Court Records in Cass County
Cass County court records are maintained at the Cass County Courthouse in Cassopolis. The 43rd Circuit Court, the 3B District Court, and the Probate Court all operate from 602 Main Street. Whether you need to search court records for a civil case, a criminal matter, or a probate proceeding, this page covers how to find and request those records in Cass County.
Cass County Overview
Cass County Courts
The 43rd Circuit Court is Cass County's primary trial court for serious matters. It handles felony criminal cases, major civil suits, domestic relations cases, and juvenile proceedings. The main phone line is (269) 445-1404. The 3B District Court shares the same building and covers misdemeanors, civil cases under $25,000, small claims, and traffic violations. The District Court line is (269) 445-1460.
All three courts operate from the same address at 602 Main Street in Cassopolis. This means you can access Circuit, District, and Probate records from one location. The County Clerk's office at (269) 445-1404 manages records and filings for the Circuit Court. Probate Court can be reached at (269) 445-1400. The clerk can help you locate case files, confirm what documents are available, and process copy requests.
Cass County is a smaller county in southwest Michigan. Because the court handles a lower volume of cases than larger counties, staff can typically assist with record requests more quickly. The Cass County website lists contact details for all county offices and provides some information on court access.
The Cass County website is the starting point for finding clerk contact details, court information, and resources for searching and requesting court records.
| Circuit Court | 43rd Circuit Court, 602 Main St., Cassopolis, MI 49031 |
|---|---|
| Circuit Phone | (269) 445-1404 |
| District Court | 3B District Court, 602 Main St., Cassopolis, MI 49031 |
| District Phone | (269) 445-1460 |
| Probate Court | 602 Main St., Cassopolis, MI 49031 | (269) 445-1400 |
| Website | casscountymi.org |
Search Cass County Court Records Online
MiCOURT is the primary online system for searching Cass County court records. Use it at micourt.courts.michigan.gov. You can search by name or case number. The system returns case type, parties, docket entries, and hearing dates. It covers the Circuit, District, and Probate courts. No account is needed and the search is free.
For e-filing, MiFILE at mifile.courts.michigan.gov is available for attorneys and parties to cases. If you have an active case in Cass County courts and used MiFILE to file documents, you can access those through the system. For general research and case lookup, MiCOURT is the right tool.
Under MCR 8.119, Michigan court records are presumed public. Most Cass County case filings are open to anyone who requests them. Some records may be sealed by court order, but those are exceptions. If a case does not appear in MiCOURT, it may be older, sealed, or restricted. The clerk's office can search the local index and verify whether records exist for a specific case.
The Michigan Courts website provides a directory of all courts, guides on how to access records, and links to court forms. It is a useful resource even if you do not need to file anything.
What Cass County Court Records Contain
Court records in Cass County document everything that happens in a case from start to finish. A civil case file will include the initial complaint, the defendant's answer, any motions filed by either side, the judge's orders on those motions, and the final judgment. The file may also include exhibits, expert reports, and deposition summaries if the case went to trial. All documents in the file are filed under the standards set in MCR 1.109.
Criminal case records at the 43rd Circuit Court contain the charging document (information or indictment), arraignment details, bond conditions, pretrial motion rulings, the plea or verdict, and the sentencing order. If probation was ordered, the terms are spelled out in the sentencing documents. These records can be reviewed by members of the public. They are commonly requested for employment background checks, legal research, and by parties to the case. The right of access is grounded in Michigan Constitution, Article 1 Section 23, which requires courts to be open.
Probate Court records in Cass County cover wills and estate proceedings, guardianship petitions, conservatorship orders, and mental health cases. If you are an heir, creditor, or attorney working on an estate matter, the Probate Court files contain the information you need. The County Clerk can help you locate these records and tell you what is available.
District Court records show small claims filings, civil infraction dispositions, misdemeanor charges, and traffic matter outcomes. These are useful for insurance disputes, license reinstatement cases, and general background research.
Cass County Court Record Fees
Plain copies of Cass County court records cost $1.00 per page. Certified copies are $10.00 plus $1.00 per page. These rates apply at all three court divisions in Cassopolis. If you need records mailed, the clerk will add a postage fee. Payment options vary, so call (269) 445-1404 before you visit to confirm what forms of payment the court accepts.
If you cannot afford the fees, Michigan law under MCL 600.880b allows you to request a waiver. You will need to provide documentation of your financial situation. The court will review the request and decide whether to waive the fees in full or reduce them. Legal aid staff can help you fill out the waiver form if needed.
Note: Always verify current fees with the clerk's office before visiting. Fee schedules can change when the legislature updates the court fee statute.
Legal Help in Cass County
Cass County residents who need help with court matters can use Michigan Legal Help at michiganlegalhelp.org. The site has free guides, forms, and tools for people navigating the court system without an attorney. It covers family law, housing, consumer debt, probate, and other areas. If your question is about how to file a case or what forms to use, Michigan Legal Help is a practical first stop.
For low-income residents who need actual legal representation, Southwest Michigan Legal Aid and other regional legal aid providers serve Cass County. They handle civil cases including family law and housing disputes. Income limits apply. The State Bar of Michigan referral service can connect you with a private attorney if you need one. The SCAO forms page has free official court forms you can download and use for the most common case types.
Nearby Counties
Cass County sits in southwest Michigan and shares borders with several other counties. Each has its own court records accessible through MiCOURT or at the local courthouse.