Montcalm County Court Records Search
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Montcalm County is located in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, with the village of Stanton serving as its county seat. The county’s court system includes the 8th Judicial Circuit Court, the 64B District Court, and the Probate Court, all housed within a courthouse complex on North State Street in Stanton. The Circuit Court Clerk’s Office maintains files for circuit-level cases, while the District Court and Probate Court each manage their own records. Whether you need a criminal case disposition, a civil judgment, a divorce filing, or an estate record, understanding which court and office to contact is the first step toward getting the information you need.
For those researching court records in Michigan, official clerk offices, public access terminals, and statewide online tools all provide avenues for locating case information. MichiganCourts.us may help users find publicly available court case data and connect to relevant search portals for individual courts and counties across the state.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Montcalm County?
Montcalm County court records can be searched online, in person, or by written request depending on the court and case type involved.
Online Case Search
The MiCOURT Case Search portal is the primary online tool for locating Montcalm County court records. The system covers civil, traffic, criminal, domestic (divorce/family), and probate cases depending on the court being searched. Users can search by last name, business name, or case number.
Direct links to Montcalm County courts within MiCOURT:
- 8th Judicial Circuit Court Case Search — for circuit-level civil, criminal, and domestic cases
- 64B District Court Case Search — for district-level civil, criminal, and traffic cases
There is no fee to search or retrieve basic case information through MiCOURT.
In-Person Access
All Montcalm County courts are located in the court complex in Stanton. The offices are generally open Monday through Friday. The key offices and their contact information:
| Office | Address | Phone | Fax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circuit Court Clerk | 639 N. State Street, Stanton, MI 48888 | (989) 831-3520 | (989) 831-3525 |
| 8th Judicial Circuit Court | 631 N. State Street, Stanton, MI 48888 | (989) 831-7559 | (989) 831-7375 |
| 64B District Court | 617 N. State Street, Stanton, MI 48888 | (989) 831-7450 | (989) 831-7453 |
| Probate Court | 625 N. State Street, Stanton, MI 48888 | (989) 831-7316 | (989) 831-7314 |
| Family/Juvenile Division | 625 N. State Street, Stanton, MI 48888 | (989) 831-7308 | (989) 831-7548 |
| Friend of the Court | 629 N. State Street, Stanton, MI 48888 | (989) 831-7332 | (989) 831-7376 |
Friend of the Court office hours: Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Mail and Email Requests
Written requests can be directed to the clerk’s office of the relevant court. Include the party’s name and/or case number to help staff locate the records. For circuit court records, mail requests can be sent to 639 N. State Street, Stanton, MI 48888, or emailed to clerk@montcalm.us. For district court civil matters, contact civil@montcalmcountymi.gov.
Copy Fees (Circuit Court)
- Plain copies: $1.00 per page
- Certified copies: $10.00 for the first page, $1.00 for each additional page
Are Court Records Public in Montcalm County?
Court records in Montcalm County are presumptively public. Under MCR (Michigan Court Rules) 8.119, all case records in the custody of a court clerk’s office are deemed public records unless a specific statute, court rule, or court order limits access. Michigan’s Freedom of Information Act also supports public access to government records, including certain records held by courts and law enforcement agencies.
However, several categories of court records are confidential or restricted from public inspection:
- Sealed records, including certain protective orders
- Grand jury records
- Juror qualification and personal history questionnaires
- Mediation records
- Substance abuse treatment records
- Mental health court proceedings
- Probation investigation reports and case histories
- Crime victim home/work addresses and telephone numbers
- Juvenile delinquency records
The Michigan Judiciary publishes the Access Security Matrix and Nonpublic and Limited-Access Court Records chart, which provides a comprehensive breakdown of which records are public, nonpublic, or limited-access across all Michigan courts. This matrix is the definitive reference for understanding what information can and cannot be obtained from Montcalm County courts.
Montcalm County Criminal Court Records
Criminal matters in Montcalm County begin in the 64B District Court, which handles misdemeanor offenses, traffic violations, arraignments, probable cause conferences, and preliminary examinations for felony cases. Felonies that proceed past the preliminary examination stage are bound over to the 8th Judicial Circuit Court for trial. The Circuit Court also oversees felony probation.
Searching Criminal Case Records
Criminal case records from both courts are searchable through the MiCOURT Case Search portal at no cost. The Circuit Court calendar and District Court docket are also viewable online.
In-person inquiries about criminal case records can be directed to the Circuit Court Clerk at (989) 831-3520 for felony matters or to the District Court criminal division at (989) 831-7450 (option #2) for misdemeanors and traffic offenses.
Statewide Criminal History Checks
The Michigan State Police operates the Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT), which provides official criminal history information to anyone who pays the $10 per search fee by credit card (Visa, Discover, or MasterCard). Government agencies and non-profit organizations may qualify for fee exemptions when screening employees or volunteers who will work with vulnerable populations.
To run an ICHAT search, users must provide the subject’s name, date of birth, race, and gender. Results are displayed immediately and include:
- Subject descriptors
- Arrests and charges that resulted in convictions
- Sentences imposed
ICHAT does not include non-conviction arrests, outstanding warrants, driving records, or out-of-state criminal history information.
Local Arrest Records
Arrest records can also be obtained from local law enforcement agencies in Montcalm County through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. Such requests will only produce records of arrests made by the specific agency’s officers or within its jurisdiction, and only to the extent disclosable under FOIA. FOIA requests to the county must be submitted in writing and should describe the records sought with sufficient specificity.
Montcalm County Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in Montcalm County is divided between two courts based on the amount in controversy:
- 8th Judicial Circuit Court — civil claims exceeding $25,000, equitable actions, district court appeals, and state agency administrative appeals
- 64B District Court — civil claims up to $25,000, landlord/tenant disputes, evictions, garnishments, land contract forfeitures, and small claims (up to $7,000 as of 2024)
64B District Court Civil Filing Fees
| Case Type | Amount Range | Filing Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Small claims | Up to $600 | $30.00 |
| Small claims | $600.01–$1,750 | $50.00 |
| Small claims | $1,750.01–$7,000 | $70.00 |
| General civil | Up to $600 | $35.00 |
| General civil | $600.01–$1,750 | $55.00 |
| General civil | $1,750.01–$10,000 | $75.00 |
| General civil | $10,000.01–$25,000 | $160.00 |
| Eviction (possession only) | — | $55.00 |
| Eviction with money judgment | Up to $600 | $90.00 |
| Eviction with money judgment | $600.01–$1,750 | $110.00 |
| Eviction with money judgment | $1,750.01–$10,000 | $130.00 |
| Eviction with money judgment | $10,000.01–$25,000 | $215.00 |
Additional district court fees include $20.00 for motions, $50.00 for jury demand, $10.00 for certified copies, and $1.00 per page for regular copies. The full civil filing fee schedule is published on the 64B District Court’s website.
Users who cannot afford filing fees may submit the Fee Waiver Request (MC20) form electronically to civil@montcalm.us.
E-Filing Requirement
Effective October 1, 2024, all civil filings in the 64B District Court must be submitted electronically through MiFILE. Physical filings are no longer accepted, including from non-attorney filers. Registration and tutorial resources are available through the MiFILE informational website.
Online Case Search
Civil case records for both courts can be searched at no cost through the MiCOURT Case Search portal using a party name or case number.
Montcalm County Family Court Records
Domestic relations matters — including divorce, child custody, child support, parenting time, and paternity — are handled by the Family Division of the 8th Judicial Circuit Court. Juvenile delinquency, child protective proceedings, and adoption cases are heard by the Juvenile Division at 625 N. State Street, Stanton, MI 48888, Phone: (989) 831-7308
The Friend of the Court office assists the Family Division in establishing, enforcing, and modifying custody, parenting time, and child support orders. The FOC provides facilitative and information-gathering conferences, conducts investigations, performs support reviews, and enforces existing orders. Disputes that cannot be resolved through FOC services are scheduled for hearing before the Friend of the Court Referee. The FOC can be reached at (989) 831-7332 or by email at montcalmfoc@montcalm.us. Court forms for family matters, including confidential address forms and stipulated motions, are available on the county website.
Divorce Records
Divorce records from the Circuit Court are public and can be obtained from the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. Available records date back to 1867. Plain copies cost $1.00 per page, and certified copies cost $10.00 for the first page plus $1.00 for each additional page. Requests can be made in person, by mail to 639 N. State Street, Stanton, MI 48888, or by email to clerk@montcalm.us.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Vital Records Division also issues divorce certificates (vital record abstracts confirming the dissolution) for events statewide. Anyone may order a divorce certificate using the divorce certificate application submitted in person or by mail. The department holds certificates from 1897 to the present.
Marriage Records
The Montcalm County Clerk’s Office is the custodian of marriage records. Certified copies cost $30.00 for the first copy and $5.00 for each additional copy of the same record. Requests can be made through several methods:
- In person at the Vital Records/Elections Office, 639 N. State Street, Stanton, MI 48888 (hours: 8:00 AM–4:00 PM, Monday–Friday)
- By mail — send the completed Application for Certified Copy with a check payable to “Montcalm County Clerk” and a self-addressed stamped envelope
- By email — send the application and Credit/Debit Card Authorization Form to vitals@montcalm.us
- Online — order through the County Clerk’s authorized vendor with a credit or debit card
Applicants must provide the names of both spouses and the date or year of the marriage.
Birth and Death Records
The County Clerk’s Vital Records Office maintains birth records from 1867 to the present and death records for the same period. Certified copies cost $30.00 for the first copy and $5.00 for each additional copy of the same record. Requests can be made in person, by mail, by fax to (989) 831-7474, by email to vitals@montcalm.us, or online through the Clerk’s vendor. All birth certificate requests require a completed application and valid photo identification.
Birth records are restricted for 100 years under MCL 333.2882 and can only be issued to the individual named on the record, parents, heirs, legal representatives, legal guardians, or a court of competent jurisdiction during that period. Birth records 100 years or older are public and available to anyone. Death records are unrestricted and available to any applicant.
Montcalm County Probate Court Records
The Montcalm County Probate Court has exclusive jurisdiction over probate matters, including the administration of decedent estates, probating of wills, trust supervision, appointment and oversight of guardians and conservators for minors and incapacitated adults, mental health commitments, name changes, emancipations, and adoptions. The court is located at 625 N. State Street, Stanton, MI 48888, and can be reached at (989) 831-7316.
Searching Probate Records
Probate case information is available through the MiCOURT Case Search portal. In-person requests can be made at the Probate Court office. Some probate records have restricted access and may only be examined by parties involved in the case or as authorized by law — this includes certain guardianship and mental health records.
Probate Court Fee Schedule
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Decedent’s estate | $175.00 plus inventory fee |
| Guardianship petition | $175.00 |
| Conservatorship / protective order petition | $175.00 |
| Guardianship (developmentally disabled) | No fee |
| Trust supervision | $175.00 |
| Petition for assignment of estate | $25.00 plus inventory fee |
| Wills filed for safekeeping | $25.00 |
| Registration of trust | $25.00 |
| Civil actions | $175.00 |
| Name changes | $185.00 |
| Adoptions | $185.00 |
| Adoption investigation fee | $150.00 ($50 per additional child) |
| Petition for adoption inquiry | $20.00 |
| Petition for confidential intermediary | $20.00 |
| Confidential intermediary investigation | $250.00 |
| Subsequent petitions, motions, objections | $20.00 |
| Accounts | $20.00 |
| Claims | $20.00 |
| Jury demand | $30.00 |
| Copies | $1.00 per page |
| Certified copies | $10.00 certification fee + $1.00 per page |
The inventory fee for decedent estates is calculated on the gross value of the estate, with no deductions for liens, encumbrances, or mortgages. Contact the court at (989) 831-7316 to have the inventory fee determined.
Fees may be paid by cash, check, money order, Visa, Mastercard, or Discover. Credit and debit card payments can be processed through the PayGov website, which charges a convenience fee of 3.0% (minimum $2.00). There is a $40.00 returned check fee.
The Probate Court staff are prohibited by law under Section 1211 of the Estates and Protected Individuals Code from providing legal advice or assisting with form completion. For contested or complex proceedings, the court recommends consulting an attorney.