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Kent County Court Records Lookup

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Kent County Courts, MI *

Kent County Courts, MI

Kent County is located in western Michigan, has more than 650,000 residents, and is home to the county seat of Grand Rapids. The county is composed of a variety of cities, townships, and communities, and its courts are similarly diverse. Kent County's court system is used by employers who conduct background checks, landlords who confirm tenants' backgrounds, families who are involved in divorce and custody proceedings, and attorneys in civil litigation. Unlike most counties in Michigan, Kent County has a Court system comprised of one Circuit Court, six District Courts (one for each city and area of the county), and a separate Probate Court, all of which are located in different parts of Kent County.

How to Access Kent County Court Records

How to Access Kent County Court Records

Online Access

The public can access Michigan's statewide MiCOURT Case Search and search District Court and Probate Court records by name or case number, for free. The 17th Circuit Court is on the Kent County courts page. Including all legal names, case numbers, or filing dates makes any search more productive. The search is greatly limited by knowing the city in which the case was filed, as Kent County has six District Courts, and each holds its own records.

Alternative Online Options

There is one Circuit Court, six District Courts, and a Probate Court, all operating independently. Finding the right record without knowing which court handled a matter takes effort. CourtCaseFinder's advantage is that it combines public records from several sources in a single search, which is useful when the specific court or case type is unclear.

In-Person Requests

The County Clerk is responsible for keeping records of the 17th Circuit Court in the Kent County Courthouse in downtown Grand Rapids. Records of each District Court are kept at their respective courthouse, and requests for District Court records should be directed to the courthouse where the case was handled. The Probate Court keeps its own records as well. On-site searches can be carried out at various court locations using public access terminals. Michigan's Freedom of Information Act allows the public to view or copy public court records.

Archived Records

The earliest court records from Kent County are from the mid-1800s. Records are not digitized and are kept at the appropriate court clerk's office or with the State of Michigan Archives. The location of older District Court records may need to be verified by the court clerk to ensure they are available.

Overview of the Kent County Court System

Overview of the Kent County Court System

The Michigan Judicial Branch is made up of all Michigan courts, including the Michigan Supreme Court, the State's highest court. The Michigan Court of Appeals is an appellate court that hears cases appealed from trial courts statewide. Most residents' contact with the legal system is at the county level in the trial courts.

Kent County has one of the most complicated structures in the state of Michigan. As the sole circuit court for Kent County, the 17th Circuit Court is located in downtown Grand Rapids, along with the Kent County Probate Court. Six District Courts serve to process the day-to-day number of misdemeanor, traffic, and civil cases throughout various communities in the county. Residents must know the type of court as well as the exact location that serves their city or township for filing.

Types of Courts in Kent County, Michigan

Circuit Court

The 17th Circuit Court is the court of general jurisdiction, which is the court where the most serious criminal and civil cases in the county are tried. It is located at the Kent County Courthouse in downtown Grand Rapids, and has a Family Division that handles domestic relations, juvenile, and child protective cases.

Primary Location: Kent County Courthouse, Grand Rapids

Jurisdiction includes:

  • Felony criminal cases
  • Civil cases over $25,000 in damages
  • Divorce, child custody, child support, and parenting time (Family Division)
  • Juvenile delinquency and child protective proceedings (Family Division)
  • Adoptions, name changes, and personal protection orders
  • Appeals from District Courts and state administrative agencies

Probate Court

The Kent County Probate Court is located in the Kent County Courthouse along with the Circuit Court. The Probate Court front counter is open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on weekdays for filings.

Primary Location: Kent County Courthouse, Grand Rapids

Cases include:

  • Wills and administration of decedent estates
  • Trusts and trust administration
  • Guardianships and conservatorships for adults, minors, and developmentally disabled individuals
  • Mental health commitment proceedings

District Courts

Kent County is divided into six District Courts, each covering a portion of the County. Each will hear cases within its own jurisdiction, as opposed to the Circuit Court. Before filing, residents should check with their local court to determine the jurisdiction(s) of that court. The six courts are:

Each District Court handles:

  • Misdemeanor criminal cases
  • Civil cases up to $25,000
  • Small claims cases up to $6,500
  • Traffic infractions and ordinance violations
  • Landlord-tenant and land contract disputes
  • Preliminary examinations in felony cases

How to File a Case in Kent County

How to File a Case in Kent County

Kent County has multiple courts, and to file correctly, one must have the correct court type as well as the correct District Court, which has jurisdiction over the area where the matter arose. The preparation is critical here to ensure that a complaint is filed in the correct location and not rejected or delayed.

Step 1: Choose the Correct Court

The 17th Circuit Court is responsible for criminal felony cases and civil suits in excess of $25,000. The Family Division includes divorce, custody, and juvenile cases. Estates, guardianships, and mental health proceedings are handled by the Probate Court. The District Court in the district in which the case arises has jurisdiction over misdemeanors, traffic offenses, civil actions of not more than $25,000, and small claims of not more than $6,500. Anyone unsure which court applies should contact the County Clerk before filing.

Step 2: Complete Required Forms

Michigan courts need uniform forms that are approved by the State Court Administrative Office (SCAO). Any form that is not approved is not accepted. Michigan Legal Help guides those filing without the assistance of a lawyer through the types of cases they can file and assists them in picking the proper forms. The Legal Assistance Center on the 5th floor of the Kent County Courthouse offers free walk-in assistance with forms on weekdays.

Step 3: File the Case

Either file cases in person at the clerk's office of the appropriate court or file electronically via MiFILE. For most types of cases, attorneys must file electronically. MiFILE is an optional service for self-represented parties. In-person filing provides an opportunity for clerk staff to review forms prior to accepting them. All further reference should be made to the case number that was assigned.

Step 4: Pay Filing Fees

Each court and type of case has a different fee. The clerk's office will be able to provide the current fee schedule. Those unable to afford fees may petition the court by submitting an Affidavit and Order/Suspension of Fees and Costs with documentation of financial need. The case is suspended until approved by the court.

Step 5: Serve the Other Party

Formal service must be given to the other party before a case can move forward. Service is to be made by personal service of a court officer, certified mail, or another method allowed by the Michigan Court Rules. The petitioner is not allowed to serve the other party. Proof of service must be filed with the court once complete, and a personal copy kept as well.

Step 6: Monitor the Case

The county's online docket is a tool that lets parties search for Circuit Court and Probate Court cases. District Court cases are trackable through the MiCOURT portal or by contacting the relevant District Court directly. MiFILE also sends email notifications when any new case activity is added. Court dates may change, so they should be monitored closely before each scheduled appearance.

Kent County Courthouse Directory

Kent County Courthouse (17th Circuit Court, 61st District Court, Probate Court, Legal Assistance Center)

Grand Rapids

Address: 180 Ottawa Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Phone: (616) 632-5220

Website: Kent County Courts

District Courts

59th District Court (Grandville)

Address: 3161 Wilson Avenue SW, Grandville, MI 49418

Phone: (616) 538-9660

59th District Court (Walker)

Address: 4343 Remembrance Road NW, Walker, MI 49534

Phone: (616) 453-5765

62A District Court (Wyoming)

Address: 2650 DeHoop Avenue SW, Wyoming, MI 49509

Phone: (616) 530-7385

62B District Court (Kentwood)

Address: 4740 Walma Avenue SE, Kentwood, MI 49512

Phone: (616) 698-9310

63rd District Court

Address: 1950 East Beltline Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525

Phone: (616) 632-7770

Legal Help and Self-Help Resources

The Legal Assistance Center is a free, walk-in self-help clinic on the fifth floor of the Kent County Courthouse, available on weekdays in the areas of family law, small claims, rental issues, and probate. There is no appointment required. A Grand Rapids office of Legal Aid of Western Michigan provides free civil legal services in housing, family law, public benefits, and consumer matters for Kent, Ionia, Montcalm, and Mecosta counties. Expansion of the income guidelines may apply to seniors and veterans.

The Dispute Resolution Center of West Michigan provides mediation services at little or no cost that can avoid litigation for family, landlord/tenant, and neighborhood issues. The Fair Housing Center of West Michigan is the agency that investigates housing discrimination cases. Those facing criminal charges who cannot afford a private attorney may qualify for court-appointed counsel through the county's indigent defense system. Michigan Legal Help offers benefit guides and forms that are free of charge to those representing themselves.

FAQs

Are court records public in Kent County?

Under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act and the Michigan Constitution, most court documents are public records. Mostly criminal cases, civil filings, probate records, and traffic matters are available. Exemptions include juvenile proceedings, adoption records, mental health, and court-sealed documents. Records are accessible via the Circuit Court's online docket, MiCOURT, or at the clerk's office for each court.

How do I know which District Court covers my area in Kent County?

Kent County has six District Courts, each of which has its own jurisdiction. The 61st covers the City of Grand Rapids; 62A covers Wyoming; 62B covers Kentwood; the 59th covers Grandville and Walker; and the 63rd serves the remaining unincorporated areas of the county. The jurisdiction of the issuing agency is the guide for determining the proper court for traffic tickets and misdemeanors. The basic rule for civil cases is that the location of the case determines control. The County Clerk's office can help filers find the proper court.

How does probate work in Kent County?

All estate, guardianship, conservatorship, and mental health-related processes, such as will filings, administration of estates, guardianship, and commitment cases, are conducted in the Kent County Probate Court in the Kent County Courthouse. Walk-in legal assistance is available on the fifth floor of the same building, weekdays without an appointment, for free advice on how to get the probate process started.

What is the Legal Assistance Center?

The Legal Assistance Center is a self-help section of the Kent County Courthouse where individuals representing themselves in civil cases without an attorney are welcome to use the Center at no cost. Family law, small claims, rental disputes, and probate are all available as walk-in services on weekdays. It offers information, forms, and advice for the law, but not representation. For many self-represented parties, it's the place to start before going down to the clerk's counter.

Can small claims cases be filed online in Kent County?

District Court has jurisdiction over the filing of small claims cases involving an amount of up to $6,500. Self-represented parties can file in person at the filing district court or via MiFILE. In-person filing gives a chance for a clerk to detect errors before they are accepted. Michigan Legal Help offers a guide to small claims, and CourtCaseFinder can help find related records in other jurisdictions.

Other Counties in Michigan

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