Wayne County MI Court Records

Thank you for coming here to learn about Wayne County Court Records. Our goal is to give you the best help. We want to make your search for these public records easy. This page has lots of facts for you.

If you wish to start a search now, go to https://michiganofficialrecords.com/wayne-county-court-records/. This site can help you find Wayne County Court Records right away. It offers a simple way to look for cases. You can search by name or other case details. Use it if you need fast access to record information. It can save you time.

Accessing Wayne County Court Records

You can get Wayne County Court Records in a few ways. Some ways use the web. Other ways need you to go in person. Each way has steps to follow. Choose the way that works best for you.

Online Search Portals

Wayne County offers online tools to find court records. These tools let you search from home or work. They are a fast way to find some case data. Not all data is online. Some old records are not online.

Third Judicial Circuit Odyssey Public Access (OPA)

The Third Judicial Circuit Court uses the Odyssey Public Access system. You can find it at https://cmspublic.3rdcc.org/. This site lets you search for cases. Select "Criminal Cases" or other types. Search by case number or name. You can also search by lawyer name. Or use the date the case was filed. The OPA site shows case search results. It shows the register of actions. This lists things done in the case. It also has civil case records. But, the info online may be limited. For full records, you may need to go in person. This is true for Detroit cases after 1983 too.

MiCOURT Statewide Case Search

Michigan has a state site called MiCOURT Case Search. Find it at https://micourt.courts.michigan.gov/case-search/. This site includes many courts in Michigan. Wayne County courts are part of this. You can search many case types here. This includes Civil, Traffic, and Criminal cases. It also has Domestic and Probate cases. Some case types are not shown. These include adoptions and juvenile cases. Also PPOs and mental health cases. Some courts only show crime convictions for the last seven years. Check the site for which courts do this. You must call those courts for older crime data.

Online Information Limitations

Know that online sites have limits. Wayne County's OPA site has basic info. It shows case search lists and actions taken. It does not have full case files online. Older cases, before 1995, are often not online. You must find these at court offices. MiCOURT also hides some case types by law. These include juvenile cases and adoptions. For full details, you often must ask in person. Or ask by mail.

In-Person Record Requests

Going to the court or clerk office works well. This is best for full record access. It is needed for old or complex cases. Staff can help you find what you need. Be ready to spend some time there.

Wayne County Clerk - Records Division

The Wayne County Clerk handles many court records. Their Records Division is key for civil cases. It is in the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center. The address is 2 Woodward Ave, Room LL-61, Detroit, MI 48226. You can call them at (313) 224-5530. Go here for detailed civil case files. They can help with copies and certified records. Check their hours before you go. Most court offices work Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. But always call first to check.

Frank Murphy Hall of Justice - Records Room

For many criminal case records, go here. The Frank Murphy Hall of Justice is at 1441 St. Antoine, Detroit, MI 48226. The records room phone is (313) 224-2503 or (313) 224-2500. This is the main place for Third Circuit Criminal Division records. They handle felony cases. Some Detroit crime records after 1983 might be limited online. So, going here may be needed. Their hours are often Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Call to confirm hours and access rules.

Reviewing Records On-Site

When you visit, you can view records. Most courts have a public counter. You can ask to see files there. Court staff watch over the records. You cannot take files from the court. You must look at them there. For large files, staff may let you use a room. This depends on space and staff time. Plan your visit. Know the case number or party names. This helps staff find files fast.

Request Forms and Procedures

Most courts need you to fill out a form. This is for asking to see or copy records. Look for a "Court Record/Copy Request form". You can often get this at the clerk's office. Or find it on the court website. The form asks for the case number. Or the names of people in the case. Be clear about what you need. This helps staff help you faster. There are often fees for copies. Pay these when you make the request.

Types of Court Records Available

Wayne County courts handle many kinds of cases. The records for these cases are kept. Most are open to the public. Some have rules that limit access.

Civil Court Records

These records are from cases between people or groups. Money or rights are often involved.

General Civil Cases

This includes lawsuits over contracts or injury. Property fights are also civil cases. The Wayne County Clerk keeps these files. The Third Judicial Circuit Court hears these cases. Records show who sued who. They list court dates and rulings. You can find motions and orders filed.

Domestic Relations Cases

These are family law cases. They include divorce (DM case code). They also cover child custody (DC case code). Paternity cases (DP) are here too. Support orders (DS) are part of this. These files are held by the County Clerk. The Third Circuit Court Family Division handles them. Records detail orders about kids, property, and support. These files often contain deep personal details. Access might have some limits.

Criminal Court Records

These records involve acts against the law. The state charges a person or group.

Felony Cases

Felonies are serious crimes. Murder, robbery, and major drug crimes are felonies. These cases are heard in the Third Circuit Court Criminal Division. Records show charges, pleas, and verdicts. Sentencing details are also in the file. You can find warrants and bond info. The Frank Murphy Hall of Justice holds these records.

Misdemeanor Cases

Misdemeanors are less serious crimes. Things like petty theft or simple assault. Some traffic offenses are misdemeanors too. District Courts in Wayne County handle these. The 36th District Court in Detroit handles many. Records show the charge, court dates, and sentence. Access these records through the specific District Court. Or use the MiCOURT online search.

Probate Court Records

The Wayne County Probate Court handles specific matters. These often involve property after death. Or care for those who cannot care for themselves. The court is at 1305 Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, 2 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48226. Call them at (313) 224-5706.

Decedent Estates

This involves handling a person's assets after death. Records include wills, if one exists. They list heirs and asset distribution. Petitions and orders are filed here. These records show how the estate was settled. You can search these records online or in person. Specific forms and fees apply.

Guardianships/Conservatorships

These cases appoint someone to care for another. A guardian cares for a minor child. Or an adult who cannot make choices. A conservator manages their money. Records detail who is appointed. They show the court's orders. These files have private data. Access may be limited to protect people.

Restricted and Non-Public Records

Not all court records are open to everyone. Michigan Court Rules list records that are private. See MCR 8.119(E). This includes juvenile court files. Adoption records are sealed. Mental health case records are private. Personal protection orders (PPOs) have limits. Courts can also order specific records sealed. You need special rights or a court order to see these. The chart of Nonpublic and Limited-Access Court Records has a full list.

Wayne County Court Locations and Contacts

Knowing where to go or call is key. Here are main locations for Wayne County Court Records.

Third Judicial Circuit Court of Michigan

This is the main trial court in Wayne County. It has several divisions at different sites. General court hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday. But specific divisions may vary slightly. Check their website: http://www.3rdcc.org/.

Civil / Family-Domestic Division Contact & Location

Handles general civil and family law cases.

• Location: Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, 2 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48226. Civil Division is often on the 7th floor.

• Phone: Civil Division general info (313) 224-5261. Transcripts: (313) 224-0409.

• Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays).

Criminal Division Contact & Location

Handles felony criminal cases.

• Location: Frank Murphy Hall of Justice, 1441 St. Antoine, Detroit, MI 48226.

• Phone: General info (313) 224-2503. Transcripts: (313) 224-2086.

• Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays).

Family-Juvenile Division Contact & Location

Handles juvenile delinquency and neglect cases. Also some family matters.

• Location: Lincoln Hall of Justice, 1025 E. Forest Avenue, Detroit, MI 48207.

• Phone: General info (313) 833-4 juvenile specific numbers). Transcripts: (313) 833-0167.

• Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays).

Wayne County Probate Court Contact & Location

Handles wills, estates, guardianships, conservatorships.

• Location: Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, 13th Floor, 2 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48226.

• Phone: (313) 224-5706.

• Hours: Check website or call. Usually aligns with county hours (8:30 AM - 4:30 PM). Website: https://www.wcpc.us/ 

Wayne County Clerk – Records Division Contact & Location

Maintains many court records, especially civil and domestic.

• Location: Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, Room LL-61, 2 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48226.

• Phone: (313) 224-5530.

• Hours: Check website or call. Usually aligns with county hours (8:30 AM - 4:30 PM). Website: https://www.waynecounty.com/elected/clerk/civil-court-services.aspx 

Fees Associated with Wayne County Court Records

Getting court records often involves fees. Fees cover the cost of staff time and supplies. Wayne County sets fees based on state law and local rules. Fees can change, so check current costs.

Copy and Certification Fees

• Copies: The Wayne County Clerk charges $2.00 per page for copies. This applies to civil records they hold. Other courts may have similar fees. Check with the specific court (Probate, District).

• Certification: To certify a document copy costs $10.00. This is plus the per page copy fee. A certified copy has a court seal. It proves the copy is true and correct.

• Probate Court Copies: Probate Court charges $1.00 per page for copies. Certified Letters cost $10.00 each. Certification under seal is $10.00.

Record Search Fees

If you ask court staff to search for records, there may be a fee. The Wayne County Clerk lists a $1.00 Record Search Fee. Probate Court charges $10.00 for examination of records by staff per name or estate. If you search yourself using public terminals, there is usually no fee. Online searches are also often free. But accessing full documents might cost money.

Court Filing Fees (Civil, Domestic, Motions)

Starting a case or filing motions has fees. These are not for getting old records. But they are part of court costs. Examples from the Wayne County Clerk Civil Division:

• New Civil Case (no jury): $175.00 (includes $150 filing fee + $25 e-file fee).

• New Civil Case (with jury): $260.00 ($150 + $85 jury fee + $25 e-file fee).

• Divorce (no children): $175.00.

• Divorce (with children): $255.00.

• Motions: $20.00 (general). Support motions are $60.00. Custody motions are $100.00.

Electronic Filing System Fee

For new civil cases in Circuit Court, a $25 fee is added. This is for the electronic filing system. It applies even if you file on paper. This started March 1, 2016. See MCL 600.1986. Lower court appeals are exempt. Cases started by government agencies are also exempt.

Probate Court Specific Fees

Probate Court has its own fee list. See their Schedule of Costs and Fees. Examples:

• Petition (start Decedent Estate): $175.00 (plus other potential fees).

• Motion: $75.00.

• Will Filed for Safekeeping: $15.00.

• Creditor's Claim: $15.00.

Rules Governing Access to Wayne County Court Records

Access is not wide open. Laws and court rules control access. These rules balance public access with privacy needs.

Michigan Court Rules (MCR)

Court records access is mainly governed by Michigan Court Rules. These rules are set by the Michigan Supreme Court. They apply to all state courts.

MCR 8.119: Access to Court Records

This is the main rule for court record access. MCR 8.119 states that court records are public. Anyone can inspect them unless restricted. Restrictions come from laws or court orders. The rule defines what court records are. It lists records that are nonpublic (MCR 8.119(E)). It allows courts to set procedures for access. This includes using request forms. It allows fees for copies (MCR 8.119(H)). It covers access to court recordings too (MCR 8.119(F)).

Exemption from Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

Michigan's Freedom of Information Act is at MCL 15.231 et seq. FOIA gives rights to access government records. But court records are usually exempt from FOIA. MCL 15.232(h)(v) excludes courts. Access to court records follows the Michigan Court Rules instead. So, making a FOIA request for court records is not the right path. You should follow court procedures under MCR 8.119.

Local Administrative Orders (LAOs)

Individual courts can issue Local Administrative Orders (LAOs). These orders give specific rules for that court. They must follow the Michigan Court Rules. An LAO might detail copy fees. It might set hours for record review. Or list steps for requesting old files. The Third Judicial Circuit Court may have LAOs. Wayne County Probate Court might too. Check the specific court's website for their LAOs.

Tips for Searching Wayne County Court Records

Searching can be smooth if you prepare. Know what you need and where to look. Use the available tools the right way.

Information Needed for Search

To find a specific case, you need good details.

• Case Number: This is the best way. Each case gets a unique number. If you have it, the search is fast.

• Party Names: Full names of people or businesses involved. Be sure spelling is correct. Use first and last names.

• Date Range: If you lack names or numbers, a date range helps. When was the case likely filed or active? This narrows the search.

• Case Type: Knowing if it is civil, criminal, or probate helps. This directs you to the right court division or clerk.

Using Online Search Functions Effectively

Online tools like OPA and MiCOURT are useful. Enter names carefully. Try variations if the first try fails. Use the case number if you have it. Read the search tips on the website. Select the correct court or county if needed. MiCOURT searches statewide or by court. OPA is specific to the Third Circuit.

Understanding Search Result Information

Online searches show key details. You will often see:

• Case Number: The official court identifier.

• Parties: Names of plaintiff, defendant, etc.

• Case Type: Civil, Criminal, Domestic, etc.

• Filing Date: When the case started.

• Judge: The judge assigned to the case.

• Register of Actions (ROA): A list of actions and filings. Shows dates of hearings, motions, orders.

• Disposition: The final outcome, if reached (e.g., dismissed, judgment, guilty plea).

Dealing with Older Records (Pre-1995)

Most online systems have newer cases. Records before about 1995 are often not online. These older records are usually on paper or microfilm. You must contact the court or clerk directly. Ask about access to archived records. They may be stored off-site. It might take a few days to get them. There may be extra fees for archive retrieval. Be patient when seeking old records. Provide as much detail as you can.