Clinton County Court Records

Rule 1.109 of the Michigan Court Rules defines "court records" as official accounts of a civil or criminal legal proceeding generated or filed alongside essential evidentiary materials. These records are typically preserved in different physical or electronic forms regardless of how they were received, including papers, books, microfilms, stenotapes, log notes, photographs, and audio and video recordings.

As a subset of Michigan Court records, Clinton County court records may contain the following information:

• Orders
• Court calendars
• Pleadings
• Warrants and summons
• Docket entries
• Other discovery materials

Clinton County, Michigan Courts are statutorily responsible for maintaining and disseminating these documents following the state, county, or federal guidelines. Hence anyone can access records of case events for historical reference and public education. To an extent, this promotes transparency and accountability within the county’s judicial structure.

Are Court Records Public in Clinton County?

Yes, court records are public in Clinton County. Under MCR 8.119 (Michigan Court Rules and the Michigan Trial Court Records Management Standards), the county clerk maintains and processes public requests for case history (register of actions) and files created or filed with the court. The court rule states that courts should publicly provide records of their adjudicative functions upon request.

However, this right to obtain court records is not absolute. Access to materials and documents made nonpublic or confidential by order of court, rule, or statute is ultimately restricted only to authorized access. A few examples are personally identifiable information, mental health treatment records, juvenile files, adoption records, protection orders, confidential name changes, and sealed court records.

Clinton County Court Records Search

People can find Clinton County court records at the following locations:

• The county courthouse where the case was filed and adjudicated.
• The office of the county clerk, or any other designated keeper of records
• The MiCourts case search portal maintained by the Michigan judiciary
• A third-party website.

Requesters looking for any case record, are generally expected to possess the case party’s name (plaintiff, or defendant), or case number to aid in quick search and results retrieval. Court record searches are free, but it depends on what year the search concentrates on. Also, retrieving certified copies may attract a nominal fee.

Clinton County Courts

Diverse courts handle legal case actions in Clinton County. Below are their physical addresses and contact information:

29th Circuit Court
Clinton County Courthouse
100 East State Street 2600
St. Johns, MI 48879
Phone: (989) 224-5257
Fax: (989) 227-6421

65A District Court
Clinton County Courthouse
100 East State Street
Suite 3400
St. Johns, MI 48879
Phone: (989) 224-5150
Fax: (989) 224-5154

Clinton County Probate Court
Clinton County Courthouse
100 East State Street
Suite 4300
St. Johns, MI 48879
Phone: (989) 224-5190
Fax: (989) 227-6565

Friend of the Court
100 East State Street
Suite 4100
St. Johns, MI 48879
Phone: (989) 224-5136
Fax: (989) 224-5113

Juvenile Court
100 East State Street
Suite 4200
St. Johns, MI 48879
Phone: (989) 224-5195
Fax: (989) 224-5254

Clinton County Criminal Records

Clinton County criminal records provide comprehensive insight into offenses a person was arrested and convicted for in the past, including their personal information, physical descriptors, and biometric data. These records are compiled from data submitted by county and state law enforcement agencies, courts, and prisons and disseminated under the guiding principles of Michigan Compiled Law 28.241.

To retrieve a criminal record (including a Clinton County arrest record), interested persons can approach the Michigan State Police's Criminal Justice Information Center (CJIC). The CJIC offers the Internet Criminal History Access Tool ("ICHAT"), which is the official repository for obtaining criminal history information and performing background checks. Requesters can find relevant information on felonies and serious misdemeanor arrests punishable by over 93 days, including Clinton County arrest records.

However, the ICHAT does not offer warrant information, tribal records, traffic records, juvenile records, federal records, and criminal history information from other US states outside Michigan. One may conduct a name-based search or a fingerprint-based check.

Name-Based Background Check

A Name-Based Background Check which is commonly recommended requires the subject of the record’s first name, last name, race, gender, and date of birth.

Fingerprint-Based Background checks

Unlike name-based searches, Fingerprint-Based Background checks are only necessary if a federal or state law demands it. For example, when a subject of record is applying for a job, visa immigration, licensing, or adoption.

Applicants applying for a job or licensing should fill, and submit the RI-030 request form. Once the form is completed, one may visit an approved live scan vendor within the county for a live scan, and fingerprinting. Conversely, for immigration visas, or adoption, the local enforcement agency typically provides petitioners with a Michigan Applicant Fingerprint Card (RI-008).

Fingerprint checks may attract a $30 processing fee, and $1 for additional copies, payable by money order or check to:

Michigan State Police
Criminal Justice Information Center
P.O. Box 30266
Lansing, Michigan 48909-7766

Get Clinton County Civil Court Records

Anyone seeking Clinton County civil court records can approach the circuit, or district court at reasonable times during official hours. The circuit court maintains and disseminates court records created before 1996 at the clerk’s office at no cost. However, mail requests may attract a service charge of $10 per name for a 10-year search.

Other than that, all court records after 1996 are publicly accessible via the Michigan Judiciary’s MiCourt case search portal, at the clerk’s office, and via mail. Anyone sending mail requests should attach a written request, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and a check or money order, payable to Clinton County Clerk.

Copies of court documents cost $2 per page for the first 10 pages and 50 cents for additional copies. On the other hand, certified copies of court records may attract $1 per page, plus an additional $10 for certification.

Clinton County Marriage Records

Clinton County marriage records are maintained by the county clerk’s office for residents who made applications for marriage licenses in the county at the time of their marital union. Individuals can view, and obtain copies of these records in person or online.

Marriage Licenses

Interested couples can save time at the clerk’s office by ordering a Clinton County marriage license online through the online marriage application portal. Applicants are expected to provide their names, addresses, previous marriages, and current driver’s licenses. Once fled and submitted, the person may proceed to the clerk’s office to pick up the license in three days.

Typically, the clerk may request certain details for proper verification:

• Both applicants’ birth certificates to establish proof of age.
• Social Security Numbers

Pick-ups are available in person at the Clinton County Clerk's Office located at 100 East State Street, Suite 2600, St. Johns, MI 48879. A marriage license costs a $20 fee for Michigan residents and $30 for non-residents payable in cash, check, or money order.

Marriage Certificates

Online records of marriages filed after 1927 are publicly accessible via the Marriage Records Search Database. Record search requires basic search criteria, such as the record owner’s name, spouse’s name, and date married.

Aside from the database, the county clerk provides certified copies of Clinton County marriage certificates for $15, and $5 for each extra copy purchased at the same time. Fees can be made in cash, check, or money order payable to the County Clerk at the address below:

100 East State Street
Suite 2600
St. Johns, MI 48879
Phone: (989) 224-5140

To request by mail, applicants should complete and submit the Request for Marriage Record Form (PDF), including the name of parties, maiden name(s), and date of marriage to the county clerk with the appropriate fees.

Clinton County Divorce Records

Divorce cases in Clinton County typically take place at the Family Court. Hence, anyone seeking Clinton County divorce records should approach the county clerk’s office. These records are primarily classified as Clinton County vital records and are mostly accessible to eligible applicants.

In addition to the county clerk, the Michigan Department Of Health And Human Services maintains and disseminates copies of divorce records for all counties within the state, including Clinton County. Orders can be placed by mail via the US postal service, online via the department’s third-party service vendor, by phone, through a drop box, and in person during business hours.

To get copies of divorce records by mail, individuals should download, fill out, and submit the Application For A Certified Copy— Michigan Divorce Record alongside a photocopy of a valid ID, and &34 fee to the P.O. Box address on the application. Walk-in visitors may also drop the completed application and necessary documents in a sealed envelope at the department’s drop box. The drop box is located in the main lobby of 333 South Grand Avenue, Lansing, MI 48933.

More ordering details are provided on the DHHS’s website.

Clinton County Birth and Death Records

According to MCL 333.2882, birth records are only available to specific individuals. However, other public members can obtain Clinton County birth certificates after 100 years. On the other hand, death records are part of Clinton County public record. Hence, anyone can demand to know the decedent’s cause of death.

Anyone seeking these records can query the MDHHS Vital Records and Health Statistics Division following the instructions outlined in the previous section. In addition, the clerk’s office serves as the official custodian for birth and death records.

Clinton County birth records

The clerk’s office provides birth records dated 1867 to present. Under MCL 333.2882(1)(a)), only the following persons are eligible to receive a certified Clinton County birth certificate:

• The subject named on the record
• A named parent on the record
• A legal guardian of the subject named on the record provided they submit a copy of the court-appointed legal guardianship papers.
• A legally licensed representative of the subject named on the record provided they submit an official letterhead stating the name of the record owner.
• An heir of the deceased provided they submit a copy of the decedent's death.
• A petitioner possessing a Power of Attorney or court order. However, the clerk must determine that the POA is acceptable.

Applicants can obtain a birth record through the following means:

• Visiting the Clinton County Clerk's Office in person with necessary identifying documentation such as a driver’s license or state ID card
• By filling out, and mailing a Request for Birth Record Form (PDF) including the subject’s name, date of birth, parent’s name, the applicant’s signature, return address, and daytime phone number

A certified copy of a birth certificate costs $15, and $5 for each extra copy purchased at the same time. Fees are payable in cash, check, or money order to the Clinton County Clerk. On the other hand, senior citizens 65 and above who request copies of their certificates are charged $7 for the first certified copy and $5 for each extra copy purchased at the same time.

Death Records

The county clerk’s office offers several tools for obtaining copies of Clinton County death certificates for persons whose deaths occurred within the jurisdiction. Primarily, records of deaths dated 1867 to the present are accessible via the online Death Records Search Database.

Meanwhile, copies of records are available in person at the clerk’s office. Certified copies may attract a charge of $15 for the first certified copy and $5 for each extra copy purchased simultaneously. Alternatively, petitioners should complete and submit the Request for Death Record Form (PDF), Including the deceased person's full name, the date of death, and the applicable fees. Finally, one can place orders online via the county’s approved third-party service provider.

Clinton County Probate Court Records

The primary jurisdiction of the Clinton County Probate Court covers:

• Adoptions
• Recall petitions
• Juvenile delinquent cases
• Acknowledgment of paternity
• Filling of wills and codicils for safekeeping
• Trust proceedings
• Guardianships and conservatorships
• Matters involving a decedent's estate
• Mental illness or developmental disability
• Secret marriages
• Name changes
• Dependent and Neglect cases
• Emancipation

People seeking Clinton Probate Court Records should visit the probate court during official business hours at 100 East State Street, Suite 4300, St. Johns, MI 48879, or call (989) 224-5190. Records are also available online through the MiCourt Public Case Search portal.

Clinton County Property Records

The Clinton County County Clerk and Register of Deeds records property information within the region.

Anyone can obtain copies of land records through the following avenues:

• By exploring the Deeds Index Search. Online search allows registered users to find and print land records from the comfort of their homes at no cost. The portal contains index data and Clinton County property records dated June 1964 to the present.
• Contact the register of deeds office or visit in person to receive digital copies of the property documents. However, this may attract a service fee of 50 cents per year for each search ($5 minimum), including the additional cost of certified copies.
• Complete and submit the Request for Documents Form (PDF) through first-class mail, fax, or email to the address mentioned in the form.

Clinton County Court Records Online

Aside from government repositories, various third-party websites, such as Michigancourtrecords.us, aggregate court records received from law enforcement agencies, courts, and public databases. Compared to government platforms, these websites are easy to navigate and provide extensive searches for Clinton County public records, such as arrest records.

While searches are free, these private records websites may charge registered users a nominal fee to access in-depth information. Users are generally advised to cross-check information for accuracy and legibility.