Kent County MI Court Records

We are glad you came to this page. We want to help you find the Kent County Court Records you need. Our goal is to give you the best facts fast. We will show you how to look for and get these key public files.

If you want to start your search for Kent County Court Records right now, you can visit https://michiganofficialrecords.com/kent-county-court-records/. This site offers a way to begin looking for the case files or documents you might be trying to locate within Kent County. Use their tools to see if the specific records you need are available through their system quickly.

Accessing Kent County Court Records

You have many ways to find Kent County court records. Some are online. Some need a visit in person. You can also ask by mail. Each way has its own steps. We list them here for you. Know the right way to ask. This will save you time.

Online Kent County Court Records Search

Many Kent County court records can be found online. The main Kent County website has a Search Court Records page. This links to the 17th Circuit Court Name Search. This lets you search Circuit Court cases. It includes crime cases since 2018. It has civil cases back to 1987. You can search by name or case number. This is a good place to start for many case types. It is free to search the index. Fees may apply for copies.

You can also use the Michigan Courts MiCourt Case Search. This tool covers many courts in the state. Select Kent County or a specific District Court like the 63rd. It can show case data like party names, status, and dates. Be aware, some online searches like MiCourt might limit results. They may only show the last seven years. For older Kent County Court Records, you must contact the court clerk.

The Kent County Probate Court offers its own Name Search. Use this for wills, estates, and trusts. It also covers adult care cases. Note that minor child care cases (GM, LG) are now with the Circuit Court. They will not show up in this search. Some local District Courts have search tools too. The 62-B District Court in Kentwood has a record search. Check the site for the court you need.

In-Person Kent County Court Records Requests

You can go get records in person. This works well if you need help. Or if the records are old or not online. Go to the right office for the case type. For 17th Circuit Court records, go to the Kent County Clerk. The office is in the main courthouse.

• Kent County Clerk's Office (Circuit Court)

  • Location: Kent County Courthouse

  • Address: 180 Ottawa Ave NW, Suite 2400, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

  • Counter Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday

For Probate Court records like wills or estates:

• Kent County Probate Court

  • Location: Kent County Courthouse

  • Address: 180 Ottawa Ave NW, Suite 2500, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

  • Counter Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday (Office Hours 8 AM - 5 PM)

For the 63rd District Court records (misdemeanors, small claims outside main cities):

• 63rd District Court

  • Address: 1950 E. Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525-7075

  • Phone: (616) 632-7770 (Call for specific counter hours, likely 8 AM - 5 PM weekdays)

Other District Courts serve specific cities:

• 59th District Court (Grandville): 3161 Wilson Ave SW, Grandville MI, 49418. Phone: (616) 538-9660.

• 59th District Court (Walker): 4343 Remembrance Road NW, Walker MI, 49534. Phone: (616) 453-5765.

• 61st District Court (Grand Rapids): 180 Ottawa Ave NW, #1400, Grand Rapids MI, 49503. Phone: (616) 632-5700.

• 62A District Court (Wyoming): 2650 DeHoop Ave SW, Wyoming MI, 49509. Phone: (616) 530-7385.

• 62B District Court (Kentwood): 4740 Walma Ave SE, Kentwood MI, 49512. Phone: (616) 698-9310.

Bring the case number if you have it. If not, bring the full names of people in the case. This helps staff find the file fast.

Mail Requests for Kent County Court Records

You can ask for records by mail. This is good if you live far away. Make sure your request is clear. Send it to the right place. For Circuit Court records, use the Certified Court Record Request form if you need certified copies. Or write a letter. Include your name, phone, and address. Give the full name of people or firms in the case. Add the case number if known. Add the year the case was filed. Send to the Kent County Clerk's Office address listed above (Suite 2400).

For Probate Court records, check their website or call. They may have a form or specific steps. Use the Probate Court address listed above (Suite 2500). For District Court records, contact the specific court. Ask them how to request records by mail. Use the addresses and phone numbers listed above for each District Court. Mail requests take time to process. Plan for this delay.

Types of Kent County Court Records Available

Different courts handle different case types. Knowing which court has your record is key. Kent County has Circuit, District, and Probate courts. Each keeps its own files. Access to some Kent County Court Records may be limited by law.

17th Circuit Court Records

The Kent County Clerk manages records for the 17th Circuit Court. This court is a trial court of general jurisdiction. It hears more serious cases. Types of Circuit Court records include:

• Felony Criminal Cases: These are serious crimes. Think murder, robbery, or major drug crimes.

• Civil Lawsuits: Cases where the claim is for more than $25,000. This could be contract fights or injury claims.

• Family Division Cases: These deal with home life issues. This includes divorce, child custody, and child support. It also covers paternity tests and Personal Protection Orders (PPOs).

• Juvenile Matters: Cases involving youth under 18. This includes delinquency and abuse or neglect cases. Access to these files is often restricted.

• Appeals: Cases appealed from a District Court decision. Or appeals from some state agency rulings.

The Kent County Clerk's office keeps these files. Many recent files can be searched online. Older files may need a direct request. Remember, files like PPOs or adoptions may be sealed. They are not public.

District Court Records

Kent County has several District Courts. Each serves a part of the county. The 63rd District Court covers areas outside major cities. The 59th, 61st, 62A, and 62B courts serve specific cities like Grand Rapids, Walker, Grandville, Wyoming, and Kentwood. District Courts handle cases with lower stakes. Types of District Court records include:

• Misdemeanor Criminal Cases: Less serious crimes. Think theft under a certain value, simple assault, or drunk driving (first offense). Max jail time is usually one year or less.

• Civil Lawsuits: Claims for money up to $25,000.

• Small Claims Cases: Simpler civil cases. Claims are usually under a few thousand dollars. No lawyers are needed.

• Landlord/Tenant Disputes: Issues like eviction or unpaid rent.

• Traffic Violations: Tickets for speeding or running red lights. These are civil infractions.

• Municipal Civil Infractions: Breaking local rules, like zoning codes.

• Felony Arraignments: The first court date for a felony case. The District Court also holds preliminary exams. These see if there is enough proof for a trial in Circuit Court.

Each District Court keeps its own files. Some offer online search. Contact the specific court for access details.

Probate Court Records

The Kent County Probate Court handles specific legal matters. These often relate to life events like death or incapacity. Types of Probate Court records include:

• Wills and Estate Administration: Managing a person's things after they die. This includes proving a will is valid. It involves paying debts and sharing assets.

• Trusts: Managing assets held in a trust.

• Guardianships: Appointing someone to care for an adult who cannot care for them self. Or for someone with a developmental disability. Minor guardianships are now in Circuit Court.

• Conservatorships: Appointing someone to manage the money of an adult who cannot. Or for a minor.

• Mental Health Cases: Proceedings for court-ordered mental health care.

• Name Change Petitions: Requests to legally change one's name.

The Probate Court has its own online search tool. You can also visit their office in the Kent County Courthouse.

Understanding Kent County Court Records

Court records contain official details about legal cases. Knowing what is in them helps your search. Kent County Court Records follow standard formats. Key pieces of data are always present. This helps keep things clear for all who need them. The format makes finding data easy.

Inside a typical court file, you will find key facts. This includes the full names of all people involved. These are the plaintiffs and defendants. You will see the case ID number. This unique code tracks the case. The date the case was filed is there too. The current status of the case (open, closed) is listed. Dates for past or future court hearings are shown. The judge's name may be listed. Rulings or orders made by the judge are part of the record. Some records might show if money is owed to the court. This could be fines or fees.

Case numbers are very important. Each case gets a unique number when filed. This number links all papers for that case. If you know the case number, finding the record is much faster. Use it for online searches or when asking court staff. Docket sheets list all actions taken in a case. They show dates for filings, hearings, and orders. They give a timeline of the case. Use these tools well. They help make sense of the legal path a case took. Good search needs good data.

Fees Associated with Kent County Court Records

Accessing Kent County Court Records is often free to search online indexes. But getting copies usually costs money. Fees help cover the cost of keeping records and staff time. Know the costs before you request copies. Each court may have its own fee list.

Online search tools provided by Kent County courts are typically free for basic name or case number searches. This lets you check if a record exists and view basic details. However, if you want to view or download a full document image online, a fee might apply. Check the specific court website for online copy costs.

If you request paper copies from the court clerk, there is usually a per-page fee. This fee can vary. For example, the Kent County Clerk charges for deed copies. The cost might be $1.00 per page or more for court records. Always ask the specific clerk's office (Circuit, District, Probate) for their current copy fee schedule. They can tell you the exact cost per page.

If you need a certified copy, expect an extra fee. A certified copy has an official stamp and signature. This shows it is a true copy of the original record. Certification adds cost beyond the per-page copy fee. Again, ask the specific court clerk for the current certification fee. Fees can add up, especially for large files. Ask about costs upfront. Pay fees as directed by the court. This ensures you get the copies you need.

Limitations and Restrictions on Access

Most Kent County Court Records are public. But not all records can be seen by just anyone. Michigan law and court rules protect some information. It is good to know these limits. They protect privacy and safety.

Some records are sealed or expunged. A judge can order a record sealed. This means it is removed from public view. Expunged records are treated as if they never existed. These types of Kent County Court Records are not available to the public. Access is usually limited to law enforcement or court staff. Cases involving juveniles often have strict access rules. The goal is to protect the minor's privacy. Access might be limited to parties involved or by court order. These cases are heard in the Circuit Court Family Division.

Certain types of information are kept private by law. Personal Protection Orders (PPOs) may have limits on public access. This protects victims. Adoption records are usually sealed to protect privacy. Details like Social Security numbers or bank accounts are often redacted. This means they are blacked out in public copies. The Michigan Court Rules, specifically MCR 8.119(H), outline public access rules. They list what must be public and what can be kept private. The Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) also governs access. It applies to government records, including some court records. Some online search tools may only show recent records. For example, MiCourt might limit results to seven years. Older Kent County Court Records need a direct request to the court clerk.

Key Kent County Court Contact Information

Here is contact information for key offices handling Kent County Court Records.

• Kent County Clerk / Register of Deeds

  • Clerk: Lisa Posthumus Lyons

  • Address: 180 Ottawa Ave NW, Suite 2400, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

  • Phone: (616) 632-5480

  • Fax: (616) 632-5458

  • Public Counter Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday

• 17th Circuit Court

  • Address: Kent County Courthouse, 180 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

  • Main Phone: (616) 632-5220

  • Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday

• 63rd District Court
  
  

  • Address: 1950 E. Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525-7075

  • Phone: (616) 632-7770

  • Fax: (616) 363-6808

  • Hours: Assume 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday (Call to confirm)

• Probate Court

  • Address: Kent County Courthouse, 180 Ottawa Ave NW, Suite 2500, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

  • Phone: (616) 632-5440

  • Fax: (616) 632-5430

  • Counter Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday (Office: 8 AM - 5 PM)

• Other District Courts:

  • 59th (Grandville): 3161 Wilson Ave SW, Grandville MI, 49418 | (616) 538-9660

  • 59th (Walker): 4343 Remembrance Road NW, Walker MI, 49534 | (616) 453-5765

  • 61st (Grand Rapids): 180 Ottawa Ave NW, #1400, Grand Rapids MI, 49503 | (616) 632-5700

  • 62A (Wyoming): 2650 DeHoop Ave SW, Wyoming MI, 49509 | (616) 530-7385

  • 62B (Kentwood): 4740 Walma Ave SE, Kentwood MI, 49512 | (616) 698-9310