Lapeer County Court Records Search
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Lapeer County sits in Michigan’s Thumb region, with the city of Lapeer serving as the county seat. The county’s court system operates out of the Lapeer County Complex at 255 Clay Street and includes the 40th Circuit Court, the 71A District Court, and the Lapeer County Probate Court. These courts collectively handle criminal felonies, misdemeanors, civil disputes, family law cases, probate matters, and small claims. The Lapeer County Clerk functions as the official keeper of records for the Circuit Court, Family Court, and Specialty Court, while the Probate Register maintains records for the Probate Court.
Michigan provides multiple avenues for finding court records, including visits to clerk offices, online case search tools, and written requests. The MiCOURT Case Search portal, maintained through MichiganCourts.us, allows users to look up trial court case information across the state free of charge. Depending on the court being searched, results may include registers of action, civil judgments, court calendars, and general case details for publicly accessible records. Clerk offices in Lapeer County also accept in-person and mail requests for copies of court documents.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Lapeer County?
There are three primary methods for searching Lapeer County court records: online through the statewide case search system, in person at the appropriate court or clerk office, and by written request sent through the mail.
Online Search via MiCOURT
The MiCOURT Case Search portal offers free access to case information for civil, criminal, traffic, domestic, and probate case types across Michigan trial courts. Users can search by party name, case number, or other identifiers. For criminal cases, the portal only displays case numbers and conviction details if sentencing occurred within seven years of the search date. Search results typically include case summaries, registers of action, and court calendar entries, though this information is for reference purposes and does not replace official records from the clerk’s office.
In-Person Requests
Visiting the appropriate office in person allows access to a wider range of records. The following offices handle record requests at the Lapeer County Complex:
| Office | Location | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| County Clerk / Circuit Court Clerk | 255 Clay St., Suite 227, Lapeer, MI 48446 | (810) 667-0356 | Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| 71A District Court | 255 Clay St., Lapeer, MI 48446 | (810) 667-0314 | Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (phones) |
| Probate Court | 255 Clay St., Lapeer, MI 48446 | (810) 667-0261 | Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
Requesters should bring a valid photo ID and any case details they have available, such as party names, case numbers, or approximate filing dates.
Mail Requests
To request records by mail, submit a written request identifying the case with as much specificity as possible. Include payment for applicable copy fees and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail requests for Circuit Court records should be directed to:
Lapeer County Clerk’s Office
255 Clay St., Suite 227
Lapeer, MI 48446
Phone: (810) 667-0356
Fax: (810) 667-0362
Certified copies from the County Clerk’s Office cost $10.00 per case for civil court records. The 71A District Court charges $10.00 for certified copies plus $1.00 per page.
Are Court Records Public in Lapeer County?
Michigan Court Rule (MCR) 8.119 establishes the framework for public access to court records statewide. Under this rule, case records maintained by Michigan courts are generally open to inspection during regular business hours, and any member of the public may submit a written request to view or copy them. Courts are prohibited, however, from providing public access to document images through the Internet.
While the presumption favors openness, MCR 8.119 identifies several categories of records that are exempt or restricted from public disclosure:
- Adoption records — sealed from public access
- Juvenile delinquency records — not available to the general public
- Court-sealed records — restricted by specific court order
- Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, state ID numbers, passport numbers, and financial account numbers — redacted or excluded from public records
- Victim information — home and work addresses and phone numbers of crime victims are not public
- Records of child abuse victims — access is restricted
- Records involving underage and adult victims of sexual offenses — protected from disclosure
- Search warrants — may be restricted during the pendency of an investigation
When requesting records from any Lapeer County court, be aware that clerks will comply with these restrictions. If a record has been sealed by court order or falls within a statutory exemption, the clerk cannot release it regardless of the requester’s reason for seeking it.
The online MiCOURT portal imposes additional limitations. Criminal conviction information is only displayed for sentences imposed within seven years. Family court and probate matters may have more limited information available remotely than what can be reviewed in person at the courthouse.
Lapeer County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Lapeer County are divided between the 40th Circuit Court and the 71A District Court based on the severity of the offense. The Circuit Court handles felony cases — crimes carrying potential penalties exceeding one year of incarceration — and criminal appeals from District Court. The 71A District Court processes all misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic offenses, and conducts preliminary examinations in felony cases.
40th Circuit Court — Criminal Division
Address: Lapeer County Complex, 255 Clay St., Lapeer, MI 48446
Phone: (810) 667-0358
Fax: (810) 667-0264
The Lapeer County Clerk serves as the Clerk of the Circuit Court. Criminal felony fine payments can be made online or at the vital records division of the County Clerk’s office.
71A District Court
Address: Lapeer County Complex, 255 Clay St., Lapeer, MI 48446
Phone: (810) 667-0314
Fax: (810) 667-0424
The District Court handles misdemeanor arraignments, bond settings, trials, and sentencing. Docket information can be reviewed on the county’s court dockets page.
Statewide Criminal History Checks
The Michigan State Police Criminal Justice Information Center operates the Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT), which enables name-based criminal background searches. Each ICHAT search costs $10.00 and requires creating an account. Results are available for viewing and printing for at least one week.
For fingerprint-based criminal history reports, applicants must obtain a Michigan Applicant Fingerprint Card from a local law enforcement agency such as the Lapeer County Sheriff’s Office. Complete the card, enter a return address in Block F, and mail it with payment to:
Michigan State Police – CJIC
P.O. Box 30266
Lansing, MI 48909-7766
The fingerprint-based report costs $30.00, with additional certified copies at $10.00 each. Payment should be by check or money order payable to the State of Michigan.
Sheriff’s Office Records Division
The Sheriff’s Office Records Division is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. This unit handles accident reports, FOIA requests, and background checks, among other services. Forms can be faxed to (810) 664-5520. Current inmate information for the Lapeer County Jail at 3231 John Conley Dr., Lapeer, MI 48446 is also available through the Sheriff’s Office.
Lapeer County Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in Lapeer County is split between the 40th Circuit Court and the 71A District Court depending on the amount in controversy. The Circuit Court’s Civil Division has jurisdiction over cases seeking damages exceeding $25,000, injunctions, real property disputes, corporation and partnership matters, zoning appeals, and personal protection orders. The 71A District Court holds exclusive jurisdiction over civil cases up to $25,000 and also handles garnishments, eviction proceedings, land contract foreclosures, and mortgage foreclosures.
Small Claims
Small claims cases up to $6,500 are handled by the 71A District Court. The small claims filing fees are:
- Claims up to $600.00: $30.00
- Claims from $600.01 to $1,750.00: $50.00
- Claims from $1,750.01 to $5,000.00: $70.00
71A District Court Civil Filing Fees
The District Court publishes a complete fee schedule. Key civil fees include:
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Civil case ($600 or less) | $35.00 |
| Civil case ($600.01–$1,750) | $55.00 |
| Civil case ($1,750.01–$10,000) | $75.00 |
| Civil case ($10,000.01–$25,000) | $160.00 |
| Landlord-Tenant (possession only) | $55.00 |
| Landlord-Tenant (possession + money judgment) | $65.00 |
| Writ of Garnishment | $15.00 |
| Motion fee (all civil cases) | $20.00 |
| Certified copies | $10.00 + $1.00/page |
| Forms | $1.00 each |
Requesting Civil Records
Civil records from the Circuit Court are maintained by the Lapeer County Clerk at 255 Clay St., Suite 227, Lapeer, MI 48446. Requesters may search available records through MiCOURT Case Search, visit the Clerk’s office in person with valid identification, or submit a written mail request with payment. The Clerk’s office charges $10.00 per case for certified civil court records.
District Court civil records can be requested directly from the 71A District Court at the same complex. The civil cases page on the county website provides additional procedural details.
Property Records
While not strictly court records, property records are frequently relevant in civil disputes. The Lapeer County Register of Deeds maintains records of deeds, mortgages, liens, and plats. These can be searched online through the Internet Land Records Search System. In-person copies cost $1.00 per page, with an additional $5.00 fee for certification per document.
Register of Deeds Office
287 W. Nepessing Street, Suite 1
Lapeer, MI 48446
Phone: (810) 667-0211
Lapeer County Family Court Records
The Family Division of the 40th Circuit Court consolidates domestic relations matters under a unified framework implementing the “one family, one judge” approach. This division handles divorces, paternity actions, custody and parenting time disputes, name changes, emancipation of minors, child protective proceedings, and juvenile delinquency cases.
Family Court Contact Information
- Domestic Division (divorce, custody, parenting time, support, paternity, name changes, emancipation): (810) 667-0358
- Juvenile Division (adoptions, child protection proceedings, juvenile delinquency): (810) 667-0270
Both divisions are located at the Lapeer County Complex, 255 Clay St., Lapeer, MI 48446.
Divorce Records
The Vital Records division of the Lapeer County Clerk’s Office maintains divorce records dating back to 1867. Divorce records more than 100 years old are public and accessible without restriction. Records less than 100 years old are restricted to eligible requesters. Contact the County Clerk’s Office at (810) 667-0356 for details on eligibility.
Child Support and the Friend of the Court
The Lapeer County Friend of the Court (FOC) serves as the collection, enforcement, and investigative arm of the Circuit Court for domestic relations cases. The FOC enters, modifies, and enforces orders for child support, spousal support, and alimony pendente lite, and establishes paternity.
FOC Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
For questions about child support payment status, call the 24-hour case information line at (877) 543-2660, county code 527. Support services can also be initiated through the Michigan Child Support website.
Parents involved in custody or parenting time disputes are typically required to attend the SMILE (Start Making It Livable for Everyone) Program. Schedules are posted on the county’s FOC page.
Marriage Records
The Vital Records office has maintained marriage records for Lapeer County since 1831. Marriage records are public — no identification is required to request a copy. Certified copies can be obtained in person, by mail, or online. The first certified copy costs $15.00, with additional copies of the same record ordered simultaneously at $5.00 each.
To request by mail, complete the Vital Records Request Form and send it with payment to:
Lapeer County Clerk’s Office — Attn: Vital Records
255 Clay St.
Lapeer, MI 48446
Phone: (810) 667-0356
Email: countyclerkvitalrecords@lapeercounty.org
Birth and Death Records
Birth and death records from 1867 forward are maintained by the same Vital Records office. Death records and marriage records are public and require no identification. Birth records, however, are confidential. Birth certificates less than 110 years old are released only to a parent named on the record, the person identified on the record, a legal guardian (with guardianship documentation), a legal representative, or an heir of a deceased person (with supporting death certificate and proof of relationship). All birth record requesters must provide photo identification.
Certified copies of birth and death records each cost $15.00 for the first copy, with additional copies at $5.00 each when ordered at the same time. Payments may be made by check or money order payable to the Lapeer County Clerk, or online.
Lapeer County Probate Court Records
The Lapeer County Probate Court handles a broad range of matters including settlement of decedent estates, guardianship and conservatorship proceedings, trusts, involuntary mental health commitments, developmental disability guardianships, and safekeeping of wills.
Lapeer County Probate Court
Address: 255 Clay St., Lapeer, MI 48446
Phone: (810) 667-0261
Fax: (810) 667-0261
Decedent Estate Proceedings
Estates may be opened through either informal or formal proceedings. Both require a $175.00 non-refundable filing fee. The Lapeer County Probate Court publishes a comprehensive list of required forms for both processes. Key forms include:
- PC 558 — Application for Informal Probate and/or Appointment of Personal Representative
- PC 559 — Petition for Probate and/or Appointment of Personal Representative (for formal proceedings)
- PC 569 — Order of Formal Proceedings
- PC 572 — Letters of Authority for Personal Representative
Certified copies of Letters of Authority cost $11.00 each. An Inventory Fee based on the estate’s value is due one year after the personal representative’s appointment or at the time of estate closure, whichever comes first. Payments are accepted by cash, check, money order, or credit card through a third-party vendor.
Wills for Safekeeping
Lapeer County residents may deposit their wills with the Probate Court for safekeeping for a $25.00 filing fee. Deposited wills are not public records during the testator’s lifetime and will not be disclosed or released to anyone except the testator or a designated person. After the testator’s death, upon proof of death, the will becomes public. To retrieve a will during your lifetime, present identification and your will receipt. If someone else will retrieve it on your behalf, file form PC 548 (Authorization to Release Will Held for Safekeeping).
Safe Deposit Box Searches
Under MCL 700.2517, the Probate Court can order the opening of a safe deposit box to locate a will or burial deed. This requires filing form PC 551 (Petition and Order to Open Safe Deposit Box) with a copy of the decedent’s death certificate. The filing fee is $20.00 ($10.00 filing fee plus $10.00 for a certified copy of the order). If a will is found, it must be delivered to the Probate Register within seven days.
Searching Probate Records
Probate case information can be searched through MiCOURT Case Search, which generally returns details on cases from the past seven years. For older records, contact the Probate Register’s office directly at (810) 667-0261. In-person visits and written mail requests are both accepted. Additional resources for navigating the probate process include Michigan Legal Help and the State Bar of Michigan Probate Information page.