Muskegon County Court Records Search
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Muskegon County is located along the western shore of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, with the city of Muskegon serving as the county seat. The county’s judicial system includes the 14th Circuit Court, the 60th District Court, the Muskegon County Probate Court, and a municipal court in the city of Muskegon Heights. These courts collectively handle felony and misdemeanor criminal cases, general civil litigation, small claims disputes, family law proceedings, juvenile matters, estates, guardianships, and mental health commitments. Several clerk offices and county departments maintain distinct record sets, and knowing which office holds a particular record is the first step toward a successful search.
Residents and members of the public looking for court case information in Michigan can begin by consulting official clerk offices, visiting courthouse public-access terminals, or using electronic lookup tools. The statewide judiciary offers resources through MichiganCourts.us that may help identify courts, understand filing procedures, and locate publicly available case data. For Muskegon County specifically, the Michigan Courts Case Search portal and individual court websites provide searchable indexes covering a range of case types.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Muskegon County?
Muskegon County provides multiple pathways for locating court records, depending on whether the case is criminal, civil, family, or probate in nature.
Online Case Search Tools
- 14th Circuit Court — Felony criminal cases, civil matters over $25,000, domestic relations, and juvenile cases can be searched through the MiCourt Case Search for the 14th Circuit. Search by party name, case number, or attorney.
- 60th District Court — Misdemeanor criminal cases, civil claims of $25,000 or less, landlord-tenant disputes, traffic infractions, and small claims are searchable through the MiCourt Case Search for the 60th District.
- Probate Court — Estate, guardianship, conservatorship, and mental health commitment records can be searched through the MiCourt Case Search for Muskegon Probate.
These online indexes are free to use. However, they may not display sealed, expunged, or confidential case records. Certain case types — including juvenile proceedings, personal protection orders, and some mental health matters — may be excluded from public search results.
In-Person Searches
Visitors can search court indexes using self-service terminals or request assistance from clerk staff at the following locations:
| Court/Office | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| 14th Circuit Court / County Clerk | 990 Terrace Street, Muskegon, MI 49442 | (231) 724-6241 |
| 60th District Court | 990 Terrace Street, Muskegon, MI 49442 | (231) 724-6262 |
| Muskegon County Probate Court | 990 Terrace Street, Muskegon, MI 49442 | (231) 724-6241 |
Most court offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding state holidays. Visitors seeking specific documents should bring as much identifying information as possible, including the full legal name of a party, date of birth, approximate filing date, or case number.
Mail Requests
Written requests for record copies can be mailed to the appropriate clerk’s office. Each request should include:
- Full name of the party (and any known aliases)
- Date of birth (for criminal searches)
- Case number (if known)
- Description of the documents requested
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
- Payment for applicable copy fees (check or money order payable to the appropriate court)
Are Court Records Public in Muskegon County?
Michigan law provides broad public access to court records. Michigan Court Rule 8.119 governs access to records in all Michigan courts and establishes the general principle that court records are open to public inspection. Unlike executive-branch records governed by Michigan’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), court records are exempt from FOIA and instead subject to the rules adopted by the Michigan Supreme Court.
Records Open to the Public
- Criminal case files, including charges, arraignment records, plea agreements, sentencing orders, and docket entries
- Civil complaints, motions, court orders, and judgments
- Divorce judgments and final orders in domestic relations cases
- Probate filings, including wills admitted to probate and estate inventories
- Small claims case records
- Traffic and ordinance violation records
- Liens, judgments, and executions recorded with the County Clerk
Records That Are Restricted or Nonpublic
Michigan Court Rule 8.119(H) identifies several categories of records that are not available for public inspection:
- Juvenile delinquency and child protective proceedings (confidential under MCL § 712A.28)
- Adoption records
- Records sealed by court order, including expunged criminal cases
- Personal protection order case files (limited access under certain circumstances)
- Mental health commitment records
- Friend of the Court investigative reports and recommendations
- Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and other personal identifiers, which must be redacted from publicly filed documents
Anyone denied access to a court record may file a motion with the court requesting access under MCR 8.119(J). The court will balance the public interest in access against privacy, safety, and other concerns before ruling.
Muskegon County Criminal Court Records
Criminal prosecutions in Muskegon County are divided between the 14th Circuit Court (felonies) and the 60th District Court (misdemeanors, ordinance violations, and preliminary felony examinations).
14th Circuit Court — Felony Cases
All felony cases in Muskegon County proceed through the Circuit Court following a preliminary examination or waiver in District Court. Circuit Court criminal files include informations, arraignment records, plea transcripts, pre-sentence investigation reports (restricted access), sentencing orders, and probation documents.
- Clerk:Muskegon County Clerk
- Address: 990 Terrace Street, Muskegon, MI 49442
- Phone: (231) 724-6241
60th District Court — Misdemeanors and Traffic
The 60th District Court processes misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic offenses, and local ordinance violations. The court also conducts arraignments and preliminary examinations for felony charges before they are bound over to Circuit Court.
- Address: 990 Terrace Street, Muskegon, MI 49442
- Phone: (231) 724-6262
- Online docket:60th District Court case search
Arrest and Booking Records
The Muskegon County Sheriff’s Office maintains arrest and booking records. Current inmate and booking information may be available through the Sheriff’s department or through the county’s jail records division. The Sheriff’s Office is located at 25 W. Walton Avenue, Muskegon, MI 49440, and can be reached at (231) 724-6289.
For police reports generated by the Muskegon City Police Department or other local agencies, requests are typically submitted under FOIA directly to the law enforcement agency that created the report.
Criminal Background Checks
Statewide criminal history searches are available through the Michigan State Police Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT). Each ICHAT search costs $10.00 and provides a name-based search of the state’s criminal history database. Fingerprint-based background checks for employment, licensing, or volunteer purposes can be obtained through authorized LiveScan locations.
For a local records check limited to Muskegon County, a written request can be submitted to the County Clerk’s office. The request should include the subject’s full name, date of birth, and any known aliases. Copy fees of $1.00 per page apply for standard copies, with certified copies at $10.00 per document.
Expungement (Set Aside)
Michigan’s Clean Slate law expanded eligibility for setting aside certain criminal convictions. Eligible individuals may petition the court to have qualifying convictions removed from public records. Applications are filed in the court where the conviction occurred. Once granted, the record is sealed from public view. The Michigan State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification processes the expungement for removal from the statewide database.
Muskegon County Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in Muskegon County is split between the 14th Circuit Court and the 60th District Court based on the amount in controversy and the type of relief sought.
Jurisdictional Thresholds
| Court | Jurisdiction |
|---|---|
| 14th Circuit Court | Claims exceeding $25,000; equitable relief (injunctions, specific performance); land contract forfeitures |
| 60th District Court | Claims of $25,000 or less; landlord-tenant/summary proceedings; land contract forfeitures under $25,000 |
| 60th District Court (Small Claims) | Claims of $6,500 or less; no attorney representation permitted |
Filing Fees
Civil filing fees are set by Michigan statute (MCL § 600.8371 for District Court; MCL § 600.8401 for Circuit Court). Representative fees include:
- Circuit Court civil filing: Fees vary based on the type of action; a standard civil case filing deposit is approximately $150–$260 depending on the claim
- District Court civil filing: Ranges from approximately $30 to $150 depending on the amount claimed
- Small claims filing: Approximately $30–$70 depending on the claim amount
- Jury demand fee (Circuit Court): $85.00
Fees change periodically. Contact the appropriate clerk office to verify current amounts before filing.
How to Search Civil Records
- Use the 14th Circuit Court case search for civil cases involving claims over $25,000, equity matters, and appeals.
- Use the 60th District Court case search for general civil, small claims, and landlord-tenant cases.
- Search by party name (plaintiff or defendant), case number, or attorney name.
- For records not available online or for older files, submit a written request or visit the clerk’s office in person.
Requesting Copies
Standard copies of civil records cost $1.00 per page. Certified copies are $10.00 per document plus $1.00 for each additional page. Payment is accepted by cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card at most clerk windows. Mail requests should include a check or money order payable to the Muskegon County Clerk (for Circuit Court records) or the 60th District Court (for District Court records).
Judgments and Liens
Civil judgments entered in Muskegon County become liens on real property within the county when properly recorded. Judgment information is maintained by the County Clerk’s office and can be searched through the clerk’s records. Satisfaction of judgment documents must be filed with the same office to release the lien.
Muskegon County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Muskegon County fall under the jurisdiction of the 14th Circuit Court’s Family Division. This division handles divorce, child custody, parenting time, child support, paternity, personal protection orders, and juvenile proceedings.
Divorce and Custody
Divorce complaints are filed with the Muskegon County Clerk at 990 Terrace Street. Michigan requires a filing fee for divorce actions, typically around $175 to $260 (exact amounts depend on whether minor children are involved and the specific relief requested). A divorce case involving minor children is subject to a mandatory six-month waiting period (MCL § 552.9f); cases without children have a 60-day waiting period.
Divorce case files include the complaint, answer, financial declarations, custody evaluations (if ordered — these are typically restricted from public access), settlement agreements, and the judgment of divorce. Final divorce judgments are public records.
Friend of the Court
The Muskegon County Friend of the Court (FOC) plays a central role in family cases involving minor children. The FOC:
- Investigates custody and parenting-time disputes
- Recommends child support amounts based on the Michigan Child Support Formula
- Enforces support orders through income withholding, contempt proceedings, and license suspension
- Mediates parenting-time disputes
The FOC office is located at 990 Terrace Street, Muskegon, MI 49442, and can be contacted at (231) 724-6234. FOC reports and recommendations filed with the court are generally not public records.
Personal Protection Orders
Petitions for personal protection orders (PPOs) — covering both domestic relationships and stalking situations — are filed in Circuit Court. There is no filing fee for PPO petitions. PPO case information has restricted public access under Michigan Court Rule 8.119.
Marriage Licenses
Marriage licenses in Muskegon County are issued by the County Clerk’s office. Both parties must appear in person with valid identification. The license fee is $20.00. Certified copies of marriage records are available from the County Clerk for $10.00 per copy.
Vital Records
Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Michigan can be obtained through the Muskegon County Clerk or the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Locally, fees are approximately $15.00 for the first certified copy of a birth certificate and $15.00 for each additional copy. Death certificates follow a similar fee structure. Birth records less than 100 years old and death records less than 50 years old have restricted access under Michigan law, with only qualified applicants (as defined by MCL § 333.2882) eligible to obtain certified copies.
Muskegon County Probate Court Records
The Muskegon County Probate Court has jurisdiction over decedent estates, trusts, guardianships of minors and incapacitated adults, conservatorships, and involuntary mental health commitments under the Michigan Mental Health Code. The court also handles proceedings under the Estates and Protected Individuals Code (EPIC), MCL § 700.1101 et seq.
Contact Information
Muskegon County Probate Court
Address: 990 Terrace Street, Muskegon, MI 49442
Phone: (231) 724-6241
The Probate Court office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Types of Probate Records
The Probate Court maintains records for:
- Wills filed for safekeeping and wills admitted to probate
- Petitions for formal and informal probate proceedings
- Letters of authority (personal representative, guardian, conservator)
- Estate inventories and accountings
- Claims against estates
- Guardianship petitions and annual reports
- Conservatorship petitions, bonds, and accountings
- Mental health commitment petitions and orders
- Trust registrations
Searching Probate Records
- Visit the MiCourt Probate Court search and enter the decedent’s or ward’s name, case number, or other identifying information.
- For records not available online, contact the Probate Court by phone or visit in person.
- Provide the full legal name of the decedent or protected person, approximate date of death or filing, and any known case number.
Copy Fees
- Standard copies: $1.00 per page
- Certified copies of letters of authority: $10.00 each
- Additional certified pages: $1.00 per page
Payment is accepted by cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card.
Opening an Estate — Overview
- Obtain a certified death certificate from the County Clerk or the Michigan DHHS.
- Determine whether formal or informal probate is appropriate. Informal proceedings (available when there is no contest and the will is unambiguous) can be initiated by filing an application with the Probate Court register.
- File the petition or application along with the original will (if one exists), the death certificate, and the required filing fee.
- The court issues letters of authority to the appointed personal representative.
- The personal representative must identify and inventory assets, provide notice to creditors (publication in a newspaper of general circulation is required under MCL § 700.3801), pay valid claims and taxes, and distribute remaining assets.
- File a final accounting and petition to close the estate with the Probate Court.
Filing fees for probate petitions are set by statute and vary by proceeding type. Contact the Probate Court at (231) 724-6241 for the current fee schedule.
Public Access to Probate Records
Most probate records are publicly accessible, including wills admitted to probate, estate inventories, and accountings. Exceptions include mental health commitment files (restricted under the Mental Health Code), certain guardianship records involving protected health information, and records sealed by court order. Juvenile guardianship proceedings may also have restricted access under MCL § 712A.28.
For genealogical research or historical estate records, the Muskegon County Clerk may maintain older probate files. The Michigan Archives at the Library of Michigan in Lansing also holds historical probate records for many Michigan counties, which can be a useful resource for researchers looking into older estates.