Ottawa County Court Records Search
MichiganCourts.us is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the FCRA and does not provide consumer reports. All searches conducted on MichiganCourts.us are subject to the Terms of Service and Privacy Notice.
Ottawa County is located in western Michigan along the Lake Michigan shoreline, with its county seat in Grand Haven. The county’s trial courts include the 20th Circuit Court, the 58th District Court (operating out of three locations), and the Ottawa County Probate Court. The Ottawa County Clerk and Register of Deeds serves as the custodian of circuit court records, vital records, and property filings, while each court maintains its own operational records and case files.
Residents and members of the public can search for New Mexico court records — or, in this case, Michigan court records — through official clerk offices, courthouse public terminals, and electronic tools maintained by the state judiciary. MichiganCourts.us may assist in locating general court information for the state. At the county level, Ottawa County offers its own online case lookup system, and the statewide MiCOURT Case Search portal provides access to civil, criminal, traffic, domestic, and probate case data filed across Michigan’s trial courts. Records may also be requested directly from the relevant clerk’s office by email, mail, or in-person visit.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Ottawa County?
Finding a court case in Ottawa County depends on which court handled the matter. Circuit court cases (felonies, civil actions over $25,000, divorces, and appeals) are managed by the County Clerk’s Circuit Court Records Division. District court cases (misdemeanors, traffic, civil matters under $25,000, landlord-tenant disputes) are managed by the 58th District Court at the location where the case was filed. Probate matters are handled separately by the Ottawa County Probate Court.
Online Search Options
- Visit the MiCOURT Case Search portal and select Ottawa County from the court dropdown. Search by party name, case number, or attorney. Available case types include civil, criminal, traffic, domestic, and probate filings.
- For 20th Circuit Court cases, the county also maintains a Court Record Lookup tool on the Ottawa County website. Enter a party name or case number to retrieve docket entries and basic case information.
- To check whether a criminal conviction has been set aside, use the Michigan State Police ICHAT system (fee: $10 per search, payable by credit card).
Note that online case search tools typically display case numbers, docket entries, registers of actions, and party names. Full document images are generally not available online under MCR 8.119(H), which prohibits courts from providing public access to document images through the internet. Obtaining copies of filed documents usually requires contacting the appropriate clerk’s office.
In-Person and Written Requests
For circuit court records, visit either the Grand Haven or West Olive Circuit Court Records offices during business hours, or send an email to circuitcourtrecords@miottawa.org. Phone inquiries can be directed to (616) 846-8315. For district court matters, contact the specific 58th District Court location where the case was filed. Probate inquiries should go to probatecourt@miottawa.org or (616) 786-4110.
Circuit Court Copy Fees
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copies | $10.00 + $1.00 per page |
| Machine copies | $1.00 per page |
Personal checks are not accepted by the Circuit Court Records Division.
Court Locations
| Court | Address | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20th Circuit Court — Grand Haven | 414 Washington Ave, Suite 300, Grand Haven, MI 49417 | (616) 846-8320 | Mon–Fri, 8:00am–5:00pm |
| 20th Circuit Court — Family Division | 12120 Fillmore St, West Olive, MI 49460 | (616) 786-4100 | Mon–Fri, 8:00am–5:00pm |
| 58th District Court — Grand Haven | 414 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, MI 49417 | (616) 846-8280 | Mon–Thu 8:00am–5:00pm; Fri 9:00am–5:00pm |
| 58th District Court — Holland | 85 West 8th St, Holland, MI 49423 | (616) 392-6991 | Mon–Thu 8:00am–5:00pm; Fri 9:00am–5:00pm |
| 58th District Court — Hudsonville | 3100 Port Sheldon Rd, Hudsonville, MI 49426 | (616) 662-3100 | Mon–Thu 8:00am–5:00pm; Fri 9:00am–5:00pm |
| Ottawa County Probate Court | 414 Washington Ave, Room 200, Grand Haven, MI 49417 | (616) 786-4110 | Mon–Fri, 8:00am–5:00pm (closed 12:00pm–1:00pm) |
Are Court Records Public in Ottawa County?
Michigan court records carry a strong presumption of public access. Under MCR 8.119(H), court records — including log notes, recordings, backup tapes, jury seating charts, and other media used to document proceedings — are accessible to the public. The Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL 15.231 et seq., further establishes a right of access to records held by public bodies, including law enforcement agencies and county offices.
However, access is subject to several important limitations based on record type, the requester’s identity, and the method of access.
Records that are restricted or confidential include:
- Adoption records (generally sealed)
- Juvenile court proceedings and records
- Records sealed or expunged by court order
- Mental health proceedings under the Probate Code
- Personal protection order case details (limited online availability)
- Friend of the Court records related to child custody evaluations
Online access restrictions under MCR 8.119(H):
Courts are prohibited from providing public access to document images through the internet. Online case management systems — such as MiCOURT — display only case numbers, registers of action, docket entries, and the names of involved parties. To view or obtain copies of actual filed documents, a requester must visit the courthouse or submit a written request to the clerk’s office.
When records contain protected information (such as Social Security numbers or financial account numbers), the court or clerk’s office will redact that data before providing copies. The Michigan judiciary publishes an access to court records guide that charts which record types are open, restricted, or confidential for each case category.
Ottawa County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Ottawa County are split between two courts. Felony prosecutions and criminal appeals are heard in the 20th Circuit Court, with records maintained by the Circuit Court Records Division of the County Clerk’s office. Misdemeanor offenses, traffic violations, and felony preliminary examinations are handled by the 58th District Court at whichever location (Grand Haven, Holland, or Hudsonville) covers the jurisdiction where the offense occurred.
Searching Criminal Court Records
To look up a criminal case, use the MiCOURT Case Search portal and filter by criminal case type. The system returns case numbers, charges, parties, hearing dates, and disposition information. For circuit court cases, the Ottawa County Court Record Lookup can also be used.
Copies of criminal court documents can be requested from the appropriate clerk:
- Circuit Court (felonies): Email circuitcourtrecords@miottawa.org or call (616) 846-8315. Certified copies are $10 plus $1 per page.
- District Court (misdemeanors/traffic): Contact the specific court location by phone or email. For Grand Haven criminal matters, email ghcrim@miottawa.org; for Holland, holcrim@miottawa.org; for Hudsonville, hudcrim@miottawa.org.
Arrest Records and the Sheriff’s Office
The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office maintains arrest records, incident reports, crash reports, and booking information. Current jail bookings can be viewed through the Sheriff’s Office Inmate Lookup tool on the county website.
To request copies of criminal or service reports, submit a written request through the Ottawa County FOIA Center. Requests may also be faxed or mailed to the Sheriff’s Records Unit:
Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office
12220 Fillmore Street
West Olive, MI 49460
Phone: (616) 738-4000
Records/FOIA: (616) 738-4025
Under FOIA, the Sheriff’s Office has five business days to respond, with a possible ten-business-day extension. Fees for copies may apply.
Statewide Criminal History (ICHAT)
The Michigan State Police maintains the statewide criminal history repository. The Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT) provides name-based searches of public criminal history records, including felonies and serious misdemeanors (those punishable by more than 93 days). ICHAT does not include federal records, tribal records, traffic offenses, juvenile records, local ordinance violations, or out-of-state criminal history. The search fee is $10 per name, payable by credit card. Government agencies and qualified nonprofits may be eligible for fee-free access.
Ottawa County Civil Court Records
Civil cases in Ottawa County are divided by the amount in controversy. The 20th Circuit Court handles civil lawsuits involving amounts over $25,000, as well as civil appeals from the district court. The 58th District Court handles civil claims under $25,000, small claims, landlord-tenant disputes, and eviction proceedings.
Searching Civil Records
Civil case information is available through both MiCOURT Case Search and the Ottawa County Court Record Lookup. Search by party name, case number, or attorney name. Results include docket entries, hearing dates, and case disposition — but not imaged documents.
For copies of civil filings, judgments, or orders, contact the Circuit Court Records Division at (616) 846-8315 or circuitcourtrecords@miottawa.org for circuit-level cases, or the appropriate 58th District Court location for district-level matters.
Circuit Court Civil Filing Fees
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| New case filing | $150.00 |
| E-filing fee (added to new case filing) | $25.00 |
| New divorce or custody case | $230.00 |
| Motion | $20.00 |
| Jury demand | $85.00 |
| Writ of garnishment or execution | $15.00 |
| Judgment debtor subpoena | $15.00 |
| Appeal to Circuit Court | $150.00 |
| Appeal to Court of Appeals | $25.00 |
After case initiation, most filings must be submitted electronically through MiFile, Michigan’s statewide e-filing system. The county’s Legal Self Help Center offers free assistance with forms and court processes, including access to public kiosks.
Ottawa County Family Court Records
The Family Division of the 20th Circuit Court, located at the Family Justice Center in West Olive, handles divorce and custody proceedings, child abuse and neglect cases, juvenile delinquency, adoption, name changes, emancipation, parental waiver, guardianship of minors, and voluntary foster care placements. Domestic relations matters such as child support enforcement are also coordinated through the Ottawa County Friend of the Court.
Family Division
12120 Fillmore Street
West Olive, MI 49460
Phone: (616) 786-4108
Fax: (616) 738-4638
Email: circuitcourtrecords@miottawa.org
Accessing Family Court Records
Family court case information can be searched through MiCOURT Case Search under the “Domestic” category or through the Ottawa County Court Record Lookup. Online results are limited to case numbers, party names, and docket entries. Actual documents must be obtained in person or by written request to the clerk.
Many family court records are restricted. Adoption records are sealed under Michigan law. Juvenile delinquency and child protective proceedings are confidential and accessible only to parties, their attorneys, and authorized agencies. Friend of the Court investigative reports and custody evaluations are not part of the public file.
Filing Fees for Family Cases
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| New divorce or custody case | $230.00 (+ $25.00 e-filing) |
| Post-judgment order re: support | $40.00 |
| Post-judgment order re: custody or parenting time | $80.00 |
| Certified copy of Judgment of Divorce | $10.00 + $1.00 per page |
All copies of Judgments of Divorce must be certified.
Marriage Records
Marriage records are public in Michigan and are maintained by the Ottawa County Clerk’s Vital Records Division. Certified copies can be ordered online through the county’s Vital Records ordering system, purchased in person at any County Clerk location, or ordered by mail using the Application for Certified Marriage Record. The fee is $15 for the first copy and $6 for each additional copy of the same record. A technology fee also applies to online orders. Marriage license fees are $20 for Michigan residents and $30 for out-of-state residents.
Birth and Death Records
Under the Michigan Public Health Code, MCL 333.2891, birth records are confidential and only accessible to parents, legal guardians, or the subject of the record. Death records are similarly restricted to authorized individuals. Certified copies of birth and death certificates cost $15 for the first copy and $6 for additional copies of the same record. Requests can be made in person at any County Clerk location, online through the Vital Records portal, or by mail to:
Ottawa County Clerk
12220 Fillmore Street, Room 130
West Olive, MI 49460
All requests require a valid government-issued photo ID. Accepted payment methods include cash, check, money order, or Visa/MasterCard/Discover. Mail requests accept checks or money orders payable to Ottawa County Clerk.
County Clerk Office Locations and Hours
| Location | Address | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Olive (Main/Vital Records & Deeds) | 12220 Fillmore St, Room 130, West Olive, MI 49460 | (616) 994-4531 | Mon–Fri 8:00am–5:00pm (closed 12:00–1:00pm) |
| Grand Haven (Vital Records & Register of Deeds) | 414 Washington Ave, Room 115, Grand Haven, MI 49417 | (616) 846-8109 | Mon–Fri 8:00am–5:00pm (closed 12:00–1:00pm) |
| Grand Haven (Circuit Court Records) | 414 Washington Ave, Room 320, Grand Haven, MI 49417 | (616) 846-8315 | Mon–Fri 8:00am–5:00pm (closed 12:00–1:00pm) |
| Holland | 12251 James St, Holland, MI 49424 | (616) 494-5566 | Mon–Fri 8:00am–5:00pm (closed 12:00–1:00pm) |
| Hudsonville | 3100 Port Sheldon Rd, Hudsonville, MI 49426 | (616) 662-6085 | Mon–Fri 8:00am–5:00pm (closed 12:00–1:00pm) |
Fax for the West Olive main office: (616) 994-4538. Email for vital records inquiries: countyclerk@miottawa.org.
Ottawa County Probate Court Records
The Ottawa County Probate Court has jurisdiction over estates and trusts, wills, guardianships, conservatorships, and mental health commitment proceedings. The court is presided over by Chief Probate Judge Derek W. Dalman and is located at the Ottawa County Courthouse in Grand Haven.
Ottawa County Probate Court
414 Washington Ave, Room 200
Grand Haven, MI 49417
Phone: (616) 786-4110
Mental Health: (616) 738-4060
Fax: (616) 738-4624
Email: probatecourt@miottawa.org
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00am–5:00pm (closed 12:00pm–1:00pm daily)
Searching Probate Records
Probate case information can be searched through MiCOURT Case Search by selecting the probate case type. Online results are limited to party names, case numbers, and docket entries; filed documents are not available for viewing or download online.
For more detailed case files — including petitions, inventories, accountings, and court orders — visit the Probate Court in person or submit a request by email to probatecourt@miottawa.org. Machine copies cost $1 per page, and certified copies are $10 plus $1 per page.
What the Probate Court Handles
The Probate Court’s jurisdiction encompasses decedent estates (testate and intestate), trust administration and litigation, guardianships for incapacitated adults and minors, conservatorships, mental health commitment proceedings, and related matters. Forms for probate filings are available through the county’s Legal Self Help Center and the Michigan Courts forms page.
Confidentiality of Probate Records
Most probate filings — including estate petitions, inventories, and orders appointing personal representatives — are public records. However, mental health commitment records carry confidentiality protections and are not available for general public inspection. Guardianship investigation reports and certain medical evaluations within conservatorship files may also be restricted. After case initiation, most probate filings must be submitted electronically through MiFile.