Oakland County Courts

More than 1.27 million persons live in Oakland County, representing nearly 12.5% of Michigan's 10.1 million residents. The City of Pontiac serves as its county seat. According to Michigan's Interactive Court Data Dashboard, the 6th Judicial Circuit Court handles more than 20,000 cases each year, while the District Courts manage up to 400,000 cases annually. The Probate Court resolves at least 7,000 cases every year.

These courts exercise jurisdiction over the following cases:

• The 6th Judicial Circuit Court has exclusive jurisdiction over felony offenses and civil cases where the amount in controversy exceeds $25,000.
• District Courts handle traffic offenses, misdemeanors, eviction disputes, and civil claims up to $25,000.
• The Probate Court resolves matters related to estates, wills, guardianships, and conservatorships.

The Circuit and Probate Courts are located in Pontiac, while the District Courts are spread across various cities within Oakland County

How To Access Oakland County Court Records

Anyone can access Oakland County, MI court records except those restricted under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Examples of restricted court records include the following:

• Adoption records
• Juvenile records
• Substance abuse records
• Mental health records
• Sealed and expunged records

These documents are available only to record owners, their attorneys, authorized entities, and requesters with special court permissions. Meanwhile, the Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds typically maintains and disseminates public records containing criminal, civil, and probate case files. Interested persons may access these files online, by mail, or in person at the County Clerk's Office. District Court Clerks may also provide access to records for cases filed within their respective jurisdictions. Some records may only be accessible if requesters present valid identification and pay the applicable fees. Oakland County court records may be accessed using the methods below:

Online

Michigan's MiCOURT Case Search portal provides online access to all public court records in Oakland County. Anyone can find case files on the search system by providing the party names, case numbers, or attorney bar numbers. Individuals interested in court documents maintained by the County Clerk may find them online through the Court Explorer system.

Alternatively, anyone may use CourtCaseFinder to search for public court records nationwide, including those of Oakland County. For federal court records in Oakland County, launch the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) online database and sign up for free. After registration, log in and search by case number, party name, filing date, or court location. PACER charges $0.10 per page for downloading or viewing documents; however, certain persons may be eligible for fee exemptions.

In-Person

Court records may be accessed in person at the Oakland County Clerk's Office located at:

Requesters may contact the clerk in advance to inquire about record availability, fees, official court hours, and other requirements. Public case files that are not available at the County Clerk's Office may be accessible in person at the nearest District Court in Oakland County. Some local courthouses may offer public-access terminals, allowing individuals to access case files on-site.

Old and Archived Court Records

Oakland County court records created before 1960 may not be available at the County Clerk's Office. These historical documents are typically preserved by theArchives of Michigan. Researchers seeking pre-1900 court records, including civil, criminal, and probate case files, may search the archives' online catalog. Alternatively, send mail requests or visit the archives at:

How To File a Case in Oakland County

Individuals who wish to initiate a court case in Oakland County must first determine the appropriate court based on the type of legal matter. To confirm where and how to file, contact or visit the Oakland County Clerk or the nearest District Courthouse. Court clerks often provide guidance on jurisdiction, available filing methods, required documents, and filing fees.

After confirming the jurisdictional court, the next step is to fill out court-approved forms or petitions. Litigants may print and submit completed forms by mail or in person at the courthouse. Mail filings should include all necessary documents, such as affidavits, exhibits, legal briefs, and filing fees in the accepted payment format. For walk-in submissions, visit the courthouse authorized to handle the case during regular business hours or call ahead to schedule appointments. Litigants may be required to provide government-issued IDs and any supporting materials relevant to the case.

Oakland County's Circuit and District Courts also accept online filings for certain cases. To file online, sign up on Michigan's MiFILE system and choose an electronic filing service provider. Next, log in and upload documents in the required format, and pay filing fees electronically. Other instructions on how to file online are available on the E-Filing Guides and Tips provided by the Oakland County Circuit Court.

Filing fees for different cases are outlined in the fee schedule maintained by the state judiciary. Litigants who are unable to pay these fees may be eligible for a fee waiver. To apply for a fee waiver, complete and submit the Fee Waiver Request Form together with supporting financial details. Approved litigants may proceed with the filing without paying the required fees.

Filing a case in Oakland County generally involves the following steps:

• Contact the County Clerk or other official court clerk to inquire about filing procedures and requirements.
• Use only court-approved forms that are specific to the type of case being filed.
• Provide detailed and accurate information on all required forms.
• Include all necessary supporting documents, such as affidavits, exhibits, and cover sheets.
• Submit completed forms by mail, in person, or online through the MiFILE system
• Pay the required filing fees in the accepted format
• Apply for a fee waiver if unable to pay the filing fees
• Serve the other parties according to court-approved service methods
• File proof of service with the court.

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.

Litigants in Oakland County who cannot afford court fees or legal representation may find help from local legal aid groups and self-help centers. Non-profit organizations often offer free or low-cost services, including legal advice, document preparation, and guidance through court procedures. Examples of legal aid and referral programs available in Oakland County include:

• Oakland Bar Lawyer Referral Service
• Oakland County Legal Self-Help Center

The following statewide legal aid and referral services also offer assistance to Oakland County residents:

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

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

• Adams-Pratt Oakland County Law Library - Provides public access to legal research materials, court forms, and reference support.
• Common Ground - Delivers crisis intervention and court-related advocacy services, particularly for mental health and juvenile matters.
• Oakland Mediation Center - Facilitates dispute resolution services as an alternative to traditional litigation.
• Legal Aid and Defender Association - Provides free legal assistance to eligible low-income individuals in criminal and civil cases.
• Lakeshore Legal Aid - Ensures free legal services to low-income individuals and seniors across Oakland County.
• Oakland County Veterans Services - Assists veterans with benefits claims and connects them to legal aid and advocacy resources.
• William Booth Legal Aid Clinic - Offers legal services to underserved populations, including those facing housing, family law, and debt-related issues.
• Disability Rights Michigan - Provides legal representation and advocacy for individuals with physical or mental disabilities.

Types of Courts in Oakland County, Michigan

The Oakland County court system includes the circuit, district, and probate courts. Some federal courts also serve the county residents. These courts ensure justice for individuals and business organizations. The contact information and jurisdiction of each court are listed below:

Oakland County 6th Judicial Circuit Court

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - It serves as the trial court of general jurisdiction in Oakland County. The Circuit Court hears felony cases, civil lawsuits involving more than $25,000, family law matters such as divorce and child custody, and appeals from lower courts and administrative agencies.
• Address and Contact Information

Oakland County District Courts

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - Handle misdemeanors, traffic violations, landlord-tenant disputes, and civil cases involving $25,000 or less. They also conduct preliminary hearings in felony cases before they are transferred to the Circuit Court.
• Address and Contact Information -

43rd District Court (Ferndale)

43rd District Court (Hazel Park)

43rd District Court (Madison Heights)

44th District Court

45th District Court

46th District Court

47th District Court

48th District Court

50th District Court

51st District Court

52nd District Court (Division 1)

52nd District Court (Division 2)

52nd District Court (Division 3)

52nd District Court (Division 4)

Oakland County Probate Court

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - Oversees matters involving estates, wills, trusts, guardianships, and conservatorships. It also handles cases related to mental health treatment and adult or minor protective proceedings.
• Address and Contact Information -

Federal Courts in Oakland County

The following are the federal courts covering the county:

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

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - It presides over federal civil and criminal cases, including constitutional issues, multi-state disputes, federal crimes, and matters involving federal statutes or agencies.
• Address and Contact Information -

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

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - All bankruptcy cases filed under Chapter 7, 11, 12, and 13 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.
• Address and Contact Information -

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Oakland County Courts

The following provides answers to some frequently asked questions related to Oakland County, MI, courts.