Grand Traverse County Court Records

What Is Grand Traverse County Court Records

Court records in Grand Traverse County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records constitute a comprehensive archive 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 Grand Traverse County, such as:

• Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens)
• Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
• Tax records
• Voter registration information

The following courts in Grand Traverse County maintain official court records:

• 13th Circuit Court
• 86th District Court
• Grand Traverse County Probate Court
• Family Court (division of Circuit Court)

These records encompass various case types including civil litigation, criminal proceedings, family matters, probate cases, and traffic violations. Pursuant to Michigan Compiled Laws § 600.1428, court clerks are required to maintain these records according to standards established by the Michigan Supreme Court.

Are Court Records Public In Grand Traverse County

Court records in Grand Traverse County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with Michigan's court rules and the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Act 442 of 1976. The presumption of openness is established by Michigan Court Rule 8.119(F), which states that court records are public unless specifically exempted by court rule, statute, or court order.

Records typically available for public inspection include:

• Most civil case files
• Criminal case files (post-charging)
• Judgments and orders
• Docket sheets
• Hearing schedules

However, certain records may be restricted from public access, including:

• Juvenile records (unless waived to adult court)
• Adoption proceedings
• Mental health commitment records
• Records sealed by court order
• Certain family court records
• Records subject to specific statutory exemptions

It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan are governed by federal rules rather than state regulations. Access to these records is provided through the federal PACER system.

The Michigan Supreme Court has established comprehensive rules regarding public access to court records through Administrative Order No. 1999-4, which implements the principles of open access while protecting legitimate privacy concerns.

How To Find Court Records in Grand Traverse County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Grand Traverse County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents:

1. Visit the appropriate courthouse in person:

   • Identify which court holds the records of interest
   • Bring case number or party names for efficient searching
   • Present valid photo identification
   • Complete any required request forms
   • Pay applicable copy fees

2. Submit a written request:

   • Direct requests to the clerk of the specific court
   • Include detailed case information
   • Provide contact information and preferred delivery method
   • Enclose payment for any applicable fees

3. Access records online:

   • Utilize the Grand Traverse County Online Records portal
   • Search the Michigan Courts Case Search
   • Check court-specific electronic access systems

4. Contact the County Clerk's Office:

Grand Traverse County Clerk's Office
400 Boardman Avenue, Suite 101
Traverse City, MI 49684
(231) 922-4760
Grand Traverse County Clerk

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

When requesting records, be prepared to provide:

• Case number (if known)
• Names of parties involved
• Approximate date of filing or case activity
• Case type (civil, criminal, family, etc.)
• Specific documents needed

Fees for copies are established pursuant to MCL § 600.2546 and vary based on document type and certification requirements.

How To Look Up Court Records in Grand Traverse County Online?

Grand Traverse County offers several digital platforms for accessing court records electronically:

1. Grand Traverse County Online Records Portal

   • Navigate to the Online Records section of the county website
   • Select the record type you wish to search (Civil and Criminal Cases, Marriage Licenses, etc.)
   • Enter search criteria such as name, case number, or date range
   • Review search results and select specific records to view
   • Note that some records may only display basic information, requiring in-person visits for complete files

2. Michigan Courts Case Search

   • Visit the Michigan Courts Case Search
   • Select Grand Traverse County from the jurisdiction dropdown
   • Enter party name or case number
   • Apply filters for case type or date range if needed
   • Review results and access available documents

3. Circuit and Family Court Records

   • Access the Circuit & Family Court Records page
   • Follow the instructions for searching specific case types
   • Note that certain family court matters may have restricted access

4. District Court Records

   • Visit the 86th District Court website
   • Use the case lookup feature
   • Enter required search parameters
   • Review available case information

When using online search tools, users should be aware that:

• Not all court records are available electronically
• Some records may be redacted or limited in scope
• Recent filings may not appear immediately in online systems
• Certain sensitive case types may be excluded from online access

How To Search Grand Traverse County Court Records for Free?

Grand Traverse County provides several options for accessing court records without charge, in accordance with Michigan's public records laws:

1. In-Person Inspection

   • Michigan Court Rule 8.119(F) guarantees the right to inspect public court records without charge
   • Visit the appropriate courthouse during regular business hours
   • Computer terminals are available in the Court Section for public review of court records
   • While inspection is free, copying fees may apply if printed copies are requested

2. Free Online Resources

   • The Grand Traverse County Online Records portal offers free searches for:
     • Assumed Business Names (DBA)
     • Civil and Criminal Cases
     • Death Records
     • Dog Licenses
     • Marriage Licenses
   • The Civil & Criminal Records Search function is available without charge

3. Public Access Terminals

   • Computer terminals at the courthouse provide free access to electronic court records
   • Available during regular business hours
   • Staff assistance may be available for search guidance

4. Court Calendars and Dockets

   • Daily court schedules and hearing information are publicly posted at no cost
   • Some docket information is available through the county website

While basic access is provided without charge, users should note that fees may apply for:

• Printed copies of documents
• Certified copies of records
• Records requiring extensive staff research
• Specialized document requests

These fees are established pursuant to MCL § 600.2546 and are intended to cover the actual cost of reproduction rather than to generate revenue.

What's Included in a Grand Traverse County Court Record?

Court records in Grand Traverse County typically contain multiple document types that collectively provide a comprehensive account of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type but generally include:

Case Initiation Documents:

• Complaints or petitions
• Summonses
• Warrants (in criminal cases)
• Initial appearances
• Arraignment information

Procedural Documents:

• Motions and responses
• Briefs and memoranda
• Discovery materials (when filed with the court)
• Subpoenas
• Notices of hearing
• Scheduling orders

Evidentiary Materials:

• Exhibits admitted into evidence
• Affidavits
• Witness lists
• Expert reports (when filed)
• Deposition transcripts (when filed)

Court-Generated Documents:

• Orders and opinions
• Judgments
• Transcripts of proceedings
• Docket sheets
• Minutes of court sessions
• Sentencing information (in criminal cases)

Case Disposition Documents:

• Settlement agreements (when filed)
• Dismissal orders
• Verdicts
• Final judgments
• Appeals information
• Satisfaction of judgment notices

Administrative Records:

• Case assignment information
• Filing fee receipts
• Service of process verification
• Attorney appearances and withdrawals

In accordance with Michigan Court Rule 1.109, certain personal identifying information must be protected in court filings, including:

• Social Security numbers
• Financial account numbers
• Driver's license numbers
• Dates of birth
• Names of minor children

These protections ensure that while court records remain accessible, sensitive personal information is safeguarded from potential misuse.

How Long Does Grand Traverse County Keep Court Records?

Grand Traverse County maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the Michigan Supreme Court pursuant to MCL § 399.811. These schedules vary by record type and court jurisdiction:

Circuit Court Records:

• Felony case files: 75 years after case closure
• Civil case files: 10 years after case closure
• Domestic relations cases: 30 years after case closure
• Personal Protection Orders: 5 years after expiration
• Appeals: 25 years after final order
• Adoption records: Permanent retention

District Court Records:

• Misdemeanor cases: 10 years after case closure
• Civil cases: 10 years after case closure
• Traffic violations: 7 years after case closure
• Small claims: 10 years after case closure
• Landlord-tenant matters: 10 years after case closure

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 case closure
• Minor guardianships: 10 years after minor reaches age 18

Permanent Records:

• Judgment dockets and indexes
• Case indexes
• Naturalization records
• Adoption records
• Register of actions for felony cases

The Michigan Trial Court Records Management Standards provide comprehensive guidance on record retention. After the retention period expires, records may be destroyed according to approved procedures unless they have been designated for permanent preservation due to historical significance.

Digital records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records, though the storage medium may differ. The county maintains backup systems to ensure the preservation of electronic records throughout their required retention periods.

Types of Courts In Grand Traverse County

Grand Traverse County's judicial system consists of several courts, each with specific jurisdiction and authority:

13th Circuit Court
328 Washington Street
Traverse City, MI 49684
(231) 922-4701
13th Circuit Court
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

86th District Court
280 Washington Street
Traverse City, MI 49684
(231) 922-4580
86th District Court
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Grand Traverse County Probate Court
328 Washington Street, Suite 300
Traverse City, MI 49684
(231) 922-4700
Grand Traverse County Probate Court
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Family Division of Circuit Court
328 Washington Street
Traverse City, MI 49684
(231) 922-4580
Family Court
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

The court hierarchy in Michigan proceeds from local courts to appellate courts:

1. District and Probate Courts (trial courts of limited jurisdiction)
2. Circuit Courts (principal trial courts)
3. Michigan Court of Appeals (intermediate appellate court)
4. Michigan Supreme Court (court of last resort)

Appeals from Grand Traverse County courts are directed to the Michigan Court of Appeals, 4th District, and potentially to the Michigan Supreme Court for final review.

What Types of Cases Do Grand Traverse County Courts Hear?

Each court in Grand Traverse County has jurisdiction over specific case types as established by Michigan law:

13th Circuit Court:

• Felony criminal cases
• Civil cases with claims exceeding $25,000
• Real property disputes
• Appeals from District Court and administrative agencies
• Business and commercial litigation
• Personal injury claims
• Medical malpractice cases
• Contract disputes with high monetary value

86th District Court:

• Misdemeanor criminal cases (punishable by up to 1 year)
• Civil cases with claims up to $25,000
• Small claims (up to $6,500)
• Landlord-tenant disputes
• Traffic violations
• Preliminary examinations for felony cases
• Civil infractions
• Land contract forfeitures

Grand Traverse County Probate Court:

• Decedent estate administration
• Will contests
• Guardianships and conservatorships
• Mental health commitment proceedings
• Trust administration disputes
• Emancipation of minors
• Name changes

Family Division of Circuit Court:

• Divorce proceedings
• Child custody and support
• Parenting time disputes
• Paternity cases
• Personal protection orders
• Juvenile delinquency
• Child abuse and neglect
• Adoptions

Case assignment is determined by statutory jurisdiction as outlined in the Michigan Compiled Laws § 600.601 for Circuit Courts, § 600.8301 for District Courts, and § 700.1302 for Probate Courts.

How To Find a Court Docket In Grand Traverse County

Court dockets in Grand Traverse County provide chronological listings of all proceedings and filings in a case. Members of the public can access these dockets through several methods:

1. Online Docket Access:

   • Visit the Grand Traverse County Court Cases portal
   • Search by case number, party name, or attorney
   • Review docket entries showing filing dates, document titles, and hearing information
   • Note that some case types may have restricted online access

2. In-Person Docket Review:

   • Visit the clerk's office at the appropriate courthouse
   • Request docket information for specific cases
   • Use public access terminals to search electronic docket systems
   • Staff can assist with locating docket information

3. Court Calendar Information:

   • Daily court calendars listing scheduled hearings are posted at each courthouse
   • Some calendar information may be available on the county website
   • Calendars typically show case numbers, party names, hearing types, and assigned courtrooms

4. Written Requests:

   • Submit a written request to the appropriate court clerk
   • Include case number or party names
   • Specify the docket information needed
   • Include contact information for response

When searching for docket information, users should be prepared to provide:

• Case number (if known)
• Full names of parties involved
• Approximate date of case filing
• Case type

Docket information is updated regularly but may experience slight delays between court actions and system updates. For the most current information, direct contact with the court clerk is recommended.

Which Courts in Grand Traverse County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Michigan's judicial system, a "court of record" is defined as a court that creates and maintains verbatim transcripts of proceedings and formal documentation of all matters heard before it, as specified in Michigan Compiled Laws § 600.8101. Courts not of record typically handle minor matters with simplified procedures and do not maintain comprehensive transcripts unless specifically requested.

In Grand Traverse County, the following are not courts of record:

Small Claims Division of the 86th District Court

• Handles civil claims up to $6,500
• Proceedings are informal with simplified rules
• No attorneys are permitted to represent parties
• No verbatim record is made unless a party requests it in advance and pays the recording fee
• Appeals from Small Claims are heard de novo (completely new hearing) in District Court

Informal Probate Proceedings

• Certain uncontested probate matters may be handled informally
• These proceedings do not require formal hearings with transcripts
• Can be converted to formal proceedings upon request

All other courts in Grand Traverse County are courts of record, including:

• 13th Circuit Court
• 86th District Court (regular division)
• Grand Traverse County Probate Court (formal proceedings)
• Family Division of Circuit Court

The distinction between courts of record and those not of record is significant for appeal purposes. Appeals from courts not of record typically involve a completely new hearing (trial de novo) rather than a review of the existing record, as specified in Michigan Court Rule 7.103.

Lookup Court Records in Grand Traverse County

Civil and criminal records search

County Clerk's Office court records

Circuit and Family Court Records

Online Records portal

Court Cases information