Washtenaw County Court Records Search gives you direct access to civil, criminal, family, and probate cases filed within the last 25 years. The system includes both digital records and physical files stored at the Clerk of the Court-Court Services office. You can view docket information online for free or visit in person to inspect original documents. This resource serves attorneys, researchers, employers, landlords, and anyone needing official court data from Ann Arbor and surrounding areas.
How to Search Washtenaw County Court Records Online
The official Washtenaw County portal offers free browsing of all active and closed cases in the 22nd Circuit Court. You can search by party name, case number, or attorney without creating an account. The database updates every night, so new filings appear within 24 hours. While docket summaries are free, viewing or downloading full document images costs $1.20 per page, paid by credit card before release. The system covers civil disputes, criminal charges, family law matters, and probate cases.
In-Person Records Access at the Clerk’s Office
Visit the Clerk of the Court-Court Services office at 101 E. Huron Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Each visitor may request up to five physical files per hour to protect archive materials. Staff will retrieve boxes containing original motions, judgments, transcripts, and exhibits. Records older than 25 years or created before 1883 have been removed per state retention rules, but final orders from that period are kept in a separate archive and available by appointment.
Name-Based and Calendar Searches
Use public computer terminals at the Clerk’s office or the county website to run name-based searches. Enter a person’s full name to see all related cases, including case numbers, filing dates, involved parties, and scheduled hearings. The calendar feature shows upcoming court dates for civil, criminal, and family matters. Results come directly from the Court’s live case management system, though the site states information is provided “as is” without accuracy guarantees.
Criminal and Arrest Records Availability
Washtenaw County makes arrest logs, booking details, outstanding warrants, and mugshots publicly accessible through the Sheriff’s Office portal. Data refreshes each morning, showing recent arrests and warrant statuses within hours of entry. The 22nd Circuit Court also publishes criminal dockets with charge descriptions, sentencing outcomes, and hearing transcripts. Third-party sites linked from official pages offer downloadable PDFs of police reports and court filings under Michigan’s Freedom of Information Act.
Civil, Family, and Probate Case Types Covered
The court maintains records for adoptions, divorces, child custody disputes, probate estates, guardianships, and civil lawsuits. Each file includes petitions, motions, orders, and final decrees stored electronically for immediate retrieval. Certified copies cost $3 per page for court documents and $5–$7 for vital records like marriage or divorce certificates. Researchers can request records in person, by mail, or through scheduled appointments with the Clerk’s office.
District Court Records: 15th, 14A, and 14B
Traffic tickets, small claims, landlord-tenant disputes, and misdemeanor cases are handled by Washtenaw County’s three district courts. The 15th District Court (Ann Arbor) uses the MiCourt portal for case lookup, displaying docket entries, hearing schedules, and filing histories. Note that warrant status is not shown online—call 734-794-6750, option 0, during business hours to verify active warrants. Data updates every 12 hours across all district court systems.
Marriage and Divorce Records Search
Marriage licenses issued since 1915 are indexed online with search options by bride or groom name, wedding date, or license number. Results show officiant details, ceremony location, and digital copies of the original license. Certified marriage certificates cost $5 and ship within ten business days. Divorce records from 1930 to present include final decrees, settlement agreements, and custody orders. Each certified divorce document costs $7 and bears an official filing stamp.
Probate Court Functions and Contact
The Washtenaw County Probate Court handles estate administration, guardianship petitions, conservatorships, and mental health proceedings. Located at 101 E. Huron Street, PO Box 8645, Ann Arbor, MI 48107-8645, the court operates Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Most filings can be submitted electronically via the state’s e-Filing portal. For questions about petitions, affidavits, or hearings, call the Probate Court Administrator at (734) 222-3270.
Fees, Payment, and Processing Times
Online document viewing, printing, or downloading costs $1.20 per page, paid by credit card before release. In-person certified copies cost $3 per page for general court records, $5 for marriage certificates, and $7 for divorce decrees. Payment is required at the time of service. Mail requests must include a check or money order payable to the Clerk of the Court. Processing takes 3–5 business days for standard requests and up to ten days for certified vital records.
Data Accuracy, Disclaimers, and Limitations
All online records are sourced directly from the Court’s internal case management system and updated nightly. However, the website clearly states that information is provided “as is” without warranties of completeness or accuracy. Users should verify critical details—such as warrant status or sentencing outcomes—by calling the court directly. Historical records predating 1883 or exceeding the 25-year retention window are not available on-site but may exist in state archives.
Third-Party Portals and Official Sources
Several third-party sites aggregate Washtenaw County court data, including arrest logs, criminal histories, and civil case summaries. While these portals offer convenience, always cross-check findings with official sources like washtenaw.org or michigan.gov/courts. Unofficial sites may contain outdated or incomplete information. For legal proceedings, employment screenings, or background checks, rely only on certified documents from the Clerk’s office.
December 2021 Criminal Records Snapshot
A publicly available archive from December 2021 contains 12,345 criminal conviction records spanning 1990 to 2021. Each entry lists defendant name, date of birth, charge description, conviction date, sentencing details, and facility of incarceration. Researchers can filter by name, case number, or offense type to generate summaries or download full docket PDFs. This dataset reflects the County Prosecutor’s Office records as of year-end 2021.
Appointment Scheduling and Special Requests
For large research projects or access to restricted archives, schedule an appointment by calling 734-222-6710 or emailing the Clerk’s office. Staff can assist with locating older final orders, coordinating multi-day visits, or retrieving bulk records for academic studies. Allow at least 48 hours’ notice for special requests. Appointments ensure dedicated workspace and faster file retrieval during your visit.
Accessibility, Language Support, and Assistance
The Clerk’s office provides ADA-compliant access, including wheelchair ramps, large-print forms, and assistive listening devices. Spanish-speaking staff are available upon request, and interpreter services can be arranged for other languages with advance notice. Public terminals include screen reader compatibility and high-contrast display options. For technical help with online searches, call (734) 222-3270 during business hours.
Related Public Records in Washtenaw County
In addition to court records, residents can access property deeds, tax assessments, business licenses, and voter registration data through separate county departments. The Sheriff’s Office publishes jail rosters and incident reports, while the Health Department maintains birth and death certificates. Always confirm which agency holds your needed record before submitting requests.
Frequently Asked Questions About Washtenaw County Court Records
Many people ask how to find specific case types, verify warrant status, or obtain certified documents. Below are detailed answers to the most common questions based on current procedures and official policies.
How do I check if someone has a criminal record in Washtenaw County?
Search the 22nd Circuit Court’s online docket using the person’s full name. Results will show all criminal cases, including charges, dispositions, and sentencing. For recent arrests, use the Sheriff’s Office portal, which updates daily with booking details and mugshots. Note that sealed or expunged records won’t appear. For certified conviction records, visit the Clerk’s office in person or request by mail with proper identification.
Can I get a free copy of my own court record?
You can view your own case docket online at no cost, but printing or downloading document images costs $1.20 per page. If you’re representing yourself in a current case, the court may waive fees upon request with proof of indigency. Certified copies for official use (e.g., employment or housing) always incur standard fees unless waived by a judge.
Are divorce and marriage records public in Washtenaw County?
Yes, both marriage and divorce records are public unless sealed by court order. Marriage licenses since 1915 are searchable online; divorce decrees from 1930 onward are available through the Clerk’s office. Certified copies require payment and valid ID. Some older records may be stored off-site and require an appointment for retrieval.
How long does it take to get court records by mail?
Mail requests typically take 7–10 business days to process after receipt. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope, payment by check or money order, and a clear description of the records needed. Rush service isn’t available by mail. For faster results, visit in person or use the online portal with credit card payment.
What if I find an error in a court record?
Contact the Clerk’s office immediately at (734) 222-3270. Provide the case number, description of the error, and supporting documentation. The court will review and correct clerical mistakes at no charge. For substantive disputes (e.g., incorrect sentencing details), you may need to file a formal motion with the presiding judge.
Do I need an appointment to search records in person?
Appointments aren’t required for basic searches using public terminals or requesting up to five files per hour. However, appointments are recommended for large research projects, access to archived materials, or assistance from staff. Call 734-222-6710 to schedule. Walk-ins are welcome but may experience delays during peak hours.
Are juvenile records available through this search?
No. Juvenile court records are confidential under Michigan law and not accessible to the public. Only authorized parties—such as parents, attorneys, or court officials—can obtain these files. If you believe a juvenile record affects your case, consult an attorney to explore legal options for access.
Official Contact Information:
Clerk of the Court-Court Services
101 E. Huron Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Phone: (734) 222-3270
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Website: https://www.washtenaw.org/1034/Records-Access