Eaton County Court Records
What Is Eaton County Court Records
Court records in Eaton County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. Pursuant to Michigan Court Rule 8.119(F), court records include case files, dockets, indexes, registers of actions, calendars, pleadings, motions, briefs, orders, judgments, opinions, transcripts, evidence files, and other materials filed with or maintained by the courts. These documents provide a comprehensive account of legal matters processed through the judicial system.
Court records in Eaton County 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 maintain records in Eaton County:
- Eaton County Circuit Court
- 56A District Court (Charlotte)
- 56B District Court (Eaton County)
- Eaton County Probate Court
- Eaton County Family Court
These records encompass various case types including:
- Civil litigation
- Criminal proceedings
- Family law matters
- Probate cases
- Traffic violations
- Small claims
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.
Are Court Records Public In Eaton County
Court records in Eaton County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with Michigan's court rules and statutes governing public access. The Michigan Court Rules 8.119(H) establishes that court records are public records, open to inspection by the public unless specifically exempted by court rule, statute, or court order.
The following court records are typically available for public inspection:
- 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
- Certain family court records
- Records containing personal identifying information as defined in MCL § 445.63
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 has jurisdiction over Eaton County) are governed by federal rules rather than state regulations. These records are accessible through the federal PACER system.
The Michigan Supreme Court has established comprehensive rules regarding public access to court records through Administrative Order No. 1999-4, which outlines policies for both physical and electronic access to judicial records.
How To Find Court Records in Eaton County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Eaton County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining court records:
In-Person Requests:
- Identify the specific court where the case was filed
- Visit the court clerk's office during regular business hours
- Complete a records request form providing case number, party names, or other identifying information
- Present valid photo identification
- Pay applicable search and copy fees
Mail Requests:
- Prepare a written request including case information, specific documents needed, and contact information
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for response
- Enclose payment for applicable fees (call ahead to confirm amount)
- Mail request to the appropriate court clerk's office
Online Access:
- Visit the Michigan Courts Case Search portal
- Select Eaton County from the jurisdiction options
- Enter available search criteria (case number, party name, filing date)
- Review search results and available document information
- Follow instructions for requesting copies of specific documents
For Circuit Court records, contact:
Eaton County Circuit Court
1045 Independence Blvd
Charlotte, MI 48813
(517) 543-7500
Eaton County Circuit Court
For District Court records, contact:
56A District Court
1045 Independence Blvd
Charlotte, MI 48813
(517) 543-4913
56A District Court
Pursuant to Michigan Court Rule 8.119(J), requestors may be required to pay reasonable fees for search and reproduction of court records. Current fees include search fees, copy charges, and certification costs if applicable.
How To Look Up Court Records in Eaton County Online?
Eaton County provides several digital platforms for accessing court records electronically. These online resources offer varying levels of information depending on the court and case type.
The primary online portals for Eaton County court records include:
-
MiCOURT Case Search
- Access via the Michigan Courts Case Search portal
- Search by case number, party name, business name, or attorney
- View basic case information including:
- Case number and filing date
- Party names
- Case type and status
- Scheduled hearings
- Register of actions (docket entries)
- Note that document images are generally not available through this system
-
Eaton County Courts Online Records
- Access through the Eaton County website
- Search options include:
- Circuit Court cases
- District Court cases
- Probate Court matters
- Information typically includes case parties, filing dates, case types, and hearing schedules
-
Michigan Appellate Case Search
- For appeals from Eaton County cases
- Access via the Michigan Courts website
- Search by case number, party name, or attorney
- View appellate briefs, opinions, and orders
To conduct an effective online search:
- Gather available information about the case (names, approximate dates, case type)
- Select the appropriate court's online system
- Enter search criteria in the required fields
- Review results and refine search as needed
- Note any limitations on available information
- Follow instructions for requesting complete records if needed
Under Michigan Court Rule 8.119(H), while basic case information is available online, certain documents may only be accessible through in-person requests at the courthouse.
How To Search Eaton 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. Pursuant to Michigan Court Rule 8.119(J), "The court may not charge a fee for providing public access to court records as required by these rules."
Free access options for Eaton County court records include:
In-Person Inspection:
- Visit the appropriate court clerk's office during regular business hours
- Request to view specific case files
- Examine documents on-site at no charge
- Take notes from records without incurring fees
Free Online Resources:
- MiCOURT Case Search - Provides free access to basic case information
- Michigan Courts website - Offers free access to appellate opinions and orders
- Eaton County website - Provides free access to court calendars and basic case status information
Public Access Terminals:
- Available at courthouse locations
- Provide free access to electronic court records
- May offer more comprehensive information than public websites
- Located at:
- Eaton County Courthouse, 1045 Independence Blvd, Charlotte, MI 48813
While basic searches are free, the following services typically incur fees:
- Printed copies of documents (generally $1.00-$2.00 per page)
- Certified copies of court records ($10.00-$15.00 per document)
- Records requiring extensive staff research time
- Expedited record retrieval
Under MCL § 600.2546, courts may establish reasonable fees for copies and certifications, but must provide free public inspection of records.
What's Included in a Eaton County Court Record?
Eaton County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type but generally include the following components:
Case Initiation Documents:
- Complaints or petitions
- Summonses
- Warrants (in criminal cases)
- Initial appearances
- Arraignment information
Party Information:
- Names and contact information of plaintiffs/defendants
- Attorney information
- Service of process documentation
Procedural Documents:
- Motions and responses
- Briefs and memoranda
- Scheduling orders
- Discovery materials (when filed with the court)
- Subpoenas
- Witness lists
Court Proceedings:
- Hearing notices
- Court minutes
- Transcripts (when prepared)
- Evidence logs
- Exhibits (descriptions, not always actual exhibits)
Judgments and Orders:
- Interim orders
- Final judgments
- Consent decrees
- Settlement agreements (when filed)
- Dismissal orders
Post-Judgment Materials:
- Appeals documentation
- Execution documents
- Satisfaction of judgment
- Probation/parole information (criminal cases)
Financial Information:
- Filing fees paid
- Fines and costs assessed
- Restitution orders
- Payment records
Special Case-Type Documents:
- Criminal cases: charging documents, plea agreements, sentencing information
- Probate cases: wills, inventories, accountings
- Family cases: parenting plans, support orders, property settlements
- Civil cases: damage calculations, injunction details
Pursuant to Michigan Court Rule 1.109, certain personal identifying information must be protected in court filings, including Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and dates of birth.
How Long Does Eaton County Keep Court Records?
Eaton County courts maintain records according to retention schedules established by the Michigan Supreme Court and the State Court Administrative Office. These schedules vary by case type and document category.
General Retention Periods:
-
Circuit Court Records:
- Felony cases: 75 years after final disposition
- Civil cases: 30 years after final judgment
- Domestic relations: 30 years after final judgment
- Appeals: 25 years after final disposition
-
District Court Records:
- Misdemeanors: 10 years after final disposition
- Civil cases: 10 years after final judgment
- Traffic violations: 7 years after final disposition
- Small claims: 10 years after final judgment
-
Probate Court Records:
- Decedent estates: 15 years after closing
- Guardianships: 10 years after termination
- Conservatorships: 10 years after termination
- Mental health proceedings: 20 years after final order
-
Family Court Records:
- Divorce with minor children: 30 years after final judgment
- Paternity cases: 30 years after final judgment
- Child protective proceedings: 25 years after final order
Pursuant to Michigan Supreme Court Administrative Order 1999-4, courts may convert paper records to electronic format for long-term storage. After conversion, original paper documents may be destroyed according to established schedules.
Records of historical significance may be preserved indefinitely or transferred to the State Archives of Michigan as directed by MCL § 399.811.
For cases of significant public interest or precedential value, records may be retained beyond the standard retention period at the discretion of the court.
Types of Courts In Eaton County
Eaton County's judicial system consists of several courts with distinct jurisdictions and functions within Michigan's unified court system.
Eaton County Circuit Court
1045 Independence Blvd
Charlotte, MI 48813
(517) 543-7500
Eaton County Circuit Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Circuit Court is the court of general jurisdiction handling felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $25,000, family law cases, and appeals from lower courts.
56A District Court
1045 Independence Blvd
Charlotte, MI 48813
(517) 543-4913
56A District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The District Court handles misdemeanors, civil cases under $25,000, landlord-tenant disputes, small claims, and preliminary examinations for felony cases.
Eaton County Probate Court
1045 Independence Blvd
Charlotte, MI 48813
(517) 543-7500 ext. 1253
Eaton County Probate Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Probate Court oversees estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and mental health commitment proceedings.
Eaton County Family Court
1045 Independence Blvd
Charlotte, MI 48813
(517) 543-7500
Eaton County Family Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Family Court division handles divorce, child custody, paternity, juvenile delinquency, and child protection matters.
Court Hierarchy:
- Local courts (District and Probate)
- Circuit Court
- Michigan Court of Appeals
- Michigan Supreme Court
Appeals from Eaton County courts are heard by the Michigan Court of Appeals, which maintains a regional office in Grand Rapids. Final appeals are directed to the Michigan Supreme Court in Lansing.
What Types of Cases Do Eaton County Courts Hear?
Eaton County's court system processes a wide range of legal matters distributed among its various courts according to jurisdiction established by Michigan law.
Circuit Court Case Types:
- Felony criminal prosecutions
- Civil lawsuits with claims exceeding $25,000
- Real property disputes
- Appeals from district court, administrative agencies, and municipal courts
- Family division matters:
- Divorce and separation
- Child custody and support
- Paternity establishment
- Personal protection orders
- Juvenile delinquency
- Child abuse and neglect
- Adoptions
District Court Case Types:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases (punishable by up to 1 year incarceration)
- Civil lawsuits with claims up to $25,000
- Small claims (up to $6,500)
- Landlord-tenant disputes and eviction proceedings
- Land contract forfeitures
- Traffic violations and civil infractions
- Preliminary examinations in felony cases
- Ordinance violations
- Garnishments and judgment collections
Probate Court Case Types:
- Decedent estate administration
- Will contests
- Trust administration and disputes
- Guardianships for minors and incapacitated adults
- Conservatorships for estates
- Mental health commitment proceedings
- Emancipation of minors
- Name changes
Case assignment is governed by Michigan Court Rule 8.110 and jurisdictional statutes including MCL § 600.601 (circuit court jurisdiction) and MCL § 600.8301 (district court jurisdiction).
Specialized proceedings such as drug court, veterans court, and mental health court operate within these courts to address specific populations with tailored interventions and monitoring.
How To Find a Court Docket In Eaton County
Court dockets in Eaton County provide schedules of court proceedings and lists of cases to be heard. These records are accessible through several methods:
Online Docket Access:
- Visit the Michigan Courts Case Search portal
- Select Eaton County from the jurisdiction menu
- Search by case number, party name, or date range
- View upcoming hearings and scheduled proceedings
- Note that some specialized dockets may not be available online
In-Person Docket Review:
- Visit the clerk's office for the relevant court
- Request to view the daily or weekly docket
- Provide the date of interest or case information
- Review posted docket sheets in courthouse lobbies or outside courtrooms
Telephone Inquiries:
- Contact the appropriate court clerk's office:
- Circuit Court: (517) 543-7500
- District Court: (517) 543-4913
- Probate Court: (517) 543-7500 ext. 1253
- Provide case number or party names
- Request hearing date and time information
Case-Specific Docket Information:
- Use the case number to search the MiCOURT Case Search system
- Review the register of actions (chronological listing of all filings and proceedings)
- Note scheduled hearings and deadlines
- Check for any recent adjournments or schedule changes
Public docket access is governed by Michigan Court Rule 8.119(H), which establishes that court calendars and dockets are public records accessible to all persons.
For specialized dockets such as jury selection, motion hearings, or trial schedules, contact the specific judicial office or court administrator for the most current information.
Which Courts in Eaton County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Michigan's judicial system, a "court of record" is defined as a court that creates and maintains verbatim transcripts of proceedings and formal documentation of all matters heard. Pursuant to MCL § 600.8101, courts not of record typically do not maintain official transcripts of proceedings unless specifically requested.
Within Eaton County, the following are not courts of record:
Small Claims Division of District Court
- Handles civil claims up to $6,500
- Informal proceedings without attorneys
- No court reporter present unless requested
- No formal transcripts created
- Decisions may be appealed to district court for trial de novo (new trial)
Informal Probate Proceedings
- Certain uncontested probate matters
- Streamlined procedures without formal hearings
- Limited record-keeping requirements
- Governed by MCL § 700.3302
All other courts in Eaton County are courts of record, including:
- Circuit Court
- District Court (regular division)
- Probate Court (formal proceedings)
- Family Court
In courts of record, proceedings are recorded by electronic means or by court reporters/recorders as required by Michigan Court Rule 8.108. These recordings or stenographic notes form the official record of proceedings and can be transcribed upon request.
The distinction between courts of record and those not of record is significant for appeal purposes. Appeals from courts not of record typically involve a completely new hearing (trial de novo) rather than a review of the existing record.