Genesee County Court Records

What Is Genesee County Court Records

Court records in Genesee County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's judicial system. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of case-related information maintained by various courts operating within Genesee County, Michigan. Pursuant to Michigan Court Rule 8.119, 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 such as:

• Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens)
• Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
• Tax records
• Voter registration information

The following courts in Genesee County maintain official court records:

• 7th Judicial Circuit Court
• 67th District Court
• Probate Court
• Family Division of Circuit Court
• Small Claims Division of District Court

These records encompass documentation from various case types including civil litigation, criminal proceedings, family law matters, probate cases, and traffic violations. Under Michigan Compiled Laws § 600.1428, courts are required to maintain records of all proceedings and make them accessible according to established rules and procedures.

The Genesee County Circuit Court Records system serves as the official repository for records of the 7th Circuit Court, which are maintained by the Legal Division of the Genesee County Clerk's Office.

Are Court Records Public In Genesee County

Court records in Genesee County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with Michigan's open courts principle and the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL 15.231-15.246. The Michigan Constitution, Article I, § 23, establishes that "the courts of this state shall be open to every person for the redress of grievances," which has been interpreted to include public access to court proceedings and records.

The following court records are typically available for public inspection:

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

However, certain records may be restricted or sealed pursuant to Michigan Court Rule 8.119(I), which provides for limited access to:

• Records of adoption proceedings
• Mental health commitment proceedings
• Juvenile records (with exceptions)
• Records containing personal identifying information
• Records sealed by court order
• Records exempted by statute

Genesee County processes all public record requests pursuant to the provisions of the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, which establishes procedures for requesting and obtaining public records. The Michigan Supreme Court has also issued Administrative Order 1999-4, which governs public access to court records and electronic access policies.

It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan (which includes Genesee County) are governed by federal rules and accessed through the federal PACER system, not through county offices.

How To Find Court Records in Genesee County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Genesee County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county maintains multiple access points for record retrieval, accommodating both in-person and remote requests.

For in-person requests, individuals may visit:

Genesee County Clerk's Office - Legal Division
900 S. Saginaw Street, Room 104
Flint, MI 48502
Phone: (810) 257-3225
Genesee County Clerk's Office

Operating hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

The procedure for obtaining court records in person includes:

1. Complete a records request form, available at the clerk's counter
2. Provide case number or party names for record identification
3. Present valid photo identification
4. Pay applicable copy fees ($1.00 per page for standard copies)
5. For certified copies, additional fees apply ($10.00 per document)

For written requests, individuals may submit a detailed letter including:

• Specific case information (case number, party names, filing date)
• Documents requested
• Contact information
• Payment for applicable fees (check or money order)

Mail written requests to the Genesee County Clerk's Office address listed above.

For electronic requests, the county offers several options:

1. Submit requests through the MiCOURT Case Search portal
2. Access the Genesee County Circuit Court Records system
3. Email requests to the appropriate court division (addresses available on the county website)

Pursuant to MCL 600.2546, certified copies of court records may be obtained for official purposes. These certified copies carry the same legal weight as original documents when properly authenticated by the court clerk.

How To Look Up Court Records in Genesee County Online?

Genesee County provides several digital platforms for accessing court records electronically. These online resources allow for efficient searching of case information without requiring physical visits to court facilities.

The primary online portals for Genesee County court records include:

1. Michigan Courts Case Search (MiCOURT) The MiCOURT Case Search system provides access to case records from participating courts throughout Michigan, including Genesee County courts. Users may search by:

   • Case number
   • Party name
   • Business name
   • Attorney name

   The system includes records for:

   • Circuit Court civil and criminal cases
   • District Court civil and criminal matters
   • Probate Court proceedings
   • Family Court cases (with certain privacy restrictions)

2. Genesee County Circuit Court Records Portal The Genesee County Circuit Court Records system provides specific access to 7th Circuit Court records. This portal includes:

   • Civil case files
   • Criminal proceedings
   • Domestic relations cases
   • Appeals from lower courts

3. Genesee County Court Information System The Genesee County Court Information portal provides links to various court resources, including searchable databases.

To conduct an effective online search:

1. Select the appropriate portal based on the court and case type
2. Create a user account if required (some systems allow guest access)
3. Enter known case information (case number is most efficient)
4. If searching by name, enter complete and correct spelling
5. Use date ranges to narrow results when available
6. Review search results and select specific cases to view details
7. Note that document viewing may require fees in some instances

Online access is governed by Michigan Supreme Court Administrative Order 2006-2, which establishes standards for electronic access to court records while balancing privacy concerns.

How To Search Genesee County Court Records for Free?

Michigan law provides for public inspection of court records at no cost, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. Under MCL 600.2546, courts may charge reasonable fees for reproduction of records, but inspection itself is generally free of charge.

Free access options for Genesee County court records include:

1. In-Person Inspection Members of the public may visit the appropriate court clerk's office during regular business hours to view records without charge. Available locations include:

   Genesee County Circuit Court Clerk
   900 S. Saginaw Street, Room 104
   Flint, MI 48502
   Phone: (810) 257-3225
   Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

   67th District Court
   630 S. Saginaw Street
   Flint, MI 48502
   Phone: (810) 257-3170
   Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

   Genesee County Probate Court
   900 S. Saginaw Street, Room 502
   Flint, MI 48502
   Phone: (810) 257-3528
   Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

2. Limited Free Online Access Some basic case information is available without charge through:

   • MiCOURT Case Search (basic case information)
   • Genesee County Court Information (court calendars and schedules)

3. Public Access Terminals Computer terminals are available at court facilities for free searching of electronic records. These terminals provide more comprehensive access than remote online options and are available at:

   • Circuit Court Clerk's Office
   • Law Library (900 S. Saginaw Street, 3rd Floor)
   • District Court locations

4. FOIA Requests For certain administrative court records, Freedom of Information Act requests may be submitted without initial fees, though copy costs may apply if records are located.

When utilizing free access methods, users should note:

• Staff assistance may be limited due to workload
• Complex searches may require additional time
• Some records may require identification to view
• Electronic document printing from public terminals incurs fees
• Older records may require advance notice for retrieval from archives

What's Included in a Genesee County Court Record?

Genesee County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type, but generally include the following components:

For Civil Cases:

• Complaint or petition initiating the action
• Summons and proof of service
• Answers and counterclaims
• Motions and supporting briefs
• Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
• Scheduling orders and notices
• Transcripts of hearings and trials
• Exhibits admitted into evidence
• Judgments and orders
• Post-judgment filings
• Appeal documentation (if applicable)

For Criminal Cases:

• Charging documents (complaint, information, indictment)
• Arrest warrant and return
• Bond information
• Arraignment records
• Pre-trial motions and orders
• Plea agreements
• Trial transcripts
• Verdict forms
• Pre-sentence investigation reports (access restricted)
• Sentencing orders
• Probation/parole documents
• Appeal filings

For Family Court Cases:

• Petitions for divorce, custody, or support
• Financial disclosure statements
• Parenting time orders
• Child support worksheets and orders
• Property settlement agreements
• Judgments of divorce
• Post-judgment modifications
• Friend of the Court recommendations
• Friend of the Court forms

For Probate Cases:

• Petitions for estate administration
• Wills and codicils
• Inventories of estate assets
• Claims against estates
• Guardianship/conservatorship documents
• Annual accountings
• Orders of distribution
• Estate closing statements

Each court record also contains:

• Register of actions (chronological case summary)
• Case history
• Party information
• Attorney information
• Judge assignment
• Filing date information
• Hearing schedules
• Fee payment records

The completeness of court records is mandated by Michigan Court Rule 8.119, which requires courts to maintain accurate and comprehensive documentation of all proceedings.

How Long Does Genesee County Keep Court Records?

Genesee County adheres to the Michigan Supreme Court's records retention and disposal schedule for court records. The retention periods vary based on case type, significance, and statutory requirements.

General retention periods include:

For Circuit Court Records:

• Civil case files: 10 years after case closure
• Criminal felony cases: 50 years after judgment
• Capital/life offense cases: Permanent retention
• Domestic relations cases: 30 years after judgment
• Personal Protection Orders: 5 years after expiration
• Appeals from lower courts: 25 years after decision

For District Court Records:

• Civil cases: 10 years after case closure
• Misdemeanor cases: 10 years after case closure
• Traffic civil infractions: 2 years after disposition
• Ordinance violations: 6 years after disposition
• Small claims: 10 years after judgment
• Landlord-tenant cases: 10 years after disposition

For Probate Court Records:

• Decedent estates: 10 years after closing
• Guardianships: 10 years after termination
• Conservatorships: 10 years after termination
• Mental health proceedings: 10 years after case closure
• Adoption records: Permanent retention

For Family Division Records:

• Juvenile delinquency: Until age 30 or 10 years, whichever is later
• Child protective proceedings: Permanent retention
• Name changes: Permanent retention
• Emancipation of minors: 10 years after case closure

These retention schedules are established pursuant to MCL 399.811 and Michigan Supreme Court Administrative Order 1999-4, which authorize the State Court Administrative Office to establish records management policies for all courts in Michigan.

After the retention period expires, records may be:

• Destroyed according to approved methods
• Transferred to the Archives of Michigan
• Microfilmed or digitized for permanent storage

Historically significant cases may be preserved beyond standard retention periods. Additionally, case registers, indexes, and judgment books are typically retained permanently regardless of case type.

Types of Courts In Genesee County

Genesee County's judicial system consists of several courts with distinct jurisdictions and functions. Each court handles specific types of cases as prescribed by Michigan law.

7th Judicial Circuit Court
900 S. Saginaw Street
Flint, MI 48502
Phone: (810) 257-3220
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
7th Judicial Circuit Court

67th District Court
630 S. Saginaw Street
Flint, MI 48502
Phone: (810) 257-3170
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
67th District Court

Genesee County Probate Court
900 S. Saginaw Street, Room 502
Flint, MI 48502
Phone: (810) 257-3528
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Genesee County Probate Court

Family Division of Circuit Court
900 S. Saginaw Street
Flint, MI 48502
Phone: (810) 257-3300
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Family Division

Friend of the Court
630 S. Saginaw Street, Suite 2500
Flint, MI 48502
Phone: (810) 257-3300
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friend of the Court

The Michigan court system follows a hierarchical structure:

1. District Courts (limited jurisdiction, first level)
2. Circuit Courts (general jurisdiction, trial courts)
3. Michigan Court of Appeals (intermediate appellate court)
4. Michigan Supreme Court (highest state court)

Cases may progress through this hierarchy via the appeals process. Additionally, certain specialized courts operate within this framework, including:

Genesee County Drug Court
900 S. Saginaw Street
Flint, MI 48502
Phone: (810) 257-3040
Drug Court

Genesee County Mental Health Court
900 S. Saginaw Street
Flint, MI 48502
Phone: (810) 257-3040
Mental Health Court

Genesee County Veterans Treatment Court
900 S. Saginaw Street
Flint, MI 48502
Phone: (810) 257-3040
Veterans Treatment Court

These courts operate under the authority of MCL 600.151, which establishes Michigan's judicial system structure.

What Types of Cases Do Genesee County Courts Hear?

Genesee County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their statutory jurisdiction. Each court within the county's judicial system is authorized to hear specific categories of cases.

The 7th Judicial Circuit Court handles:

• Civil cases involving claims exceeding $25,000
• Felony criminal prosecutions
• Real property disputes
• Appeals from District Court and administrative agencies
• Complex commercial litigation
• Medical malpractice claims
• Product liability lawsuits
• Constitutional challenges to local ordinances
• Injunctive relief requests

The Family Division of Circuit Court addresses:

• Divorce proceedings
• Child custody determinations
• Parenting time disputes
• Child support establishment and enforcement
• Paternity actions
• Personal Protection Orders (domestic and non-domestic)
• Juvenile delinquency proceedings
• Child abuse and neglect cases
• Adoptions
• Name changes
• Emancipation of minors

The 67th District Court presides over:

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

The Genesee County Probate Court handles:

• 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

Specialized treatment courts address:

• Drug-related offenses (Drug Court)
• Cases involving veterans (Veterans Treatment Court)
• Matters involving mental health issues (Mental Health Court)
• Sobriety Court for alcohol-related offenses

The jurisdiction of these courts is established by the Michigan Revised Judicature Act, MCL 600.101 et seq., which delineates the authority of each court level within the state's judicial system.

How To Find a Court Docket In Genesee County

Court dockets in Genesee County provide chronological listings of scheduled court proceedings, including hearings, trials, and other judicial events. Members of the public may access docket information through several methods.

Online docket access is available through:

1. MiCOURT Case Search - Provides searchable access to court schedules and dockets for participating courts
2. Genesee County Circuit Court Records - Offers docket information for Circuit Court cases
3. Genesee County Court Information - Provides links to court calendars and schedules

To search dockets online:

1. Select the appropriate court's online portal
2. Enter search criteria (case number, party name, date range)
3. Review results for scheduled proceedings
4. Note that some systems require registration or fees for detailed information

For in-person docket inquiries:

1. Visit the clerk's office of the relevant court
2. Request docket information at the public counter
3. Provide case number or party names
4. Staff will provide available docket information

Docket information typically includes:

• Case number and title
• Assigned judge
• Scheduled date and time
• Courtroom location
• Type of proceeding (hearing, trial, conference)
• Filing deadlines
• Previous proceedings and outcomes

Daily court dockets are also posted on bulletin boards near courtrooms and at court entrances. These physical postings are updated each morning and provide information about the day's proceedings.

For telephone inquiries, contact:

• Circuit Court: (810) 257-3220
• District Court: (810) 257-3170
• Probate Court: (810) 257-3528

When requesting docket information, be prepared to provide:

• Case number (preferred)
• Full names of parties involved
• Approximate date of filing
• Case type

Access to court dockets is governed by Michigan Court Rule 8.119(D), which requires courts to maintain calendars of proceedings that are accessible to the public.

Which Courts in Genesee County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Michigan's judicial system, courts are classified as either "courts of record" or "courts not of record" based on their procedural requirements and record-keeping practices. This distinction is established by MCL 600.8101, which defines the characteristics of courts of record.

A court of record is required to:

• Maintain verbatim transcripts or recordings of all proceedings
• Preserve evidence and exhibits
• Maintain comprehensive case files
• Follow formal rules of evidence and procedure
• Issue written opinions and orders

In Genesee County, the following are not courts of record:

• Small Claims Division of the 67th District Court
• Informal Probate proceedings
• Certain administrative hearings conducted by county agencies

The Small Claims Division operates under simplified procedures where:

• Proceedings are not recorded verbatim
• Formal rules of evidence are relaxed
• Parties represent themselves without attorneys
• Judgments are issued without formal written opinions
• Appeals from Small Claims are heard "de novo" (completely new trial) in District Court

This classification is significant because:

1. Appeals from courts not of record typically result in new trials (de novo review) rather than reviews of the existing record
2. Precedential value of decisions from courts not of record is limited
3. Procedural requirements are generally less formal
4. Record preservation requirements differ

All other courts in Genesee County are courts of record, including:

• 7th Judicial Circuit Court
• 67th District Court (regular division)
• Genesee County Probate Court
• Family Division of Circuit Court

The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record is established by Michigan Court Rule 7.101, which governs appeal procedures based on this classification.

Lookup Court Records in Genesee County

Genesee County Circuit Court Records

MiCOURT Case Search

Genesee County Court Information

Genesee County Freedom of Information

Genesee County Friend of the Court Online Forms