Washtenaw County court records in Michigan are accessible through several channels. WashtenawCourt.us allows you to search for public information about court cases in the county. Additionally, records can be found through the official online portals of state courts, clerk's offices, and public terminals installed directly in court buildings. Below is a practical guide for searching, obtaining copies, and paying for court documents.
Washtenaw Court System & Jurisdictions
Several courts operate in the county, each handling specific categories of cases. The main court of general jurisdiction is the 22nd Circuit Court, located at:
The Circuit Court handles criminal cases involving felonies, civil lawsuits over $25,000, divorce and custody cases, as well as appeals from lower courts. The Juvenile Division operates within the same court and deals with cases involving minors.
14A District Court serves most of the county and has two branches — in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. The district court handles:
- Criminal cases involving misdemeanors
- Civil lawsuits up to $25,000
- Small claims cases — up to $6,500
- Landlord-tenant disputes
- Traffic violations
For paying traffic violation fines and searching for tickets, the Michigan Courts ePAY portal is available, with Washtenaw among the supported counties.
Probate Court handles matters of wills, adult guardianship, psychiatric hospitalizations, and trust management. This court is a separate entity with its own clerk's office.
Washtenaw Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find out which hearings are scheduled for today, tomorrow, or the week, start with the county's online resources. The Washtenaw County online resources page contains links to search the docket, where you can find information by party name.
The statewide MiCOURT Case Search system also shows case details, including scheduled hearing dates. To do this:
- Go to the MiCOURT Case Search page.
- Select the appropriate court — for example, Washtenaw Circuit Court or 14A District Court.
- Enter the case number or participant's last name.
- In the search results, review the section with scheduled events/hearings.
Note: Online data is for informational purposes and does not replace the official record kept in the court. If you need exact confirmation of a hearing date, call the appropriate court's clerk's office.
The Circuit Court schedule can also be viewed through the Michigan Supreme Court Case Search portal by selecting "Washtenaw Circuit Court" from the list of courts.
How to Get a Copy of a Washtenaw Court Document
Copies of court documents come in two types: uncertified and certified. A certified copy bears the court's seal and the clerk's signature — it is needed for official purposes, such as filing documents in another court or government agency. An uncertified copy is suitable for personal review.
Ways to Obtain
- Online: Some documents are available for viewing through MiCOURT Case Search. The MiFILE system is used for electronic filing.
- In person: Visit the Clerk's Office of the appropriate court at 101 E Huron Street, Ann Arbor. You will need the case number or party names.
- By mail: Send a written request to the clerk's office with the case number, document type, and payment method.
To obtain standard Michigan court forms — such as applications or motion forms — use the official SCAO forms catalog.
Some records have restricted access. Juvenile cases, psychiatric proceedings, and sealed cases are typically closed to public viewing. If you are unsure whether the document you need is available, ask the clerk.
Washtenaw Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court documents in Michigan are regulated by state law (MCL 600.1986 and others). Specific amounts may vary depending on the court and document type. Below are approximate rates typically applied in county courts:
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Clerk search | $10–$20 per name |
| Uncertified document copy | $1.00 per page |
| Certified copy | $10.00 + $1.00 for each additional page |
| Certification of a previously obtained copy | $10.00 |
| Copy of court judgment/order | $1.00 per page (without certification) |
Payment is usually accepted in cash, money order, or check payable to the Washtenaw County Clerk. Some courts accept credit and debit cards — confirm this before visiting. Online payment of fines and fees for traffic violations is available through Michigan Courts ePAY.
Separate fees apply for criminal history requests through Michigan's ICHAT system — details are available on the Criminal History Records page of the state police.