Court records in Grand Traverse County, Michigan, can be searched through several channels. GrandTraverseCourt.us can help find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also search records through the County Clerk's civil and criminal records search, the statewide MiCOURT Case Search portal, and in person at public computer terminals located in the court section of the County Clerk's Office in Traverse City.
Grand Traverse Court System & Jurisdictions
Grand Traverse County is served by two trial-level courts, each handling distinct case types. Knowing which court holds the docket you need is the first step in any records search.
13th Circuit Court
The 13th Circuit Court is the county's general-jurisdiction trial court. The Grand Traverse County Clerk serves as clerk for this court.
- Criminal: Felony cases
- Civil: Lawsuits exceeding $25,000, land contract disputes, and equitable actions
- Family: Divorces involving minor children, paternity, family support, personal protection orders, juvenile delinquency, child protective proceedings, and adoptions
- Appeals: Appeals from District Court and administrative agencies
The Circuit and Family Court Records division accepts filings and maintains case files for these matters.
86th District Court
The 86th District Court handles a broad range of lower-level cases:
- Criminal: Misdemeanors, preliminary examinations for felonies
- Civil: Lawsuits up to $25,000
- Small claims: Disputes up to $6,500
- Traffic: Civil infractions, drunk driving, and other traffic offenses
- Landlord-tenant: Eviction and summary proceedings
Note that the 86th District Court has indicated limited online access to criminal case records while it works to reconcile data following a system transition.
Probate Court
Grand Traverse County Probate Court handles estates, guardianships, conservatorships, mental health commitments, and trust matters. Probate records are generally maintained separately from Circuit and District Court files.
Grand Traverse Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Court calendars for today's, tomorrow's, and upcoming hearings in Grand Traverse County can be accessed through several methods:
- MiCOURT Case Search: The MiCOURT portal allows you to look up individual cases and view scheduled hearing dates for courts across Michigan, including Grand Traverse County courts.
- 86th District Court: Check the 86th District Court page for announcements and scheduling information. Access to some case data may be limited during ongoing records reconciliation.
- In person: Public computer terminals at the County Clerk's Office (280 Washington St., Ste. 206, Traverse City) display court scheduling information for 13th Circuit Court cases.
- Contact the court directly: If you cannot locate a hearing date online, call the appropriate court clerk to confirm scheduling details.
Calendar information displayed online is for reference only and does not replace the official court record.
How to Get a Copy of a Grand Traverse Court Document
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Uncertified copies are plain photocopies of court documents. They are usually sufficient for personal reference.
- Certified copies bear the clerk's seal and signature, confirming the document is a true copy of the official record. These are typically required for legal proceedings, background checks, or filings in other courts.
How to Request Copies
- Online search: Start with the civil and criminal records search to locate the case. Some documents may be viewable online, though certified copies require a formal request.
- In person: Visit the County Clerk's Office at the address below. Computer terminals are available for public use to locate cases before requesting copies at the counter.
- By mail or email: The Clerk's Office accepts records requests by mail, email, or through an online form. Include the case number, party names, and the specific document you need.
County Clerk's Office — Circuit & Family Court Records
For law enforcement records, the Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Office FOIA request form can be used to submit a request under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (Public Act 442 of 1976).
Restricted Records
Not all court records are publicly accessible. Under Michigan law and court rules, the following are generally restricted:
- Juvenile delinquency and child protective proceedings
- Records sealed or expunged under Public Act 193 of 2020 (Michigan's Clean Slate law)
- Certain mental health proceedings
- Adoption records
The County Clerk's criminal records search notes that not all cases appear online as the office works to comply with Public Act 193 of 2020. If a record you expect to find does not appear, contact the Clerk's Office directly.
Grand Traverse Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court document copies and certified records in Grand Traverse County are set by Michigan statute and local court policy. The following table summarizes commonly requested items based on information published by the County Clerk's Office.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of a court record | $10.00 plus $1.00 per page |
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $1.00 per page |
| Circuit Court filing fees | Set by Michigan statute; vary by case type |
| FOIA request (Sheriff's Office records) | Fees per Michigan FOIA statute (labor + copying costs) |
| Jail booking fee | $12.00 per booking (MCL 801.4b) |
Payment Methods
- In person: Check with the specific office for accepted payment types (cash, check, money order, or card).
- By mail: Include a check or money order payable to the Grand Traverse County Clerk with your written request.
Additional State-Level Search Tools
For criminal background information beyond county court records, the Michigan State Police ICHAT system provides public criminal history record searches. Offenders under Michigan Department of Corrections supervision can be looked up through the OTIS offender search.