Leelanau County Court Records

Leelanau County, Michigan, court records document legal proceedings within the county's jurisdiction, serving as vital background checks and genealogical research resources. These records include criminal, civil, probate, and family court cases and Leelanau County arrest records, which detail charges, warrants, and dispositions. Typically, court records contain filings, judgments, motions, and orders.

Are Court Records Public in Leelanau County?

Under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), court records in Leelanau County are public property. This means any person may inspect court records in the clerk's office and obtain copies, provided no statute, court rule, or court order restricts access. However, restrictions apply to sealed cases, including juvenile proceedings, adoption records, or sensitive criminal matters.

Leelanau County Court Records Search

The Leelanau County Court Clerk maintains records of all legal disputes within the county. Requests to search for and obtain copies of these court records may be made in person, by mail, fax, or by phone at the Clerk's office. However, a fee typically applies for case searches without a case number. Copy fees vary based on document type and certification needs. Individuals are advised to review the fee schedule before requesting, as prepayment is required.

Some court records may be available online through the Michigan Court Records Search Tool. Individuals may request copies of Leelanau County court records from the Court Clerk at:

Leelanau County Court Clerk
8527 E Government Center Dr
Suite 103
Suttons Bay, MI 49682
Phone: (231) 256-9824
Fax: (231) 256-8295

Leelanau County Courts

Leelanau County has a Circuit Court, Probate Court, and District Court serving the county's residents. The addresses and contact information of the courts are below:

Circuit Courts in Leelanau County
13th Circuit Court - Leelanau
Leelanau County Circuit Court
8527 E. Government Center Drive,
Suite 103, Suttons Bay, MI 49682
Phone: (231) 256-9824
Fax: (231) 256-8295

District Court in Leelanau County
86th District Court - Leelanau
Leelanau County 86th District Court
8527 E. Government Center Drive,
Suttons Bay, MI 49682
Phone: (231) 256-8250
Fax: (231) 256-8275

Probate Court in Leelanau County
Leelanau County Probate Court
Leelanau County Probate Court
8527 E. Government Center Drive,
Suttons Bay, MI 49682
Phone: (231) 256-9803
Fax: (231) 256-9845

Leelanau County Criminal and Civil Records

Residents may access Leelanau County criminal and civil court records online through the Michigan Courts Case Search system or by visiting the Leelanau County Clerk's office. Criminal records include Leelanau County arrest records, case filings, and outcomes of criminal proceedings. Civil records cover disputes, family law, probate, and other civil matters processed through the county courts. The address and contact information of the Leelanau County Court Clerk's Office are below:

Leelanau County Court Clerk
8527 E Government Center Dr
Suite 103
Suttons Bay, MI 49682
Phone: (231) 256-9824
Fax: (231) 256-8295

Leelanau County Marriage Records

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Vital Records Office and the Leelanau County Clerk maintain copies of Leelanau County marriage records. To request Leelanau County marriage certificates, complete the Michigan Marriage Record Request Form and attach payment and a valid ID. The first copy costs $10.00, with additional copies at $5.00 each. Apply to:

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
Vital Records Office
333 S Grand Avenue,
South Grand Building, 1st Floor,
Lansing MI 48933
Phone: (517) 335-8666

Or

Leelanau County Court Clerk
8527 E Government Center Dr
Suite 103
Suttons Bay, MI 49682
Phone: (231) 256-9824
Fax: (231) 256-8295

Leelanau County Divorce Records

The Leelanau County Clerk maintains copies of Leelanau County divorce records. Interested parties may submit requests for copies of divorce records to:

Leelanau County Court Clerk
8527 E Government Center Dr
Suite 103
Suttons Bay, MI 49682
Phone: (231) 256-9824
Fax: (231) 256-8295

Divorce records from recent years may also be available through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Vital Records Office. To obtain these records, a completed Michigan Divorce Record Request Form, along with payment and a copy of a valid ID, is to be mailed to:

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
Vital Records Office
333 S Grand Avenue,
South Grand Building, 1st Floor,
Lansing MI 48933
Phone: (517) 335-8666

Leelanau Birth Records

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Vital Records Office and the Leelanau County Clerk process requests for Leelanau County birth records. They have been the official custodians of birth records filed within the county since 1867. The Michigan Public Health Code (MCL 333.2888) prohibits public disclosure of birth records. According to Michigan Compiled Laws, certified copies of birth certificates may generally be issued only to the following individuals:

• The individual named on the birth certificate (if they are 18 years or older).
• The parents named on the birth certificate.
• A legal guardian.
• Heirs of the individual named on the certificate.

Residents may access birth certificates by submitting a completed Michigan Birth Certificate Request Form, along with
payment and a copy of a valid ID to:

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
Vital Records Office
333 S Grand Avenue,
South Grand Building, 1st Floor,
Lansing MI 48933
Phone: (517) 335-8666

Or

Leelanau County Court Clerk
8527 E Government Center Dr
Suite 103
Suttons Bay, MI 49682
Phone: (231) 256-9824
Fax: (231) 256-8295

Birth records are essential for establishing identity, obtaining identification documents, enrolling in school, applying for social services, and genealogical research.

Leelanau Death Records

Death certificates (post-1867) are accessible to immediate family, legal representatives, or those demonstrating a tangible interest. Fees range from $15 to $40. Older records are public and useful for genealogical or estate research. Record seekers are to complete the Michigan Death Records Request Form and forward the completed form to:

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
Vital Records Requests
P.O. Box 30721
Lansing, MI 48909

Or

Leelanau County Register of Deeds
8527 E Government Center Dr
Suite 103
Suttons Bay, MI 49682
Phone: (231) 256-9824
Fax: (231) 256-8295

Death records are essential for settling estates, claiming insurance benefits, genealogical research, and historical documentation. Michigan law generally allows public access to death records, though specific details may be redacted to protect privacy.

Leelanau County Probate Court Records

Probate records include wills, trusts, and guardianship appointments. The Leelanau County Probate Court is the county's custodian of probate court records. Probate court records may be accessed in the Probate Court Clerk's office. Copies cost $1 per page.

Note: Some records may be sealed to protect minors or vulnerable individuals.

Individuals may contact the Probate Court office to obtain copies of probate court records:

Leelanau County Probate Court
8527 E. Government Center Drive, Suite 203
Suttons Bay, MI 49682
Phone: (231) 256-9803
Fax: (231) 256-9805
Mail: kmattis@leelanau.gov or smrdeza@leelanau.gov.

Leelanau County Property Records

Property records in Leelanau County offer comprehensive data on land ownership, tax evaluations, historical sales, and permitted land use. These documents are maintained by the Leelanau County Register of Deeds and are available for public access. To obtain these records, individuals may visit the Register of Deeds office in person:

Leelanau County Register of Deeds
8527 E Government Center Dr
Suite 103
Suttons Bay, MI 49682
Phone: (231) 256-9824
Fax: (231) 256-8295

Leelanau County Court Records Online

Generally, members of the public may access Leelanau County criminal and civil court records through the Michigan Courts Case Search system or by visiting the Leelanau County Clerk's office. Third-party online resources such as Michigancourtrecords.us generally offer an alternative way to access Leelanau County court records, including criminal, civil, and probate cases. However, online access has limitations, including potential fees, outdated information, or incomplete records due to restricted access to sealed or confidential cases. As such, users should verify the accuracy of information from third-party services by cross-referencing official sources.