Ingham County Court Records
Ingham County court records are documents, case files, forms, and other papers and exhibits that the county court maintains in relation to a case. These court records may be filed with respect to civil, criminal, probate, traffic, or family court cases. The Ingham County circuit court has jurisdiction over all legal matters arising within the county, and maintains all records and documents filed in cases, as well as exhibits tendered during court proceedings.
Court records in Ingham County are filed and maintained by the office of the court clerk. Michigan’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) grants all members of the public the right to access and inspect copies of public records, including court records. Other public information that may be accessible through court records includes arrest information, outstanding warrants, criminal history information, and others.
Are Ingham County Court Records Public?
Yes. In accordance with Michigan’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), any person has the right to inspect, copy, or receive copies of public records. In Michigan, public records include all writings prepared, owned, or used by a public body (at whatever level) in performance of their official duties. By the above definition, court records, law enforcement records, property records, and other public documents are public records in Ingham County. However, this law is subject to exemptions.
Section 15.243 of the Michigan FOIA provides that a public body, such as the Ingham County Circuit Court, may deny an individual’s request to access a court record where:
- The information is of a personal nature, and such disclosure would result in an unwarranted invasion of an individual’s privacy
- The information requested contains law enforcement investigation records
- Such disclosure may interfere with law enforcement proceedings
- Disclosure may deprive a party of the right to a free and fair trial
- Disclosure may endanger the life or physical safety of law enforcement personnel
- The record or information requested is specifically exempt from disclosure by federal or state statute.
What Information is Available in Ingham County Court Records?
Ingham County Court records may typically contain the following information:
- The full name and identity of the defendant(s) and plaintiff(s)
- Case summary
- Facts of the case
- Court type (Circuit or District)
- Case type (Civil, criminal, small claims, family court, probate, traffic offenses)
- Case number
- Case title
- The name of the Judge
- Court transcript
- Documents filed, motions, orders, orders, and judgments.
- Audio or video recordings of the proceedings
- Case status
- Disposition
Ingham County Court Records Search
Below are the ways Ingham County court records can be searched and accessed:
- Online Access - The Ingham County Court Records Search site allows members of the public to search court records using the party names, dates of birth, party, or case type. This search site can be accessed by all internet users regardless of location.
- In-Person Access - The Ingham County court clerk’s office, also referred to as the 30th Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, is open to receive in-person record requests between the hours of 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM from Mondays to Fridays. The requesting party must furnish all required information about the records they need to access to enable the clerk’s office to locate the record.
Ingham County Courthouse
315 S Jefferson,
3rd Floor Mason, MI 48854
Phone: (517) 483-6500
Fax: (517) 483-6401
- Mail and Phone Requests - Court record requests can be made in writing to the Ingham Circuit Court clerk’s office. Unlike in-person or online inspections, record requests are not free. The court clerk’s office may charge for inspection, copying and record production fees.
Mail through Post Office
Circuit Court Clerk’s Office
P.O. Box 196
Mason, MI 48854
Email: CircuitCourtRecords@ingham.org
FedEx or UPS
Ingham County Courthouse
Circuit Court Clerk’s Office
315 S. Jefferson Street, 3rd Floor
Mason, MI 48854
Fees for Court Records in Ingham County
Requests for copies of court records in Ingham County can be fulfilled in person, by mail, email, or via fax. The Ingham County court clerk’s office record search and copying fees are $1.50/per page for copies, $0.90/page for transcripts, and $10 per record for certifications.
Ingham County Courthouse Locations
District courts in Ingham County typically handle small claims, general civil matters, felony pre-examinations, and sometimes jury trials. The judges of the circuit court have jurisdiction over felony matters, civil cases in amounts over $250,000, the family court division, and also provide alternative dispute resolution programs. Below are the addresses and contact information of courts that serve Ingham County.
(Lansing Residents Only)
City Hall
Lansing, MI 48933
Phone: (517) 483-4443
54B District Court (East Lansing)
(East Lansing City Residents Only)
101 Linden Street
East Lansing, MI 48823
Phone: (517) 336-8639
(All Residents of Ingham County Not Residing in Lansing or East Lansing City Limits)
700 Buhl Avenue
Mason, MI 48854
Phone: (517) 676-8420
(All County Residents)
Jury Clerk
Veteran’s Memorial Court Bldg.
313 W. Kalamazoo Street
Lansing, MI 48933
Phone: (517) 483-6522
Circuit Court Annex
426 S. Walnut Street
Lansing, MI 48933
Phone: (517) 483-6522
Ingham County Courthouse
341 S. Jefferson
Mason, MI 48955
Phone: (517) 483-6522
Criminal Records Access in Ingham County
Public criminal history record information is available through the Michigan State Police criminal history access tools and fingerprint-based background checks. For the court records associated with criminal cases, visit the court where the case was adjudicated. Information on Ingham County criminal case records and convictions can be obtained online at the Ingham County Court online search portal. The Clerk’s Office also processes written requests to the circuit court clerk’s office, as well as in-person requests.
Ingham County Probate Records
The Ingham County Probate Court handles the filing and administration of wills, probate decedents’ estates, supervises trusts and appointments of guardians and conservators over minors, adults, developmentally disabled individuals, and the legal processing of mental health treatment. The probate court used to handle adoptions and name changes before it was handed over to the circuit court.
Ingham County probate records are available at the Probate Register’s office. Interested individuals may review probate records at the Register’s office using publicly accessible computer terminals during business hours or request copies of records by email or written mail.
Ingham County Family Court Records
The Family Division of the Ingham County Circuit Court had original jurisdiction over family-related proceedings, including adoption, juvenile matters, domestic matters, emancipation, custody, name changes, visitation rights, and personal protection orders. Ingham County Family Court records may be available at the courthouse, but due to the nature and sensitivity of these records, information contained may be redacted or restricted from public disclosure.
Federal Court Records in Ingham County
Ingham County, Michigan, is under the jurisdiction of the U.S District Court for the Western District of Michigan. This means that all cases involving federal laws are under the jurisdiction of the federal court. Federal Court Records for matters arising in Ingham County may be accessed through PACER Case Locator (PCL). PACER requires users to register and charges $0.10 to $3.00 for access to case files and documents.
