 84, are available from the SCAO forms page. Additional civil filing fees can be reviewed in the District Court Civil Filing Fees schedule (PDF).

    Searching Civil Records

    Civil case information can be looked up through the MiCOURT Case Search or by contacting the appropriate clerk’s office. For Circuit Court civil matters, call (269) 383-8837 to confirm record availability. Written requests for copies should be sent to:

    Civil/Probate Division
    Gull Road Justice Complex
    1536 Gull Rd., First Floor
    Kalamazoo, MI 49048

    Or for District Court civil records:

    8th District Court
    330 Eleanor St.
    Kalamazoo, MI 49007
    Phone: (269) 384-8171

    Legal assistance resources for civil matters in Kalamazoo County include Legal Aid of Western Michigan at (269) 344-8113 and the Kalamazoo Public Library Law Library at (269) 553-7920.

    Kalamazoo County Family Court Records

    The Family Division of the 9th Circuit Court handles domestic relations and juvenile cases at the Gull Road Justice Complex, 1536 Gull Rd., Kalamazoo, MI 49048. Three judges serve in the Family Division, handling matters including divorce, child custody, child support, child protective proceedings, juvenile delinquency, adoptions, emancipations, and ancillary domestic proceedings. The Friend of the Court office, also at the Gull Road complex, assists with child support, custody, and parenting time matters.

    Family Division Filing Fees

    Case TypeFee
    Divorce with minor children$255
    Divorce without minor children$175
    Custody case$255
    Paternity case$255
    Pre-judgment motions$20
    Post-judgment – Parenting time$100
    Post-judgment – Custody$100
    Post-judgment – Support$60
    Post-judgment – Change of domicile$100
    Post-judgment – Show cause$20
    Post-judgment – General$20
    FOC Opt Out$20
    Motion to Adjourn$20

    Searching Family Court Records

    Some Family Division case information is accessible through the MiCOURT Case Search, though online access is limited in terms of filing year and certain data may be restricted under FOIA exemptions. Adoption records, juvenile delinquency records, and certain protective order files are not available to the general public.

    To obtain copies of family court records, submit a written request with the applicable fee to:

    Family Division – 9th Circuit Court
    Gull Road Justice Complex
    1536 Gull Rd., First Floor
    Kalamazoo, MI 49048
    Phone: (269) 383-8837 / (269) 385-6000

    Divorce Records

    Copies of a divorce judgment can be obtained by submitting a written request along with a $15 check or money order. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for mail delivery, or pick up the copy in person and pay upon receipt. Requests should be directed to the Gull Road Justice Complex address above.

    Self-represented parties seeking to file for divorce can obtain necessary forms through the Kalamazoo Public Library’s DIY legal packets, the SCAO forms website, or wherever legal forms are sold. The Kalamazoo Public Library Law Library is a commonly used resource.

    Marriage Records

    The Kalamazoo County Clerk maintains marriage records dating back to 1831 and issues marriage licenses. Certified copies cost $15 for the first copy and $5 for each additional copy ordered in the same request. The Clerk accepts requests in person, by mail, by fax, or online through the official records portal.

    Kalamazoo County Clerk – Vital Records
    201 W. Kalamazoo Ave., Room 103
    Kalamazoo, MI 49007
    Phone: (269) 383-8840
    Fax: (269) 384-8143

    Office Hours:

    • Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
    • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
    • Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
    • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
    • Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

    Marriage certificates from 1867 onward and divorce records from 1897 onward are also available through the Michigan Division for Vital Records and Health Statistics. Requests can be submitted by mail or in person by appointment to:

    Vital Records Requests
    P.O. Box 30721
    Lansing, MI 48909

    Kalamazoo County Probate Court Records

    The Kalamazoo County Probate Court operates from the Gull Road Justice Complex at 1536 Gull Rd., Kalamazoo, MI 49048. As of 2025, the court’s jurisdiction has been expanded through the creation of the Civil/Probate Division, which now also encompasses Circuit Court civil cases. The Probate Court’s traditional caseload includes:

    • Decedent estates and wills
    • Trust administration
    • Guardianships and conservatorships for minors, adults, and developmentally disabled individuals
    • Mental health commitment hearings and transport orders
    • Examination of deceased persons’ safe deposit boxes
    • Delayed registration of foreign births
    • Drain proceedings

    Searching Probate Records

    The Probate Court Index provides free online access to case information entered in real time. Available data includes case numbers, case type and status, file dates, attorney information, fiduciary details, and document entry lists. The index covers cases from 1995 to the present; active cases filed before 1995 have also been added. Document images are not available online.

    For older records, the court maintains materials going back to 1832:

    • 1832–1990: Available on microfilm at the Probate Court
    • 1990–1995: Available in physical file form
    • 1995–present: Available through the online Probate Court Index

    All records — active files, closed files, and microfilmed materials — may be viewed in person at the Probate Court during office hours (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday).

    Requesting Copies

    To obtain copies of probate records, visit the court or send a written request with a description of the records needed to:

    Kalamazoo County Probate Court
    1536 Gull Rd.
    Kalamazoo, MI 49048
    Phone: (269) 383-8666
    Fax: (269) 383-8685

    The court charges fees for research, duplication, and certification. Access to certain records — including adoption files, sealed wills, and mental health records — may require the requester to provide valid identification or documentation establishing a legal right to the information.

    Individuals conducting genealogy research should contact the Probate Court at (269) 383-8666 to confirm the availability and format of older records before visiting. The court’s general information page provides additional contact details and links to related resources.