Washtenaw County Court Records
What Is Washtenaw County Court Records
Court records in Washtenaw County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's judicial system. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of case-related materials maintained by various courts operating within Washtenaw County jurisdiction. Pursuant to Michigan Court Rule 8.119(F), court records include case files, dockets, indexes, registers of actions, calendars, pleadings, motions, briefs, orders, judgments, opinions, transcripts, evidence exhibits, and sentencing information.
Court records are distinct from other public records maintained by Washtenaw County government offices, such as:
- Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens)
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
- Tax assessment records
- Voter registration information
The following courts within Washtenaw County maintain official court records:
- 22nd Circuit Court
- 14A, 14B, and 15th District Courts
- Washtenaw County Probate Court
- Juvenile Court
These judicial bodies handle various case types including civil litigation, criminal proceedings, family law matters, probate cases, traffic violations, and small claims disputes. The Michigan Court Records Access Policy establishes uniform standards for record maintenance and public accessibility throughout the state's court system, including Washtenaw County courts.
Are Court Records Public In Washtenaw County
Court records in Washtenaw County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with Michigan's legal framework governing judicial transparency. The Michigan Constitution Article 1, § 23 establishes that "the public shall have access to courts and court records," creating a constitutional presumption of openness. Additionally, the Michigan Court Rules 8.119(H) specifically addresses public access to court records, stating that "court records and reports are public records, except as otherwise provided in subrule (F)."
The following court records are typically available for public inspection:
- Civil case files (with limited exceptions)
- Criminal case files (post-charging)
- Judgments and orders
- Docket sheets and registers of actions
- Hearing schedules and calendars
- Court opinions and rulings
However, certain records may be restricted from public access, including:
- Records sealed by court order
- Juvenile records (with exceptions)
- Adoption proceedings
- Mental health commitment records
- Records containing personal identifying information
- Records where disclosure would create unwarranted invasion of privacy
It is important to note that Washtenaw County federal court records (U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan) are governed by federal access rules rather than state provisions. The Michigan Supreme Court has established comprehensive guidelines through Administrative Order 1999-4 that standardize record access procedures across all Michigan courts, including those in Washtenaw County.
How To Find Court Records in Washtenaw County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Washtenaw County may utilize several methods to locate and access judicial documentation. The county maintains multiple access points for record retrieval, accommodating both in-person and remote inquiries.
For in-person requests, individuals may visit the appropriate courthouse where the case was filed:
Washtenaw County Trial Court
101 E. Huron Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
734-222-3001
Washtenaw County Trial Court
When requesting records in person, requestors should:
- Provide specific case information (case number, party names, filing date)
- Complete any required record request forms
- Present valid photo identification
- Be prepared to pay applicable copy fees ($1.00 per page for standard copies)
- Allow sufficient time for clerk staff to locate and retrieve files
For remote access, Washtenaw County offers several options:
- Submit written requests via mail to the appropriate court clerk
- Utilize the Michigan Courts Case Search portal for basic case information
- Access the Michigan Legal Help website for guidance on navigating court records
- Contact the court clerk's office by telephone to inquire about record availability
For specialized record types, requestors should contact the specific division:
- Criminal records: Circuit Court Criminal Division (734-222-3001)
- Civil cases: Circuit Court Civil Division (734-222-3001)
- Probate matters: Probate Court (734-222-3990)
- Family cases: Family Division (734-222-3990)
- District court cases: Appropriate district court location
Pursuant to MCL 600.2546, certified copies of court records may be obtained for official purposes with additional authentication fees.
How To Look Up Court Records in Washtenaw County Online?
Washtenaw County provides several digital platforms for accessing court records electronically. These online resources offer varying levels of information depending on the court and case type.
The primary online portal for Washtenaw County court records is the Michigan Courts Case Search system. This centralized database allows users to search for cases across multiple courts within the county. To utilize this system effectively:
- Navigate to the Michigan Courts Case Search website
- Select Washtenaw County from the jurisdiction dropdown menu
- Enter search criteria (case number, party name, business name, or attorney)
- Specify date ranges if applicable
- Review search results showing basic case information
- Select specific cases to view additional details including:
- Case number and filing date
- Party names and attorney information
- Register of actions (docket entries)
- Scheduled hearings and events
- Case status and disposition
For traffic and certain district court cases, the Michigan Courts ePay Ticket/Case Search system provides specialized access. This portal allows users to:
- Search by ticket number, case number, or driver's license
- View citation details and payment information
- Access scheduled court dates for traffic matters
The Michigan Courts eFile system offers registered users the ability to:
- File documents electronically with participating courts
- Access case documents previously filed through the system
- Receive electronic notifications of case activity
For criminal background checks, the Michigan State Police ICHAT system provides access to public criminal history records for a fee.
Users should note that online systems may not contain complete case files, and certain documents may only be available through in-person requests at the courthouse. Additionally, pursuant to Michigan Court Rule 8.119(H), some sensitive information may be redacted from online records.
How To Search Washtenaw County Court Records for Free?
Washtenaw County residents and interested parties may access certain court records without incurring fees through several available channels. Michigan law, specifically MCL 600.2546, guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents.
Free access options include:
In-Person Inspection:
- Visit the appropriate courthouse during regular business hours
- Request to view specific case files at public access terminals
- No fee is charged for viewing records on-site
- Self-service computer terminals are available at:
Washtenaw County Clerk's Office
200 N. Main Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
734-222-6720
Washtenaw County Clerk
Online Resources:
-
The Michigan Courts Case Search portal provides free basic case information including:
- Party names
- Case types
- Filing dates
- Case status
- Upcoming hearing dates
- Register of actions (docket entries)
-
The Washtenaw County website offers free access to:
- Court calendars and schedules
- Local court rules and procedures
- Contact information for court departments
-
The Michigan One Court of Justice website provides free access to:
- Published court opinions and orders
- Court administrative information
- Forms and self-help resources
While basic record searches are free, users should be aware of potential costs for:
- Printed copies ($1.00 per page standard fee)
- Certified copies ($10.00 per document plus copy fees)
- Record searches requiring extensive staff time
- Electronic access to certain document images
Pursuant to Michigan Supreme Court Administrative Order 2006-2, courts must provide reasonable accommodation for individuals unable to pay established fees due to indigence.
What's Included in a Washtenaw County Court Record?
Washtenaw County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with contents varying by case type and court jurisdiction. Pursuant to Michigan Court Rule 8.119, court records typically include the following components:
Case Initiation Documents:
- Complaints, petitions, or indictments
- Summonses and subpoenas
- Service of process documentation
- Filing fee receipts
- Case assignment information
Pleadings and Motions:
- Answers and responses to complaints
- Counterclaims and cross-claims
- Motions and supporting briefs
- Responses to motions
- Stipulations between parties
Court-Generated Documents:
- Orders and judgments
- Opinions and rulings
- Notices of hearing
- Certificates of service
- Court reporter logs and transcripts
Case Management Records:
- Register of actions (chronological case history)
- Scheduling orders and notices
- Appearance information
- Attorney representation documentation
- Proof of service records
Evidence and Exhibits:
- Documentary evidence admitted at hearings
- Exhibit logs and inventories
- Deposition transcripts
- Affidavits and declarations
- Expert reports and evaluations
Financial Information:
- Fee assessments and payments
- Restitution orders
- Fine and cost calculations
- Bond and bail documentation
- Judgment satisfaction records
Case-Specific Documents:
- Criminal cases: charging documents, pre-sentence reports, sentencing guidelines
- Civil cases: damage calculations, settlement agreements, jury instructions
- Family cases: parenting plans, child support worksheets, property divisions
- Probate cases: wills, inventories, accountings, guardianship reports
The Michigan Trial Court Records Management Standards establish uniform requirements for record content and organization across all courts in the state, including those in Washtenaw County.
How Long Does Washtenaw County Keep Court Records?
Washtenaw County courts maintain records according to retention schedules established by the Michigan Supreme Court and State Court Administrative Office. These schedules, authorized under MCL 399.811 and detailed in the Michigan Trial Court Records Management Standards, prescribe specific timeframes for preserving various document types.
Standard retention periods for major case categories include:
Circuit Court Records:
- Felony cases: 75 years from filing date
- General civil cases: 10 years after case closure
- Domestic relations cases: 30 years after case closure
- Personal protection orders: 5 years after expiration
- Appeals from lower courts: 25 years after final order
District Court Records:
- Misdemeanor cases: 10 years after case closure
- Civil cases: 10 years after case closure
- Traffic cases: 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 and final discharge
- Guardianships: 10 years after termination
- Conservatorships: 10 years after final accounting
- Mental health proceedings: 10 years after case closure
- Adoption records: Permanent retention
Juvenile Court Records:
- Delinquency proceedings: Until age 30 or 10 years, whichever is later
- Child protective proceedings: 25 years from commencement
- Juvenile traffic matters: 7 years after case closure
Certain records are designated for permanent retention, including:
- Case indexes and registers of action
- Judgment dockets and execution dockets
- Naturalization records
- Adoption records
- Cases of historical significance
After the prescribed retention period expires, records may be:
- Destroyed according to approved methods
- Transferred to the Archives of Michigan
- Converted to digital format for extended preservation
The Michigan State Court Administrative Office conducts periodic reviews of retention schedules, and updates are published through administrative orders of the Michigan Supreme Court.
Types of Courts In Washtenaw County
Washtenaw County's judicial system consists of several court types, each with distinct jurisdictional authority and case responsibilities. The county's courts operate within Michigan's unified court system as established by Article VI of the Michigan Constitution.
22nd Circuit Court
101 E. Huron Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
734-222-3001
Washtenaw County Circuit Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
The Circuit Court serves as the county's court of general jurisdiction, handling:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil cases with claims exceeding $25,000
- Family division matters (divorce, custody, support)
- Appeals from district courts and administrative agencies
14A District Court (4 locations)
14A-1 District Court
4133 Washtenaw Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
734-973-4545
14A District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
14A-2 District Court
415 W. Michigan Avenue
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
734-484-6690
14A District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
14A-3 District Court
122 S. Main Street
Chelsea, MI 48118
734-475-8606
14A District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
14A-4 District Court
1000 N. Maple Road
Saline, MI 48176
734-429-2504
14A District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
The 14A District Court handles:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Civil cases with claims up to $25,000
- Small claims (up to $6,500)
- Landlord-tenant disputes
- Traffic violations
- Preliminary examinations for felony cases
14B District Court
7200 S. Huron River Drive
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
734-483-5300
14B District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
15th District Court
301 E. Huron Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
734-794-6750
15th District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Washtenaw County Probate Court
101 E. Huron Street, P.O. Box 8645
Ann Arbor, MI 48107
734-222-3990
Washtenaw County Probate Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
The Probate Court handles:
- Decedent estates and trust matters
- Guardianships and conservatorships
- Mental health proceedings
- Adoption and name changes
The court hierarchy in Michigan proceeds from District Courts to Circuit Courts, then to the Michigan Court of Appeals, and finally to the Michigan Supreme Court as established in MCL 600.401.
What Types of Cases Do Washtenaw County Courts Hear?
Washtenaw County courts adjudicate a diverse range of legal matters according to their respective jurisdictional authority as established by Michigan Compiled Laws Chapter 600. Each court type handles specific categories of cases based on subject matter, monetary thresholds, and geographic boundaries.
Circuit Court Case Types:
- Felony criminal prosecutions (murder, assault, drug trafficking, etc.)
- General civil litigation with claims exceeding $25,000
- Real property disputes and land title matters
- Complex business litigation
- Medical and professional malpractice claims
- Product liability lawsuits
- Family division matters:
- Divorce and legal separation
- Child custody, parenting time, and support
- Paternity establishment
- Personal protection orders
- Juvenile delinquency proceedings
- Child protective proceedings
- Appeals from district courts and administrative agencies
District Court Case Types:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases (punishable by up to 1 year imprisonment)
- Civil lawsuits with claims up to $25,000
- Small claims cases (limited to $6,500)
- Landlord-tenant disputes and summary proceedings
- Land contract forfeitures
- Traffic violations and civil infractions
- Parking citations
- Preliminary examinations in felony cases
- Ordinance violations
- Garnishments and judgment collections
Probate Court Case Types:
- Decedent estate administration
- Will contests and trust disputes
- Guardianships for legally incapacitated individuals
- Conservatorships for property management
- Mental health commitment proceedings
- Developmental disability guardianships
- Adoption proceedings
- Name change petitions
- Emancipation of minors
Case assignment within Washtenaw County follows jurisdictional guidelines established in MCL 600.8301 for district courts and MCL 600.601 for circuit courts. The Michigan Court Rules, particularly MCR 8.110, provide additional guidance on case assignment and management procedures.
How To Find a Court Docket In Washtenaw County
Court dockets in Washtenaw County provide chronological listings of scheduled hearings, filings, and judicial actions for specific cases. Members of the public may access docket information through several methods established by the Michigan Court Rules 8.119.
Online Docket Access:
- Visit the Michigan Courts Case Search portal
- Select Washtenaw County from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Enter search criteria (case number, party name, or attorney)
- Review search results for basic case information
- Select a specific case to view the register of actions (docket)
- Note upcoming hearing dates and previous case activity
In-Person Docket Access:
- Visit the clerk's office at the appropriate courthouse:
Washtenaw County Clerk/Register of Deeds
200 N. Main Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
734-222-6720
Washtenaw County Clerk
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- Request to view daily court calendars posted in courthouse lobbies
- Use public access terminals to search for specific case dockets
- Request assistance from clerk staff for locating docket information
Telephone Docket Information:
- Contact the appropriate court division:
- Circuit Court Civil/Criminal: 734-222-3001
- Family Court: 734-222-3990
- Probate Court: 734-222-3990
- 14A District Court: varies by location
- 14B District Court: 734-483-5300
- 15th District Court: 734-794-6750
- Provide case number or party names
- Inquire about upcoming hearing dates and times
Specialized Docket Resources:
- Criminal case dockets: Michigan Department of Corrections Offender Tracking System
- Traffic tickets: Michigan Courts ePay Ticket/Case Search
- Circuit Court motion dockets: Published weekly on the Washtenaw County website
Docket information typically includes:
- Case number and filing date
- Party names and attorney information
- Scheduled hearing dates, times, and locations
- Judge or judicial officer assignment
- Previous court appearances and outcomes
- Document filings and judicial orders
- Case status and disposition information
Which Courts in Washtenaw County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Washtenaw County, certain judicial forums operate as "courts not of record," meaning they do not maintain official transcripts of proceedings and their decisions may be appealed for a completely new trial (de novo review). The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record is established by MCL 600.8101 and related statutes.
The Small Claims Division of the District Court is the primary court not of record in Washtenaw County. Small claims proceedings are conducted informally without court reporters or verbatim records of testimony. Key characteristics of this non-record court include:
- Monetary jurisdiction limited to $6,500
- Prohibition against attorney representation
- Simplified rules of procedure and evidence
- No jury trials
- No formal transcripts of proceedings
- Decisions appealable to district court for de novo hearing
- No precedential value of decisions
Small claims sessions are held at:
14A-1 District Court Small Claims Division
4133 Washtenaw Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
734-973-4545
14A District Court
14A-2 District Court Small Claims Division
415 W. Michigan Avenue
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
734-484-6690
14A District Court
14B District Court Small Claims Division
7200 S. Huron River Drive
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
734-483-5300
14B District Court
15th District Court Small Claims Division
301 E. Huron Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
734-794-6750
15th District Court
In contrast, the following Washtenaw County courts operate as courts of record pursuant to MCL 600.1401:
- 22nd Circuit Court
- District Courts (for regular civil and criminal proceedings)
- Probate Court
These courts of record maintain official transcripts through court reporters or electronic recording equipment, and appeals from these courts are based on the official record rather than de novo review.
The Michigan Court Rules, specifically MCR 4.302, govern appeals from courts not of record and establish procedures for obtaining a new trial in a court of record.
Lookup Court Records in Washtenaw County
Washtenaw County Official Website