Ingham County Court Records
What Is Ingham County Court Records
Court records in Ingham County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records are maintained pursuant to Michigan Court Rule 8.119, which establishes standards for court record management throughout the state.
Ingham County court records typically include:
- Case files containing pleadings, motions, and other filed documents
- Docket sheets chronicling case events and filings
- Court orders and judgments
- Hearing and trial transcripts
- Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
- Sentencing information in criminal matters
- Case indices and registers of actions
Court records differ from other public records maintained by county offices. While the Ingham County Clerk manages vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates) and property documents, court records specifically document judicial proceedings and are maintained by the respective courts.
The following courts maintain records in Ingham County:
- 30th Circuit Court (general jurisdiction)
- 54A, 54B, and 55th District Courts (limited jurisdiction)
- Ingham County Probate Court
- Ingham County Family Court (division of Circuit Court)
These records span various case types including civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, family law matters, probate proceedings, and traffic violations. Under the Michigan Court Records Access Policy, most court records are presumed accessible to the public unless specifically restricted by statute or court rule.
Are Court Records Public In Ingham County
Court records in Ingham County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with Michigan's Freedom of Information Act MCL 15.231-15.246 and the First Amendment right of access to judicial proceedings. The Michigan Supreme Court has established that court records are presumptively open for public inspection and copying unless specifically exempted by statute, court rule, or order.
Publicly accessible court records in Ingham County typically include:
- Civil case files and pleadings
- Criminal case documents (post-charging)
- Court orders, judgments, and opinions
- Docket sheets and registers of actions
- Court calendars and hearing schedules
- Property records related to judgments
However, certain records may be restricted from public access pursuant to § 8.119(F) of the Michigan Court Rules, including:
- Social security numbers and financial account information
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
- Adoption proceedings
- Mental health commitment records
- Records sealed by court order
- Certain domestic violence and personal protection matters
It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the Western District of Michigan (which includes Ingham County) are governed by federal access rules rather than state provisions. These records are accessible through the federal PACER system rather than county or state portals.
The Michigan Supreme Court Administrative Order 1999-4 further clarifies public access policies for court records throughout the state, including those in Ingham County. This order establishes that "records shall be available for public inspection unless access is restricted by statute, court rule, or order."
How To Find Court Records in Ingham County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Ingham County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county currently maintains multiple access points for court record retrieval.
For in-person requests, individuals may visit the clerk's office of the specific court where the case was filed:
30th Circuit Court
Veterans Memorial Courthouse
313 W. Kalamazoo Street
Lansing, MI 48933
(517) 483-6500
30th Circuit Court
55th District Court
700 Buhl Avenue
Mason, MI 48854
(517) 676-8400
55th District Court
When requesting records in person, requestors should:
- Provide specific case information (case number preferred)
- Complete any required request forms
- Present valid identification
- Be prepared to pay applicable copy fees ($1.00 per page is standard)
- Allow time for clerk staff to locate and retrieve files
For remote requests, individuals may:
- Submit written requests via mail to the appropriate court clerk
- Include case information, specific documents needed, and contact information
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment for copy fees
- Allow 5-10 business days for processing
Pursuant to Michigan Court Rule 8.119(C), courts must respond to record requests within a reasonable time. The Michigan Court Case Search system provides an additional avenue for locating basic case information prior to requesting full records.
For certified copies of court documents, requestors must specifically indicate this requirement and pay additional certification fees (typically $10-15 per document).
How To Look Up Court Records in Ingham County Online?
Ingham County offers several digital platforms for accessing court records electronically. These systems vary by court and case type, providing different levels of document access.
The primary online resource is the MiCOURT Case Search portal, which provides access to case information from multiple courts within Ingham County. Through this system, users may:
- Search by party name, case number, or attorney
- View basic case information including filing dates, case type, and party names
- Access registers of actions showing chronological case events
- View scheduled hearing dates
- Determine case status (open/closed)
For 30th Circuit Court records, users may access:
- Case information through the Circuit Court Records Search
- Register of actions showing all filings and events
- Limited document images for certain case types
- Judge assignments and attorney information
The 54A District Court in Lansing provides online access through the 54-A District Court portal, where users can:
- Search traffic and criminal cases
- View scheduled court dates
- Access payment information for fines and costs
- Review case disposition information
For probate matters, the Ingham County Probate Court offers online access to:
- Estate and guardianship case information
- Scheduled hearing dates
- Register of actions
- Limited document access for non-confidential filings
When using these systems, users should note:
- Full document images may not be available for all case types
- Certain sensitive cases may be restricted from online viewing
- Historical cases (typically pre-2000) may have limited online information
- User registration may be required for certain functions
- Fees may apply for document downloads or extended searches
The Michigan Courts have implemented the Michigan Legal Help website to assist self-represented litigants in navigating court records and understanding legal processes.
How To Search Ingham County Court Records for Free?
Michigan law provides for public inspection of court records at no cost, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. Pursuant to MCL 600.2546, "any person has a right to inspect the records and files in any court in this state."
Free access options in Ingham County include:
In-Person Inspection
- Visit the clerk's office during regular business hours
- Request to view specific case files
- Use public access terminals available in courthouse lobbies
- No fee is charged for viewing records on-site
Online Basic Case Information
- The Cases, Opinions & Orders portal provides free access to basic case information
- Search by name or case number to view:
- Case type and filing date
- Party names
- Judge assignment
- Next scheduled court date
- Case status
Public Law Libraries
- The Ingham County Law Library located in the Veterans Memorial Courthouse offers free access to court records research tools
- Michigan State University Law Library provides public access to legal research databases
Self-Service Terminals
- Public access computers are available at:
- 30th Circuit Court Clerk's Office
- 55th District Court
- Ingham County Probate Court
- These terminals provide free access to case information and some document images
While basic searches are free, users should be aware of potential fees for:
- Printed copies ($1.00 per page standard)
- Certified copies ($10-15 per document)
- Record searches conducted by clerk staff
- Document downloads from certain online systems
- Archived record retrieval
The Michigan Court Rules § 8.119(J) authorizes courts to "charge reasonable fees for providing copies of documents or records." However, inspection of records remains free of charge under state law.
What's Included in a Ingham County Court Record?
Ingham County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with content varying by case type and court. Pursuant to Michigan Court Rule 8.119(D), court records must include specific components to maintain a complete case history.
Civil Case Records typically contain:
- Complaint or petition initiating the action
- Proof of service documents
- Answers, counterclaims, and cross-claims
- Motions and supporting briefs
- Court orders and opinions
- Exhibits and evidence admitted at hearings
- Judgment or dismissal documents
- Post-judgment filings and enforcement documents
- Transcripts (if ordered by parties)
- Appeal notices and related documentation
Criminal Case Records generally include:
- Charging documents (complaint, information, indictment)
- Arraignment records
- Bond and pretrial release information
- Motion filings and responses
- Evidence and exhibit logs
- Plea agreements or trial verdicts
- Sentencing information
- Probation reports (may be confidential)
- Restitution orders and payment records
- Appeal documentation
Family Court Records contain:
- Divorce petitions and responses
- Child custody and support determinations
- Parenting time orders
- Property division documents
- Personal protection orders
- Domestic violence proceedings
- Paternity determinations
- Name change petitions
- Adoption records (typically confidential)
Probate Court Records include:
- Wills and testamentary documents
- Estate inventories and accountings
- Guardianship and conservatorship filings
- Mental health commitment proceedings
- Trust administration documents
- Estate claims and distributions
- Minor settlement approvals
Each court record also contains a register of actions (docket sheet) that chronologically lists all events and filings in the case, providing a roadmap of the proceedings. Case indices are maintained to allow searching by party name, case number, and filing date.
Court records may also include audio or video recordings of proceedings in courts that utilize electronic recording systems rather than court reporters.
How Long Does Ingham County Keep Court Records?
Ingham County courts retain records according to the Michigan Trial Court Records Management Standards, which establish minimum retention periods for various document types. These standards are promulgated by the State Court Administrative Office pursuant to Michigan Court Rule 8.119(K).
Felony Case Records:
- Capital offenses: Permanent retention
- Non-capital felonies: 50 years after judgment
- Dismissed cases: 1 year after dismissal
- Expunged records: Destroyed upon court order
Misdemeanor Case Records:
- Convicted cases: 10 years after judgment
- Dismissed cases: 1 year after dismissal
- Traffic misdemeanors: 10 years after judgment
Civil Case Records:
- General civil cases: 10 years after case closure
- Small claims: 10 years after judgment
- Landlord-tenant: 10 years after judgment
- Civil infractions: 2 years after judgment
Family Court Records:
- Divorce with minor children: 82 years
- Divorce without minor children: 30 years
- Child custody: Until youngest child reaches 19
- Paternity: 82 years
- Personal protection orders: 5 years after expiration
Probate Records:
- Decedent estates: 10 years after closing
- Guardianships: 10 years after termination
- Conservatorships: 10 years after termination
- Mental health proceedings: 10 years after case closure
- Wills: Permanent retention
Court Recordings and Transcripts:
- Audio/video recordings: Minimum 1 year
- Transcripts: Same period as case file
- Exhibits: Returned to parties after appeal period
It is important to note that these are minimum retention periods, and some records may be kept longer at the court's discretion. Additionally, records of historical significance may be transferred to the Archives of Michigan for permanent preservation rather than destruction.
Digital records are subject to the same retention schedules as paper records. When the retention period expires, records are destroyed in accordance with approved disposition procedures that ensure confidentiality and security.
Types of Courts In Ingham County
Ingham County's judicial system consists of several courts with distinct jurisdictions and authority. Each court handles specific types of cases as prescribed by Michigan law.
30th Circuit Court
Veterans Memorial Courthouse
313 W. Kalamazoo Street
Lansing, MI 48933
(517) 483-6500
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
30th Circuit Court
54A District Court
124 W. Michigan Avenue
Lansing, MI 48933
(517) 483-4433
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
54-A District Court
54B District Court
101 Linden Street
East Lansing, MI 48823
(517) 351-7000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
54B District Court
55th District Court
700 Buhl Avenue
Mason, MI 48854
(517) 676-8400
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
55th District Court
Ingham County Probate Court
Veterans Memorial Courthouse
313 W. Kalamazoo Street, Room 201
Lansing, MI 48933
(517) 483-6300
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Ingham County Probate Court
The court hierarchy in Michigan proceeds from District Courts (limited jurisdiction) to Circuit Courts (general jurisdiction), then to the Michigan Court of Appeals, and finally to the Michigan Supreme Court. Cases may be appealed from lower courts to higher courts according to established procedures.
The 30th Circuit Court also includes a Family Division that handles domestic relations cases, juvenile matters, and child protective proceedings. This division operates under the same administrative structure as the main circuit court but focuses on family-related legal matters.
Small claims cases, which involve disputes of $6,500 or less, are handled by a division within the district courts. These proceedings are less formal and designed for litigants without attorneys.
What Types of Cases Do Ingham County Courts Hear?
Each court within Ingham County's judicial system has jurisdiction over specific case types as established by Michigan law. This jurisdictional framework ensures cases are heard by the appropriate judicial authority.
30th Circuit Court handles:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil lawsuits exceeding $25,000
- Real property disputes
- Appeals from district courts and administrative agencies
- Business and commercial litigation
- Medical malpractice claims
- Product liability cases
- Complex civil litigation
Family Division of Circuit Court oversees:
- Divorce and separation proceedings
- Child custody and parenting time disputes
- Child support establishment and enforcement
- Paternity determinations
- Juvenile delinquency cases
- Child protective proceedings
- Adoption matters
- Personal protection orders
- Name changes
District Courts (54A, 54B, and 55th) preside over:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases (punishable by up to 1 year)
- Civil lawsuits up to $25,000
- Landlord-tenant disputes
- Land contract forfeitures
- Traffic violations
- Ordinance violations
- Small claims (up to $6,500)
- Preliminary examinations in felony cases
- Civil infractions
Ingham County Probate Court manages:
- Decedent estate administration
- Will contests
- Trust administration and disputes
- Guardianships for minors and incapacitated adults
- Conservatorships for estates
- Mental health commitment proceedings
- Emancipation of minors
- Developmental disability guardianships
Specialized court programs in Ingham County include:
- Veterans Treatment Court (addressing needs of veteran defendants)
- Sobriety Court (for substance abuse-related offenses)
- Mental Health Court (for defendants with mental illness)
- Swift and Sure Sanctions Probation Program (intensive supervision)
- Juvenile Drug Treatment Court (for youth with substance issues)
Case assignment within each court is typically determined by random draw among judges, though specialized dockets may be assigned to specific judges with expertise in those areas. Complex cases may be designated for special case management procedures to ensure efficient processing.
How To Find a Court Docket In Ingham County
Court dockets in Ingham County provide chronological listings of scheduled hearings, filings, and case events. These records are accessible through multiple channels depending on the court and case type.
To access court dockets electronically, individuals may utilize:
-
The MiCOURT Case Search portal, which provides docket information for multiple courts including:
- Case number and filing date
- Party names and attorney information
- Scheduled hearing dates and times
- Judge assignment
- Case status and disposition
-
The Cases, Opinions & Orders system for appellate cases involving Ingham County matters
-
Individual court websites:
- 30th Circuit Court for circuit court dockets
- 54-A District Court for Lansing district court matters
- 55th District Court for county district court cases
For in-person docket access, individuals may:
- Visit the clerk's office of the relevant court
- Request to view the daily court calendar
- Use public access terminals in courthouse lobbies
- Attend the court session (most hearings are open to the public)
To search for specific case dockets, users should provide:
- Case number (most efficient search method)
- Party names (last name, first name)
- Attorney name for represented parties
- Approximate filing date if other information is unknown
Daily court calendars listing all scheduled proceedings are typically posted:
- On bulletin boards near courtrooms
- At clerk's office public counters
- On court websites (updated daily)
- Through electronic display boards in courthouse lobbies
Pursuant to Michigan Court Rule 8.119(D)(1), courts must maintain a "chronological case history that indicates the date of filings, the judge assigned, and the case status," which constitutes the official court docket.
Which Courts in Ingham County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Michigan's judicial system, the distinction between "courts of record" and "courts not of record" is established by MCL 600.8101, which designates district courts as courts of record. This classification determines whether proceedings are formally recorded and transcripts maintained.
Currently, all courts operating within Ingham County are classified as courts of record, including:
- 30th Circuit Court
- 54A District Court (Lansing)
- 54B District Court (East Lansing)
- 55th District Court (Mason)
- Ingham County Probate Court
As courts of record, these judicial bodies:
- Maintain verbatim records of all proceedings
- Employ court reporters or electronic recording systems
- Produce official transcripts upon request
- Preserve evidence and exhibits
- Maintain comprehensive case files
Historically, justice of the peace courts and municipal courts in Michigan were not courts of record, but these were abolished and replaced by the district court system through the District Court Act of 1968, specifically MCL 600.9921.
The Small Claims Division within district courts operates with simplified procedures, but remains a division of a court of record. While formal transcripts are not typically produced for small claims hearings unless specifically requested, these proceedings still fall under the district court's status as a court of record.
It is important to note that administrative tribunals and quasi-judicial bodies that may operate in Ingham County (such as the Tax Tribunal or administrative hearing officers) are not courts and therefore not classified as either courts of record or courts not of record.