Livingston County Court Records Search
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Livingston County is located in southeastern Michigan, with its county seat in the city of Howell. The county’s judicial system operates through three courts housed primarily in the Judicial Center Building on South Highlander Way: the 44th Circuit Court, the 53rd District Court, and the Probate Court. Together, these courts generate and maintain case records spanning criminal prosecutions, civil lawsuits, family disputes, juvenile proceedings, and estate matters. Each court’s clerk office serves as custodian for the records created within its jurisdiction.
Court records in Michigan can be located through a combination of official clerk offices, self-service terminals at courthouses, and electronic tools. The MiCourt Case Search system, operated by the Michigan judiciary, allows the public to look up registers of action across circuit, district, and probate courts statewide. Additional resources for understanding Michigan’s court structure and locating case information are available through MichiganCourts.us. Individual clerk offices in Livingston County also accept in-person visits, phone inquiries, and written requests.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Livingston County?
Several pathways are available depending on the court that handled a case and the type of information needed.
Online Searches
Each of Livingston County’s three courts has its own MiCourt search page, where registers of action can be viewed at no cost:
- 44th Circuit Court case search — covers felonies, civil cases over $25,000, family and juvenile matters
- 53rd District Court case search — covers misdemeanors, civil cases up to $25,000, small claims, landlord-tenant disputes, and civil infractions
- Probate Court case search — covers estates, trusts, guardianships, conservatorships, and mental health petitions
All three portals are searchable by party name or case number and are free to use. They display case-level information such as parties, charges or claims, hearing dates, and disposition status. Certain case types involving juveniles, adoptions, name changes, personal protection orders, and mental illness are excluded from online display.
In-Person Searches
Self-service court indexes are available for public use at the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office during regular business hours at no charge. Visitors can review case files and request copies of specific documents. The Probate Court and District Court clerk offices similarly allow walk-in access.
Mail Requests
To request circuit court records by mail, complete the Circuit Court Record Copy Request Form and send it with payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope to:
44th Circuit Court Clerk
204 S. Highlander Way, Suite 4
Howell, MI 48843
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copies (Circuit Court) | $1.50 per page |
| Certified copies (Circuit Court) | $10.00 per document |
| Probate Court copies | $1.50 per page |
| Certified letters of authority (Probate) | $13.00 each |
Circuit Court payments must be made by in-state check or money order payable to the Livingston County Clerk. The Probate Court accepts cash, check, and credit or debit cards.
Key Contact Information
| Court/Office | Address | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| 44th Circuit Court Clerk | 204 S. Highlander Way, Suite 4, Howell, MI 48843 | (517) 546-9816 | Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. |
| 53rd District Court (Howell) | 204 S. Highlander Way, Suite 1, Howell, MI 48843 | (517) 548-1000 | Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. |
| 53rd District Court (Brighton) | 224 North 1st Street, Brighton, MI 48116 | (810) 229-6615 | Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. |
| Probate Court | 204 S. Highlander Way, Suite 2, Howell, MI 48843 | (517) 546-3750 | Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. |
All courts are closed on county holidays. The Circuit Court Clerk’s Office processes paperwork up until 4:45 p.m.
Are Court Records Public in Livingston County?
Court records maintained by Livingston County courts are generally open to public inspection. Michigan Court Rule 8.119 establishes a broad presumption of public access to court records, and the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (MCL 15.231 et seq.) provides an additional framework for requesting records held by government agencies.
There is an important distinction in Livingston County: the courts themselves, as well as the County Clerk when acting in the capacity of Clerk of the Circuit Court, are exempt from FOIA requests. Court records are instead governed by MCR 8.119 and other applicable court rules. Records held by non-court county departments—such as the Sheriff’s Office—are subject to FOIA, and requests may be submitted through the county’s online FOIA portal.
The following categories of records are not available for public inspection and do not appear on online case search tools:
- Juvenile delinquency and child protective proceedings
- Adoption records
- Juvenile guardianship files
- Name change petitions
- Personal protection order records
- Mental illness commitment proceedings
- Parental waiver cases
- Records sealed by court order
Access to nonpublic records is limited to parties to the case, their attorneys, authorized designees, and immediate family members with proper identification and, where applicable, written authorization. Anyone who believes a record has been improperly withheld may file a motion with the court.
Livingston County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Livingston County are divided between two courts based on severity. The 44th Circuit Court handles all felony cases, while the 53rd District Court adjudicates misdemeanors, civil infractions, and the initial arraignment stages of some felony matters. Records from both courts are maintained by their respective clerks.
Online Criminal Case Lookup
Both courts offer free online case searches through MiCourt. The Circuit Court search covers felony cases, while the District Court search covers misdemeanors and traffic-related criminal matters. Users can search by defendant name or case number. Juvenile criminal records are not displayed on these public portals.
Statewide Criminal Background Checks
The Michigan State Police operates the Internet Criminal History Access Tool (iCHAT), a name-based public search of criminal history records maintained by the Criminal Justice Information Center. Each search costs $10.00 and requires a credit card for payment. Results include publicly available conviction and pending-case information from courts across Michigan.
Sheriff’s Office Records
The Livingston County Sheriff’s Central Records Division handles requests for police reports, fingerprinting, pistol purchase permits, and local records checks. Traffic crash reports are available for pickup at the sheriff’s office during business hours or can be purchased for $15.00 through the Michigan State Police website. Criminal reports and field contact records require a FOIA request submitted either online or in person. Processing typically takes 7 to 10 days.
Livingston County Sheriff’s Office
150 South Highlander Way
Howell, MI 48843
Phone: (517) 546-2440
Fax: (517) 545-9627
Obtaining Copies from the Courts
Copies of criminal case documents from the Circuit Court cost $1.50 per page for plain copies and $10.00 per document for certification. Contact the Circuit Court Clerk at (517) 546-9816 or email circuitcourtclerk@livgov.com to confirm page counts before submitting payment. District Court criminal record inquiries can be directed to (517) 548-1000.
Livingston County Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in Livingston County is split by the amount in controversy. The 53rd District Court handles claims of $25,000 or less, including general civil disputes, small claims (up to $7,000), and landlord-tenant matters. The 44th Circuit Court handles civil cases where damages exceed $25,000, as well as all cases seeking equitable or declaratory relief, including those assigned to its Business Court division.
District Court Civil Filing Fees
The 53rd District Court publishes its general civil filing fees and small claims fees on its website. All checks must be made payable to the 53rd District Court.
General civil filings:
| Amount in Controversy | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| $0–$600 | $35.00 |
| $601–$1,750 | $55.00 |
| $1,751–$10,000 | $75.00 |
| $10,001–$25,000 | $150.00 |
Small claims filings:
| Amount in Controversy | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| $0–$600 | $30.00 + service fee |
| $601–$1,750 | $50.00 + service fee |
| $1,751–$7,000 | $70.00 + service fee |
Service fees are $19.00 per person for certified mail and $26.00 per person for personal service (plus mileage). Small claims cases have no right to appeal and do not involve lawyers or juries.
For civil questions at the District Court, contact the Civil Division at (517) 540-7648 or civildept@livgov.com.
Circuit Court Civil Filing Fees
The Circuit Court filing fee schedule applies to cases filed with the 44th Circuit Court. A $25.00 electronic system fee is assessed at case initiation under MCL 600.1985, in addition to standard filing fees. Government entities are exempt from the electronic system fee, and indigent parties may apply for a waiver. Filing fees are payable by cash, money order, in-state check, or Visa/Mastercard at the clerk’s counter.
Online Searches and Record Copies
Civil case registers of action can be viewed through MiCourt at no charge. For document copies, submit the Circuit Court Record Copy Request Form by mail with payment, or visit the clerk’s office in person. District Court records not found online may be requested by contacting the clerk at the Howell or Brighton location.
Livingston County Family Court Records
The Family Division of the 44th Circuit Court handles all family law matters in Livingston County, including divorce, child custody, parenting time, child support, spousal support, and paternity. These cases are filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court and, when minor children are involved, proceed with the involvement of the Friend of the Court (FOC).
Friend of the Court
The FOC investigates and makes recommendations to the court on custody, parenting time, child support, and domicile disputes. The office also collects, records, and distributes support payments in coordination with the Michigan State Disbursement Unit. All proposed domestic orders—including judgments of divorce and custody orders—must be filed with the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office; the FOC then reviews them for form compliance under MCR 3.211.
Friend of the Court
210 S. Highlander Way, Suite 3
Howell, MI 48843
Phone: (877) 543-2660
Email: lcfoc@livgov.com
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Family Case Filing Fees
Key filing fees for domestic cases at the Circuit Court include:
| Case Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Domestic without children | $175.00 |
| Domestic with children (includes FOC fee) | $175.00 + $80.00 FOC fee |
| Support cases (DS) | FOC fee $40.00 |
| Post-judgment motion (support only) | $40.00 FOC fee |
| Post-judgment motion (parenting/custody with support) | $80.00 FOC fee |
| Name change petition | $185.00 |
The $25.00 electronic system fee applies to new case filings.
Searching Family Records
Public family case information is accessible through the 44th Circuit Court MiCourt page. Adoption records, juvenile guardianship files, name changes, and child protective proceedings are excluded from online display and are accessible only at the clerk’s office by authorized individuals.
Marriage and Divorce Records
Marriage licenses and certified copies of marriage certificates are handled by the Livingston County Clerk’s Office, not the courts. To request a certified copy, complete the Marriage Certificate Request Form and provide the marriage date, groom’s full name, and bride’s maiden name. An online search tool is available for locating marriage records.
Divorce records are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk. Request copies by contacting the clerk at (517) 546-9816 with the case name or docket number.
Livingston County Clerk’s Office (Vital Records)
200 East Grand River Avenue
Howell, MI 48843
Phone: (517) 546-0500
Email: countyclerk@livgov.com
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Certified copies of marriage, birth, and death certificates each cost $25.00, with additional copies of the same record ordered at the same time at $10.00 each. Birth certificates less than 100 years old require valid government-issued photo ID. Requests can be made in person, by mail (using the Birth Certificate Request Form), or online. Persons age 65 and older qualify for a reduced birth certificate fee of $14.00.
Livingston County Probate Court Records
The Livingston County Probate Court has jurisdiction over the administration of decedent estates, trust matters, guardianships and conservatorships for incapacitated adults and minors, cases involving individuals with developmental disabilities, petitions for involuntary hospitalization and treatment under the Michigan Mental Health Code, and miscellaneous matters such as unpublicized marriages and delayed registration of foreign births. The court follows the Estates and Protected Individuals Code (EPIC), effective since April 1, 2000.
Court Location and Contact
Livingston County Probate Court
Judicial Center Building
204 S. Highlander Way, Suite 2
Howell, MI 48843
Phone: (517) 546-3750
Fax: (517) 552-2511
Email: probatecourt@livgov.com
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Filing Methods
The Probate Court accepts filings through four channels:
- In person at the Judicial Center
- Secure drop box located outside the Judicial Center (label envelope “Probate Court”)
- Email to probatecourt@livgov.com
- Fax to (517) 552-2510
Filing fees for submissions made by email or fax may be paid by credit card over the phone at (517) 546-3750.
Obtaining Copies of Probate Records
To request copies of probate court documents, provide the file number or case name and visit or call the Probate Court. Copies cost $1.50 per page, and certified copies of letters of authority cost $13.00 each. Payment is accepted by cash, check, credit, or debit card. For closed cases or files with many pages, calling ahead is recommended, as the file may be in off-site storage.
Online Probate Case Search
The Probate Court MiCourt page displays publicly available case data searchable by name or case number. Cases involving mental illness petitions, juvenile matters, adoptions, name changes, and personal protection orders are not shown online. Individuals with a legitimate interest in accessing these nonpublic records should contact the Probate Court clerk directly for guidance on authorization requirements.
Estates and Trusts
The court oversees formal and informal probate proceedings, appointment of personal representatives, trust administration, and related filings. Estate-related questions can be directed to the Probate Court by phone or email. The Livingston County website provides additional detail on the estates process and the forms required for common filings.