Ingham County MI Court Records

We appreciate you visiting our page. Our goal is to provide clear help for your Ingham County Court Records search. We aim to give you the facts you need in a simple way. Let us guide you through the process to find the court files you seek in Ingham County, Michigan.

If you want to begin your search for Ingham County Court Records right now, you can visit https://michiganofficialrecords.com/ingham-county-court-records/. This resource offers a way to start looking for case information immediately. Many find this a good first step when trying to locate specific court documents or case details within the Ingham County court system. Use their tools to see if the record you need is quickly available.

How to Access Ingham County Court Records

There are a few ways to find court records in Inham County. You can look online. You can go to the court in person. You can also ask by mail. Each way has its own steps.

Online Case Search Options

Ingham County offers web tools to view some court files. The main Ingham County Court Record Search portal holds records from the Circuit Court and Probate Court. You must search using a full name or case number. The state also runs the MiCOURT Case Search. This covers many courts in Michigan. It includes District Court cases not always on the county site. For cases specifically in Lansing, the 54-A District Court Case Lookup tool can help track criminal or traffic case progress. It is important to know that online search tools have limits. They may not show every single record. Some case types, like sealed cases or certain juvenile matters, are not public online. Also, use care when searching by name. Many people share the same name. These online searches are helpful but are not the full official court record. They should not be used for official background checks.

Requesting Records In Person

You can visit the court clerk's office to ask for records. Bring case numbers or party names if you know them. This helps staff find files fast. For Circuit Court files, go to the County Clerk divisions.

• Veterans Memorial Courthouse: 313 W. Kalamazoo Street, 1st Floor, Lansing, MI 48933. Phone: (517) 483-6500.

• Ingham County Courthouse: 341 S. Jefferson Street, Mason, MI 48854. Phone: (517) 483-6500 (often handles Circuit Court matters via County Clerk).

For District Court records, visit the specific court location:

• 54A District Court: Lansing City Hall, 6th Floor, 124 W. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48933. Phone: (517) 483-4433.

• 54B District Court: 101 Linden St., East Lansing, MI 48823. Phone: (517) 351-7000.

• 55th District Court: 700 Buhl Dr., Mason, MI 48854. Phone: (517) 676-8400.

For Probate Court records, the main location is often shared with the Circuit Court and County Clerk in Mason:

• Ingham County Probate Court: Ingham County Courthouse, 341 S. Jefferson Street, Mason, MI 48854. Use main Circuit Court phone (517) 483-6500 or County Clerk (517) 676-7201 for Probate inquiries.

Most courthouse offices are open Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. Some offices, like the County Clerk, may close for lunch (e.g., 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM). Call ahead or check the specific court's website for exact hours. Be ready to show ID. You may view records there. You can ask for copies. Fees often apply for copies.

Requesting Records By Mail

Asking for records by mail is another choice. You often need a specific form. The 54B District Court File / Copy Request Form (PDF) is one example. Check the specific court's site or call them to confirm the right form and process. You must include key details. Provide the case number or the full names of people in the case. Send your written request to the court that handled the case. Use the addresses listed above for each court. Some courts may ask you to include a self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE). This is so they can mail the copies back to you. You will also need to include payment for any fees. Check with the court clerk about accepted payment types (check, money order) and who to make it payable to. Mail requests take longer than in-person visits or online searches.

Types of Ingham County Court Records Available

Different courts handle different kinds of cases. The type of record depends on which court heard the case. Most court records are public. But some are kept private by law.

Circuit Court Records (30th Circuit Court)

The 30th Circuit Court is a trial court. It handles major cases. These include:

• All felony criminal cases. These are serious crimes.

• Civil lawsuits where the amount claimed is over $25,000.

• Family law matters. This includes divorce cases. It covers child custody and support. Paternity cases are heard here. Personal Protection Orders (PPOs) are issued here too.

• Appeals from District Court decisions. If someone disagrees with a District Court ruling, they may appeal to the Circuit Court.

• Appeals from some state administrative agencies.

District Court Records (54A, 54B, 55th)

The District Courts in Ingham County handle a wide range of cases. These are often less severe than Circuit Court cases. Records you can find include:

• Misdemeanor criminal cases. These are less serious crimes than felonies. Examples include petty theft or simple assault.

• Traffic violations. This includes civil infractions like speeding tickets. It also covers traffic misdemeanors like drunk driving (OWI).

• Small claims lawsuits. These are civil cases for small amounts of money, usually up to a certain limit.

• Other civil lawsuits where the amount claimed is $25,000 or less.

• Landlord-tenant disputes. This includes eviction cases.

Probate Court Records

The Ingham County Probate Court handles specific legal matters. These often relate to a person's affairs after death or when they cannot manage things themselves. Records include:

• Wills and estate administration cases. This court oversees how a dead person's property is passed on. This happens with or without a will (intestate).

• Guardianship cases. The court appoints a guardian to make personal or health choices for a minor or an adult who cannot do so.

• Conservatorship cases. The court appoints a conservator to manage money and property for a minor or an adult who cannot do so.

• Mental health proceedings. This can involve court-ordered treatment.

• Name change petitions. (Access might be limited sometimes).

Restricted or Non-Public Records

Not all court records are open to everyone. Michigan law and court rules keep some records private. This protects sensitive data or vulnerable people. Examples of non-public records include:

• Most juvenile delinquency and child protective proceeding records. These are kept confidential.

• Adoption records.

• Records sealed by a judge's order. This requires a specific legal process.

• Information from mediation sessions.

• Juror questionnaires.

• Some mental health records.

• Results of infectious disease tests filed with the court.

• Addresses and phone numbers of crime victims.

• Records related to specific drug charge dismissals (like under MCL 333.7411 or the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act - HYTA).

• Search warrants until a set time after they are issued.

If you ask for a record that is not public, court staff will usually say "No public record exists."

Fees for Ingham County Court Records

Getting copies of court records usually costs money. The fees help cover the court's costs. Fees can vary slightly by court, but state law and local rules set common rates.

Standard Copy Fees

There is often a charge for each page copied.

• The cost is typically $1.00 per page for standard documents. This applies to copies made by court staff.

• Copies of transcripts already filed with the court cost less. The maximum is usually $0.30 per page. See MCL 600.2543.

• You can inspect records for free at the courthouse. You may be allowed to take photos of records too, per court rules.

Certification Fees

If you need an official copy with a court seal, there is an extra fee. This is called certification.

• The fee for a certified copy is often $10.00 for the certification itself.

• You also still pay the per-page copy fee for each page ($1.00 per page usually).

Other Potential Costs

You might face other costs depending on your request.

• Some courts might charge a search fee if you do not have a case number and staff need time to find the record. Providing case details helps avoid this.

• If you request records by mail, you pay for postage. You must often provide a self-addressed stamped envelope.

• Online payment systems might have small transaction fees.

Always check with the specific court clerk's office for their current fee schedule. Ask about payment methods they accept (cash, check, money order, sometimes credit cards).

Important Locations and Contact Information

Knowing where to go or who to call is key. Here are the main court locations in Ingham County. Hours are generally Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, but always call or check the court's specific website to confirm hours and any lunch closures.

30th Circuit Court

Handles felonies, major civil cases, family law.

• Veterans Memorial Courthouse (Lansing): 313 W. Kalamazoo St., Lansing, MI 48933. Phone: (517) 483-6500.

• Ingham County Courthouse (Mason): 341 S. Jefferson St., Mason, MI 48854. Phone: (517) 483-6500 (shared phone listed, often directs to County Clerk).

54A District Court (Lansing)

Handles misdemeanors, small claims, traffic in Lansing.

• Lansing City Hall: 6th Floor, 124 W. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48933. Phone: (517) 483-4433.

54B District Court (East Lansing)

Handles misdemeanors, small claims, traffic in East Lansing.

• East Lansing Location: 101 Linden St., East Lansing, MI 48823. Phone: (517) 351-7000.

55th District Court (Mason)

Handles misdemeanors, small claims, traffic in Mason and surrounding areas.

• Mason Location: 700 Buhl Dr., Mason, MI 48854. Phone: (517) 676-8400.

Ingham County Clerk / Probate Court

Handles vital records, DBAs, passports, notary services, and supports Circuit/Probate court functions.

• Ingham County Courthouse (Mason): 341 S. Jefferson, P.O. Box 179, Mason, MI 48854. Phone: (517) 676-7201. Email: clerk@ingham.org. Note: Clerk's office may close 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM for lunch.

Understanding Michigan Laws on Record Access

Laws and rules shape public access to court records in Michigan. These rules aim for openness but also protect privacy.

Michigan Court Rules (MCR)

The Michigan Supreme Court sets rules for all state courts. Key rules on access include:

• MCR 8.119 (Access to Court Records): This rule states there is a strong bias in favor of public access to court records. It lists types of records that are not public. It also outlines the process for sealing records. A judge must find "good cause" and no "less restrictive means" to protect a specific interest before sealing a record. Read the rule details here.

• MCR 8.116(D) (Courtroom Decorum): This rule presumes court proceedings are open to the public. It allows limited exceptions.

• MCR 6.007 (Public Access): This rule applies in criminal cases. It says records are presumed public unless a statute or court rule closes them.

Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) gives people the right to access public records from public bodies. However, the judiciary (courts) is technically exempt from FOIA (MCL 15.232(h)(iv)). Public access to court records is mainly governed by the Michigan Court Rules discussed above. FOIA is more often used for records from state agencies, county departments (like the Sheriff or Health Department), or city governments.

Statutory Right to Attend Proceedings

Beyond court rules, state law also supports open courts.

• MCL 600.1420 (Sittings of court public): This Michigan law states that the court sessions must be public. Anyone can attend. There are very limited exceptions. For example, a judge can exclude minors from cases involving scandal or immorality. See the law here. This law reinforces the idea that court business should happen in the open.