Court records of Shiawassee County, Michigan, are available through several channels. ShiawasseeCourt.us allows you to quickly find public information about court cases in the county. Additionally, records can be searched through the official online portals of the state court system, directly at the Clerk's Office, and through public terminals installed in the courthouse. Below is a practical guide to searching, viewing, and obtaining court documents.
Shiawassee Court System & Jurisdictions
The county has two main courts of general jurisdiction and one specialized court.
35th Circuit Court
The Circuit Court handles the most serious cases:
- Felony criminal cases (serious crimes)
- Civil lawsuits over $25,000
- Family cases — divorce, child custody, alimony
- Appeals from the District Court
66th District Court
The District Court is where most county residents end up. It handles traffic violations, minor criminal cases (misdemeanors), and civil disputes up to $25,000. Small claims up to $6,500 also fall under its jurisdiction. Preliminary hearings in felony cases start here before the case is transferred to the Circuit Court.
Probate Court
The Probate Court handles wills, estate management of deceased persons, guardianship appointments, and mental health cases. Official forms for probate cases are available on the Michigan court system's website.
Shiawassee Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find out which hearings are scheduled for today or the coming days, use the online schedule of the 35th Circuit Court. The Court Display page for Shiawassee County shows the current schedule of sessions in real-time — party name, time, case number, courtroom, and attorney name.
How to find the desired session:
- Open the Court Display page via the link above.
- Review the list for the current day — it updates automatically.
- To find a specific case by number or party name, use MiCOURT Case Search.
Note: MiCOURT provides information for reference only and does not replace the official court record. For exact dates of upcoming hearings in a specific case, call the office of the relevant court.
How to Get a Copy of a Shiawassee Court Document
Copies of court documents come in two types — uncertified and certified. A certified copy has the court's seal and the clerk's signature; it is usually required by other institutions, banks, or attorneys.
Ways to Obtain
- In Person: visit the County Clerk's office in the courthouse. You will need the case number or the full name of the party and the approximate date of filing.
- By Mail: send a written request specifying the case number, party name, document type, and return address. Include a check or money order for the appropriate amount.
- Online: some documents can be viewed through the Cases, Opinions & Orders portal. Electronic filing of documents is available through the MiFILE system, which supports over 127 trial courts in Michigan.
Mailing address for requests:
Some records have restricted access. Cases involving minors, adoptions, and certain criminal cases that have been closed or sealed by court order are not provided without special permission from a judge.
Shiawassee Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for copies and searches are set according to MCL 600.2546 and administrative orders of the Michigan Supreme Court. Below are approximate rates — check with the office for the exact amount, as rates may change.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Registry search (by name) | $10 per name |
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certified copy | $10 per document + $1 for each additional page |
| Certification of a previously issued copy | $10 |
| Copy of Judgment of Divorce | $10 (certified) |
Payment is accepted in person at the office — usually by cash, check, or money order payable to Shiawassee County Clerk. Check for card payment availability by phone before visiting. Mail requests require a prepaid check.
Separate fees apply for vital records (birth, marriage, death certificates) — they can be ordered through the Vital Records Department of the state of Michigan. Driver record information is provided by the Secretary of State, and inmate data is available through the OTIS system.
If you are unsure which court is handling the case you need, start your search at ShiawasseeCourt.us — it will save time and help determine the correct instance.