Find Court Records in Wexford County

Wexford County court records are kept at the courthouse in Cadillac, where the 28th Circuit Court, the 84th District Court, and the Probate Court all operate from the same building on Division Street. You can search Wexford County court records through MiCOURT or contact the county clerk directly. Civil, criminal, and probate cases filed here are public records, and most can be accessed by name or case number.

Wexford County Courts

All three courts in Wexford County share the same building at 437 E. Division Street in Cadillac. The 28th Circuit Court is a shared circuit that covers both Wexford and Missaukee counties. It handles felony criminal cases, civil suits over $25,000, family law matters including divorce and custody, and juvenile cases. The Probate Court at the same address handles wills, estate proceedings, guardianships, and conservatorships. The county clerk's office is also in this building and is the primary point of contact for records requests.

The 84th District Court sits at the same Division Street address and covers misdemeanors, traffic cases, civil matters under $25,000, and small claims for Wexford County residents. Because all three courts are in one building, it is usually straightforward to visit in person and ask for records across court types in a single trip. The county clerk at (231) 779-9510 can direct you to the right division for your request.

Under MCL 15.232, anyone can request public records from Michigan courts and government offices. The clerk must respond within five business days of a written request. Michigan Court Rule 8.119 sets the statewide standards for how Wexford County courts must maintain their records and handle public access requests. These rules apply the same way here as in every other Michigan county.

Search Wexford County Court Records Online

The main online tool for searching Wexford County court records is MiCOURT, the statewide case search system run by the Michigan Supreme Court. MiCOURT covers the 28th Circuit Court and the 84th District Court in Cadillac. You can search by party name, case number, or date range and see basic case information, docket entries, and hearing dates. No account or fee is required to run a basic search.

MiCOURT is generally current for cases filed in recent years, but it may not include every document in a case file or older records from the 1980s and earlier. For those, the clerk's office is your best option. Call (231) 779-9510 or stop by 437 E. Division Street in Cadillac to ask about a specific case. The clerk's staff can tell you whether records are available and how to get copies.

The county's own website at wexfordcounty.org has general information about county services including the courts. While Wexford County does not maintain a separate online case search portal, the MiCOURT tool and direct contact with the clerk cover most needs. The Michigan Courts website provides broader guidance on how to access records statewide and what types of cases appear in each court.

The Wexford County website links to county departments including the clerk's office, which handles court records requests for the courthouse in Cadillac.

What Wexford County Court Records Contain

Court records in Wexford County cover the full range of cases handled by its three courts. Circuit court files include felony charges, civil suits, divorce proceedings, custody orders, and juvenile matters. District court files cover misdemeanors, traffic citations, small claims, and civil disputes under $25,000. Probate court files hold wills, estate inventories, personal representative appointments, and guardianship records. All three courts share a building, but they keep separate records for each case type.

A typical case file in Wexford County contains the original complaint or petition, proof that it was served on the other party, any motions and responses filed, court orders, and a final judgment or disposition. Criminal files also contain charging documents, arrest warrants, plea agreements, and sentencing orders. Family law files include parenting plans, support orders, and property agreements. MCR 1.109 sets the technical filing standards for Michigan courts, and Wexford County follows those same rules.

Not all records are open. Juvenile files are generally sealed. Mental health cases, cases involving minor victims, and files a court has sealed by order are not public. If you think a record you need may be restricted, call the clerk's office before visiting to avoid a wasted trip to Cadillac. The clerk can tell you what access, if any, is possible without a court order. Older records from before computerized systems were put in place may not show in MiCOURT and require a direct request to the clerk.

Under MCL 600.880b, people who cannot afford fees can ask the court for a waiver. The clerk's office can give you the form to fill out and submit. A judge reviews it and decides whether to grant it.

Wexford County Court Record Fees

Copies of court records in Wexford County follow standard Michigan fee schedules. Plain copies typically cost $1 to $2 per page depending on the division. Certified copies, needed when you want official documents with the court's seal, cost more and include a base certification fee plus a per-page charge. The clerk's office can confirm the exact amounts for a specific request before you pay.

Searching records online through MiCOURT is free. You only pay when you need physical documents or certified copies for use in another legal proceeding. If you cannot afford the fees, MCL 600.880b allows the court to waive them for people who qualify as indigent. Ask the clerk at (231) 779-9510 about the waiver process. They can tell you what form to fill out and how to submit it.

The Michigan Courts fee schedule page lists the standard rates that apply across the state. Wexford County follows those same rates for most requests. Local divisions may have slightly different rates for certain filings, so it is worth confirming with the clerk before submitting a large request.

Legal Help in Wexford County

Wexford County is a smaller, rural county, but residents still have access to statewide legal resources. Michigan Legal Help is a free website with plain-language guides on court records, small claims, family law, and many other topics. It includes links to official court forms and helps you figure out what to do without needing a lawyer for every step.

Legal aid for Wexford County falls under Legal Services of Northern Michigan, which offers free civil legal help to income-qualified residents. The State Bar of Michigan has a lawyer referral service if you need to hire an attorney. Free court forms are available at courts.michigan.gov/forms. The clerk's office at 437 E. Division Street in Cadillac can tell you which form you need for a specific matter, but they cannot give you legal advice. If you are handling a case on your own, Michigan Legal Help is the best starting point to understand your options.

Cities in Wexford County

Wexford County has no cities that meet the qualifying population threshold for dedicated pages on this site. The county seat is Cadillac, the largest community in the county and home to the courthouse. Other communities in Wexford County include Manton, Mesick, and Cedar Run. All residents of the county file court cases at the courthouse at 437 E. Division Street in Cadillac.

Nearby Counties

These counties border or sit near Wexford County. If you need to check which county has jurisdiction over a case, look at where the events took place or where you lived when the case was filed.