Midland County Court Records Search
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Midland County is located in central Michigan with its county seat in the city of Midland. The county’s judicial system consists of three courts — the 42nd Circuit Court, the 75th District Court, and the Probate Court — all housed within the Midland County Courthouse at 301 West Main Street. These courts generate records spanning felony and misdemeanor criminal proceedings, civil lawsuits, domestic relations matters, traffic cases, juvenile matters, and estate administration. The various clerk’s offices within the courthouse maintain these files and process public requests for copies.
Michigan court records can be searched through multiple channels, including direct contact with clerk’s offices, visits to courthouse public access terminals, and electronic tools maintained by the state judiciary. The statewide MiCOURT Case Search platform provides free online access to docket information across all Michigan courts. MichiganCourts.us may also assist users in locating publicly available case data throughout the state. For Midland County specifically, the county government website publishes court contact details, forms, and links to online services.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Midland County?
There are several practical methods for locating a court case filed in Midland County, whether the matter is criminal, civil, family-related, or probate.
Online case search:
The MiCOURT Case Search system is the primary electronic tool for looking up Midland County court records. This free platform, operated by the Michigan Judiciary, allows searches across civil, criminal, traffic, domestic, and probate case types. Users can search by party name, business name, case number, or date of birth. Results display the docket sheet, party information, scheduled hearings, and case status.
As of October 31, 2024, the 75th District Court participates in MiFILE, Michigan’s statewide electronic filing system. Attorneys are required to file through MiFILE for general civil and small claims matters in that court.
In-person searches:
The public may visit the clerk’s office at any of the three Midland County courts during regular business hours to review case files or request copies. All courts are located within the same courthouse building:
Midland County Courthouse
301 West Main Street
Midland, MI 48640
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
| Court | Phone | Location in Building |
|---|---|---|
| 42nd Circuit Court | (989) 832-6735 | 4th Floor |
| 75th District Court | (989) 832-6700 | — |
| Probate Court | (989) 832-6880 | Level B |
Requesters should bring a case number or the full names of the parties involved to facilitate the search. The Circuit Court Clerk’s Office on the 4th Floor also handles passport applications between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Mail requests:
Written requests for court records can be mailed to the clerk of the appropriate court at 301 W. Main St., Midland, MI 48640. Include the case number or party names, the type of document needed, and a check or money order for applicable copy fees. The County Clerk’s Office — which handles vital records separately from court records — is located at a different address (220 W. Ellsworth Street) and should not be confused with the court clerk’s offices.
Property and land records:
For property-related document searches, the Midland County Register of Deeds maintains an online portal through Tapestry by Fidlar Technologies, which indexes recorded documents from 1949 forward. The county also offers a FetchGIS mapping tool and a property and tax information portal for parcel data.
Are Court Records Public in Midland County?
Midland County court records are considered public records under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), enacted as Act 442 of 1976. This law establishes that records maintained by public bodies — including court offices — are open to inspection and copying by any person, subject to specific exemptions.
The FOIA recognizes several categories of records that may be withheld or redacted to protect privacy, safety, or the integrity of legal proceedings. In the context of Midland County courts, restricted records include:
- Juvenile records — Proceedings involving minors in delinquency or child protective matters are confidential under Michigan law.
- Sealed and expunged records — Cases set aside or sealed by court order are removed from public access.
- Records that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy — This includes medical information, financial details, and other personal data not relevant to public oversight.
- Law enforcement investigative records — Files related to ongoing criminal investigations may be withheld.
- Trade secrets and proprietary information — Business information filed under protection is exempt.
- Information related to pending litigation — Certain pre-trial materials may be shielded from disclosure.
- Records concerning government security operations — Details about security measures or protocols are exempt.
Michigan courts also follow their own administrative orders and court rules governing public access to electronic case records. The MiCOURT system displays only information designated as publicly viewable; sealed documents, confidential filings, and restricted personal identifiers are excluded from online results.
To submit a formal FOIA request to Midland County, residents can use the county’s public records request portal. Court-specific record requests, however, are typically handled directly by the clerk’s office of the relevant court rather than through the FOIA process.
Midland County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Midland County are divided between two courts based on the severity of the offense. The 42nd Circuit Court has jurisdiction over all felony matters and serious misdemeanors. The 75th District Court processes misdemeanor charges, ordinance violations, and preliminary examinations for felonies. Traffic citations are handled by the District Court’s Traffic Division.
Court contacts for criminal matters:
| Court | Criminal Phone | Fax |
|---|---|---|
| 42nd Circuit Court | (989) 832-6735 | (989) 832-6680 |
| 75th District Court — Criminal/Traffic | (989) 832-6700 | (989) 832-6601 |
Both courts are located at 301 West Main Street, Midland, MI 48640.
Searching criminal case records:
Criminal docket information — including charges, hearing dates, and dispositions — can be searched through MiCOURT Case Search using the defendant’s name or case number. For certified copies of judgments, sentencing orders, or other filed documents, contact the clerk’s office of the court that handled the case.
The 42nd Circuit Court Clerk’s Office provides criminal background checks. Fees for records checks through the court are $10.00 per search. Payment must be by cash, check, or money order.
Sheriff’s Office records:
The Midland County Sheriff’s Office maintains arrest reports, incident reports, crash reports, and other law enforcement records. The Records Bureau is located at:
Midland County Sheriff’s Office
2727 Rodd Street
Midland, MI 48640
Phone: (989) 839-4630
Email: sheriffrecords@co.midland.mi.us
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sheriff’s Office record fees:
- Copies of vehicle crash reports: $10.00
- Records checks or file checks: $10.00
- Fingerprints (ink cards): $15.00
- Fingerprints (LiveScan digital): $61.50
- Notary public service: $10.00
- Salvage inspections: $100.00
Fingerprinting services are offered on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Law Enforcement Center. A photo ID is required.
Statewide criminal history:
The Michigan State Police maintains a Criminal History Records search platform for statewide criminal background information. This is separate from county-level court records and may require a fee and fingerprint submission for comprehensive results.
Midland County Civil Court Records
Civil disputes in Midland County are split between the Circuit Court and the District Court depending on the amount at issue. The 42nd Circuit Court handles all civil actions involving claims exceeding $25,000, while the 75th District Court’s Civil Division manages general civil cases up to $25,000, small claims, and landlord-tenant eviction proceedings.
75th District Court — Civil Division breakdown:
- General Civil — Monetary disputes up to $25,000, handled in a formal courtroom setting with standard civil procedure rules.
- Small Claims — Disputes involving $7,000 or less (previously $6,500). Attorneys are not permitted; parties present their cases directly to a judge or magistrate. A small claims information guide is available from the court.
- Landlord/Tenant — Eviction actions for possession of real property and unpaid rent.
The presiding judge of the 75th District Court is Honorable Michael D. Carpenter.
E-filing for civil cases:
Since October 31, 2024, the 75th District Court accepts electronic filings through MiFILE for general civil and small claims cases. Attorneys must file electronically; mailed filings from attorneys are no longer accepted for these case types. Self-represented litigants may still file in person.
How to obtain civil court records:
Civil case docket sheets and filing information are searchable through MiCOURT Case Search. Copies of filed documents can be requested from the appropriate clerk’s office in person, by mail, or by phone. Michigan courts generally charge $1.00 per page for photocopies and $10.00 for certification of a document, plus $1.00 for each additional page of a certified copy. Contact the specific clerk’s office to confirm current fees before submitting a request.
Property records:
Real property records — including deeds, mortgages, liens, and plats — are maintained by the Midland County Register of Deeds at 220 W. Ellsworth Street, Midland, MI 48640. Phone: (989) 832-6820 Recorded documents from 1949 to the present can be searched online through the county’s land records search portal. Documents older than 1958 are indexed using an in-office search format.
Midland County Family Court Records
Domestic relations matters in Midland County — including divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, and personal protection orders — fall under the jurisdiction of the 42nd Circuit Court. The Circuit Court also exercises jurisdiction over child abuse, neglect, and delinquency cases through its Family Division, which operates alongside the Probate Court at Level B of the courthouse.
Divorce filings:
The Circuit Court Clerk’s Office on the 4th Floor of the Midland County Courthouse sells divorce packets for self-represented (pro per) filers. Key details include:
- Divorce packet: $75.00 (includes all standard forms)
- Individual forms: $5.00 each
- Filing fee (without minor children): $195.00, with a 60-day minimum waiting period
- Filing fee (with minor children): $275.00, with a 180-day minimum waiting period
These waiting periods are mandated by Michigan law. Final hearing dates depend on court calendar availability. Court staff and judges cannot provide legal advice regarding divorce filings.
For more information, visit the 42nd Circuit Court divorce information page.
Marriage records:
Marriage licenses are issued and filed by the Midland County Clerk’s Office, not by the courts. Records of marriages performed in Midland County are available beginning from 1867. The license must have been applied for in Midland County for the Clerk’s Office to process a copy request.
- Certified copy: $14.00 (first copy); $6.00 for each additional copy of the same record requested at the same time
- Request methods: In person, by phone with a credit card (Visa, MasterCard, or Discover), or by mail with a check or money order
A downloadable marriage record application form is available, along with the marriage license procedure guide.
Midland County Clerk’s Office
220 W. Ellsworth Street
Midland, MI 48640
Phone: (989) 832-6739
Fax: (989) 832-6680
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Birth and death records:
The County Clerk’s Office also handles vital records. Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Midland County are available from 1867 onward. Birth certificates are confidential records available only to the person named, their parents, legal guardians, or heirs with proper documentation. Death records can be requested by qualified applicants.
| Record Type | First Certified Copy | Additional Copies (same time) |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | $14.00 | $6.00 each |
| Death Certificate | $14.00 | $6.00 each |
A valid government-issued photo ID is required for all vital record requests. Application forms can be downloaded for birth records and death records. Requests can also be submitted by fax with a credit card number or by mail with a check or money order. Processing time for mailed requests is typically four to five weeks.
Alternatively, certified copies of Michigan vital records can be obtained from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) at a basic search fee of $34.00 per record.
Juvenile and child protective records:
Juvenile delinquency and child abuse or neglect cases are handled through the Family Division of the Circuit Court, operating from Level B of the courthouse alongside the Probate Court. These records are confidential. To report suspected child abuse or neglect, call the Department of Health and Human Services Centralized Intake at (855) 444-3911.
Midland County Probate Court Records
The Midland County Probate Court is a court of statutory jurisdiction that focuses on the protection of incapacitated or mentally ill individuals and the orderly transfer of assets upon death. It operates from Level B of the Midland County Courthouse.
Midland County Probate Court
301 West Main Street, Level B
Midland, MI 48640
Probate Phone: (989) 832-6880
Juvenile Phone: (989) 832-6866
Fax: (989) 832-6607
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Matters handled by the Probate Court:
The court has jurisdiction over a range of proceedings that generate records of public interest, including:
- Probating of decedent estates and administration of wills
- Appointment and supervision of guardians for minors and incapacitated adults
- Appointment and supervision of conservators
- Trust administration and disputes
- Guardianship of developmentally disabled individuals
- Mental health commitment proceedings
- Name changes
- Correction of vital records
Searching probate records:
Probate case docket information can be accessed through MiCOURT Case Search by selecting the probate case type and entering the name of the decedent, ward, or petitioner. For copies of wills, estate inventories, guardianship orders, or other probate filings, contact the Probate Court clerk directly at (989) 832-6880.
Probate forms:
The Michigan Supreme Court Administrative Office (SCAO) publishes an index of probate court forms covering all standard filings, including petitions for informal probate, applications for appointment of personal representative, guardianship petitions, conservatorship petitions, and estate accounting forms. These forms are free to download and are required for use in all Michigan probate courts.
Public access considerations:
Most probate records — including estate filings, guardianship petitions, and conservatorship orders — are public and can be reviewed at the clerk’s office or searched online. However, records involving juvenile proceedings, mental health commitments, and adoptions are confidential and not available to the general public. Certain filings may also contain personally identifiable information that is redacted before public inspection. Requests for sealed or confidential probate records require a court order.