Mason County, Michigan Court Records
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Mason County sits along the shores of Lake Michigan in northwestern Michigan, with Ludington as the county seat. The county's court system includes three trial courts — the 51st Circuit Court, the 79th District Court, and the Mason County Probate Court — each maintaining its own official case records. Those records typically include case filings, motions, orders, judgments, and dispositions. Criminal records may also contain arrest information when those arrests led to prosecution.
You can access Mason County court records through several channels, depending on the type of case and where it was filed. Options include online case search tools, in-person visits, and mail-based requests to clerk offices. MichiganCourts.us can help you identify publicly available case information and find the right court for your search. Public access terminals at the Ludington courthouse are also available for direct on-site research.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Mason County?
Start with the MiCOURT Case Search system, maintained by Michigan Judicial Information Services. You can search by party name or file number across all three of Mason County's courts. Each case record shows a register of actions, including filings, hearings, and dispositions. Keep in mind that Michigan and federal law restrict some information from public disclosure, so not every detail in a case file will appear online.
Each court in Mason County has its own MiCOURT entry point:
- 51st Circuit Court Case Search — for civil, criminal, and family division cases
- 79th District Court Case Search — for misdemeanor, traffic, civil, and small claims matters
- Mason County Probate Court Case Search — for estate, guardianship, conservatorship, and trust cases
For in-person or mail requests, the Mason County Clerk's Office is the official record keeper for the 51st Circuit Court. Staff can run record searches, accept new filings, and issue certified copies of court documents. When making a request, have the party names, case number (if known), the court, and the approximate date of the case ready.
Mason County Courthouse — All Courts
| Court | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 51st Circuit Court | (231) 843-8202 | Weekdays 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| 79th District Court | (231) 843-4130 | Weekdays 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Mason County Probate Court | (231) 843-8666 | Weekdays 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (closed noon–1:00 p.m.) |
| Circuit Court Administration (scheduling) | (231) 845-0516 | Weekdays 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Circuit Court Records Office | (231) 845-1445 | Weekdays 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
Mason County Courthouse Address (All Courts)
304 E. Ludington Avenue
Ludington, MI 49431
The Mason County Clerk's Office is open Monday through Wednesday and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Are Court Records Public in Mason County?
Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Public Act 442 of 1976, gives the public a general right to inspect and copy public records, including most court records. Anyone may request court records without explaining why, and government agencies are generally required to respond within five business days.
That said, FOIA and related Michigan statutes carve out significant categories of restricted information. Court records that may be withheld or redacted include:
- Records containing personal information whose release would be an unwarranted invasion of privacy under MCL 15.243
- Juvenile delinquency and child abuse or neglect proceedings
- Adoption records, which are sealed under Michigan law
- Personal protection order proceedings involving certain confidential address information
- Records sealed by court order
- Attorney-client privileged communications
- Certain law enforcement investigative records
Online case search tools like MiCOURT automatically filter out nonpublic information — what you see online is what courts have determined to be publicly available. If you believe access to a specific record has been improperly denied, you can submit a formal FOIA request directly to the relevant court's clerk office.
Mason County Criminal Court Records
Criminal matters are divided between two courts based on the severity of the offense. The 51st Circuit Court has original jurisdiction over all felony offenses and high-court misdemeanors. Once a district court judge finds sufficient evidence through a preliminary examination, felony cases transfer to the circuit court for arraignment and further proceedings. The circuit court also hears appeals from lower courts and administrative agencies.
The 79th District Court handles misdemeanor offenses — those carrying a maximum penalty of one year or less in jail — along with traffic violations, civil infractions, and the preliminary examination stage of felony cases before they move up to circuit court. The district court also issues search warrants, handles extraditions, and conducts coroner's inquests.
Searching Criminal Records Online
Both courts are searchable through MiCOURT. Use the 51st Circuit Court Case Search for felony matters and the 79th District Court Case Search for misdemeanor and traffic cases.
Requesting Criminal Records In Person or By Mail
The Mason County Clerk's Office at 304 E. Ludington Avenue keeps criminal case files for the circuit court. Include party names, case numbers, and relevant dates in your request. Court fees and copy charges can be paid online through the Mason County Clerk's secure payment portal. Two fee categories apply:
- Circuit Court Bond (bond posting only): 7% card processing fee
- Clerk's Service Fees (all other payments, including copy fees, filing fees, and court assessments): 3% card processing fee
For 79th District Court fines and fees, use GovPayNet with Payment Location Code (PLC) 4057 for fines and costs, or PLC 4076 for filing fees. GovPayNet is also reachable by phone at (888) 604-7888. A service fee applies to all card transactions.
One important distinction: arrest records are not the same as court records. An arrest doesn't mean charges were filed or that a conviction resulted. For arrest records not connected to a court case, contact the Mason County Sheriff's Office directly.
Mason County Civil Court Records
Civil cases are split between the circuit and district courts based on the dollar amount in dispute. The 51st Circuit Court handles civil actions where the claim exceeds $25,000. The 79th District Court handles civil disputes up to $25,000, including landlord-tenant matters, land contract disputes, and small claims.
The small claims division of the 79th District Court covers disputes of $7,000 or less. Cases in this division are heard by the district judge or an attorney magistrate — currently Glenn Jackson III — and parties generally appear without an attorney. If either party wants to retain the right to legal representation, a jury trial, or an appeal, the case moves out of small claims and into the general civil division.
Civil Record Requests — Circuit Court
The Mason County Clerk's Office maintains civil case files for the 51st Circuit Court and accepts filings, copy requests, and certified copy orders in person, by mail, or through the online payment portal. Schedule civil hearings through the Circuit Court Administration Office at (231) 845-0516.
You can search civil case records online using the 51st Circuit Court MiCOURT portal by party name or file number.
Civil Record Requests — District Court
For civil, small claims, and landlord-tenant matters handled by the 79th District Court, call (231) 843-4130 during regular business hours. Online filing fee payments for district court civil matters go through GovPayNet using PLC 4076.
Standard civil filing forms, including motion forms and small claims complaints, are available through the Michigan Courts official website.
Mason County Family Court Records
All family law matters in Mason County go through the family division of the 51st Circuit Court, established under Public Act 388 of 1996. This division covers divorce proceedings, child custody and parenting time disputes, child and spousal support, paternity actions, adoptions, juvenile delinquency, child abuse and neglect proceedings, emancipation, and personal protection orders. The probate judge also holds concurrent jurisdiction in the family division.
Divorce Records
Divorce records are maintained by the Mason County Clerk's Office and are generally available to the public. Visit in person or send a written request by mail. Include the full names of both parties, the date of the divorce, and any available case number. Call (231) 843-8202 with questions about copy fees or procedures. Divorce forms — including the Forms Needed to File for Divorce — are available through the Mason County Clerk's Court Services page.
Marriage Records
Mason County marriage records date back to 1867 and are open to the public. Certified copies cost $15.00 for the first copy and $5.00 for each additional copy ordered in the same transaction. Submit requests in person or by mail using the Marriage License Request Form. Mailed requests must include the names of both parties, the date of marriage, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and a check or money order payable to the Mason County Clerk. Marriage records can also be ordered online through Official Records Online.
Friend of the Court
The Mason County Friend of the Court (FOC) is part of the family division of the circuit court and plays a central role in domestic relations cases involving minor children. The FOC investigates and makes recommendations on custody, parenting time, and child support; facilitates informal dispute resolution; and enforces court orders through both administrative and judicial processes. The FOC does not provide legal advice or represent parties in court.
Friend of the Court Contact Information:
304 East Ludington Avenue, Ludington, MI 49431
Phone: (231) 843-4791
Email: FOC@masoncountymi.gov
Child support payments are processed through the Michigan State Disbursement Unit (MiSDU) and can be paid online at misdu.com or tracked through MiChildSupport. Mailed child support payments go to:
Michigan State Disbursement Unit (MiSDU)
P.O. Box 30351
Lansing, MI 48909-7851
Phone: (877) 543-2660
Birth and Death Records
Birth records are confidential in Michigan and restricted to the subject of the record, their parents, or authorized legal representatives. They become public after 100 years. Certified copies cost $15.00 for the first copy and $5.00 per additional copy. Mail requests must include a Birth Certificate Request Form, a copy of valid photo ID, and a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope.
Death records for Mason County are open to the public for persons who died in the county, with records dating back to 1875. Certified copies are also $15.00 for the first copy and $5.00 per additional copy. Use the Death Certificate Request Form for mail requests. Both birth and death records can be ordered online through Official Records Online.
Direct all vital records requests to:
Mason County Clerk
304 E. Ludington Avenue, Ludington, Michigan 49431
For statewide vital records, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Vital Records office is an additional resource.
Mason County Probate Court Records
The Mason County Probate Court has roots going back to Michigan's territorial period. Today it operates under a single judge who also holds concurrent jurisdiction in the family division of the circuit court. The probate court handles guardianships and conservatorships for minors and incapacitated adults, the admission of wills and administration of decedents' estates, supervision of trusts, and the commitment and treatment of mentally ill individuals.
Probate court records are generally public, though certain proceedings — particularly those involving mentally ill individuals or minors — may be restricted. The probate court office is open weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., closed from noon to 1:00 p.m.
Searching Probate Records Online
Search probate case records through the Mason County Probate Court MiCOURT portal by entering a party name or case file number. Results show a register of actions with filings, hearings, and orders. As with other courts, nonpublic information is automatically excluded from online results.
Requesting Probate Records In Person or By Mail
To get physical copies of probate records, contact the Mason County Probate Court directly or send a written request by mail:
Mason County Probate Court
Mason County Courthouse
304 E. Ludington Avenue, Ludington, MI 49431
Phone: (231) 843-8666
Fax: (231) 843-1972
Your request should identify the case by the name of the deceased or protected individual, the case file number if you have it, and the approximate date the case was opened. It's a good idea to call ahead before visiting or mailing a request to confirm copy fees and document availability.
For property records connected to an estate — including deeds, liens, mortgages, plats, and assessments — the Mason County Register of Deeds maintains those separately at 304 East Ludington Avenue, Suite 101, Ludington, Michigan 49431. Document images from June 23, 1840 through the present are accessible through the Mason County Register of Deeds Online Services portal, which offers both subscription and pay-as-you-go access plans.