Macomb County Court Records
What Is Macomb County Court Records
Court records in Macomb County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records constitute the comprehensive documentation of judicial activities as defined under Michigan Court Rule 8.119. Court records typically include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records.
Court records are distinct from other public records maintained by government agencies in Macomb County, such as:
- Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens)
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
- Tax records
- Voter registration information
The following courts in Macomb County maintain court records:
- 16th Circuit Court
- 37th, 38th, 39th, 40th, 41-A, 41-B, and 42nd District Courts
- Macomb County Probate Court
- Family Division of Circuit Court
- Small Claims Court
These records encompass various case types including:
- Civil litigation
- Criminal proceedings
- Family law matters
- Probate cases
- Traffic violations
- Small claims disputes
Pursuant to Michigan Compiled Laws § 600.1428, court records are maintained by the clerk of each respective court under the supervision of the State Court Administrative Office. The Michigan Supreme Court has established standards for record creation, maintenance, and access through the Michigan Trial Court Records Management Standards.
Are Court Records Public In Macomb County
Court records in Macomb County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the Michigan Constitution and the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL 15.231-15.246. However, court records are specifically governed by Michigan Court Rule 8.119(H), which establishes that court records are public unless specifically restricted by court rule, statute, or court order.
The following court records are typically available for public inspection:
- Most civil case files
- Criminal case files (post-charging)
- Judgments and orders
- Docket sheets
- Hearing schedules
- Court calendars
It is important to note that federal courts in Michigan operate under separate rules governed by federal law, while state and county courts follow Michigan state law and court rules.
Certain records may be restricted from public access, including:
- Records involving juveniles (unless waived to adult court)
- Adoption proceedings
- Mental health commitment records
- Records sealed by court order
- Certain family court records
- Records containing personal identifying information as defined in MCR 1.109(D)
The Michigan Supreme Court has established comprehensive policies regarding public access to court records through Administrative Order 1999-4, which balances the public's right to access with privacy concerns and practical considerations.
How To Find Court Records in Macomb County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Macomb County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining court records:
In-Person Requests:
- Identify the specific court where the case was filed
- Visit the court clerk's office during regular business hours
- Complete a records request form, providing case number or party names
- Present valid photo identification
- Pay applicable search and copy fees
- Review records on-site or request certified copies
Mail Requests:
- Download and complete the appropriate records request form from the court's website
- Include specific case information (case number, party names, filing date)
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Include payment for applicable fees (check or money order)
- Mail the request to the appropriate court clerk's office
Online Access:
- Visit the MiCOURT Case Search portal
- Create a user account if required
- Select Macomb County from the jurisdiction menu
- Enter search criteria (case number, party name, filing date)
- Pay any applicable online access fees
- View available case information and documents
For specialized records or assistance, contact the specific court where the case was filed. The Michigan Courts Records Request Form provides standardized documentation for requesting court records throughout the state.
How To Look Up Court Records in Macomb County Online?
Macomb County offers several online portals for accessing court records electronically. These systems vary by court type and provide different levels of information access:
Michigan Courts Case Search: The Michigan Courts Case Search provides access to case information from multiple courts in Macomb County:
- Navigate to the Michigan Courts Case Search website
- Select "Macomb County" from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Enter search criteria (case number, party name, attorney)
- Review search results showing basic case information
- Access available documents (if electronically filed)
Macomb County Circuit Court Online Records:
- Visit the Macomb County Circuit Court website
- Select "Case Information" or "Records Search"
- Create an account or log in as a guest user
- Search by case number, party name, or filing date
- View register of actions, scheduled hearings, and case status
- Access available documents (fees may apply for document viewing)
District Courts Online Access: Each district court in Macomb County maintains its own online records system:
- 37th District Court (Warren and Center Line)
- 38th District Court (Eastpointe)
- 39th District Court (Roseville and Fraser)
- 40th District Court (St. Clair Shores)
- 41-A District Court (Sterling Heights)
- 41-B District Court (Clinton Township, Harrison Township, and Mount Clemens)
- 42nd District Court (Romeo, New Baltimore, and Richmond)
Users should note that online access may be limited to basic case information, with full document access requiring in-person requests. Pursuant to Michigan Court Rule 1.109, certain personal identifying information is redacted from publicly accessible court records.
How To Search Macomb County Court Records for Free?
Michigan law provides for free public inspection of court records under Michigan Court Rule 8.119(H), though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. The following free options are available for searching Macomb County court records:
Free In-Person Inspection:
- Visit the clerk's office of the appropriate court during business hours
- Request to inspect specific case files
- Provide case number or party names for search assistance
- Review records on public access terminals or physical files
- Note that while inspection is free, copy fees will apply for any documents requested
Free Online Resources:
- MiCOURT Case Search - Basic case information is available without charge
- Macomb County Circuit Court Public Access - Limited case information is viewable without fees
- Michigan Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS) - Free access to criminal conviction information
Public Law Libraries:
- Macomb County Law Library located in the Circuit Court building offers free access to court records research tools
- Public terminals may be available for searching electronic court records
While basic case information is generally available at no cost, fees typically apply for:
- Document copies (paper or electronic)
- Certified copies
- Records searches requiring extensive staff time
- Complete case file access
- Historical records retrieval
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Requests process may also be utilized for certain court administrative records, though court case records are generally exempt from FOIA and governed by court rules instead.
What's Included in a Macomb County Court Record?
Macomb County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type but typically include the following components:
Case Initiation Documents:
- Complaints or petitions
- Summonses
- Warrants
- Indictments or informations (criminal cases)
- Initial appearances
- Arraignment records
Case Progression Documents:
- Pleadings (answers, counterclaims, cross-claims)
- Motions and responses
- Briefs and memoranda of law
- Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
- Subpoenas
- Witness lists
- Exhibit lists
- Court orders and opinions
- Transcripts of hearings and trials
- Evidence admitted during proceedings
Case Disposition Documents:
- Judgments
- Verdicts
- Sentencing information (criminal cases)
- Settlement agreements (if filed)
- Dismissal orders
- Appeals notices
- Post-judgment motions and orders
Administrative Records:
- Register of actions (chronological case summary)
- Docket sheets
- Court calendars
- Proof of service documents
- Attorney appearances and withdrawals
- Fee payment records
Specialized Documents by Case Type:
- Criminal: Charging documents, bond information, pre-sentence reports (restricted access), probation terms
- Civil: Damage claims, expert reports, jury instructions
- Family: Custody evaluations (often restricted), support calculations, parenting plans
- Probate: Wills, inventories, accountings, guardianship/conservatorship reports
Pursuant to Michigan Court Rule 1.109(D), certain personal identifying information is protected from public view, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Dates of birth
- Names of minor children
These protected elements are either redacted or contained in non-public documents within the case file.
How Long Does Macomb County Keep Court Records?
Macomb County courts retain records according to schedules established by the State Court Administrative Office under authority of Michigan Court Rule 8.119(K). Retention periods vary by record type and case classification:
Circuit Court Records:
- Felony cases: 75 years after final disposition
- Civil cases: 10 years after final disposition
- Domestic relations cases: 50 years after final disposition
- Personal Protection Orders: 5 years after expiration
- Appeals: 25 years after final disposition
District Court Records:
- Misdemeanor cases: 10 years after final disposition
- Civil cases: 10 years after final disposition
- Traffic cases: 7 years after final disposition
- Ordinance violations: 7 years after final disposition
- Small claims: 10 years after final disposition
Probate Court Records:
- Decedent estates: 10 years after closing
- Guardianships: 10 years after termination
- Conservatorships: 10 years after termination
- Mental health proceedings: 10 years after final order
- Adoption records: Permanent retention
Special Retention Categories:
- Capital/life imprisonment cases: Permanent retention
- Cases of historical significance: Permanent retention
- Case indices: Permanent retention
- Judgment records: 25 years after entry
- Court recordings/transcripts: 10 years after final disposition
The Michigan Trial Court Records Management Standards provides comprehensive guidance on record retention. After the retention period expires, records may be destroyed according to approved procedures, though many courts now maintain digital archives of historically significant or frequently accessed records beyond the required retention periods.
Certain records may be subject to early disposal through court-ordered expungement under MCL 780.621 or other specialized record sealing provisions.
Types of Courts In Macomb County
Macomb County's judicial system consists of several court types, each with specific jurisdiction and authority:
16th Circuit Court
40 North Main Street
Mount Clemens, MI 48043
(586) 469-5208
Macomb County Circuit Court
The Circuit Court handles felony criminal cases, civil cases with claims exceeding $25,000, family division matters, and appeals from lower courts.
37th District Court
8300 Common Road
Warren, MI 48093
(586) 574-4900
37th District Court
Serving Warren and Center Line, this court handles misdemeanors, civil cases under $25,000, traffic violations, and preliminary examinations for felonies.
38th District Court
16101 Nine Mile Road
Eastpointe, MI 48021
(586) 445-5020
38th District Court
Serving Eastpointe, this court handles misdemeanors, civil cases under $25,000, traffic violations, and preliminary examinations for felonies.
39th District Court
29733 Gratiot Avenue
Roseville, MI 48066
(586) 773-2010
39th District Court
Serving Roseville and Fraser, this court handles misdemeanors, civil cases under $25,000, traffic violations, and preliminary examinations for felonies.
40th District Court
27701 Jefferson Avenue
St. Clair Shores, MI 48081
(586) 445-5280
40th District Court
Serving St. Clair Shores, this court handles misdemeanors, civil cases under $25,000, traffic violations, and preliminary examinations for felonies.
41-A District Court
40111 Dodge Park Road
Sterling Heights, MI 48313
(586) 446-2500
41-A District Court
Serving Sterling Heights, this court handles misdemeanors, civil cases under $25,000, traffic violations, and preliminary examinations for felonies.
41-B District Court
22380 Starks Drive
Clinton Township, MI 48036
(586) 469-9300
41-B District Court
Serving Clinton Township, Harrison Township, and Mount Clemens, this court handles misdemeanors, civil cases under $25,000, traffic violations, and preliminary examinations for felonies.
42nd District Court
Division 1:
14713 33 Mile Road
Romeo, MI 48065
(586) 752-9679
Division 2:
35071 23 Mile Road
New Baltimore, MI 48047
(586) 725-9500
42nd District Court
Serving northern Macomb County communities, this court handles misdemeanors, civil cases under $25,000, traffic violations, and preliminary examinations for felonies.
Macomb County Probate Court
21850 Dunham Road
Mount Clemens, MI 48043
(586) 469-5290
Macomb County Probate Court
The Probate Court handles estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and mental health proceedings.
The court hierarchy in Michigan proceeds from District Courts to Circuit Courts, then to the Michigan Court of Appeals, and finally to the Michigan Supreme Court for cases under further review.
What Types of Cases Do Macomb County Courts Hear?
Macomb County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their jurisdictional authority as established by Michigan law:
Circuit Court (16th Circuit):
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil lawsuits with claims exceeding $25,000
- Real property disputes
- Equity matters (injunctions, specific performance)
- Domestic relations cases (divorce, custody, support)
- Juvenile delinquency proceedings
- Child protective proceedings
- Personal Protection Orders
- Appeals from district courts and administrative agencies
- Business Court docket for complex commercial litigation
District Courts (37th, 38th, 39th, 40th, 41-A, 41-B, 42nd):
- Misdemeanor criminal cases (punishable by up to 1 year)
- Civil lawsuits with claims up to $25,000
- Small claims cases (up to $6,500)
- Landlord-tenant disputes and land contract forfeitures
- Traffic violations and civil infractions
- Parking violations
- Preliminary examinations in felony cases
- Ordinance violations
- Garnishments and judgment collections
Probate Court:
- Decedent estate administration
- Will contests
- Trust administration
- Guardianships for legally incapacitated individuals
- Conservatorships for estates
- Mental health commitment proceedings
- Minor guardianships (when not part of a family case)
- Adult and minor name changes
- Emancipation of minors
Family Division of Circuit Court:
- Divorce proceedings
- Child custody determinations
- Child support establishment and enforcement
- Parenting time issues
- Paternity cases
- Personal Protection Orders (domestic)
- Juvenile delinquency
- Child abuse and neglect
- Adoptions
- Emancipation of minors
Case assignment follows jurisdictional rules established by the Michigan Revised Judicature Act, MCL 600.101 et seq. and court rules promulgated by the Michigan Supreme Court. The State Court Administrative Office provides oversight and administrative guidance to ensure proper case management throughout the county court system.
How To Find a Court Docket In Macomb County
Court dockets in Macomb County provide a chronological listing of all proceedings and filings in a case. Members of the public may access docket information through several methods:
Online Docket Access:
- Visit the MiCOURT Case Search portal
- Select Macomb County from the jurisdiction menu
- Enter search criteria (case number, party name, attorney)
- View the register of actions (docket entries)
- Note that document access may be limited online
Circuit Court Docket Search:
- Navigate to the Macomb County Circuit Court website
- Select "Case Information" or "Court Calendar"
- Search by case number, party name, or date
- View scheduled hearings and case events
- Access the register of actions showing all docket entries
District Court Docket Information: Each district court maintains its own docket access system:
- Contact the specific district court clerk's office
- Request docket information by case number
- Some district courts offer online calendar access
- Daily court calendars may be posted in courthouse lobbies
In-Person Docket Review:
- Visit the clerk's office of the appropriate court
- Request to view the docket for a specific case
- Provide case number or party names
- Review docket information on public access terminals
- Request printed copies (fees may apply)
Specialized Docket Information:
- Criminal case arraignment and preliminary examination schedules
- Civil motion calendars
- Trial dockets
- Probate hearing schedules
Pursuant to Michigan Court Rule 8.119(D), courts must maintain case records that include a register of actions (docket) for all cases. These dockets are public records unless specifically restricted by statute or court rule.
For assistance with locating specific docket information, contact the clerk of the court where the case is filed. Court staff can provide guidance on accessing docket information but cannot provide legal advice regarding case content.
Which Courts in Macomb County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Michigan, a "court of record" is defined by MCL 600.1401 as a court that is required to produce and maintain a verbatim record of proceedings. Courts not of record typically do not create or maintain official transcripts of all proceedings.
Small Claims Division: The Small Claims Division of District Courts in Macomb County operates as a court not of record. When cases are heard in Small Claims:
- No formal record of proceedings is created
- Hearings are conducted informally
- Rules of evidence are relaxed
- Parties represent themselves (attorneys are not permitted)
- No right to appeal exists based on evidentiary or procedural issues
- Appeals are limited to "de novo" (new) trials in the regular division of District Court
Small Claims Division handles civil cases with claims up to $6,500 and provides a simplified process for resolving minor disputes without formal record-keeping requirements.
Important Distinctions:
- All other courts in Macomb County (Circuit Court, District Courts, and Probate Court) are courts of record
- These courts create and maintain verbatim records of proceedings
- Court reporters or electronic recording equipment document all hearings
- Transcripts can be ordered for appeals or other purposes
- Evidentiary rulings and procedural matters are preserved for potential review
Parties who file in Small Claims Division waive their right to a record of proceedings and certain appeal rights as noted in MCL 600.8412. Litigants seeking to preserve these rights should file in the regular civil division of the appropriate District Court instead.