Court records for Washtenaw County, Michigan, are maintained by the clerk of the county court and are accessible through online tools, official court portals, and directly at the court office. WashtenawCourt.us will help you find publicly available information about court cases in this county. Additionally, you can use the MiCOURT Case Search portal, Washtenaw County online resources, or contact the court office in person or by phone.
Washtenaw Court System Overview
Washtenaw County is part of the 22nd Circuit Court of Michigan. The county court is located in Ann Arbor and serves exclusively this county. The Trial Court system brings together the Circuit Court, Juvenile Division, and Probate Court under one roof. The 14A District Court covers the western part of the county, while the 15th District Court serves the city of Ann Arbor and surrounding areas.
The court operates on weekdays; for specific hours, contact the number provided or visit the official Washtenaw County website.
Courts Serving Washtenaw
Residents of the county are served by several courts of different levels of jurisdiction.
State Courts
Federal Court
Washtenaw County belongs to the Eastern District of Michigan (U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan). The nearest federal court is located in Detroit. Bankruptcy cases are handled by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.
You can check the availability of electronic filing for specific courts through the MiFILE Available Courts portal.
What Types of Cases Washtenaw Courts Hear
The county courts hear a wide range of cases. Here are the main categories:
- Criminal cases — felonies, misdemeanors, infractions
- Civil lawsuits and small claims
- Family law — divorce, custody, child support, protective orders
- Probate cases — inheritance, guardianship, trust management
- Juvenile cases — juvenile justice, child protection, adoption
- Traffic violations and DUI cases
District Court Cases in Washtenaw
The 14A and 15th District Courts handle misdemeanors, civil cases with claims up to $25,000, small claims, felony preliminary examinations, and traffic violations. After the preliminary examination, felony cases are transferred to the 22nd Circuit Court for further proceedings. A district court judge also conducts arraignments and sets bail. Civil cases are assigned to judges according to the court's internal rules. Fines and ticket searches can be processed through the ePAY Ticket Search system.
Magistrate Court Cases in Washtenaw
In the Michigan system, magistrates at district courts perform limited functions: conducting arraignments, setting bail, issuing search and arrest warrants, and handling some minor cases. Small claims in Michigan are limited to $6,500. The general jurisdiction of the district court in civil cases is up to $25,000. Magistrates can also conduct informal hearings on traffic violations. Due to high caseloads, some magistrates are primarily assigned to DUI or traffic violation cases. Detailed information on case assignments among magistrates can be obtained directly from the office of the respective district court.
Family Law, Probate, and Juvenile Matters in Washtenaw
Family Law
Divorce, child custody, child support, paternity establishment, and protective orders (PPO) are handled by the 22nd Circuit Court — Family Division. Use standard Michigan court forms for filing documents.
Probate Cases
The Washtenaw County Probate Court handles cases of deceased estates, adult and minor guardianship, conservatorship, and trust management. The court office is located at 101 E. Huron Street, Ann Arbor; phone: 734-222-3288.
Juvenile Matters
The Juvenile Division of the 22nd Circuit Court handles juvenile delinquency and child protection cases. Juvenile case records are confidential under Michigan law and are not publicly accessible without a court order.
How Cases Move Through the Washtenaw Court System
- Case Initiation. A criminal case begins with a prosecutor's complaint or police report. A civil case starts with the filing of a complaint or petition.
- Judge Assignment. Cases are assigned to judges according to the court's internal rules.
- Initial Hearing. In criminal cases — arraignment. In civil cases — scheduling conference.
- Pretrial Phase. Parties file motions, conduct discovery; plea negotiations may occur in criminal cases.
- Trial or Resolution. The case concludes with a sentence, jury verdict, settlement, or default judgment.
- Post-Judgment. In criminal cases — sentencing. Any party may file an appeal. In civil cases — enforcement.
Court Administration, Local Rules, and Public Access in Washtenaw
The chief judge of the 22nd Circuit Court and the Trial Court administrator oversee the administration of the county courts. Local court rules for the 22nd Circuit Court are published on the Michigan Courts website. To find specific forms, use the Michigan court forms catalog.
Under Michigan law, most court records are public. Exceptions include juvenile cases, sealed records, and some family cases. To obtain public police records, you can submit a request through the Michigan State Police FOIA portal.
Court hearings in the county can be attended in person. Some sessions are held remotely via video conferencing — check the format with the specific court office at 734-222-3270.
Court Records and Related Court Resources in Washtenaw
- Online Case Search. The MiCOURT Case Search portal allows you to search for Washtenaw Circuit Court, Probate Court, and Juvenile Division cases by party name.
- Case Search via Supreme Court Portal. The Cases, Opinions & Orders page provides access to records of all Michigan courts, including Washtenaw.
- County Online Resources. The Online Resources page on the county's website includes case registry search, warrant checks, and other tools.
- Fine Payment and Ticket Search. The Michigan Courts ePAY system supports Washtenaw for searching and paying traffic fines.
- Criminal History. The ICHAT tool of the Michigan State Police provides access to public criminal history records.
- Inmate Search. Through the OTIS (Offender Tracking Information System) of the Michigan Department of Corrections, you can find information about individuals in state prisons.
- Court Forms and Self-Help Resources. The Michigan Forms Catalog contains forms for all types of cases, including special forms for Washtenaw County.
- FOIA Requests. To obtain police reports and other public records, submit a request through the FOIA portal of the Michigan State Police.