Wexford County Court Records

Under Michigan Court Rule (MCR) 1.109(A), “court records” in Wexford County encompass all recorded information created by or filed with the 28th Circuit Court, the 84th District Court, or the Wexford County Probate Court. This definition includes, but is not limited to, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, exhibits, deposition transcripts, audio or video recordings, data compilations, and discovery materials. The respective Clerk of Court typically maintains these documents. Court records serve a broad range of purposes: for instance, investigative journalists and governmental watchdog groups rely on them to verify official actions and promote transparency, while historians, genealogists, and academic researchers study these records to trace family lineages, understand social trends, and examine regional histories.

Are Court Records Public in Wexford County?

Yes. Most Wexford County court records are accessible to the general public, governed by the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (MCL 15.231 et seq.) and MCR 8.119(H). These laws and rules establish the right to inspect, copy, or obtain reproductions of court records. Individuals seeking public court documents may submit requests to the Clerk’s Office of the appropriate court, and upon payment of any required fees, non-confidential materials will be released. However, specific categories of court records are confidential by statute, court rule, or court order. Non-public records will not be provided to the general public.

MCR 8.119(H) and various Michigan statutes identify categories of records that are not subject to public disclosure. While not an exhaustive list, the following types of records are considered confidential and require special authorization or a court order before release:

• Secret marriage documentation
• Sealed search warrant affidavits and related materials
• Records maintained by the Friend of the Court (e.g., child support enforcement files)
• Wills deposited for safekeeping before the testator’s death
• Records pertaining to parental kidnapping or child endangerment
• Certain domestic violence and assault case records
• Formal alternative dispute resolution (ADR) proceeding documents
• Adoption and mediation records
• Materials from name change cases and firearms licensing proceedings
• Proceedings and reports involving juveniles or mental health cases
• Prosecutorial immunity agreements
• Driver’s license and driving history information obtained from the Secretary of State
• Pre-sentence investigations, probation reports, and related case histories
• Testimony or records involving child victims or witnesses
• Medical records concerning infectious diseases or other sensitive health information
• Protective order hearings and related filings
• Guardianship records for legally incapacitated individuals
• Substance abuse assessments, treatment records, or counseling reports
• Case evaluations and any acceptance or rejection notices arising from them
• Records concerning waivers of parental consent for minors seeking abortion
• Hearings and materials related to the Safe Delivery of Newborns Act
• Redacted or sealed discovery materials

Wexford County Court Records Search

Most official copies of Wexford County court records are available at the courthouse. Individuals may visit the appropriate Clerk’s Office during regular business hours—typically Monday through Friday—to request records. To facilitate the search, it is advisable to bring as much identifying information as possible (case number, party names, and approximate filing dates). While reviewing the documents on-site may be free, there may be nominal fees for reproductions or certifications.

Wexford County Courts

The addresses and contact information of courthouses in Wexford County are as follows:

28th Circuit Court - Wexford
437 E Division St,
P.O. Box 490,
Cadillac, MI 49601
Phone: (231) 779-9450
Fax: (231) 779-0447

84th District Court - Wexford
437 E Division St,
Cadillac, MI 49601
Phone: (231) 779-9515
Fax: (231) 779-5396

Wexford County Probate Court
437 E Division St,
Cadillac, MI 49601
Phone: (231) 779-9510
Fax: (231) 779-9485

Wexford County Criminal and Civil Records

Wexford County criminal and civil records are official documents that detail legal proceedings within the county’s jurisdiction. Criminal records generally include information about arrests, charges, plea bargains, convictions, and sentencing for individuals accused or found guilty of violating state laws. Civil records, on the other hand, pertain to non-criminal legal matters, such as lawsuits, property disputes, divorce proceedings, small claims, and probate cases.

To find these records, interested parties can begin by contacting the Wexford County Clerk’s Office, which is responsible for maintaining and providing access to official court records. Visitors can request copies in person, through the mail, or by phone. In addition, the Wexford County court system may offer online case search tools through the Michigan Courts’ statewide digital repository, allowing individuals to search for basic case information electronically. For more comprehensive searches, third-party online databases and the Michigan State Police’s criminal history check system may also help locate relevant records.

Wexford County Marriage and Divorce Records

The Wexford County Clerk maintains marriage records. Certified marriage certificates can be obtained in person, by mail, or (in some cases) online. Fees for certified marriage records are generally $10 for the first copy and $5 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously. To request by mail, submit a completed application form, a copy of a valid photo ID, and the required fee to the Clerk’s Office.

The Circuit Court’s Family Division typically holds divorce records. Individuals seeking divorce decrees or related family law records should contact the Circuit Court Clerk. Providing the case number, the full names of both parties and the approximate date of the divorce will expedite retrieval.

Wexford County Birth and Death Records

The Clerk’s Office also manages vital records, including birth and death certificates. Michigan law restricts access to birth records to the individual named on the record, their parent(s), or other legally authorized persons until the record becomes public after 100 years. Death records, however, are public records and may be obtained by any requestor.

Requests can be made in person, by mail, or through authorized online vendors. Applicants must provide a valid photo ID for birth records. Mail requests should include the appropriate application form, a photocopy of the requestor’s ID, and a check or money order covering the fee of $5 for each additional copy. Requests should be addressed to:

Wexford County Clerk
437 E. Division Street
Cadillac, MI 49601
Phone: (231) 779-9450

Wexford County Property Records

The Wexford County Register of Deeds maintains property records such as deeds, mortgages, and liens. Office hours are generally Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Fees typically include $1 per page for photocopies, an additional $5 for certification, and any applicable search fees. Requesters should provide property owner names, parcel numbers, or legal descriptions to facilitate the search.

Wexford County Register of Deeds
437 E. Division Street
Cadillac, MI 49601
Phone: (231) 779-9455

Wexford County Court Records Online

While Wexford County does not offer a comprehensive online portal for court records, third-party platforms like Michigancourtrecords.us allow users to search case information by name, case number, or other criteria. However, before relying on court records retrieved from any source—third-party service or otherwise—it is wise to verify the information by contacting the appropriate Wexford County court office. Official staff can confirm the accuracy of file contents and provide certified copies.