Kent County Court Records Search
MichiganCourts.us is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the FCRA and does not provide consumer reports. All searches conducted on MichiganCourts.us are subject to the Terms of Service and Privacy Notice.
Kent County sits in western Michigan and is the state’s fourth most populous county, with Grand Rapids as its county seat. The county’s court system includes the 17th Circuit Court, five district courts, and a probate court — all of which generate and maintain records tied to the civil, criminal, family, and probate matters they adjudicate. Under Michigan Court Rule (MCR) 8.119, courts must make records of their adjudicative functions available to the public upon request, subject to certain confidentiality exceptions.
Locating Kent County court records typically starts with identifying which court handled the matter. The Clerk of the Court’s office serves as the custodian for 17th Circuit Court files, while each district court and the probate court maintain their own case records. Official online search tools, in-person visits, phone inquiries, and written requests are all viable methods. MichiganCourts.us may also help users find publicly accessible court case information across the state. The Michigan Judiciary’s statewide MiCourt Case Search portal covers multiple court types and counties, making it a useful starting point when the specific filing court is unknown.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Kent County?
Kent County offers several pathways for searching court records depending on which court holds the file.
17th Circuit Court
The circuit court’s Name Search tool lets users look up cases by party name, birth year, and filing date range. Criminal cases since 2018 and civil cases dating to 1987 are searchable. Results include case number, title, status, and filing date. Attorneys with a P Number can also access the Business Court eFiling portal to view specialized business docket filings.
District Courts
District court records can be searched through the statewide MiCourt Case Search, which covers civil, traffic, criminal, and domestic cases. The 61st District Court also maintains its own FullCourt public access portal, searchable by case number or party name. For record check requests at the 61st District Court, contact recordcheck@grcourt.org or call (616) 632-5525.
Probate Court
Probate cases are searchable through the Probate Court Record Search portal by full name, business name, or case number.
In-Person Access
The Circuit Court Clerk’s office is open for in-person visits weekdays, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., on the second floor of the courthouse. There is no public computer in the Clerk’s office, but terminals are available at the Legal Assistance Center on the fifth floor.
Kent County Circuit Court Clerk
Address: 180 Ottawa Avenue NW, Suite 2400, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Phone: (616) 632-5480
Fax: (616) 632-5458
Requesting Copies
When requesting records by phone or in writing, provide as much of the following as possible: full names of parties, case number, and approximate date range of filing. Copy fees at the circuit court are as follows:
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard copies | $1.00 per page |
| Transcript copies filed with the court | $0.30 per page |
| Certification fee (added to per-page cost) | $10.00 per document |
| Uncertified judgment of divorce | $7.00 |
| Certified judgment of divorce | $15.00 |
Certified copies of divorce judgments and probate letters can also be ordered online; a convenience fee applies. Payments may be made online by credit card.
Are Court Records Public in Kent County?
Michigan operates under a strong presumption of public access to court records. MCR 8.119 directs courts to provide public access to records of their adjudicative proceedings upon request. Court files may be inspected at the Clerk’s office, and information about cases is also available by phone.
However, public access has defined limits. The following categories of records are restricted or nonpublic under Michigan law and court rules:
- Juvenile proceedings
- Adoption case files
- Sealed or expunged records, including cases set aside under Michigan’s Clean Slate laws
- Mental health treatment petitions (no filing fee is charged for these, and records are generally confidential)
- Records impounded by court order
- Certain diversion or deferred proceedings that are designated nonpublic
Within otherwise public case files, personally identifiable information is also protected. Pursuant to MCR 1.109, social security numbers, financial account numbers, and similar personal identifiers must not appear in publicly accessible filings. Beginning April 1, 2022, dates of birth no longer appear in online public record searches. The Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) separately governs access to records held by government agencies, though court records are primarily controlled by court rules rather than FOIA.
Kent County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Kent County are divided between the 17th Circuit Court, which handles felonies and serious misdemeanors, and the five district courts, which adjudicate misdemeanor offenses within their respective city limits. The Circuit Court Clerk maintains all records filed in felony cases and collects fines, costs, and restitution.
Searching Criminal Court Records
Circuit court criminal case records can be searched using the 17th Circuit Court Name Search with a defendant’s name and birth year. District court criminal records are available through the MiCourt Case Search portal; select the appropriate district court (for example, D63-Kent for the 63rd District Court) and enter the defendant’s information. The 61st District Court also offers its own case lookup through FullCourt. Note that online results may not display the full case history and very recent updates may not yet appear.
Statewide Criminal History Checks
The Michigan State Police Criminal Justice Information Center (CJIC) maintains criminal history record information for all 83 Michigan counties through the Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT). ICHAT records include felonies and serious misdemeanors punishable by more than 93 days. A name-based search requires the subject’s full name, date of birth, gender, and race. The fee is $10 per search.
ICHAT does not include warrant information, suppressed or sealed records, tribal records, traffic offenses, juvenile records, federal cases, or out-of-state history.
Fingerprint-Based Checks
When required by statute for employment, licensing, immigration, or adoption, fingerprint-based checks can be submitted through approved live scan vendors. Non-Michigan residents may use an FBI Applicant Fingerprint card (FD-258) and submit it with a $30 processing fee to:
Michigan State Police – Criminal Justice Information Center
P.O. Box 30266
Lansing, MI 48909-7766
Processing takes approximately seven business days for live scan submissions and three to five weeks for mailed fingerprint cards. Only one original certified response is provided per request; additional copies cost $1 each. More details are available on the CJIC’s Criminal History Records page.
Arrest Records and Sheriff Resources
The Kent County Sheriff’s Office handles arrest records for incidents within its jurisdiction. Local police departments in Grand Rapids, Wyoming, Kentwood, Walker, and Grandville maintain their own arrest records as well.
Kent County Civil Court Records
Civil jurisdiction in Kent County is split between the circuit and district courts based on the amount in controversy. The 17th Circuit Court hears civil matters exceeding $25,000, as well as chancery actions, foreclosures, and appeals. The five district courts handle civil suits of $25,000 or less, landlord-tenant disputes, land contract forfeitures, garnishments, and small claims.
Circuit Court Civil Filing Fees
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| New civil case | $150.00 |
| Electronic filing system fee (MCL 600.1986) | $25.00 |
| Motion | $20.00 |
| Jury demand | $85.00 |
| Writs of garnishment or execution | $15.00 |
| Debtor’s exam | $15.00 |
| Appeal to circuit court | $150.00 |
| Appeal from circuit court to Court of Appeals | $25.00 |
| Discovery subpoena | $15.00 |
The complete filing fee schedule is published on the Kent County website. Government entities and parties entitled to fee waivers are exempt from the $25 electronic filing system fee.
Small Claims
Small claims involving $6,500 or less are filed in the appropriate district court. The specific court depends on where the defendant resides or where the dispute arose. Each district court has its own fee schedule for small claims filings.
eFiling
The 17th Circuit Court accepts electronic filings through two systems: Business Court eFiling for specialized business docket cases and KentCourt eFile for civil cases. Several district courts also participate in the statewide MiFile electronic filing system.
Court Locations for Civil Matters
| Court | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| 17th Circuit Court | 180 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 | (616) 632-5220 |
| 59th District Court – Grandville | 3161 Wilson Ave SW, Grandville, MI 49418 | (616) 538-9660 |
| 59th District Court – Walker | 4343 Remembrance Rd NW, Walker, MI 49534 | (616) 453-5765 |
| 61st District Court | 180 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 | (616) 632-5700 |
| 62-A District Court – Wyoming | 2650 DeHoop Ave SW, Wyoming, MI 49509 | (616) 530-7385 |
| 62-B District Court – Kentwood | 4740 Walma Ave SE, Kentwood, MI 49512 | (616) 698-9310 |
| 63rd District Court | 1950 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 | (616) 632-7770 |
District court lobbies have public access terminals where visitors can search case information. Copies of civil court records at the district courts are generally $1 per page.
Kent County Family Court Records
Family law cases in Kent County — dissolution of marriage, child custody, child support, parenting time, and paternity — are adjudicated by the 17th Circuit Court’s Family Division. The Clerk of the Court files and maintains all family case records on the second floor of the Kent County Courthouse.
Filing Fees for Family Cases
The $150 new case filing fee applies, plus the $25 electronic filing system fee. Cases involving custody or parenting time carry an additional $80 fee, and those involving child support add $40. Post-judgment motions to modify custody or parenting time cost $20 plus an additional $80; child support modifications add $40. Paternity (filiation) cases carry a $59 filing fee.
Friend of the Court
The Friend of the Court (FOC) serves as the enforcement and investigative arm of the Family Division, managing approximately 35,000 cases. The FOC enforces child support and parenting time orders, reviews support amounts under the Michigan Child Support Formula, investigates custody and parenting time disputes, and provides mediation. Individuals with FOC cases can search their case information online through MiCase or request records by submitting a Request to Access form. Phone the FOC at (616) 632-6888 for child support enforcement questions or to schedule appointments.
Divorce Records
Certified copies of divorce judgments issued by the 17th Circuit Court can be ordered online through the Certified Court Record Request page. An uncertified copy costs $7 and a certified copy costs $15; online orders include a convenience fee. Divorce records can also be obtained from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Vital Records Division, which holds records from 1867 to the present at $34 per copy.
Marriage Records
Marriage records are public in Kent County. Certified copies can be purchased in person at the Kent County Clerk’s office for $10 (first copy) and $3 (each additional copy of the same record), ordered online through Tyler Technologies, or requested by mail using the Certified Marriage License Request Form. The County Clerk also provides an online marriage record search.
Kent County Clerk’s Office
Address: 300 Monroe Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Phone: (616) 632-7640
Birth and Death Records
Under MCL 333.2882, certified birth certificates less than 100 years old are restricted to the named individual (age 18+), parents listed on the record, or legal guardians with proof of guardianship. Death records, including cause of death, are available to the general public. Both can be obtained from the Kent County Clerk’s office or the MDHHS Vital Records Division. In-person requests require a government-issued photo ID. Fees are $10 for the first copy and $3 for each additional copy in the same order. A Vital Records Request Form is available for mail orders.
Confidentiality in Family Cases
Adoption records, juvenile proceedings, and certain protective matters are not available for public inspection. Sealed or impounded records require a court order for access.
Kent County Probate Court Records
The Kent County Probate Court is a court of limited jurisdiction handling the administration of decedents’ estates, wills, guardianships of legally incapacitated adults and minors, conservatorships, mental health treatment petitions, trust proceedings, and change-of-name petitions. The court also manages wills filed for safekeeping and presides over secret marriage proceedings.
Probate Court Location and Hours
Kent County Probate Court
Address: 180 Ottawa Avenue NW, Suite 2500, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Phone: (616) 632-5440
Fax: (616) 632-5430
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (counter open for filings 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
Probate Filing Fees
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Deceased estate (application/petition for probate) | $187.00 |
| Petition for adult conservatorship | $187.00 |
| Petition for guardianship (legally incapacitated adult) | $187.00 |
| Petition for minor conservatorship | $187.00 |
| Petition and order for assignment (small estate) | $37.00 + inventory fee |
| Trust proceedings | $175.00 |
| Registration of trust | $25.00 |
| Will filed for safekeeping | $25.00 |
| Civil action (summons and complaint) | $175.00 |
| Petition for guardianship (developmentally disabled) | No fee |
| Mental health treatment petition | No fee |
| Motions, petitions, and objections in existing cases | $20.00 each |
| Demand for jury trial | $30.00 |
| Inventory fee | Variable (based on estate value per MCL 600.871) |
Filing fees for deceased estates, adult conservatorships, adult guardianships, minor conservatorships, and protective orders include one certified copy. Temporary or emergency appointments cost $199. The court provides an Inventory Fee Calculator to determine the variable inventory fee based on estate value.
The full Probate Fee Schedule is published online. All fees are payable by cash, check, or money order and are nonrefundable.
Probate Record Copies
| Copy Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard copy | $2.00 per sheet |
| Certified copy | $12.00 |
| Exemplified copy | $10.00 + $2.00 per sheet |
| Packets | $10.00 |
Certified copies of current letters for probate, conservatorship, and guardianship cases can be requested online.
Searching Probate Records
The Probate Court Record Search portal allows free online searches by full name, business name, or case number. Probate forms and publications are available on the county website, including petitions, accounts, and letters of authority. For questions about probate filing procedures, contact the Probate Court directly at (616) 632-5440.