Court records in Houghton County, Michigan can be searched through several channels. HoughtonCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also access records through official state court search tools, the clerk's offices at the Houghton County Courthouse, and public terminals available on-site. Michigan law generally treats court records as public, though certain case types carry access restrictions.
Houghton Court System & Jurisdictions
Houghton County is served by several courts, each handling distinct case types. Knowing which court has jurisdiction over a matter is essential before searching for docket information.
97th District Court
The 97th District Court covers all of Houghton County and handles:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases (offenses punishable by up to one year in jail)
- Civil cases with claims up to $25,000
- Small claims disputes (up to $6,500)
- Landlord-tenant matters, including evictions
- Traffic and ordinance violations
- Arraignments and preliminary examinations for felony cases
12th Circuit Court
The 12th Circuit Court is the county's general jurisdiction trial court. It handles:
- Felony criminal cases (after bindover from District Court)
- Civil cases with claims exceeding $25,000
- Domestic relations matters — divorce, custody, parenting time, child support
- Family Division cases, including juvenile delinquency and child protective proceedings
The Family Division of Circuit Court operates under a family court plan approved by the State Court Administrative Office.
Houghton County Probate Court
The Probate Court manages:
- Decedent estates and wills
- Guardianships and conservatorships
- Mental health commitments
- Trust administration
- Name changes
The Probate Court is located on the 3rd floor of the Houghton County Courthouse at 401 E. Houghton Ave., Houghton, MI 49931.
Houghton Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find scheduled hearings for today, tomorrow, or the current week in Houghton County courts, you have several options:
- MiCOURT Case Search — Use the MiCOURT online case search to look up a specific case by party name or case number. Scheduled hearing dates typically appear on individual case records when available.
- Contact the clerk's office directly — Call the 97th District Court, 12th Circuit Court, or Probate Court to ask about upcoming hearing schedules. Court staff can confirm dates and courtroom assignments.
- MiFILE — Attorneys and parties who have filed through MiFILE (Michigan's electronic filing system) can view case activity and upcoming dates for Houghton County courts that participate in e-filing.
- In-person visit — Public terminals and posted calendars at the Houghton County Courthouse may display daily and weekly schedules.
Note that not all Houghton County courts post full calendars online. For the most current hearing information, calling the specific court is often the most reliable approach.
How to Get a Copy of a Houghton Court Document
Court documents in Houghton County can be obtained as either certified or uncertified copies. Certified copies bear the court's official seal and clerk's signature, making them suitable for legal proceedings and government filings. Uncertified copies are informational only.
How to request copies
- Online — Search for your case through MiCOURT Case Search to identify the documents you need. Some documents may be viewable online, but certified copies generally must be ordered from the clerk's office.
- In person — Visit the appropriate clerk's office at the Houghton County Courthouse. Bring the case number, party names, and approximate filing date to speed up the request.
- By mail — Send a written request to the clerk of the court that handled the case. Include the case number, document description, your return address, and a check or money order for the applicable fees.
Mailing address for the County Clerk
For Circuit Court and Probate Court documents, direct your request to the specific court clerk on the appropriate floor of the courthouse.
What you'll need to provide
- Full case number
- Names of the parties involved
- Description of the document (e.g., judgment, order, complaint)
- Whether you need a certified or uncertified copy
- Payment for applicable fees
Certain records are restricted under Michigan law. Juvenile proceedings, some mental health records, and sealed cases are generally not available to the public. Ask the clerk whether the record you need has any access limitations.
Houghton Court Records Fees & Payment
Michigan court fees are set by statute and court administrative orders. The table below lists common fees for record searches and copies in Houghton County courts. Contact the specific court to confirm current amounts, as fees may be updated periodically.
| Service | Estimated Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (uncertified) | $1.00 per page | Standard per-page rate under MCL 600.1988 |
| Certified copy | $10.00 + $1.00 per page | Certification fee plus per-page copy cost |
| Case search (by clerk) | $10.00 | Per-name search conducted by court staff |
| Exemplification of record | $10.00 | Additional authentication beyond certification |
| ICHAT criminal history check | $10.00 | Through Michigan State Police ICHAT |
Payment methods
- In person — Cash, check, or money order are generally accepted. Some courts also accept credit or debit cards; confirm with the clerk before visiting.
- By mail — Check or money order payable to the specific court (e.g., "97th District Court" or "Houghton County Probate Court").
- Online — Fees for e-filed documents may be payable through MiFILE for participating courts.
If you cannot afford court fees, Michigan courts allow fee waivers for qualifying individuals. You can request a fee waiver by filing the appropriate SCAO-approved form with the court.