Kalamazoo County Court Records

Kalamazoo County court records are court-generated documents containing details about hearings, trials, and administrative proceedings held in county-based courts. Similar to other Michigan court records, these documents may contain:

• Case information, including the case number, plaintiff or defendant names, and case type (criminal, civil, etc.)
• Court documents like affidavits, pleadings, motions, briefs, and other case-related filings.
• Court orders, judgments, and decrees
• A docket list of case-related events and deadlines, such as court dates and filings.
• Tangible or documentary evidence submitted in court as part of a case.

Court records may be useful in proving an action taken by a court and can also serve as a tool in enforcing a judgment after the case is closed. They are also vital when appealing a case.

Are Court Records Public in Kalamazoo County?

Yes, Kalamazoo County court records are public. According to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), court records are considered public documents that should be accessible to state residents.

Although court records are a part of Kalamazoo County public records and are typically open for public review and access, it is crucial to note that some records may contain sensitive material that can be restricted or redacted to safeguard a person's privacy or adhere to legal requirements. As a result, some Kalamazoo court records may be exempt from public access under the act, state/federal legislation, statute, or court order.

Examples of such restricted records are:

• Adoption records
• Social Security Numbers
• Information protected by attorney-client privilege or physician-client privilege
• Juvenile records
• Personal data that may constitute a certain unjustified breach of an individual's privacy if disclosed

Kalamazoo County Court Records Search

There are many ways to find Kalamazoo County court records, such as conducting online searches, visiting the court, and sending requests through acceptable platforms or means. For instance, the web-based portal provided by the Michigan Judicial System helps users find Kalamazoo court case information after conducting searches by county, party names, case numbers, or other case details.

Individuals can also visit the court where the case was filed or send requests via mail, email, fax, or online if accepted by the court. Request forms may be available on the court’s website. Otherwise, requesters will have to write letters containing the requester’s name, mailing address, and record identifying information like filing date, party names, and case number to the court clerk. The Clerk is authorized to demand reasonable fees for finding, duplicating, and certifying the required document.

Kalamazoo County Court Records Search by Name

Individuals can conduct free online case searches on the Michigan web-based portal, probate court index, and tools provided by other courts in the county. Inputting a business or individual’s name on these portals shall supply a list of similar cases, and users can filter results according to filing date, case type, or case status. Case details available online may include:

• Attorney name
• Case number or ID
• Case type and status
• Court location
• Disposition details
• Event Summary
• Judge details
• Party names

Requesters can provide specific case details like case numbers and party names at the court location to make in-person requests or include these details to request forms or letters and send them to the court. However, the clerk can charge requesters for finding, duplicating, or certifying the record.

Kalamazoo County Courts

Kalamazoo County's court system consists of a Circuit Court with general jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases, and District and Probate courts, which handle cases within a limited jurisdiction. There are no municipal courts in Kalamazoo County. Kalamazoo Courts are located in the following addresses:

Circuit Courts in Kalamazoo County
9th Circuit Court - Kalamazoo - Family Division
Gull Road Justice Complex
1536 Gull Road,
Kalamazoo, MI 49048
Phone: (269) 385-6000

9th Circuit Court - Kalamazoo - Trial Division - Civil
Crosstown Center
150 East Crosstown Parkway,
Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Phone: (269) 383-8898

9th Circuit Court - Kalamazoo - Trial Division - Criminal
Michigan Avenue Courthouse
227 West Michigan Avenue,
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Phone: (269) 383-8898

District Courts in Kalamazoo County
8th District Court - Kalamazoo - Civil and Traffic Division
Crosstown Center
150 East Crosstown Parkway,
Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Phone: (269) 384-8171
Fax: (269) 383-8899

8th District Court - Kalamazoo - Criminal Division
Michigan Avenue Courthouse
227 West Michigan Avenue,
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Phone: (269) 384-8171
Fax: (269) 384-8047

Probate Court in Kalamazoo County
Kalamazoo County Probate Court
Gull Road Justice Complex
1536 Gull Road,
Kalamazoo, MI 49048
Phone: (269) 383-8666
Fax: (269) 383-8685

Kalamazoo County District Court Records

The 8th District Court is a court with limited jurisdiction serving Kalamazoo County. The court handles criminal matters such as misdemeanors, preliminary hearings for felonies, and most traffic violations. Additionally, the court handles general civil disputes involving less than $25,000 in claims and hears most landlord-tenant cases.

For access to Kalamazoo County District Court Records, interested parties may submit a Court Record/Copy Request through the court website or contact:

8th District Court
330 Eleanor Street
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Phone: (269) 384-8171

Requesters must provide essential details about the case record being sought, such as:

• Name of the requestor
• Requestor’s preferred contact method
• Case number and party names
• Nature of request

The District Court charges $1 per copy page, $2.05 per transcript page, $10 per certified record, and $20 per hearing for DVD recordings.

Kalamazoo County Criminal Records

Kalamazoo County criminal records are official documents that summarize an individual’s criminal activities in the county, as recorded by courts, law enforcement agencies, and inmate facilities in the county. However, Kalamazoo criminal records are not available at the county level. Instead, they are compiled in a statewide depository managed by the Michigan State Police.

Criminal records are public in Kalamazoo County and may contain the following information:

• Subject’s full name and aliases
• Mugshot and/or physical description
• Arrest and arresting agency details
• Charges, statute, and class code classification
• Conviction details

However, expunged records, juvenile records, and information on less severe misdemeanors may be unavailable to the public, along with criminal history information from other states.

Individuals can conduct name-based background checks with the Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT) or fingerprint-based checks for personal review or official purposes through local law enforcement, approved live scan vendors, or by submitting fingerprint cards, processing fees in check or money order, and other requirements to:

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

To access Kalamazoo County arrest records or inmate information, direct request to the arresting agency or correctional facility. However, Kalamazoo arrest records do not contain conviction details and should not be used as a substitute for criminal records.

Kalamazoo County Criminal Court Case Lookup

Kalamazoo criminal court records are the documents related to criminal court proceedings in county courts, namely the Kalamazoo 8th District Court and 9th Judicial Circuit Court. These records are mostly public and provide information on the defendant, charges, and sentences. Interested persons can conduct online searches and online requests (District Court records), or make in-person or mailed requests to the specific court where proceedings took place.

Get Kalamazoo County Civil Court Records

Civil court records in Kalamazoo County are court files that provide information on civil suits like landlord-tenant disputes, breach of contracts, equity, and personal injury cases. These records include all documents filed in or created by the court during the case, such as case files, docket sheets, and transcripts that may contain the following:

• All filed petitions, complaints, and summons
• Pleadings and motions
• Hearing details
• Case event summary
• Judgment and settlements
• Party names
• Case number, type, and status

In Kalamazoo County, the Civil Division of the Circuit Court hears civil cases with claims above $25,000, which are handled by the District Court, which handles lesser cases. To find records, individuals should first identify where the case was filed or confirm record availability by calling (269) 383-8837. Case information may also be available using the Michigan Court case search tool.

To request copies of civil court records, individuals may visit the court in person or send request letters or forms containing case details like party names, file date, and case number to:

Judge Charles A. Pratt Justice Center
330 Eleanor Street,
First Floor
Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Or

Gull Road Justice Complex
1536 Gull Road,
First Floor
Kalamazoo, MI 49048

Before processing the request, the Clerk may require requesters to pay fees and provide valid identification to prove their right to access restricted documents. The courts charge different fees for records and have different accepted means of making requests, including in-person, via mail, fax, and online.

Kalamazoo County Family Court Records

Family law cases include those concerning domestic relations and juvenile matters such as delinquency, adoption, child protective proceedings, and divorces. In Kalamazoo County, the Family Division of the Circuit Court presides over most family law cases, except those handled by the Kalamazoo Probate Court in the same courthouse.

Some family court case information may be available online, but access is limited in terms of filing year and is in line with FOIA exemptions. To obtain copies of family court records, visit the clerk’s office or send requests to:

Gull Road Justice Complex
1536 Gull Road,
First Floor
Kalamazoo, MI 49048
Phone: (269) 383-6000

Accessing FOIA-exempted records involving adoptions, juvenile delinquency, protection orders, and parental waivers may require requesters to provide valid identification or other documents to prove their right to access the document.

Kalamazoo Dissolution of Marriage Records

The Family Division of the Kalamazoo Circuit Court handles dissolution of marriage cases filed by residents. Individuals may find unrestricted divorce case details online using the Michigan case tool. However, to obtain copies of divorce records like case files or final judgment, individuals should submit or send a written request, payment fee, and a self-addressed stamped envelope to:

Gull Road Justice Complex
1536 Gull Road,
First Floor
Kalamazoo, MI 49048

Kalamazoo County Marriage and Divorce Records

In Kalamazoo County, the County Clerk keeps and issues marriage records since 1831, whereas the Circuit Court Clerk maintains divorce records. The County Clerk accepts online, in-person, faxed, or mailed requests. To order copies of Kalamazoo County marriage records, submit or send filled application forms, fees, and a stamped, self-addressed envelope (mailed requests only) to:

Kalamazoo County Clerk
201 W. Kalamazoo Avenue
Room 103
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Fax: (269) 384-8143

The County Clerk charges $15 for the first copy of the certified marriage license and $5 for each subsequent copy.

For copies of a divorce judgment, submit or mail a written request, $15 fees in check or money order, and a self-addressed stamped envelope to:

Gull Road Justice Complex
1536 Gull Road,
First Floor
Kalamazoo, MI 49048

Kalamazoo County marriage certificates since 1867 and divorce records from 1897 are also available with the Michigan Division for Vital Records and Health Statistics. Individuals may order certified copies or verification letters in person (appointment only) or mail completed application forms and requirements to:

Vital Records Requests
P.O. Box 30721
Lansing MI 48909

Kalamazoo Birth and Death Records

Kalamazoo County Clerk maintains most of Kalamazoo County's vital records, including birth and death that occurred in the county since 1867. However, while death records are public, Kalamazoo County birth certificates are only available to the registrant, parents, and legal guardians. The County Clerk charges $15 for the first copy of birth or death records and $5 for each subsequent copy ordered in the same request.

Eligible persons may order copies of Kalamazoo County birth records or death certificates in person, online, via phone, or mail by submitting or sending filled application forms, fees, and other requirements to:

Kalamazoo County Clerk
201 W. Kalamazoo Avenue
Room 103
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Fax: (269) 384-8143

Kalamazoo County birth and death records and verification letters may also be obtainable from the Michigan Division for Vital Records and Health Statistics. Qualified persons should make online, in-person (appointment only), phone, or mailed requests by providing application forms, fees, valid ID, and other requirements to:

Vital Records Requests
P.O. Box 30721
Lansing MI 48909

Kalamazoo County Probate Court Records

Kalamazoo County probate court records are documents and materials created or filed in the court during cases involving a decedent’s will and estate or the care of heirs or developmentally disabled persons. Not all probate records are open to the public. For instance, access to adoption records and certain mental health information and wills may be restricted to persons with valid interests in the record.

The Kalamazoo County Probate Court handles probate cases within the county’s jurisdiction and keeps all related records filed since 1832. Persons may access nonexempt probate records for free through the online index or request copies for a fee by visiting the court or sending request letters or forms containing records descriptions to:

Gull Road Justice Complex
1536 Gull Road,
Kalamazoo, MI 49048
Phone: (269) 383-8666
Fax: (269) 383-8685

Requesters should pay applicable research, duplication, or certification fees and may have to prove their rights to access restricted documents by providing valid identification or other documentation.

For genealogy research, interested persons may contact the court to confirm record availability. Probate records between 1832 and 1990 are available on film, 1990 to 1995 in file form, and 1995 to date in the public index.

Kalamazoo County Property Records

Kalamazoo County property records are government documents that provide information about a piece of real estate in the county. These include property deeds, mortgage records, and property-related records like assessments that detail the property's value, ownership, and characteristics.

Since property-related information is available in several types of records maintained by different agencies, there are different custodians and ways to access property records in Kalamazoo County.

The Register of Deeds is the custodian of most property records on deeds, plats, and land records in Kalamazoo County. Persons can conduct document searches on the register’s website or request records by contacting the office at:

201 West Kalamazoo Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Phone: (269) 383-8970
Fax: (269) 384-8143
Email: Deeds@kalcounty.com

Interested persons may also access property-related information by using the parcel search tool provided by the Equalization Department to find parcels by parcel ID, owner’s name, or street address. Additionally, the County Treasure maintains information on auctions and foreclosures, whereas Township Assessors Offices keep reports of property assessment values.

Kalamazoo County Court Records Online

Court records for Kalamazoo County are accessible through several government-provided resources like search portals and indexes. Similarly, individuals may access Kalamazoo court records online through several third-party resources like Michigancourtrecords.us. However, since government agencies do not maintain these sites, results obtained after record searches may not be accurate.