Macomb County Courts

Macomb County is home to over 875,000 residents, making it the third most populous county in Michigan. The county's population is nearly 8.6% of the state's total population of 10.14 million. Its county seat is Mount Clemens.

Macomb County's Circuit Court handles at least 15,000 cases each year, including approximately 3,000 criminal and 4,000 civil cases. According to Michigan's Interactive Court Data Dashboard, the District Court processes about 200,000 cases, while the Probate Court resolves over 5,000 cases annually. The county's judiciary maintains a 100% average clearance rate.

These courts exercise jurisdiction over the following cases in Macomb County:

• The 16th Judicial Circuit Court hears all felony-related cases and civil lawsuits involving more than $25,000.
• District Courts manage traffic violations, misdemeanors, landlord-tenant disputes, and civil claims up to $25,000.
• The Juvenile Court has authority over juvenile delinquency cases and other issues involving minors in need of supervision or care.
• The Probate Court oversees matters related to wills, estates, guardianships, and conservatorships.

The Circuit, Juvenile, and Probate Courts are located in Mount Clemens, while the District Court Divisions are located in surrounding communities.

How To Access Macomb County Court Records

Macomb County court records are open to the public under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). They generally contain case status, litigants' names, court rulings, hearing dates, testimonies, and motions. Anyone may view public case files online free of charge or obtain physical copies from official record custodians. Obtaining paper copies typically involves copy, search, or processing fees. For privacy and legal reasons, Michigan's FOIA restricts access to the following records:

• Records involving active cases
• Mental health commitments
• Adoption records
• Juvenile records
• Grand jury records
• Expunged or sealed records

These documents may be accessed only by the subject of the record, their lawyers, or certain approved agencies. Other interested persons may access confidential court records through judicial approval. Note that record custodians may require a valid government-issued photo ID to verify identity before releasing any public court records. Macomb County, MI court records may be accessed using any of the following methods:

Online

Circuit Court records are accessible online through the CourtView eAccess system. Those interested in Macomb County District Court cases only may search through Michigan's MiCOURT Case Search portal. To find case files on these platforms, users may select the case type and enter the party name or case number. Requesters may also complete the online request form to access Circuit Court records.

CourtCaseFinder also offers online access to local Macomb County records and public court documents from across the U.S. On the other hand, federal court records in Macomb County are available through the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) online database. and create a free account. Afterward, log in, enter basic case details, and pay the required fee to view or download federal court records.

In-Person

Court records may be accessed in person at the Macomb County Clerk's Office. Clerks of the District Courts also provide case files to individuals who request them at the courthouses during official hours.

When visiting a courthouse to request records, individuals should come with valid photo IDs and any relevant case details. Depending on the type of record, the County Clerk may charge fees for copies or certified documents. Some Macomb County courthouses typically provide public computers, allowing requesters to access court records on-site at no charge.

Old and Archived Court Records

The Archives of Michigan typically maintains and provides access to historical court records in Macomb County. These files, dating from 1800 up to the 1960s, often include divorce proceedings, chancery files, court dockets, and probate records. Individuals interested in these files may search the archives' online catalog or submit formal requests by mail or in person at:

How to File a Case in Macomb County

Macomb County trial courts typically accept case filings by mail, in person, or through their online system. Before filing any case, litigants should contact or visit the County Clerk or District Court Clerks to confirm the appropriate jurisdictional court, filing procedures, and requirements.

Online filings are available through the Michigan MiFILE system. Instructions on how to register, select an electronic filing service provider, and file online are available on the E-Filing Resources provided by the Macomb County Circuit Court. Meanwhile, some District Courts may accept online filings through the MiFILE portal for eligible persons.

To apply by mail, litigants may download the required court-approved forms online. Complete the forms, print them, and submit them by mail to the appropriate court address. Mail filings should include filing fees and required supporting documents, such as affidavits, exhibits, or cover sheets. Those interested in filing in person should visit the clerk's office at the courthouse where the case will be heard. They may call ahead to make inquiries and schedule appointments with the court clerk.

The County Clerk's fee schedule provides information on filing fees for different case types. Indigent litigants in Macomb County may apply for a fee waiver by submitting the Fee Waiver Request Formalong with supporting financial information. If approved, the waiver allows the applicant to proceed without paying filing fees or other related expenses.

Here are the basic steps for filing a case in Macomb County:

• Visit or call the County Clerk for guidance on filing procedures and requirements.
• Provide accurate and complete information on all court forms.
• Attach supporting evidence such as photos, medical or financial records, police reports, or signed agreements.
• Pay the required fee at the time of filing or submit the fee waiver request form.
• Deliver the court papers to the defendant as required by law.
• Submit documentation to the court confirming that the defendant was officially notified of the case.

Legal Help and Self-Help Resources

Across the United States, county court systems play a crucial role in delivering access to justice. Legal help and self-help resources are foundational to this access, particularly for self-represented litigants navigating civil, family, probate, or small claims matters. These resources vary by jurisdiction but commonly include self-help centers, online portals, legal aid organizations, and court-affiliated assistance programs.

Non-profit legal organizations within Macomb County and other Michigan counties typically offer legal services to indigent litigants who cannot afford to hire an attorney. These services include free self-help resources and low-cost referral programs.

Some legal aid and referral services available within Macomb County include the following:

• Macomb Community Lawyer Referral Service
• Legal Self-Help Center of Macomb County - Provides free resources, forms, and guidance for individuals representing themselves in court.

Here are some referral services and legal aids in Michigan:

• Michigan Bar Lawyer Referral Service
• Michigan Legal Help Find A Lawyer

Other legal aid services and self-help resources are listed below:

• The Resolution Center - Offers mediation and alternative dispute resolution services.
• Lakeshore Legal Aid - Ensures free legal services to low-income individuals and seniors.
• SpArc: Legal Resources - For self-represented litigants in need of free legal tools and resources.
• Disability Rights Michigan - Advocacy and legal assistance for individuals with disabilities.
• The Michigan Poverty Law Program (MPLP) - Supports legal aid programs through training and advocacy.
• Michigan Judicial Institute - Provides legal education and reference materials.

Types of Courts in Macomb County, Michigan

The Macomb County judicial system, comprising the circuit, district, juvenile, probate, and federal courts, ensures justice for individuals and business entities. The following outlines each court's contact details and jurisdiction:

Macomb County 16th Judicial Circuit Court

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - It has broad jurisdiction over felonies and civil lawsuits involving claims over $25,000. It also resolves family law matters such as divorce, child custody, and parenting time. Appeals from District Courts and administrative agencies are handled at the Circuit Court.
• Address and Contact Information

Macomb County District Courts

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - They handle misdemeanor cases, traffic violations, landlord-tenant disputes, and civil lawsuits involving claims up to $25,000.
• Address and Contact Information -

37th District Court

38th District Court (Eastpointe)

39th District Court (Roseville)

40th District Court (St. Clair Shores)

41-A District Court (Sterling Heights)

41A District Court (Shelby Township)

41B District Court (Clinton Township)

42-1 District Court (Romeo)

42-2 District Court (New Baltimore)

Macomb County Juvenile Court

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - Juvenile cases heard in this court include delinquency, child protection cases, and status offenses such as truancy.
• Address and Contact Information -

Macomb County Probate Court

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - It oversees matters related to wills, estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and mental health treatment orders.
• Address and Contact Information -

Federal Courts in Macomb County

The following are the federal courts serving Macomb County:

United States District Court Eastern District of Michigan (Detroit Division)

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - Handles immigration matters, interstate disputes, and disputes involving federal agencies in the county.
• Address and Contact Information -

United States Bankruptcy Court - Michigan Eastern District (Detroit Division)

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - Presides over all bankruptcy filings.
• Address and Contact Information -

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Macomb County Courts

The following provides answers to some frequently asked questions about Macomb County, MI, courts.