Mason County Court Records Search
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Mason County is located along the shores of Lake Michigan in northwestern Michigan, with Ludington serving as the county seat. The county’s court system is organized into three trial courts — the 51st Circuit Court, the 79th District Court, and the Mason County Probate Court — all of which maintain official records of cases heard within their respective jurisdictions. These records typically include case filings, motions, orders, judgments, and dispositions. Criminal court records may also incorporate information about arrests when those arrests resulted in prosecution.
Locating Court Records in Mason County
Court records in Mason County can be accessed through several channels, depending on the type of record and the court where the case was filed. The Michigan courts system provides public access tools, clerk offices with in-person and mail-based request procedures, and online case search resources. Residents and researchers can use MichiganCourts.us to help identify publicly available case information and locate the appropriate court for their search. Official clerk offices and public access terminals at the courthouse in Ludington also remain available for those who prefer to research records directly.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Mason County?
The primary starting point for searching Mason County court records online is the MiCOURT Case Search system, which is maintained by Michigan Judicial Information Services. This tool allows users to search by party name or file number across the county’s three courts. The system displays a register of actions for each case file, including filings, hearings, and dispositions. Because Michigan and federal law restrict certain information from public disclosure, some details within case files are not accessible through this portal.
Each court in Mason County has its own dedicated 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 serves as the official records custodian for the 51st Circuit Court. Staff can perform record searches, accept new filings, and issue certified copies of court documents. Requesters should supply identifying information including the names of the parties, the case number if known, the court location, and the approximate date of the case.
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, establishes the general right of the public to inspect and copy public records, including most court records. Under this framework, anyone may request court records without providing a specific reason for their interest, and government agencies are generally obligated to respond within five business days.
However, FOIA and related Michigan statutes carve out significant categories of restricted information. Court records that may be withheld or redacted from public disclosure include:
- Records containing personal information whose disclosure would constitute 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 such as MiCOURT display only information that courts have determined to be publicly available. Nonpublic information is withheld from those systems automatically. For any record where access is disputed, requesters may submit a formal FOIA request directly to the relevant court’s clerk office.
Mason County Criminal Court Records
Criminal court matters in Mason County are split 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 determines through a preliminary examination that sufficient evidence exists, felony cases are transferred to the circuit court for arraignment and further proceedings. The circuit court also handles 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 — as well as traffic violations, civil infractions, and the preliminary examination phase of felony cases before transfer 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 maintains criminal case files for the circuit court. Requests should include party names, case numbers, and relevant dates. Payment options for circuit court matters are available online through the Mason County Clerk’s secure payment portal. Two payment 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, payments can be submitted online through GovPayNet using Payment Location Code (PLC) 4057 for fines and costs, or PLC 4076 for filing fees. GovPayNet can also be reached by phone at (888) 604-7888. A service fee applies to all card transactions.
It is worth noting that arrest records are not the same as court records. An arrest alone does not guarantee a criminal conviction or even that charges were filed. For records of arrests not connected to a court case, inquiries may be directed to the Mason County Sheriff’s Office.
Mason County Civil Court Records
Civil cases in Mason County are divided between the circuit court and district court based on the monetary amount in dispute. The 51st Circuit Court handles all civil actions where the claim exceeds $25,000, while 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 handles 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 represent themselves without an attorney. If either party wishes to retain the right to an attorney, jury trial, or appeal, the case is removed from the small claims docket and heard in 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. Requests may be made in person, by mail, or through the secure online payment portal for associated fees. Court hearings are scheduled through the Circuit Court Administration Office at (231) 845-0516.
Civil case records can be searched online using the 51st Circuit Court MiCOURT portal by entering a party name or file number.
Civil Record Requests — District Court
For civil, small claims, and landlord-tenant matters handled by the 79th District Court, contact the court directly at (231) 843-4130 during regular business hours. Online filing fee payments for district court civil matters are processed through GovPayNet using PLC 4076.
Michigan court forms needed for civil filings, including standard motion forms and small claims complaints, are available through the Michigan Courts official website.
Mason County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Mason County are handled exclusively by the family division of the 51st Circuit Court, which was established under Public Act 388 of 1996. This division has jurisdiction over divorce proceedings, child custody and parenting time disputes, child and spousal support matters, paternity actions, adoptions, juvenile delinquency, child abuse and neglect proceedings, emancipation, and personal protection orders. The probate judge also has 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. To request a copy, visit the Clerk’s Office in person or submit a written request by mail. Requesters should provide the full names of both parties, the date of the divorce, and any available case number. Contact the Clerk’s Office at (231) 843-8202 for questions regarding copy fees or procedures. Divorce forms are available through the Mason County Clerk’s Court Services page, including the Forms Needed to File for Divorce.
Marriage Records
Mason County marriage records date back to 1867 and are public records accessible to anyone. Certified copies cost $15.00 for the first copy and $5.00 for each additional copy ordered in the same transaction. Requests may be made 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 made payable to the Mason County Clerk. Marriage records may 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 matters; facilitates informal dispute resolution; and enforces court orders through both administrative and judicial processes. The FOC does not provide legal advice or represent parties.
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 should be sent 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 are restricted to the subject of the record, their parents, or authorized legal representatives. They become public after 100 years. Certified birth record 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 in Mason County are open to the public for persons who died in the county. Records date back to 1875. Certified copies are also $15.00 for the first copy and $5.00 per additional copy. Requests may be submitted using the Death Certificate Request Form. Both birth and death records can also be ordered online through Official Records Online.
All vital records requests should be directed 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 existed in various forms since Michigan’s territorial period and currently operates under a single judge who also holds concurrent jurisdiction in the family division of the circuit court. The probate court handles matters involving 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
Probate case records can be searched through the Mason County Probate Court MiCOURT portal by entering a party name or case file number. The search returns a register of actions showing filings, hearings, and orders. As with other courts, nonpublic information is excluded from online results.
Requesting Probate Records In Person or By Mail
To obtain physical copies of probate records, contact the Mason County Probate Court directly or submit 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
Requests should identify the case by the name of the deceased or protected individual, the case file number if known, and the approximate date the case was opened. For questions about copy fees or specific record availability, it is advisable to call the office before visiting or mailing a request.
For related property records, including deeds, liens, mortgages, plats, and assessments connected to an estate, the Mason County Register of Deeds maintains those records separately. The Register of Deeds is located at 304 East Ludington Avenue, Suite 101, Ludington, Michigan 49431, and 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.