Eaton County Public Records
What Are Public Records in Eaton County?
Public records in Eaton County are defined according to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), specifically under Michigan Compiled Laws § 15.232(i), as "a writing prepared, owned, used, in the possession of, or retained by a public body in the performance of an official function, from the time it is created." These records document the business of government and belong to the citizens of Michigan.
Eaton County maintains numerous types of public records, including:
- Court records (civil, criminal, probate, family court proceedings)
- Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens, property assessments)
- Vital records (birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, divorce decrees)
- Business records (licenses, permits, fictitious business names)
- Tax records (property tax information, assessment records)
- Voting and election records (voter registration, election results)
- Meeting minutes and agendas (County Commission, boards, committees)
- Budget and financial documents (annual budgets, expenditure reports)
- Law enforcement records (arrest logs, incident reports where permitted by law)
- Land use and zoning records (permits, applications, zoning maps)
The Eaton County Clerk's Office serves as the primary custodian for many county records, including vital records, court filings, and election documents. Property records are maintained by the Eaton County Register of Deeds, while court records are accessible through the Eaton County Circuit Court and District Court. Law enforcement records are typically held by the Eaton County Sheriff's Office or local police departments within the county.
Is Eaton County an Open Records County?
Eaton County adheres to Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified under Michigan Compiled Laws § 15.231-15.246, which establishes the public's right to access government records. The law's declaration of public policy under § 15.231(2) states that "all persons... are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of those who represent them as public officials and public employees."
The county follows this state mandate, which requires that all public bodies disclose public records upon request unless specifically exempted by law. Michigan's FOIA establishes that public records must be disclosed upon request by any person, regardless of their stated interest or purpose, with certain statutory exceptions.
Eaton County has implemented specific procedures for handling FOIA requests in compliance with state law. The county maintains a FOIA Coordinator who is responsible for accepting and processing requests for public records. Each department within the county government may also have designated individuals who assist with FOIA compliance.
Additionally, Eaton County complies with Michigan's Open Meetings Act (OMA), Michigan Compiled Laws § 15.261-15.275, which requires that meetings of public bodies be open to the public, with proper notice given, and minutes kept of all meetings.
How to Find Public Records in Eaton County in 2026
Members of the public seeking records in Eaton County may utilize several methods to access information. The county has established procedures to facilitate public access to government documents.
For court records, individuals may use the Michigan Courts Case Search system to locate case information online. This resource provides access to public court records from participating courts throughout Michigan, including Eaton County courts. For more detailed court documents, requestors may need to visit the courthouse in person.
To obtain vital records such as birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, or divorce decrees, individuals should contact:
Eaton County Clerk's Office
1045 Independence Blvd
Charlotte, MI 48813
517-543-2426
Eaton County Clerk
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services also maintains vital records that can be requested through their office.
For property records, interested parties should contact:
Eaton County Register of Deeds
1045 Independence Blvd
Charlotte, MI 48813
517-543-2124
Eaton County Register of Deeds
To submit a FOIA request for other county records:
- Identify the specific records needed (being as precise as possible)
- Complete the county's FOIA request form, available on the Eaton County website
- Submit the request to the appropriate department's FOIA Coordinator
- Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, fax, or email
- The county must respond within 5 business days (with possible 10-day extension)
- Pay any applicable fees (if required)
- Receive and review the requested records
For records specific to municipalities within Eaton County, such as the City of Eaton Rapids, contact the respective city clerk's office directly.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Eaton County?
Pursuant to Michigan's Freedom of Information Act § 15.234, Eaton County may charge reasonable fees for providing public records. The current fee structure includes:
- Copying/Duplication: $0.10 per page for standard letter/legal size documents
- Labor Costs: Actual cost of the lowest-paid employee capable of retrieving the information (charged in 15-minute increments)
- Mailing: Actual cost of mailing records in a reasonably economical manner
- Digital Media: Actual cost of media (CD, DVD, flash drive) if requested in electronic format
- Specialized Documents: Actual cost for non-standard items (photographs, maps, etc.)
The county accepts payment by cash, check, or money order. Some departments may accept credit card payments, though processing fees may apply.
Under Michigan FOIA § 15.234(2), the first $20 of the fee must be waived for individuals who submit an affidavit stating they are receiving public assistance or can demonstrate inability to pay due to indigence. Additionally, a public interest fee waiver may be granted if the request primarily benefits the general public rather than the individual requestor.
For vital records, specific statutory fees apply:
- Birth Certificate: $15.00 for first copy, $5.00 for each additional copy
- Death Certificate: $15.00 for first copy, $5.00 for each additional copy
- Marriage License: $20.00 for certified copy
- Divorce Decree: $15.00 for certified copy
Court records may have separate fee schedules established by the Michigan Supreme Court Administrative Order or local court rule.
Does Eaton County Have Free Public Records?
Eaton County provides free inspection of public records in accordance with Michigan FOIA § 15.233(3), which states that a public body shall furnish "a reasonable opportunity for inspection and examination of its public records." No fee may be charged for the right to inspect records unless the public body must make extensive redactions to protect exempt information.
Several free resources are available to access Eaton County public records:
- The Eaton County website provides free access to meeting minutes, agendas, budgets, and various reports
- Public terminals at the County Clerk's Office allow free searches of certain records
- The Michigan Courts Case Search system offers free basic case information
- Board of Commissioners meetings and other public meetings can be attended at no cost
- County libraries provide free internet access to search online public records
Additionally, certain records may be available for free through the Michigan Open Data Portal, which contains datasets from various state and local government agencies.
It should be noted that while inspection is free, fees may still apply for copies or extensive searches as outlined in the county's FOIA procedures and guidelines.
Who Can Request Public Records in Eaton County?
Under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act § 15.233(1), "a person" has the right to inspect, copy, or receive public records upon providing a written request to the FOIA coordinator of the public body. The term "person" is broadly defined in § 15.232(g) as "an individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, firm, organization, association, governmental entity, or other legal entity."
Key points regarding eligibility to request public records in Eaton County include:
- Requestors do not need to be Michigan residents to submit FOIA requests
- Identification is generally not required except for certain records where identity verification is mandated by law (such as one's own birth certificate)
- Requestors are not required to state the purpose of their request, except in limited circumstances involving certain types of records
- Commercial requests are permitted but may be subject to full cost recovery
- Incarcerated individuals have limited FOIA rights under Michigan law § 15.232(c)
- Requests for one's own records may require identity verification to protect privacy
For vital records such as birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees, Michigan law (Public Health Code § 333.2882) restricts access to certain eligible individuals. For example, birth certificates are available only to the person named on the record, their parent, legal guardian, or authorized representative with proper identification.
Law enforcement records may have additional restrictions based on ongoing investigations or privacy concerns as outlined in § 15.243 of Michigan FOIA.
What Records Are Confidential in Eaton County?
Michigan's Freedom of Information Act § 15.243 establishes numerous exemptions that allow or require public bodies to withhold certain information from disclosure. In Eaton County, the following record types are typically considered confidential:
- Information of a personal nature where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy
- Law enforcement investigative records that would interfere with proceedings or deprive someone of a fair trial
- Records protected by attorney-client privilege
- Trade secrets or commercial/financial information voluntarily provided in confidence
- Medical, counseling, or psychological facts that would reveal an individual's identity
- Sealed court records and certain juvenile court records
- Child protective services records (except under specific circumstances)
- Social security numbers and other personal identifying information
- Computer access codes and security information
- Records subject to executive privilege
- Certain educational records protected under federal law (FERPA)
- Information specifically exempted from disclosure by another statute
Michigan law § 15.243(1)(a) exempts "information of a personal nature if public disclosure of the information would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of an individual's privacy." This provision is often applied to protect sensitive personal information contained within otherwise public records.
When a record contains both exempt and non-exempt information, the county must separate the material and make the non-exempt information available as required by § 15.244. This often results in redacted documents being provided to requestors.
The Michigan Court of Appeals has established that exemptions must be interpreted narrowly, with the burden of proof on the public body to demonstrate that an exemption applies (Swickard v. Wayne County Medical Examiner, 438 Mich 536, 544; 475 NW2d 304 [1991]).
Eaton County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Eaton County Register of Deeds
1045 Independence Blvd
Charlotte, MI 48813
517-543-2124
Eaton County Register of Deeds
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays
The Register of Deeds Office maintains and provides access to property records including deeds, mortgages, land contracts, liens, and property surveys. The office serves as the official repository for all real estate transactions within Eaton County.
For vital records and other county documents:
Eaton County Clerk's Office
1045 Independence Blvd
Charlotte, MI 48813
517-543-2426
Eaton County Clerk
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays
For court records:
Eaton County Circuit Court
1045 Independence Blvd
Charlotte, MI 48813
517-543-7500
Eaton County Circuit Court
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and court-observed holidays
For municipal records in Eaton Rapids:
City of Eaton Rapids Clerk's Office
200 S Main St
Eaton Rapids, MI 48827
517-663-8118
City Clerk of Eaton Rapids
Lookup Public Records in Eaton County
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