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Kalamazoo County Court Records

Kalamazoo County court records are documents filed or created when civil disputes or criminal cases are brought before the court. They are constantly updated as different stages of the proceeding unfold and serve as official documentation of cases. These records are preserved for future reference by the court and other interested individuals. Certain documents found in court records are required for various official functions, including academic research, genealogical research, applications for government IDs, and background checks.

Court records contain important information about cases, mainly identifying information about case parties, information about the case (e.g., charges or claim amount), court events and dates, and court decisions. The Kalamazoo County clerk is the official custodian of the county court records and is also responsible for making copies available to requesting parties. This office is also the custodian of many other Kalamazoo County public records, including vital records and properties.

Are Kalamazoo County Court Records Public?

Michigan Court Rule 8.119 governs maintenance and public access to Kalamazoo County court records. Under the rules set forth herein, case records are not absolutely open to the public. Interested persons can inspect and obtain copies of case histories and files created or maintained in accordance with subrule D of this rule. Most criminal and civil case types and their associated records are public unless any of the following applies:

  • The record contains juvenile information
  • It is related to mental health proceedings
  • Trade secrets or proprietary information may be disclosed
  • A requested record has been sealed by court order
  • The requested record has not been created at the time of the request
  • Medical reports

What Information is Available in Kalamazoo County Court Records?

The following are may be obtained during an official Kalamazoo County court record lookup:

  • Case identification information: case number/docket number, case type, case status, court name, division, and jurisdiction, and filing date.
  • Party information: names (and aliases) of defendants and plaintiffs, date of birth, key physical attributes, addresses, and business names.
  • Charge description (for criminal cases) and cause of action or claims (for civil cases)
  • Docket entries and documents: filings, court orders, warrants, affidavits, police reports, exhibits, transcripts, motions, and services of process.
  • Case outcomes and court dispositions.

Kalamazoo County Court Records Search

  • Online Access - Interested persons can view records online through the Michigan statewide public court case search portal known as MiCOURT. On the search interface, a user can search for records using a party name or case number. It also allows users to filter search results by case type. Search results often include case numbers and other case identifiers, case type and status, filing date, and docket entries. Note that circuit court records are not available online.
  • In-Person Access - this method is recommended for people looking to obtain circuit court, official, certified, or complete records, as neither of these are available online. The county clerk’s office is responsible for processing requests for court records. While record inspections are typically free, fees are required for copies.
  • Mail and Phone Requests - requests for public records can be submitted to the county clerk’s office by email, mail, or fax, but not over the phone. Only use the phone option for inquiries and not actual requests.

201 W. Kalamazoo Avenue

Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Phone: (269) 384-8111

Fees for Court Records in Kalamazoo County

According to the district court’s fee schedule, copies of court records are available at $1.00 per page for the first 5 pages requested in a single day. DVD recordings, each containing no more than 1 hearing costs $20.00. For certifications, the fee is $10.00. Certified copies of vital records (birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licences) maintained by the county clerk are available at $20.00 for the first copy and $7.00 for each additional certified copy of the same record. Copies of probate court records cost $1.00 per page and $10.00 for certification.

Kalamazoo County Courthouse Locations

Kalamazoo County has two main courthouses, the circuit court and the district court. The district court is further divided into smaller divisions for specific case types. The divisions are mainly criminal and civil divisions, with the being further subdivided into family and probate divisions. On the other hand, the district court is divided into civil, criminal, and traffic divisions. The county’s circuit is the apex court in Kalamazoo’s court system and handles most cases that are beyond the jurisdiction of the district court. Below are the two different courthouse occasions in Kalamazoo County:

8th District Court & 9th Circuit Court

330 Eleanor St.

Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Phone: (269) 383-8837

Gull Road Justice Complex

9th Circuit Court & Probate Court

1536 Gull Road.

Kalamazoo, MI 49048

Phone: (269) 385-6000

Criminal Records Access in Kalamazoo County

The Michigan State Police facilitates state-level criminal history checks. Background checks with the state police require either a defendant’s name or fingerprints. While names-based searches are the most commonly used option, fingerprint searches are only done if such a search is required by a federal or state statute or executive order. Furthermore, the latter is only used for official applications, such as expunging, modifying, or updating a person’s criminal history record. Name-based searches are available through ICHAT. This platform contains information for misdemeanor and felony convictions punishable by up to 93 days.

All criminal cases for individuals 18 years and older are filed at the district court and related case records are available through the MiCOURT platform. To perform a search, one needs to know the name of the defendant or the case number. Alternatively, a record seeker may visit the clerk of court during business hours to request records

8th District Court

330 Eleanor St.

Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Phone: (269) 384-8171

Hours: Monday through Thursday; 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Kalamazoo County Probate Records

Kalamazoo County probate records are documents filed in relation to probate matters handled in the county’s probate court. This court hears cases concerning trust administration, decedent estate and wills, appointment and supervision of guardians and conservators (for adults, developmentally disabled individuals, and minors), and mental health cases. While Kalamazoo probate records are assumed public, certain probate matters, such as mental health cases, are considered sensitive and associated records are often confidential.

Public copies of wills and probate filings are available through the Kalamazoo County Clerk’s Office. Record requests and related inquiries should be directed to this office during business hours, Monday through Friday. Records are also available on the MiCOURT platform. Information required for a search or record request are usually a case party’s name or a case number.

Kalamazoo County Family Court Records

Family law matters in Kalamazoo County fall under the jurisdiction of the Family Division of the 9th Circuit Court. Cases handled in this court include child protective proceedings, adoptions, spousal/child support, domestic relation matters, juvenile delinquency, ancillary proceedings, emancipations, and name changes. Records are maintained by the county clerk, who doubles as the circuit court clerk and may be viewed at this office for free. To obtain copies, a fee is assessed. Online access is also available through the MiCOURT portal.

Certified copies are only available from the clerk and usually come at a higher fee. Note that records pertaining to juveniles, adoption, domestic abuse and similar sensitive issues are not open for public inspection. Sensitive details are usually redacted before a request is fulfilled.

Family Division

1536 Gull Road

Gull Road Justice Complex

Kalamazoo, MI 49048

Phone: (269) 385-6000

Federal Court Records in Kalamazoo County

Federal cases in Kalamazoo are handled by the United States District Court, Western District of Michigan. The clerk’s office handles all record requests, which must be made in writing. Record request fees start at $34.00 per searched name. Online records are available through PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) at $0.10 per page, $3.00 per document, and $2.40 per audio file. Note that users must have an active pacer account to perform a search. Searches are done by name or case number.

107 Federal Bldg

410 W Michigan Avenue

Kalamazoo MI 49007

Kalamazoo County Court