Emmet County Court Records

Court records are defined under Michigan Court Rules (MCR) Rule 1.109 as all recorded information filed or generated in the course of a judicial proceeding per Michigan’s Court Rules.

In Emmet County, court records are materials associated with legal proceedings held within the county. These records include pleadings, judgments, notices, warrants, orders, and dockets, among other items. They provide detailed information about various aspects of court cases as handled by local courts.

Are Court Records Public in Emmet County?

Under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Emmet County court records are generally considered public records. The Act grants most individuals—except incarcerated persons—the right to access records generated by government institutions, including county court.

However, it is worth noting that categories of records are classified as Nonpublic or Limited-Access Court Records. Some examples include:

• Confidential personal information
• Mental health and guardianship records
• Records sealed by court order
• Juvenile court case information
• Records pertaining to adoptions and paternity hearings
• Mediation records
• Medical and mental health records

Emmet County Court Records Search

Individuals can access Emmet County court records through the following methods:

• Emmet county courthouse (or the court where the case was heard)
• MiCOURT Case Search Website
• Third-Party Providers

Emmet County Courts

Emmet County's judicial system comprises the following courts:

57th Circuit Court - Emmet
Emmet County Building
200 Division St,
#130,
Petoskey, MI 49770
Phone: (231) 348-1744
Fax: (231) 348-0602

90th District Court - Emmet
Emmet County Building
200 Division St,
#G12,
Petoskey, MI 49770
Phone: (231) 348-1750
Fax: (231) 348-0616

Emmet Probate Court - District 7
Emmet County Building
200 Division St,
#280,
Petoskey, MI 49770
Phone: (231) 348-1764

Emmet County Criminal and Civil Records

Under Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) § 28.241 et seq., the Michigan State Police (MSP) serve as the central repository for criminal history information statewide. Law enforcement agencies and judicial bodies across Michigan, including those in Emmet County, regularly report arrest and conviction data to the MSP. The MSP’s database includes felony arrests, convictions, and misdemeanor convictions, thereby providing a comprehensive statewide criminal record history.
Michigan law does permit public access to certain criminal records, subject to the conditions set forth in state statutes. Members of the public seeking Emmet County criminal history information can request background checks through the MSP. The MSP offers two primary methods:

1. Name-Based Checks:
   Individuals can use the Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT) to conduct a name-based search. This service can be accessed online and is suitable for personal inquiries or general background research.
2. Fingerprint-Based Checks:
   When required by state or federal statutes, executive orders, administrative rules, or for specific purposes (e.g., licensing, employment, immigration, adoption), a fingerprint-based background check may be mandated. In these cases, the requesting employer or agency provides the applicant with an RI-030 Live Scan Fingerprint Background Check Request form. The applicant must complete the relevant sections and then visit an approved Live Scan vendor for fingerprinting.

Fingerprint Submissions for Personal Use, Immigration, or Adoption:
Michigan residents can be fingerprinted at a local law enforcement agency on a Michigan Applicant Fingerprint Card (RI-008), while non-residents can be printed on an FBI Applicant Fingerprint Card (FD-258) at their nearest law enforcement agency. After obtaining the completed fingerprint card, the requester should include a $30.00 fee (payable to the State of Michigan via check or money order) and a cover letter explaining the purpose of the request. Mail these documents to:

Michigan State Police
CJIC
P.O. Box 30266
Lansing, Michigan 48909-7766

The MSP typically processes requests within three to five weeks. For more information, visit the MSP’s Criminal History Records webpage or contact the MSP Criminal History Help Desk at (517) 241-0606.

In Emmet County, jurisdiction over criminal civil matters is divided primarily between the 57th Circuit Court and the 90th District Court, in accordance with MCL § 600.601 et seq. and related statutes. Inquirers may request these Emmet county criminal civil court records by contacting the the Emmet County Clerk’s Office, which serves as the official record-keeper for the Circuit Court. Requests can be made in person at:

Emmet County Clerk’s Office
200 Division Street
Petoskey, MI 49770
Phone: (231) 348-1744

The Clerk’s Office may charge a nominal search or copying fee. Visitors are welcome during normal business hours, typically Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

• District Court Records:
  For civil cases handled in District Court, contact the 90th District Court at the same address. The District Court Clerk’s Office can guide you on retrieval options, applicable fees, and records inspection policies.

Emmet County civil court records are also accessible through the MiCourt Case Search portal, offered by the Michigan Judiciary. By selecting the appropriate court and searching by party name or case number, users can find basic case information online at no cost.

Emmet County Marriage Records

Marriage records, along with other vital records, are maintained by the Emmet County Clerk’s Office pursuant to MCL § 333.2811 et seq. Marriage records in Michigan are considered public. Thus, anyone may request a certified copy without demonstrating a direct interest.

Fees and Request Methods:

• In Person:
  Visit the Emmet County Clerk’s Office during regular business hours. The cost is typically $10 for the first certified copy and $5 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time. Always confirm the current fee schedule as it may be subject to change.
• By Mail:
  Mail a written request including the names of the parties, the date of marriage, and the required fee (check or money order payable to the “Emmet County Clerk”). Send to:
  Emmet County Clerk
  200 Division Street
  Petoskey, MI 49770
• By Phone or Online:
  Contact the Clerk’s Office at (231) 348-1744 for guidance on phone or online request options. Some authorized third-party vendors may also provide ordering services for an additional fee.

Emmet County Divorce Records

Divorce proceedings in Emmet County are recorded and maintained by the Emmet County Clerk’s Office if they were finalized in the 57th Circuit Court. Since Michigan considers divorce records public, these documents are generally accessible to the public.

How to Obtain Divorce Records:

• In Person:
  Visit the Clerk’s Office during business hours.
• By Mail:
  Submit a written request containing identifying case information, along with the required fees, to the Emmet County Clerk at the address above.
• Online:
  The MiCourt Case Search portal may allow search and review of basic divorce case details. Additionally, certain third-party services may offer retrieval of divorce documents; however, accuracy and completeness are not guaranteed by the county or the state.

Emmet County Birth and Death Records

Birth and death records in Michigan are governed by MCL § 333.2823 et seq. The Emmet County Clerk’s Office maintains these vital records. Death records are public, but birth records remain confidential and are only available to the registrant, their immediate family members, or authorized legal representatives.

Requesting Birth and Death Certificates:

• Eligibility for Birth Records:
  Individuals seeking their own birth certificate or one for a qualifying family member must present a valid photo ID.
• Fees:
  Typically, the fee is $10 for the first certified copy and $5 for each additional copy of the same record at the same time. Check for any discounts or changes in pricing policies directly with the Clerk’s Office.
• Request Methods:
  1. In Person: Visit the County Clerk’s Office during normal hours.
  2. By Mail: Send a completed request form (available on the county’s website or by calling the clerk), proper identification (for birth records), and payment to the County Clerk’s mailing address.
  3. By Phone or Online: Contact the Clerk’s Office for instructions on phone requests or use an authorized online vendor.

Emmet County Probate Court Records

The Emmet County Probate Court handles matters such as wills, trusts, guardianships, conservatorships, and mental health commitments. Probate records are public unless sealed by court order.

To obtain probate records Use the MiCOURT Case Search Portal to search by case number or party name or visit the Probate Court Clerk’s Office at:

200 Division Street,
Petoskey, MI 49770
Phone: (231) 348-1764

Emmet County Property Records

Emmet County property records, including deeds, mortgages, liens, and plats, are maintained by the Emmet County Register of Deeds in accordance with MCL § 565.1 et seq. These records, once recorded, become part of the public domain and are typically available for inspection and copying.

To obtain these records, interested persons may send a written request containing details of the record of interest to:

Emmet County Register of Deeds
200 Division Street
Petoskey, MI 49770
Phone: (231) 348-1761

For tax information, contact the Emmet County Equalization Department at (231) 348-1750 or visit their online GIS mapping tool for property tax data and parcel maps.

Emmet County Court Records Online

Some third-party websites like Michigancourtrecords.us compile public records, including court documents and docket information. While these platforms may provide a convenient starting point, they are not official sources. As such, their data may be incomplete, outdated, or otherwise not guaranteed. For the most accurate and up-to-date records, always verify information through the Emmet County Clerk, Register of Deeds, the appropriate court, or the MSP’s official repositories.