Oakland County Court Records

What Is Oakland County Court Records

Oakland County court records encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records consist of case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records maintained by various courts throughout Oakland County, Michigan. Pursuant to Michigan Court Rule 8.119(F), court records are defined as "case records" that include documents, information, data, and other items created or maintained by the court related to a case.

Court records differ from other public records such as:

• Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens)
• Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
• Business records (licenses, permits)
• Tax records

The following courts in Oakland County maintain official court records:

• Oakland County Circuit Court
• Oakland County Probate Court
• District Courts (43rd, 44th, 45th, 46th, 47th, 48th, 50th, 51st, 52nd)
• Family Division of Circuit Court
• Small Claims Court (division of District Courts)

These courts generate and maintain records for various case types including civil litigation, criminal proceedings, family law matters, probate cases, traffic violations, and small claims disputes. The Michigan Court Records Access Policy under Administrative Order 1989-1 establishes the framework for public access to these records.

Are Court Records Public In Oakland County

Court records in Oakland County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with Michigan's court rules and the First Amendment right of access to court proceedings. Under Michigan Court Rule 8.119(H), court records are presumed to be open for public inspection unless specifically restricted by court rule, statute, or court order.

The following court records are typically available for public access:

• Civil case files (complaints, answers, motions, orders)
• Criminal case files (post-charging)
• Judgments and orders
• Docket sheets and registers of actions
• Hearing schedules and calendars
• Court transcripts (after filing)

However, certain records may be restricted from public view, including:

• Records involving juveniles (unless waived to adult court)
• Adoption proceedings
• Mental health commitment records
• Records sealed by court order
• Personal identifying information as defined in MCR 1.109(D)
• Certain family division records under MCR 3.925

The distinction between federal and state court records is important, as federal courts in Michigan operate under different access rules governed by federal law. Oakland County courts follow the Michigan Court Rules and the Michigan Supreme Court's Administrative Orders regarding public access to court records.

How To Find Court Records in Oakland County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Oakland County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents:

In-Person Requests:

1. Identify the specific court where the case was filed
2. Visit the court clerk's office during regular business hours
3. Complete a records request form providing case number or party names
4. Present valid photo identification
5. Pay applicable copy fees (typically $1.00-$2.00 per page)

Mail Requests:

1. Prepare a written request including case information and specific documents needed
2. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope
3. Enclose payment for copy fees (contact court for current fee schedule)
4. Mail request to the appropriate court clerk's office

Online Access:

1. Visit the Michigan Courts Case Search portal
2. Create a user account if required
3. Select Oakland County and the specific court
4. Enter search criteria (case number, party name, filing date)
5. Review available case information and documents
6. Pay any applicable access or download fees

Electronic Filing System:

1. Access the Michigan Legal Help website
2. Navigate to the court records section
3. Follow the prompts to search for case information
4. Note that complete case files may not be available electronically

When requesting records, individuals should be prepared to provide:

• Case number (if known)
• Names of parties involved
• Approximate date of filing or case disposition
• Type of case (civil, criminal, family, etc.)
• Specific documents needed

Pursuant to § 600.2546 of the Michigan Compiled Laws, courts may charge reasonable fees for copying and certification of records.

How To Look Up Court Records in Oakland County Online?

Oakland County residents and interested parties may access court records through several online portals, each providing different levels of information based on court type and case category:

MiCOURT Case Search:

1. Navigate to the MiCOURT Case Search portal
2. Create a user account or log in with existing credentials
3. Select "Oakland County" from the jurisdiction dropdown
4. Choose the specific court (Circuit, District, Probate)
5. Enter search parameters (case number, party name, business name)
6. Review search results showing basic case information
7. Access available documents (fees may apply for document downloads)

Oakland County Circuit Court Records:

1. Visit the Oakland County Circuit Court website
2. Select "Case Information" or "Records Search"
3. Follow the prompts to search by case number, party name, or attorney
4. Review case summary information including parties, attorneys, and docket entries
5. Note that document images may require in-person requests

District Court Records: Each district court in Oakland County maintains its own online access system:

1. Identify the appropriate district court based on case location
2. Visit the specific district court website
3. Locate the "Case Lookup" or "Records Search" function
4. Enter required search information
5. Review available case data

Probate Court Records:

1. Access the Oakland County Probate Court website
2. Select "Case Search" option
3. Enter case number or name of deceased/ward
4. Review case register information
5. Note that confidential documents require proper authorization

The Michigan Courts website also provides a centralized Cases, Opinions & Orders search function that includes Oakland County court information.

How To Search Oakland County Court Records for Free?

Michigan law provides for public inspection of court records at no cost, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. Under Michigan Court Rule 8.119(J), "The court may not charge a fee for providing public access to case records as defined in subrule (D) at the courthouse."

Free access options include:

In-Person Inspection:

• Visit any Oakland County courthouse during regular business hours
• Request to view specific case files at public access terminals
• No fee for viewing records on-site
• Self-service computer terminals available at most courthouses

Free Online Resources:

1. Michigan Courts Case Search - Basic case information available without charge
2. Oakland County Legal News - Publishes certain court calendars and case dispositions
3. Michigan Appellate Opinion Search - Free access to appellate opinions involving Oakland County cases

Public Law Libraries:

• Oakland County Law Library 1200 N. Telegraph Road, Department 453 Pontiac, MI 48341 (248) 858-0012
• Free access to public computer terminals for court record searches
• Reference librarians available to assist with research

While basic case information is typically available at no cost, the following services generally incur fees:

• Printed copies of documents ($1.00-$2.00 per page)
• Certified copies ($10.00-$15.00 per document)
• Complete case file reproduction
• Document downloads from certain online systems
• Records requiring extensive research or retrieval from archives

Pursuant to § 600.2546 of the Michigan Compiled Laws, courts may establish reasonable fee schedules for reproduction of records.

What's Included in a Oakland County Court Record?

Oakland County court records typically contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type but generally include:

Case Initiation Documents:

• Complaints or petitions
• Summonses or warrants
• Service of process documentation
• Initial appearances or arraignments
• Filing fee receipts

Pleadings and Motions:

• Answers and counterclaims
• Motions and supporting briefs
• Responses and replies
• Stipulations between parties
• Affidavits and declarations

Court Orders and Judgments:

• Scheduling orders
• Preliminary injunctions
• Summary judgment orders
• Final judgments
• Post-judgment orders
• Sentencing documents (in criminal cases)

Evidentiary Materials:

• Exhibit lists
• Admitted documentary evidence
• Deposition transcripts (if filed)
• Expert witness reports
• Discovery materials (if filed)

Procedural Documentation:

• Register of actions (docket sheet)
• Hearing notices
• Certificates of service
• Proof of publication
• Court reporter logs

Financial Information:

• Fee waiver applications
• Payment records
• Restitution orders
• Fine and cost assessments
• Bond information

In accordance with Michigan Court Rule 1.109(D), certain personal identifying information is protected and either redacted or filed in a separate confidential manner, including:

• Social Security numbers
• Driver's license numbers
• Financial account numbers
• Dates of birth
• Names of minor children

Criminal case records additionally include:

• Charging documents
• Bail and bond information
• Pre-sentence investigation reports (restricted access)
• Criminal history information
• Victim impact statements
• Sentencing guidelines calculations

How Long Does Oakland County Keep Court Records?

Oakland County courts retain records according to schedules established by the State Court Administrative Office under authority of Michigan Supreme Court Administrative Order 1999-4. Retention periods vary by case type and document category:

Circuit Court Records:

• Felony cases: 75 years after final disposition
• Civil cases: 10 years after final disposition
• Domestic relations cases: 30 years after final disposition
• Personal Protection Orders: 5 years after expiration
• Appeals from lower courts: 25 years after final disposition

District Court Records:

• Misdemeanor cases: 10 years after final disposition
• Civil cases: 10 years after final disposition
• Traffic violations: 7 years after final disposition
• Small claims: 10 years after final disposition
• Landlord-tenant cases: 10 years after final disposition

Probate Court Records:

• Decedent estates: 10 years after closing and discharge
• Guardianships: 10 years after termination
• Conservatorships: 10 years after termination
• Mental health proceedings: 10 years after final order
• Adoption records: Permanent retention

Special Retention Categories:

• Capital/life felony cases: Permanent retention
• Historical cases (determined by court): Permanent retention
• Cases establishing precedent: Permanent retention
• Real property cases: 25 years after final disposition

After the retention period expires, records may be:

• Destroyed according to approved methods
• Transferred to the Archives of Michigan
• Microfilmed or digitized for permanent storage

Pursuant to § 600.1428 of the Michigan Compiled Laws, courts must maintain a records management system that complies with the records retention and disposal schedules established by the State Court Administrative Office.

Types of Courts In Oakland County

Oakland County's judicial system consists of multiple court levels, each with specific jurisdiction and authority:

Oakland County Circuit Court
1200 N. Telegraph Road
Pontiac, MI 48341
(248) 858-0344
Oakland County Circuit Court

Oakland County Probate Court
1200 N. Telegraph Road
Pontiac, MI 48341
(248) 858-0260
Oakland County Probate Court

43rd District Court - Ferndale Division
305 E. Nine Mile Road
Ferndale, MI 48220
(248) 547-8700
43rd District Court

43rd District Court - Hazel Park Division
111 E. Nine Mile Road
Hazel Park, MI 48030
(248) 547-3034
43rd District Court

43rd District Court - Madison Heights Division
31201 Stephenson Highway
Madison Heights, MI 48071
(248) 583-1800
43rd District Court

44th District Court
400 E. Eleven Mile Road
Royal Oak, MI 48067
(248) 246-3600
44th District Court

45th District Court
13600 Oak Park Boulevard
Oak Park, MI 48237
(248) 691-7340
45th District Court

46th District Court
26000 Evergreen Road
Southfield, MI 48076
(248) 796-5800
46th District Court

47th District Court
31605 W. Eleven Mile Road
Farmington Hills, MI 48336
(248) 871-2900
47th District Court

48th District Court
4280 Telegraph Road
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
(248) 647-1141
48th District Court

50th District Court
70 N. Saginaw Street
Pontiac, MI 48342
(248) 758-3800
50th District Court

51st District Court
5100 Civic Center Drive
Waterford, MI 48329
(248) 674-4655
51st District Court

52nd District Court - 1st Division
48150 Grand River Avenue
Novi, MI 48374
(248) 305-6080
52nd District Court

52nd District Court - 2nd Division
5850 Lorac Drive
Clarkston, MI 48346
(248) 625-8755
52nd District Court

52nd District Court - 3rd Division
700 Barclay Circle
Rochester Hills, MI 48307
(248) 853-5553
52nd District Court

52nd District Court - 4th Division
201 Civic Center Drive
Troy, MI 48084
(248) 524-3500
52nd District Court

The court hierarchy in Michigan proceeds from District Courts (limited jurisdiction) to Circuit Courts (general jurisdiction) to the Michigan Court of Appeals and ultimately to the Michigan Supreme Court.

What Types of Cases Do Oakland County Courts Hear?

Oakland County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters based on their jurisdictional authority:

Circuit Court Cases:

• Felony criminal cases (punishable by more than one year imprisonment)
• Civil lawsuits with claims exceeding $25,000
• Real property disputes
• Domestic relations matters (divorce, custody, support)
• Personal Protection Orders
• Appeals from district courts and administrative agencies
• Business and commercial litigation
• Medical malpractice claims
• Product liability cases

Probate Court Cases:

• Decedent estate administration
• Will contests and trust disputes
• Guardianships and conservatorships for incapacitated individuals
• Mental health commitment proceedings
• Adoptions
• Name changes
• Emancipation of minors

District Court Cases:

• Misdemeanor criminal cases (punishable by up to one year imprisonment)
• Civil lawsuits with claims up to $25,000
• Landlord-tenant disputes and eviction proceedings
• Small claims cases (up to $6,500)
• Traffic violations and civil infractions
• Preliminary examinations in felony cases
• Land contract forfeitures
• Garnishments and judgment collections
• Ordinance violations

Specialized Court Programs:

• Drug Treatment Court
• Veterans Treatment Court
• Mental Health Court
• Sobriety Court
• Business Court

The jurisdiction of these courts is established by the Michigan Revised Judicature Act, specifically § 600.601 for Circuit Courts, § 600.841 for Probate Courts, and § 600.8301 for District Courts.

How To Find a Court Docket In Oakland County

Court dockets in Oakland County provide chronological listings of all proceedings and filings in a case. Members of the public may access docket information through several methods:

Online Docket Access:

1. Visit the MiCOURT Case Search portal
2. Select Oakland County and the specific court
3. Enter search criteria (case number, party name)
4. View the register of actions showing all docket entries
5. Note that some courts may limit online docket information

Circuit Court Dockets:

1. Access the Oakland County Circuit Court website
2. Navigate to "Case Information" or "Court Calendar"
3. Search by case number, party name, or hearing date
4. Review docket entries showing filings, hearings, and orders

District Court Dockets:

1. Identify the appropriate district court based on case location
2. Visit the specific district court website
3. Locate "Daily Docket" or "Court Calendar" section
4. Search by date, judge, or case type
5. For older cases, contact the court clerk directly

In-Person Docket Review:

1. Visit the clerk's office of the appropriate court
2. Request to view the docket for a specific case
3. Provide case number or party names
4. Use public access terminals if available

Telephone Requests:

1. Contact the clerk's office during business hours
2. Provide case identifying information
3. Request basic docket information
4. Note that detailed information may require in-person visits

Pursuant to Michigan Court Rule 8.119(D), courts must maintain a case history of all actions that includes a register of actions (docket) for each case.

Which Courts in Oakland County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Michigan's judicial system, a "court of record" is defined as a court that creates and maintains verbatim transcripts of proceedings and whose decisions may be appealed based on the official record. Under § 600.8101 of the Michigan Compiled Laws, district courts are designated as courts of record, which represents a change from the previous system.

Currently, all courts operating in Oakland County are courts of record, including:

• Circuit Court
• Probate Court
• All District Courts (43rd, 44th, 45th, 46th, 47th, 48th, 50th, 51st, 52nd)

Historically, the following courts were not courts of record but have been replaced:

• Justice of the Peace Courts (abolished in 1969)
• Municipal Courts (replaced by District Courts)

Small Claims divisions of District Courts operate with simplified procedures and do not require court reporters, but they remain part of the District Court, which is a court of record. Appeals from Small Claims decisions are "de novo" (completely new hearings) in Circuit Court rather than reviews of a transcript record.

The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record is important for:

• Appeal procedures
• Evidentiary standards
• Precedential value of decisions
• Record-keeping requirements

All judicial proceedings in Oakland County courts are recorded by certified court reporters or electronic recording equipment as required by Michigan Court Rule 8.108.

Lookup Court Records in Oakland County

MiCOURT Case Search

Cases, Opinions & Orders