Kalamazoo Public Records /Kalamazoo County Court Records

Kalamazoo County Court Records

What Is Kalamazoo County Court Records

Court records in Kalamazoo County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. Pursuant to Michigan Court Rule 8.119(D), court records include case files, dockets, indexes, registers of actions, calendars, pleadings, motions, briefs, orders, judgments, opinions, transcripts, evidence files, and other materials maintained by the courts. These records document the official activities and decisions of the judicial system serving Kalamazoo County residents.

Court records are distinct from other public records such as:

Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens)
Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
Business records (licenses, permits)
Tax records

The following courts maintain records in Kalamazoo County:

9th Circuit Court
8th District Court
Kalamazoo County Probate Court
Family Court Division

These courts generate records for various case types including civil litigation, criminal proceedings, family law matters, probate cases, and traffic violations. Under the Michigan Court Records Access Policy, most court records are presumed to be accessible to the public unless specifically restricted by statute, court rule, or court order.

Are Court Records Public In Kalamazoo County

Court records in Kalamazoo County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with Michigan's court rules and the state constitution. The Michigan Constitution, Article 1, § 23 establishes that "the courts of this state shall be open to every person for the redress of grievances," creating a foundation for public access to court proceedings and records.

Michigan Court Rule 8.119(H) specifically addresses public access to court records, stating that "court records are public records, with access subject to these rules and administrative orders of the Supreme Court." This presumption of openness applies to:

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

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

Records involving juveniles (unless waived to adult court)
Adoption proceedings
Mental health commitment records
Records sealed by court order
Personal identifying information as defined in MCR 1.109(D)(9)

It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan (which includes Kalamazoo County) are governed by federal rules rather than state provisions. These records are accessible through the federal PACER system.

How To Find Court Records in Kalamazoo County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Kalamazoo County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining court records:

Online Access
- Visit the Michigan Courts Case Search portal to search for case information
- Access the Kalamazoo County Courts website for court-specific information and links
In-Person Requests
- Visit the clerk's office at the appropriate courthouse:
  
  9th Circuit Court
  227 West Michigan Avenue
  Kalamazoo, MI 49007
  (269) 383-8837
  9th Circuit Court
  
  8th District Court
  150 East Crosstown Parkway
  Kalamazoo, MI 49001
  (269) 383-8938
  8th District Court
  
  Kalamazoo County Probate Court
  1536 Gull Road
  Kalamazoo, MI 49048
  (269) 383-8666
  Probate Court
Written Requests
- Submit a written request to the appropriate court clerk
- Include case number, party names, and specific documents requested
- Provide contact information and preferred delivery method
Remote Access for Attorneys
- Attorneys may access additional records through Michigan's TrueFiling system
- E-filing is mandatory for attorneys pursuant to MCR 1.109(G)(3)(f)

When requesting records, be prepared to provide identification and pay applicable fees for copies. Standard copying fees are $1.00 per page for most documents, though certified copies may incur additional charges.

How To Look Up Court Records in Kalamazoo County Online?

Kalamazoo County offers several online resources for accessing court records electronically. The following online portals are available for searching court records:

Michigan Courts Case Search
- Visit the MiCOURT Case Search portal
- Search parameters include:
  - Case number
  - Party name
  - Attorney name
  - Business name
- This system provides access to case information from participating courts, including basic case details, party information, and scheduled hearings
Kalamazoo County Courts Website
- Navigate to the Kalamazoo County Courts page
- Select the specific court of interest
- Follow links to available online services for that court
Circuit Court Records
- Access the 9th Circuit Court website
- Use the case lookup feature for civil and criminal cases
- Search by name, case number, or filing date
District Court Records
- Visit the 8th District Court online portal
- Search for misdemeanor cases, civil infractions, and small claims
- Access information about pending cases and scheduled hearings
Probate Court Records
- Access limited probate case information through the Probate Court website
- Search for estate, guardianship, and conservatorship cases

When using these online systems, users should note that:

Not all documents within a case file may be available electronically
Some sensitive information may be redacted from online records
Older cases may not be fully digitized or searchable online
Registration may be required for certain search functions

How To Search Kalamazoo County Court Records for Free?

Michigan law provides for free public inspection of court records at courthouse locations. According to MCR 8.119(H)(1), "Every person has a right to inspect and copy the records of all courts, except as otherwise provided in these rules or by statute or court order."

The following free options are available for accessing Kalamazoo County court records:

In-Person Inspection
- Visit the clerk's office at the appropriate courthouse during regular business hours
- Request to view specific case files
- No fee is charged for viewing records, though identification may be required
- Public access terminals may be available for searching case indexes
Free Online Resources
- The Michigan Courts Case Search provides free basic case information
- The Kalamazoo County Courts website offers free access to court information and some records
- The Criminal Division page provides information about criminal proceedings
Public Law Libraries
- Visit the Kalamazoo County Law Library located at:
  
  Kalamazoo County Law Library
  227 West Michigan Avenue, 2nd Floor
  Kalamazoo, MI 49007
  (269) 383-8920
- Use public access computers to search court databases
- Obtain assistance from law librarians in locating court records

While inspection of records is free, fees apply for copies of documents. Current copy fees are:

Standard copies: $1.00 per page
Certified copies: $10.00 for the first page, $1.00 for each additional page
Electronic records: Fees vary by court and document type

What's Included in a Kalamazoo County Court Record?

Kalamazoo County court records typically contain comprehensive documentation 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
Pleadings and Motions
- Answers and responses
- Motions filed by parties
- Briefs and memoranda
- Affidavits and declarations
- Exhibits and attachments
Court Orders and Decisions
- Preliminary orders
- Temporary restraining orders or injunctions
- Summary judgment orders
- Final judgments and decrees
- Post-judgment orders
Hearing and Trial Records
- Notices of hearings
- Court calendars and schedules
- Witness lists
- Jury selection records (in applicable cases)
- Transcripts (when prepared)
- Evidence logs
Case-Specific Documents
- In criminal cases: charging documents, plea agreements, sentencing information
- In civil cases: settlement agreements (if filed), damage awards
- In family cases: parenting plans, support orders, property divisions
- In probate cases: wills, inventories, accountings, guardianship reports
Administrative Records
- Register of actions (chronological case summary)
- Proof of service documents
- Attorney appearances and withdrawals
- Fee payment records

Pursuant to Michigan Supreme Court Administrative Order 1999-4, certain personal identifying information may be redacted from publicly accessible versions of court records, including Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and dates of birth.

How Long Does Kalamazoo County Keep Court Records?

Kalamazoo County courts maintain records according to retention schedules established by the Michigan Supreme Court. The Michigan Trial Court Records Management Standards govern how long different types of court records must be preserved. Key retention periods include:

Circuit Court Records
- Felony case files: 75 years after final disposition
- Civil case files: 10 years after final disposition
- Domestic relations cases: 30 years after final judgment
- Appeals from lower courts: 25 years after final disposition
District Court Records
- Misdemeanor cases: 10 years after final disposition
- Civil cases: 10 years after final disposition
- Traffic and ordinance violations: 10 years after final disposition
- Small claims: 10 years after final disposition
Probate Court Records
- Decedent estate proceedings: 10 years after closing and discharge
- Guardianship/conservatorship: 10 years after termination
- Mental health proceedings: 10 years after final order
- Adoption records: Permanent retention
Special Record Types
- Judgment records: 25 years after entry
- Index records: Permanent retention
- Registers of actions: Permanent retention
- Court recordings/transcripts: 10 years after final disposition

These retention periods represent minimum requirements. In practice, many records—particularly those of historical or continuing legal significance—may be retained longer or permanently. After the required retention period expires, records may be:

Transferred to the Archives of Michigan
Converted to electronic format for extended preservation
Destroyed according to approved procedures

Records related to capital offenses, life sentences, and certain other serious matters are retained permanently. Additionally, pursuant to MCL 600.1428, courts must maintain a records management system that ensures records are retained for the minimum periods required by law.

Types of Courts In Kalamazoo County

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

9th Circuit Court
227 West Michigan Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
(269) 383-8837
9th Circuit Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The Circuit Court is Kalamazoo County's court of general jurisdiction, handling felony criminal cases, civil matters involving claims over $25,000, and family division cases including divorce, custody, and juvenile matters.

8th District Court
150 East Crosstown Parkway
Kalamazoo, MI 49001
(269) 383-8938
8th District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

The District Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil matters up to $25,000, landlord-tenant disputes, small claims (up to $6,500), and traffic violations.

Kalamazoo County Probate Court
1536 Gull Road
Kalamazoo, MI 49048
(269) 383-8666
Probate Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The Probate Court oversees estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and mental health commitment proceedings.

Family Division of Circuit Court
1536 Gull Road
Kalamazoo, MI 49048
(269) 383-8837
Family Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The Family Division handles domestic relations cases, juvenile delinquency, child protective proceedings, adoptions, and name changes.

These courts operate within Michigan's judicial hierarchy:

Local courts (District and Probate)
Circuit Court
Michigan Court of Appeals
Michigan Supreme Court

Appeals from Kalamazoo County courts are heard by the Michigan Court of Appeals, Third District, with further appeals possible to the Michigan Supreme Court.

What Types of Cases Do Kalamazoo County Courts Hear?

Each court within Kalamazoo County's judicial system has jurisdiction over specific types of cases as established by Michigan law:

9th Circuit Court Cases:

Felony criminal prosecutions
Civil lawsuits with claims exceeding $25,000
Real property disputes
Appeals from District Court and administrative agencies
Domestic relations matters:
- Divorce and annulment
- Child custody and support
- Paternity
- Personal protection orders
Juvenile matters:
- Delinquency proceedings
- Child abuse and neglect cases
- Adoption proceedings
- Emancipation of minors

8th District Court Cases:

Misdemeanor criminal cases (punishable by up to 1 year in jail)
Civil lawsuits with claims up to $25,000
Small claims cases (up to $6,500)
Landlord-tenant disputes and summary proceedings
Land contract forfeitures
Traffic violations and civil infractions
Preliminary examinations in felony cases
Ordinance violations
Garnishments and judgment collections

Kalamazoo County Probate Court Cases:

Decedent estate administration
Will contests
Trust administration and disputes
Guardianships for legally incapacitated individuals
Conservatorships for estates
Mental health commitment proceedings
Guardianships for developmentally disabled persons

The jurisdiction of these courts is established by various Michigan statutes, including the Revised Judicature Act (MCL 600.101 et seq.), which defines the structure and authority of Michigan's court system. According to the Criminal Division of Kalamazoo County, all criminal cases for persons 18 years or older begin in the District Court, with felonies potentially advancing to Circuit Court after preliminary examination.

How To Find a Court Docket In Kalamazoo County

Court dockets in Kalamazoo County provide a chronological listing of all proceedings and filings in a case. Members of the public may access docket information through several methods:

Online Docket Search
- Visit the Michigan Courts Case Search portal
- Enter search criteria (case number, party name, or attorney)
- Review the register of actions, which serves as the electronic docket
- Note upcoming hearing dates and previous case activity
Court-Specific Online Resources
- Access the Kalamazoo County Courts website
- Navigate to the specific court's page
- Look for "Case Lookup" or "Docket Search" options
- Follow the prompts to search for case information
In-Person Docket Review
- Visit the clerk's office at the appropriate courthouse
- Request to view the docket for a specific case
- Provide case number or party names to facilitate the search
- Review physical docket sheets or use public access terminals
Daily Court Calendars
- Check daily hearing schedules posted at courthouse entrances
- Review online court calendars when available
- Contact the court clerk for information about upcoming hearings
Telephone Inquiry
- Call the appropriate court clerk's office:
  - Circuit Court: (269) 383-8837
  - District Court: (269) 383-8938
  - Probate Court: (269) 383-8666
- Provide case information to request docket status

When searching for docket information, it is helpful to have:

Complete case number (if known)
Full names of parties involved
Approximate date of case filing
Case type (civil, criminal, probate, etc.)

Pursuant to Michigan Court Rule 8.119(D)(1), courts must maintain a case history of each case, including a register of actions that contains a chronological list of all filed documents and court events.

Which Courts in Kalamazoo County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Michigan's judicial system, a "court of record" is defined as a court that creates and maintains a verbatim record of all proceedings. According to MCL 600.8101, district courts are designated as courts of record, as are circuit courts and probate courts.

Within Kalamazoo County, the following are not courts of record:

Small Claims Division of the 8th District Court
- Proceedings in small claims cases (claims up to $6,500) are not recorded
- Parties waive the right to a record and to attorney representation
- Appeals from small claims decisions are heard de novo (completely new hearing) in Circuit Court
Informal Probate Proceedings
- Certain informal probate matters may proceed without a verbatim record
- These are administrative rather than judicial proceedings
- Supervised by the probate register rather than a judge
Alternative Dispute Resolution Proceedings
- Mediation sessions
- Case evaluation panels
- Settlement conferences
- These proceedings, while court-connected, do not typically create a verbatim record

The distinction between courts of record and those not of record is significant because:

Appeals from courts of record are typically limited to the record created in the lower court
Appeals from proceedings without a record require a completely new hearing (de novo)
Transcripts are only available from proceedings in courts of record

All major courts in Kalamazoo County (Circuit, District, and Probate) are statutorily designated as courts of record under Michigan law, meaning they must maintain verbatim records of proceedings through court reporters or electronic recording equipment as required by MCR 8.108.

Lookup Court Records in Kalamazoo County

Michigan Courts Case Search

Kalamazoo County 8th District Court

Kalamazoo County Courts Information

Criminal Division Case Information

Michigan Supreme Court Case Search

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