Ogemaw County Court Records Search
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Ogemaw County, Michigan is a rural county in the northeastern Lower Peninsula, with West Branch as the county seat. The county's judicial system is housed primarily in the Ogemaw County Building, where the 34th Judicial Circuit Court, the 82nd Judicial District Court, and the Ogemaw County Probate Court all maintain offices. These courts generate records covering criminal prosecutions, civil disputes, domestic relations proceedings, estate administration, and much more. Before you start searching, it helps to know which court holds the records you need and what the request process looks like.
If you're new to Michigan's court system, MichiganCourts.us can help you get oriented. Michigan's official MiCOURT Case Search portal provides free online access to case information across most of the state's trial courts, including Ogemaw County, and lets you search by name, case number, or professional license number. For records that aren't available online, the county's clerk offices and Michigan's vital records system handle in-person and mail-based requests.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Ogemaw County?
You can access Ogemaw County court records through the state's online case search system, in person at the courthouse, or by submitting a written request to the appropriate clerk's office.
Step-by-Step: Using the MiCOURT Portal
- Go to the MiCOURT Case Search portal
- Search for "Ogemaw County" using the search bar at the top of the court selection page
- Select either the 34th Circuit Court – Ogemaw or the 82nd District Court – Ogemaw from the results, depending on the case type
- Enter a name, case number, or professional license number in the search field
- Use the "Show" filter below the search bar to narrow results by case type: Criminal, Civil, Domestic/Family, Probate, or Traffic
- Click Search to retrieve results
In-Person Requests
All three courts serving Ogemaw County are located in the same building:
| Court | Address | Phone | Fax | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 34th Judicial Circuit Court | 806 W. Houghton Ave., West Branch, MI 48661 | (989) 345-0215 | (989) 345-3959 | Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. |
| 82nd Judicial District Court | 806 W. Houghton Ave., West Branch, MI 48661 | (989) 345-5040 | (989) 345-5910 | Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. |
| Ogemaw County Probate Court | 806 W. Houghton Ave., West Branch, MI 48661 | (989) 345-0145 | (989) 345-5901 | Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. |
| Ogemaw County Clerk's Office | 806 W. Houghton Ave., Suite 101, West Branch, MI 48661 | (989) 345-0215 | (989) 345-7223 | Mon–Fri, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. |
All offices are closed on state and federal holidays. When submitting a physical copy request, include the case number, party names, and the specific documents you need. Payment is accepted by check, money order, or credit/debit card via GovPayNet at (888) 604-7888 or govpaynet.com.
Are Court Records Public in Ogemaw County?
Michigan law generally presumes that court records are open to the public. Access is governed primarily by the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL § 15.231 et seq., which gives the public the right to inspect and copy records held by public bodies, including courts. Michigan Court Rule 8.119 also applies, setting standards for court recordkeeping, public access, and the process for sealing records.
That said, certain categories of records are restricted or unavailable to the general public:
- Juvenile proceedings — records involving minors are confidential by statute and are not accessible through routine public requests
- Adoption records — adoption files are sealed by court order; release requires judicial authorization
- Expunged criminal convictions — once a conviction is expunged under Michigan law, the record is removed from public access
- Sealed records — a court may seal specific documents or entire case files under MCR 8.119(I) upon a showing of good cause
- Birth records less than 100 years old — restricted to the subject, parents, heirs, legal guardian, or legal representative
- Confidential personal identifiers — Social Security numbers and financial account information are redacted from publicly produced documents
If you need access to a restricted record, you'll typically need to file a petition with the appropriate court. The Ogemaw County Clerk's office at (989) 345-0215 can point you to the right process.
Ogemaw County Criminal Court Records
Criminal matters in Ogemaw County are divided between two courts based on the severity of the offense. The 82nd Judicial District Court handles misdemeanors, ordinance violations, civil infraction matters, and preliminary examinations for felony cases. The 34th Judicial Circuit Court takes over for all felony cases, since Michigan circuit courts have general jurisdiction over offenses punishable by imprisonment in state prison.
Searching Criminal Records Online
The MiCOURT Case Search portal allows criminal case lookups for both courts. Select the 34th Circuit Court for felonies or the 82nd District Court for misdemeanors, then filter by the "Criminal" case type. Search results may include case status, charges, hearing dates, and court disposition information.
Arrest and Corrections Records
Booking and arrest information is maintained by the Ogemaw County Sheriff's Office (Sheriff Brian D. Gilbert). The Corrections Division, which manages the county jail, is at a separate address from the courthouse:
Ogemaw County Corrections
912 West Houghton Ave., West Branch, MI 48661
Phone: (989) 345-5908
Fax: (989) 345-6810
Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
For general inquiries and law enforcement contact information, visit the Ogemaw County Sheriff's Office page.
If you need statewide offender information — including records on individuals currently incarcerated or under supervision — the Michigan Department of Corrections operates the Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS), which is free to search by name or MDOC number.
Ogemaw County Civil Court Records
Civil jurisdiction in Ogemaw County is split between the two trial courts. The 34th Circuit Court hears civil cases where the amount in controversy exceeds $25,000, along with equity cases, personal protection order matters, and cases involving real property. The 82nd District Court handles civil claims up to $25,000, small claims matters up to $7,000, landlord-tenant disputes, and general civil filings outside the circuit court's exclusive jurisdiction.
Civil Filing Fees — 34th Circuit Court
| Action | Fee |
|---|---|
| Civil Filing Fee (MCL 600.2529) | $175 |
| Motion Fee | $20 |
| Jury Demand Fee | $85 |
| Writ of Garnishment, Attachment, or Execution | $15 |
| Appeal from Circuit Court | $25 |
Small Claims — 82nd District Court
Michigan small claims court resolves disputes up to $7,000. Filing fees are based on the amount of the claim:
- Claims up to $600: $30
- Claims from $600.01 to $1,750: $50
- Claims from $1,750.01 to $7,000: $70
If the plaintiff prevails, filing fees may be recoverable as part of the judgment. Small claims hearings are informal, and attorneys are generally not permitted to represent parties during the proceeding itself.
Civil Record Access
Civil case dockets are searchable through the MiCOURT Case Search portal — select the appropriate court and filter by the "Civil" case type. For historical records or documents not yet digitized, visiting the Circuit Court or District Court clerk's offices in person during regular business hours is your most reliable option.
Property Records
Property records — including deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and land contracts dating back to the mid-1800s — are maintained separately from court records by the Ogemaw County Register of Deeds:
Ogemaw County Register of Deeds
806 W. Houghton Ave., Room 104, West Branch, MI 48661
Phone: (989) 345-0728
Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
The Ogemaw County Register of Deeds page on the county website has more information about the office's services.
Ogemaw County Family Court Records
Family court matters — divorce, child custody, parenting time, child support, paternity, and personal protection orders — fall under the jurisdiction of the 34th Judicial Circuit Court. The Circuit Court's Family Court division works alongside the Ogemaw County Friend of the Court office, which assists in cases involving custody, parenting time, and support.
Friend of the Court
806 W. Houghton Ave., Suite 106, West Branch, MI 48661
Phone: (989) 345-5520
Fax: (989) 345-0603
Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
The Ogemaw County Friend of the Court handles enforcement and modification of support and custody orders and can provide records related to those proceedings. Child support payments are processed separately; the court provides a child support payments guide that explains available payment methods.
Family Court Filing Fees — 34th Circuit Court
| Action | Fee |
|---|---|
| Divorce — No Children | $175 |
| Divorce — With Children | $255 |
| Judgment/Order Entry Fee (support of minor children) | $40 |
| Custody or Parenting Time Determination | $80 |
| Order of Filiation (MCL 722.717) | $35 |
Divorce Records
Divorce records in Ogemaw County are public. You can retrieve them through the MiCOURT Case Search portal by selecting the 34th Circuit Court and using the Domestic/Family filter. Physical copies can be requested in person at the Circuit Court clerk's office. Divorce records from 1897 onward are also on file with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and can be ordered by mail using the divorce application form, online, or by appointment on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Standard processing takes 4–5 weeks; expedited service takes 2–3 weeks.
Marriage Records and Licenses
Marriage records for licenses issued in Ogemaw County are public and available through the County Clerk's Office. To obtain a certified copy, you'll need to provide both parties' names and the date of marriage. The fee is $10.00 for the first certified copy and $5.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Requests may be made in person, by mail to Ogemaw County Clerk, 806 West Houghton Ave., Room 101, West Branch, MI 48661, or online through the Ogemaw County Vital Records online ordering system — note that an additional non-refundable $5.00 service fee applies to online orders.
For new marriage license applications, Michigan residents must apply in person at the county clerk's office in the county where one applicant lives. The application fee is $20.00 for Michigan residents and $30.00 for out-of-state applicants. A three-day waiting period applies, and the license is valid for 33 days from the application date. A $50.00 fee is charged to waive the three-day waiting period.
Birth Records
Birth records less than 100 years old are restricted in Michigan. Only the individual named on the record, their parents, legal guardian, legal representative, or heirs may obtain a copy. The first certified copy costs $10.00, and each additional copy ordered at the same time is $5.00. Requests may be submitted in person or by mail to the County Clerk's office. If you were adopted, contact the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services directly at (517) 335-8666, since original birth records in adoption cases are sealed and only available through MDHHS.
Death Records
Death certificates are public records. The Ogemaw County Clerk's office maintains records of deaths that occurred in Ogemaw County. You'll need to provide the decedent's name and date of death. The fee is $10.00 for the first certified copy and $5.00 for each additional copy requested at the same time. Copies can be obtained in person, by mail, or through the Ogemaw County Vital Records online portal.
Ogemaw County Probate Court Records
The Ogemaw County Probate Court administers estates of deceased persons, appoints and supervises guardians and conservators for minors and legally incapacitated adults, oversees trusts, and handles court-ordered treatment for individuals with mental illness or developmental disabilities. Probate case records are generally public and cover wills, letters of administration, inventories, accountings, and final decrees of distribution.
Probate Court Contact:
Ogemaw County Probate Court
806 W. Houghton Ave., West Branch, MI 48661
Phone: (989) 345-0145
Fax: (989) 345-5901
Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
For a plain-language overview of the court's functions and jurisdiction, the Ogemaw County Probate Court page on Michigan Legal Help is a useful resource.
Searching Probate Records
Probate case information is accessible through the MiCOURT Case Search portal. After selecting the Ogemaw County Probate Court, filter results using the Probate case type option. Searching by decedent name or case number will pull up available docket entries and case status information. For documents not yet available electronically, an in-person visit to the Probate Court clerk's office is the most direct approach.
Probate Filing Fees
Selected probate-related fees under Michigan law include:
- Ancillary Conservatorship (MCL 600.1027): $150
- Ancillary Guardianship (MCL 600.1027): $150
- General Civil Filing Fee: $175
Additional fees may apply for specific petitions, citations, and copy charges. Ask the court clerk for a complete fee schedule. All courts in Ogemaw County accept payment by check, money order, or credit/debit card through GovPayNet.
Adoption Records
Adoption files handled through the Probate Court are sealed. Certified copies of adoption records are not available through routine public requests — a court order authorizing release is required. If you are seeking information about your own adoption, contact the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for guidance on the legal avenues available to you.