Access Grand Traverse County Court Records
Grand Traverse County court records are kept at the courthouse in Traverse City, where the 13th Circuit Court, the 86th District Court, and the Probate Court all operate at 280 Washington Street. You can search these records online through MiCOURT or contact the County Clerk's office for help with specific cases. Civil, criminal, family, and probate filings are part of the public record and most are available to anyone who submits a proper request.
Grand Traverse County Overview
Grand Traverse County Court Records
All three courts in Grand Traverse County are at 280 Washington Street in Traverse City. The 13th Circuit Court is a shared court serving Grand Traverse, Antrim, and Leelanau counties. It handles felony criminal cases, civil suits over $25,000, family law matters including divorce and child custody, and juvenile proceedings. The 86th District Court covers misdemeanors, traffic violations, civil cases under $25,000, and small claims. The Probate Court handles wills, estates, guardianships, and mental health matters.
The County Clerk's office in Traverse City is the main contact point for court records requests. You can reach the clerk at (231) 922-4761. The clerk processes document copies, issues certified records, and can help with requests that involve multiple court divisions. Under MCL 15.232, public records in Michigan are open to anyone who submits a proper written request, and the clerk must respond within five business days. The county website at gtcountymi.gov has additional contact details and department links.
Michigan Court Rule 8.119 governs how courts across Michigan must keep and manage their records, including what the public can access. MCR 1.109 sets the rules for how court documents must be filed. Grand Traverse County courts follow both of these statewide rules.
| 13th Circuit Court | 280 Washington St., Traverse City, MI 49684 | (231) 922-4701 |
|---|---|
| 86th District Court | 280 Washington St., Traverse City, MI 49684 | (231) 922-4515 |
| Probate Court | 280 Washington St., Traverse City, MI 49684 | (231) 922-4591 |
| County Clerk | (231) 922-4761 |
| County Website | gtcountymi.gov |
Search Grand Traverse County Court Records Online
The primary online tool for Grand Traverse County court records is MiCOURT, the statewide case search portal operated by the Michigan Supreme Court. MiCOURT lets you search by name, case number, or date range. It covers the 13th Circuit Court and the 86th District Court in Grand Traverse County. Basic case information, party names, hearing dates, and docket entries are free to view with no account needed.
For complete document sets or older cases that may not appear in MiCOURT, contact the County Clerk directly at (231) 922-4761 or visit the courthouse at 280 Washington Street in Traverse City. The clerk's office can pull full case files, confirm whether records exist, and process copy requests. The Michigan Courts website provides statewide guidance on record access and links to additional search tools.
The Grand Traverse County website at gtcountymi.gov has information on each court division, including local contact info, office hours, and links to county-specific forms. Check the county site if you need anything specific to Traverse City courts before calling the clerk's office.
The Grand Traverse County website provides contact information and links to court services at the Traverse City courthouse.
What Grand Traverse County Court Records Contain
Court records in Grand Traverse County span a wide range of case types. Circuit court files include felony criminal cases, civil suits, divorce and custody proceedings, and juvenile matters. Because the 13th Circuit is shared with Antrim and Leelanau counties, some circuit court cases may involve residents from those areas. District court files cover misdemeanors, traffic violations, civil disputes under $25,000, and small claims. Probate court files deal with wills, estate inventories, guardianships, and mental health proceedings.
Each case file typically contains the original complaint or petition, any motions and responses, court orders and judgments, and hearing transcripts where they exist. Criminal files include charging documents, the arrest warrant, plea agreements, and sentencing orders. Civil files contain the complaint, proof of service, and the final judgment or settlement agreement. The Michigan Constitution, Article 1, Section 23 protects the public's right to access government records, and most court documents are public under that provision. MCR 8.119 outlines exactly which records must be kept public and what procedures govern access.
Some records are not open to everyone. Juvenile cases, mental health filings, and matters involving minor victims may be sealed or restricted. Judges can also seal individual documents at a party's request. If you are unsure what you can access, call the clerk at (231) 922-4761 before visiting the courthouse. They can tell you what is public and what you may need a court order to see.
Cases from before the mid-1990s may not be in MiCOURT. The clerk's office can help locate older records on request.
Grand Traverse County Court Record Fees
Copy fees at Grand Traverse County courts follow the rates set by state law and local fee schedules. Plain copies of court documents cost $1 to $2 per page. Certified copies, which carry the court's official seal and are required for legal or official use, cost $15 for the first copy and $5 for each additional copy of the same document. These fees apply when you request copies from the clerk's office in Traverse City.
People who cannot afford court fees may apply for a waiver. Under MCL 600.880b, the court can waive filing fees and copy costs for parties who qualify as indigent. You complete a waiver form and submit it with your request. A judge reviews it and decides if you qualify. The clerk's office at 280 Washington Street in Traverse City can provide the form and walk you through the process.
The Michigan Courts fee schedule page lists statewide copy and filing fees that apply at Grand Traverse County courts.
Legal Help in Grand Traverse County
Grand Traverse County has more legal resources than most northern Michigan counties. Michigan Legal Help is a free online tool that covers a wide range of legal issues, from court records searches to family law and small claims. The guides are written in plain language and link to free official court forms.
Legal aid services for lower-income residents are available through organizations covering northern Michigan. The State Bar of Michigan has a lawyer referral service for residents who need to find an attorney. Free court forms are available at courts.michigan.gov/forms. The clerk's office in Traverse City can tell you which form you need for a specific case type, though staff cannot provide legal advice.
Cities in Grand Traverse County
Grand Traverse County has no cities that meet the qualifying population threshold for dedicated pages on this site. The county seat is Traverse City, the largest city in the region and the center of county government and court operations. All Grand Traverse County residents file court cases at the courthouse in Traverse City.
Nearby Counties
These counties border or sit near Grand Traverse County. If you need to check which county has jurisdiction over a case, look at where events occurred or where the parties live. Each county operates its own courts and clerk's office.