Marquette County Court Records Search
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Marquette County spans a large portion of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, with the city of Marquette serving as the county seat. The county’s court system consists of three tribunals: the 25th Judicial Circuit Court, the 96th District Court, and the Probate Court. Together, these courts produce a substantial volume of records—felony and misdemeanor case files, civil judgments, divorce decrees, personal protection orders, probate estate filings, and guardianship proceedings, among others. All three courts operate out of the Marquette County Courthouse Complex at 234 W. Baraga Avenue, while the 96th District Court also maintains a satellite location in Ishpeming. Understanding which court handled a particular matter and which clerk’s office maintains its records is the key to an efficient search.
Court records in Michigan can be located through a combination of official clerk offices, online databases, and in-person visits. The Michigan Courts website provides statewide court rules, forms, and administrative guidance, while MichiganCourts.us can help users identify courts and access publicly available case data. At the local level, the Marquette County Clerk’s office functions as clerk of the Circuit Court and maintains vital records, while the 96th District Court and the Probate Court each have their own clerical staff. The statewide MiCOURT Case Search portal allows remote searches of case docket information across multiple courts and case types at no charge.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Marquette County?
Selecting the correct court is essential before beginning any search. The following table shows how jurisdiction is divided:
| Case Type | Court | Records Maintained By |
|---|---|---|
| Felonies, civil lawsuits over $25,000, divorce, paternity, custody, personal protection orders | 25th Circuit Court | County Clerk (as Circuit Court Clerk) |
| Misdemeanors, traffic infractions, civil cases up to $25,000, small claims, evictions | 96th District Court | District Court Clerk |
| Estates, wills, guardianships, conservatorships, mental health commitments | Probate Court | Probate Court Register |
| Appeals from District Court and administrative agencies | Circuit Court | County Clerk |
Searching online. The MiCOURT Case Search portal provides free, 24/7 access to case information from Marquette County’s Circuit, District, and Probate Courts. Users can search by party name or case number after selecting the appropriate court. Online docket schedules are also available for individual judges:
- Judge Kangas’s Online Docket (96th District Court)
- Judge Weber’s Online Docket (96th District Court)
- Judge Hill’s Online Docket (Probate Court)
Searching in person. All three courts accept walk-in inquiries during regular business hours. The primary offices are concentrated in the courthouse complex in Marquette:
Marquette County Clerk (Circuit Court Clerk)
Address: 234 W. Baraga Ave., Marquette, MI 49855
Phone: (906) 225-8330
Fax: (906) 228-1572
Email: countyclerk@mqtco.org
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
96th District Court — Marquette
Address: 234 W. Baraga Ave., Marquette, MI 49855
Phone: (906) 225-8235
Fax: (906) 225-8255
Email: districtcourtclerk@mqtco.org
96th District Court — Ishpeming
Address: 215 W. Hematite Dr., Ishpeming, MI 49849
Phone: (906) 485-5579
Fax: (906) 485-4725
The Ishpeming location serves the cities of Ishpeming and Negaunee and the townships of Champion, Ely, Humboldt, Michigamme, Republic, Richmond, Tilden, Ishpeming, and Negaunee. The Marquette location covers the city of Marquette and the townships of Marquette, Powell, Skandia, Chocolay, Sands, Forsyth, Turin, Ewing, Wells, and West Branch.
Marquette County Probate Court
Address: Courthouse Annex, 234 W. Baraga Ave., Marquette, MI 49855
Phone: (906) 225-8300
Fax: (906) 228-1533
Email: probatecourt@mqtco.org
Requesting copies by mail. Written requests can be sent to the appropriate court or the County Clerk’s office. Include the case number or party names, a description of the documents needed, your return address and daytime phone number, and a check or money order for the applicable fee. The County Clerk’s office also accepts emailed requests at countyclerk@mqtco.org for vital records, court documents, and name searches.
Are Court Records Public in Marquette County?
Michigan law creates a strong presumption of public access to court records. Two main legal frameworks apply.
Michigan Court Rule 8.119.MCR 8.119 establishes that court records are generally open to inspection by anyone other than incarcerated individuals. The rule permits the public to examine and copy case files during regular business hours, subject to specific limitations. Courts are prohibited from providing public access to document images through the internet under MCR 8.119(H), though index and docket-level information is available online via MiCOURT.
Michigan Freedom of Information Act (MCL 15.231 et seq.). The FOIA requires public bodies to disclose records upon request unless a specific statutory exemption applies. Court administrative records fall under FOIA, while case records are primarily governed by the court rules.
Records that are nonpublic or have limited access are documented in the Michigan Courts’ Nonpublic and Limited-Access Court Records chart. Categories include:
- Juvenile delinquency and child protective proceedings
- Adoption records
- Mediation communications and records
- Guardianship and conservatorship records (portions may be restricted)
- Mental health commitment proceedings
- Investigative subpoenas
- Divorce complaints (limited access for 14 days after filing under MCR 3.218)
- Confidential case inventory
- Personal identifying information including Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, driver’s license numbers, and passport numbers
Records sealed by court order require a motion and judicial approval before the clerk can release them. If you believe access to a record has been improperly denied, you may file a motion with the court or contact the Michigan State Court Administrative Office for guidance.
Marquette County Criminal Court Records
Criminal matters in Marquette County are handled by the Circuit Court (felonies) and the District Court (misdemeanors, traffic offenses, and preliminary felony examinations).
25th Circuit Court (felonies). Felony criminal cases are prosecuted in the Circuit Court before Hon. Andrew G. Griffin or Hon. Matthew J. Wiese. Criminal case files—including arraignment records, informations, plea proceedings, sentencing orders, and appeals—are maintained by the County Clerk’s office at 234 W. Baraga Ave., Marquette, MI 49855. The clerk charges a $10.00 fee for criminal record checks conducted through the office.
96th District Court (misdemeanors and infractions). The District Court handles all misdemeanor offenses where punishment does not exceed one year, traffic civil infractions, non-traffic civil infractions, and preliminary examinations on felonies. The court also sets and accepts bail on both felony and misdemeanor matters. Hon. Roger W. Kangas and Hon. Karl A. Weber serve as District Court judges.
Marquette County Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office maintains law enforcement records and offers the following fee-based services:
Marquette County Sheriff’s Office
Address: 236 W. Baraga Ave., Marquette, MI 49855
Phone: (906) 225-8435
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Accident and incident reports | $10.00 |
| Local records checks | $5.00 |
| FOIA requests | Determined case-by-case |
Statewide criminal history searches. The Michigan State Police Criminal Justice Information Center operates the Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT), which provides name-based public criminal history searches. ICHAT results include Michigan misdemeanor convictions and felony arrests and convictions. A $10.00 fee applies per search. ICHAT does not include pending charges, juvenile adjudications, or records from other states.
For fingerprint-based background checks required by statute for employment, licensing, adoption, immigration, or personal records purposes, individuals use an RI-030 Live Scan form through an approved Live Scan vendor. Those outside Michigan may submit a completed Michigan Applicant Fingerprint Card (RI-008) or an FBI Fingerprint Card (FD-258) along with a $30.00 processing fee (check or money order payable to the State of Michigan) and a cover letter to:
Michigan State Police — CJIC
P.O. Box 30266, Lansing, MI 48909-7766
Phone: (517) 241-0606
Processing typically takes three to five weeks.
Marquette County Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in Marquette County is divided between the Circuit Court and the District Court based on the amount in controversy.
25th Circuit Court. The Circuit Court has jurisdiction over civil lawsuits with claims exceeding $25,000, equitable actions including injunctions and original writs, and appeals from the District Court and administrative agencies. Civil case files are maintained by the County Clerk as clerk of the Circuit Court. In-person requests can be made at the clerk’s Civil Division on the 3rd floor of the Courthouse during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.).
96th District Court. The District Court has exclusive jurisdiction over civil cases up to $25,000, small claims matters, landlord-tenant disputes (evictions/dispossessory proceedings), and non-traffic civil infractions. Contact the District Court clerk at (906) 225-8235 or email districtcourtclerk@mqtco.org for record requests.
Fees for civil records and services at the County Clerk’s office:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Criminal and civil record check | $10.00 |
| Divorce packet (forms) | $50.00 |
| Notarization | $5.00 |
| Notary certification | $10.00 |
Online searches. The MiCOURT Case Search portal allows users to look up civil case docket entries by party name or case number at no cost. Select either the 25th Circuit Court or 96th District Court from the court selection menu to begin.
Property records. The Marquette County Register of Deeds is the official recording office for all land records in the county. Recorded documents include deeds, mortgages, liens, land contracts, and plats. The office provides a Public Document Search portal with index records and document images dating back to 1980 for deeds and 1983 for mortgages and miscellaneous documents. Older records are available in person.
Register of Deeds
Address: 234 W. Baraga Ave., Marquette, MI 49855
Phone: (906) 225-8415
Email: TNelson@mqtco.org
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Property tax and assessment data are available through the Marquette County Equalization/Tax Roll Department at (906) 225-8405, including an online GIS Map for property searches.
Marquette County Family Court Records
Family law cases in Marquette County are handled primarily by the 25th Circuit Court, which has jurisdiction over divorce, paternity, custody, parenting time, child support, and personal protection orders. The Juvenile Court division addresses matters involving minors.
Divorce records. Divorce decrees and related filings (property settlement agreements, parenting plans, and support orders) are maintained by the County Clerk’s office. Copies can be requested in person, by email to countyclerk@mqtco.org, or by phone at (906) 225-8330. Divorce case records are also searchable through MiCOURT by selecting the Circuit Court and the domestic/family case type. Note that under MCR 3.218, divorce complaints have limited public access for 14 days after filing. The County Clerk’s office charges $50.00 for a complete divorce forms packet.
Friend of the Court. The Marquette County Friend of the Court investigates and makes recommendations to the court on custody, parenting time, and child support matters when parents cannot agree. The office also enforces court orders and collects support payments, which are processed through the Michigan State Disbursement Unit (MISDU). Downloadable Friend of the Court forms are available on the county website.
Friend of the Court
Address: 234 W. Baraga Ave., Marquette, MI 49855
Phone: (906) 225-8262
Fax: (906) 225-8274
Email: foc@mqtco.org
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (phone contact 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.)
Payment and case information is also available around the clock through the MiChildSupport portal or by calling the Interactive Voice Response system at (877) 543-2660.
Juvenile Court. The Juvenile Court division operates out of the Courthouse Annex at 234 W. Baraga Ave. Juvenile records are confidential under Michigan law and are not available for public inspection. Contact the Probate Court at (906) 225-8300 for juvenile matters, as the Probate Judge also serves as the Juvenile Court judge.
Marriage licenses. The County Clerk issues marriage licenses with the following fees and requirements:
- Marquette County residents: $20.00
- Non-residents: $30.00
- Waiver of three-day waiting period: $25.00
- License validity: 30 days from date of issue
- Both parties must be 18 or older
- Required documents: certified birth certificate, current photo ID, Social Security numbers, and all prior divorce judgments
- Two witnesses (age 18+) are required at the ceremony
- Applicants may review the Marriage License Requirements document for additional details
Certified copies of marriage certificates can be requested in person, by phone, or by mail using the Request for Certified Copy of Marriage Certificate form. Marriage records dating to 1850 are public and available through the clerk.
Birth and death records. The County Clerk maintains birth and death records from 1867 to the present. Death records are public, while birth records are restricted—only the registrant, immediate family members, or an authorized legal representative may obtain copies. An heir may request the birth certificate of a deceased relative with proof of death and a completed affidavit of heir. Birth records over 100 years old are unrestricted.
Vital records fees:
| Record Type | First Copy | Additional Copies |
|---|---|---|
| Birth, death, or marriage certificate | $14.00 | $7.00 each |
| Senior citizen discount (65+, own birth certificate, in-person only) | $6.00 | $4.00 each |
Records can be requested in person, by phone at (906) 225-8330, or by mail using the appropriate form: birth certificate request, death certificate request, or marriage certificate request. Mail requests should include the completed form, the fee by check or money order, and a photocopy of photo ID (required for birth records). Vital records can also be ordered online through the Marquette County Permitium portal, which charges an additional $4.00 convenience fee and accepts major credit cards.
Marquette County Probate Court Records
The Marquette County Probate Court, presided over by Hon. Cheryl L. Hill (who also serves as Chief Probate and Circuit Judge), handles matters involving decedents’ estates, wills, trusts, guardianships, conservatorships, and mental health commitments. The court also appoints guardians and conservators for minors, incapacitated individuals, and persons with developmental disabilities.
Probate Court staff:
| Staff Member | Role | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Dakota Fountain | Attorney Referee | (906) 225-8277 |
| Becky Morrison | Probate Register | (906) 225-8305 |
| Wendy Luokkala | Administrative Aide (Probate & Juvenile) | (906) 225-8301 |
| Jaime Betts-Skytta | Clerk and Court Recorder | (906) 225-8296 |
| Claudia Donaldson | Clerk and Court Recorder | (906) 225-8295 |
How to access probate records:
- Online — Use MiCOURT Case Search and select “Marquette County Probate Court” from the court menu. Search by party name or case number to locate docket entries and case status information.
- In person — Visit the Probate Court at the Courthouse Annex, 234 W. Baraga Ave., Marquette, MI 49855, during business hours. Bring the decedent’s or ward’s full legal name and any known case number.
- By phone or email — Contact the Probate Court clerk at (906) 225-8296 or email probatecourt@mqtco.org to request copies or inquire about specific cases.
Common probate filings include:
- Petitions for formal and informal probate of a will
- Petitions for administration (intestate estates)
- Letters of authority
- Estate inventories and accountings
- Claims against estates
- Guardianship and conservatorship petitions and annual reports
- Petitions for mental health commitment
Public access limitations. Most probate case files are open for inspection. However, certain records carry confidentiality restrictions under Michigan law and court rules. Guardianship and conservatorship records may contain restricted financial and medical information. Mental health commitment proceedings are confidential. Portions of probate files that include personal identifying information—Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and similar data—must be redacted before public access is granted. Records sealed by court order require judicial authorization before the clerk can disclose them.
For property transferred through estate proceedings, the Marquette County Register of Deeds maintains recorded deeds, affidavits of heirship, and other instruments conveying title. Cross-referencing probate court files with the Register of Deeds can provide a complete record of how a decedent’s real property was distributed.