Court records of Macomb County, Michigan, are available through several channels. MacombCourt.us allows you to search for public information about court cases in the county. Additionally, records can be found through official state court online portals, clerk's offices, and public terminals installed directly in court buildings. To obtain certified copies of documents, it is usually necessary to contact the relevant clerk's office in person or by mail.
Macomb Court System & Jurisdictions
The Macomb County has an extensive court system consisting of several levels. Each court handles specific categories of cases, so it is important to know where to apply.
Macomb County Circuit Court
The Circuit Court is a court of general jurisdiction. It handles criminal cases involving felonies, civil lawsuits over $25,000, as well as divorce, child custody, and other family matters. The Circuit Court includes separate divisions:
- Family Division — divorce, custody, alimony, protective orders
- Juvenile Division — juvenile cases, including offenses and child protection issues
Case searches for this court are available through the Michigan Courts search system, where you can select Macomb Circuit Court, Macomb Family Division, or Macomb Juvenile Division.
District Courts
Several District Courts operate within the county, each serving specific cities and townships. For example, the 41-A District Court in Sterling Heights has civil, criminal, and traffic divisions, as well as a probation service. District Courts handle:
- Criminal cases involving misdemeanors
- Civil lawsuits up to $25,000
- Small claims up to $6,500
- Traffic violations
- Landlord-tenant disputes
Probate Court
The Probate Court handles wills, estate management of deceased persons, appointment of guardians and conservators, as well as involuntary hospitalization. This is a separate court with its own case registry.
Macomb Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find out the schedule of hearings for today, tomorrow, or the current week, the fastest way is to use online tools.
- Open MiCOURT Case Search and select the desired Macomb County court.
- Enter the case number or party's last name — the system will show the scheduled hearing dates.
- For Circuit Court cases, you can also use the Michigan Courts portal, which displays information for Macomb Circuit Court, Family, and Juvenile Division.
Note: MiCOURT provides information for reference only and does not replace the official court record. Some courts display data on criminal convictions only for the past seven years.
If online search yields no results, call the relevant court's clerk's office directly. Staff will provide the date and time of the next hearing based on the case number.
How to Get a Copy of a Macomb Court Document
There is a difference between a regular and a certified copy. A regular copy is suitable for personal reference, while a certified copy has the court's seal and is accepted by other institutions as an official document — for example, for submission to immigration services or another court.
Ways to Obtain
Online. Through MiCOURT, you can view basic case information, but downloading the full text of a document is not always possible. To obtain copies of specific rulings, judgments, or motions, you usually need to contact the clerk's office.
In Person. Visit the Clerk of Court office in the Macomb County Circuit Court building:
By Mail. Send a written request to the specified address, including the case number, parties' names, and the type of document you need. Include a check or money order for the appropriate fee amount.
For District Court documents, contact the clerk's office of the specific District Court that handled the case.
What You May Need
- Case number
- Full name of the party
- Approximate filing or hearing date
- Type of document (order, judgment, motion, etc.)
Some records have restricted access — juvenile cases, sealed cases, and adoption-related materials are generally not available to the public. If your record has been expunged, it will not appear in public databases.
Macomb Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees depend on the type of document and the court. Below are approximate rates set by Michigan law (MCL 600.2529 and SCAO administrative orders). A specific court may have additional fees — check with the clerk's office.
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $1.00 |
| Document certification | $10.00 |
| Case registry search (by name) | $10.00 |
| Copy of court judgment/order | $1.00 per page + certification |
Payment is usually accepted in cash, check, or money order payable to the relevant court. Some clerk's offices accept credit and debit cards — it's worth confirming this in advance by phone.
For criminal history searches through ICHAT (Internet Criminal History Access Tool) of the Michigan State Police, a separate fee is charged. Information about inmates can be checked for free through OTIS — the Michigan Department of Corrections system.
Requests for public records through FOIA are paid separately according to the policy of the institution holding the document. Approved SCAO court forms are available for free download.