Lenawee County Court Records
What Is Lenawee County Court Records
Court records in Lenawee County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. Pursuant to Michigan Court Rule 8.119, court records include case files, dockets, indices, registers of actions, calendars, pleadings, motions, briefs, orders, judgments, opinions, transcripts, evidence exhibits, and sentencing information.
These records are distinct from other public records maintained by county offices, such as:
- Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens)
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
- Tax records
- Voter registration information
The Lenawee County court system consists of several courts that maintain their respective records:
- Circuit Court (felony criminal cases, civil cases over $25,000, family division matters)
- District Court (misdemeanors, civil cases under $25,000, small claims, traffic violations)
- Probate Court (wills, estates, guardianships, mental health proceedings)
Under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act MCL 15.231-15.246, court records are considered public documents, though certain exceptions apply for confidential or sealed records. The Michigan Court Rules establish uniform standards for record creation, maintenance, and access across all courts in the state.
Are Court Records Public In Lenawee County
Court records in Lenawee County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with Michigan's legal framework for court transparency. The Michigan Court Rules, specifically MCR 8.119(H), establishes that court records are presumptively open for public inspection and copying unless specifically restricted by court rule, statute, or court order.
The following court records are typically available for public access:
- Civil case files (with limited redactions for personal identifiers)
- Criminal case files (post-charging)
- Judgments and orders
- Docket sheets and registers of actions
- Court calendars and hearing schedules
- Property records in civil judgments
However, certain records are restricted from public access under MCL 600.2950h and related statutes, including:
- Juvenile records (unless waived to adult court)
- Adoption proceedings
- Mental health commitment records
- Records sealed by court order
- Personal protection orders (address information)
- Certain family court records involving minors
- Records containing personal identifying information as defined in court rules
It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan (which has jurisdiction over Lenawee County) are governed by federal access rules rather than state provisions. These records are accessible through the federal PACER system rather than county or state databases.
The Michigan Supreme Court has established comprehensive Administrative Rules governing record access that apply uniformly across all Michigan counties, including Lenawee County.
How To Find Court Records in Lenawee County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Lenawee County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining court records:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the appropriate court clerk's office during regular business hours
- Complete a record request form specifying the case number, party names, or other identifying information
- Present valid photo identification
- Pay applicable copy fees ($1.00 per page for standard copies)
- Allow processing time for extensive requests
By Mail:
- Submit a written request to the appropriate court clerk's office
- Include case information, specific documents requested, and contact information
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment for copy fees
- Allow 5-10 business days for processing
Online Access:
- Navigate to the Michigan Courts Case Search portal
- Create a user account if required
- Enter search criteria (case number, party name, filing date)
- Review available case information
- Request copies of specific documents if needed
For certified copies of court records, requestors must specifically indicate this requirement on their request form and pay additional certification fees as established under MCL 600.2546.
Lenawee County Circuit Court
425 N. Main Street
Adrian, MI 49221
517-264-4597
Lenawee County Circuit Court
Lenawee County District Court
425 N. Main Street
Adrian, MI 49221
517-264-4675
Lenawee County District Court
Lenawee County Probate Court
425 N. Main Street
Adrian, MI 49221
517-264-4699
Lenawee County Probate Court
How To Look Up Court Records in Lenawee County Online?
Lenawee County court records can be accessed through several online portals, each providing different levels of information and document access. The following online resources are currently available:
Michigan Courts Case Search: The MiCOURT Case Search provides a centralized platform for accessing case information across Michigan courts, including Lenawee County. Users can:
- Search by case number, party name, or business name
- View case type, filing date, and status
- Access register of actions (docket entries)
- View scheduled hearings and case events
- See judgment information and case disposition
Lenawee County Circuit, Probate and FOC Court Display: The Lenawee County Circuit Court Display provides daily court calendars and hearing schedules, including:
- Party names
- Hearing times and types
- Case numbers
- Assigned courtrooms and judges
Michigan Supreme Court Case Search: For appellate cases involving Lenawee County matters that have reached higher courts, the Michigan Supreme Court Case Search provides:
- Opinions and orders from the Michigan Supreme Court and Court of Appeals
- Case status information
- Briefs and other filed documents
- Oral argument schedules
Michigan Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS): For criminal case outcomes resulting in state prison sentences, the OTIS database provides:
- Offender status and location
- Sentence information
- Earliest release dates
- Parole eligibility
When using these online systems, users should note that pursuant to Michigan Court Rule 1.109(D), certain personal identifying information is redacted from publicly accessible versions of court documents, including Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, driver's license numbers, and dates of birth.
How To Search Lenawee 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 MCL 600.2546, courts may charge reasonable fees for reproduction of documents, but inspection itself is free of charge.
The following free options are available for searching Lenawee County court records:
In-Person Inspection:
- Visit the appropriate court clerk's office during regular business hours
- Request to view specific case files using case number or party names
- Examine documents on-site at no charge
- Take notes as needed (photography may be restricted)
Free Online Resources:
- MiCOURT Case Search - Basic case information is available without charge
- Lenawee County Circuit Court Display - Daily court calendars and hearing schedules
- Michigan Supreme Court Case Search - Appellate case information and opinions
Public Access Terminals: The Lenawee County courts provide public access computer terminals at the courthouse where visitors can search court records more extensively than through the public websites. These terminals are available during regular business hours at:
Lenawee County Courthouse
425 N. Main Street
Adrian, MI 49221
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Public Libraries: The Adrian District Library offers free internet access where patrons can utilize the public court record websites:
Adrian District Library
143 E. Maumee Street
Adrian, MI 49221
517-265-2265
While basic searches are free, users should be aware that obtaining copies of documents typically incurs fees ($1.00 per page for standard copies, $10.00 for certified copies). Additionally, some detailed case information may require subscription to premium services or formal record requests.
What's Included in a Lenawee County Court Record?
Lenawee County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with contents varying by case type. Pursuant to Michigan Court Rule 8.119, court records typically include the following components:
Civil Case Records:
- Complaint and summons
- Answers and counterclaims
- Motions and responses
- Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Transcripts of proceedings
- Orders and judgments
- Settlement agreements (if filed)
- Case register of actions (chronological listing of events)
- Financial information (filing fees, judgments, payments)
Criminal Case Records:
- Charging documents (complaint, information, indictment)
- Arraignment records
- Bond/bail information
- Pretrial motions and orders
- Plea agreements
- Trial exhibits and transcripts
- Sentencing information
- Probation reports (may be restricted)
- Restitution orders
- Appeal documents
Family Court Records:
- Divorce petitions and responses
- Child custody and support orders
- Parenting time schedules
- Property division judgments
- Personal protection orders
- Domestic violence proceedings
- Paternity determinations
- Name change petitions
Probate Court Records:
- Wills and codicils
- Estate inventories
- Letters of authority for personal representatives
- Claims against estates
- Guardianship and conservatorship petitions
- Annual accountings
- Mental health commitment proceedings
- Trust administration documents
As specified in the Michigan Trial Court Records Management Standards, certain sensitive information is redacted or restricted from public view, including Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and certain medical information.
How Long Does Lenawee County Keep Court Records?
Lenawee County courts maintain records according to retention schedules established by the Michigan Supreme Court under Administrative Order 1999-4. These schedules specify minimum retention periods for various document types, after which records may be destroyed or archived.
Circuit Court Records Retention:
- Felony case files: 75 years after final disposition
- Civil case files: 10 years after final judgment
- Domestic relations cases: 30 years after final judgment
- Personal protection orders: 5 years after expiration
- Case indices: Permanent retention
- Judgment records: Permanent retention
- Court recordings/transcripts: 10 years
District Court Records Retention:
- Misdemeanor cases: 10 years after final disposition
- Civil cases: 10 years after final judgment
- Traffic violations: 7 years after disposition
- Small claims: 10 years after judgment
- Landlord-tenant cases: 10 years after disposition
- Case indices: Permanent retention
Probate Court Records Retention:
- Decedent estates: 10 years after closing
- Guardianships/conservatorships: 10 years after termination
- Mental health proceedings: 10 years after final order
- Wills of living persons: Until death plus 10 years
- Trust files: 10 years after termination
- Case indices: Permanent retention
As specified in the Lenawee County Family Court Plan, the Lenawee County probate clerk maintains all records created by or filed with the probate court according to these retention schedules.
Records of historical significance may be transferred to the Archives of Michigan rather than destroyed after their retention period expires. Additionally, case indices and judgment records are typically maintained permanently to provide a historical record of court activity.
Types of Courts In Lenawee County
Lenawee County's judicial system consists of several courts, each with specific jurisdiction and authority. The following courts currently operate within the county:
Lenawee County Circuit Court
425 N. Main Street
Adrian, MI 49221
517-264-4597
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Lenawee County Circuit Court
The Circuit Court has jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil cases with claims exceeding $25,000, family division matters (divorce, custody, support), and appeals from lower courts. It operates as the county's court of general jurisdiction under MCL 600.601.
Lenawee County District Court
425 N. Main Street
Adrian, MI 49221
517-264-4675
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Lenawee County District Court
The District Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil cases with claims up to $25,000, small claims (up to $6,500), landlord-tenant disputes, traffic violations, and preliminary examinations for felony cases. It operates under authority granted by MCL 600.8301.
Lenawee County Probate Court
425 N. Main Street
Adrian, MI 49221
517-264-4699
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Lenawee County Probate Court
The Probate Court oversees estates of deceased persons, wills, trusts, guardianships, conservatorships, and mental health commitment proceedings. Its authority is established under MCL 700.1302.
Michigan Court of Appeals - 3rd District (Appeals from Lenawee County)
350 Ottawa NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
616-456-1167
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Michigan Court of Appeals
The Court of Appeals hears appeals from Circuit Court decisions and has jurisdiction over Lenawee County as part of its 3rd District.
Michigan Supreme Court (Final appellate authority)
Hall of Justice
925 W. Ottawa Street
Lansing, MI 48915
517-373-0120
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Michigan Supreme Court
The Michigan Supreme Court is the state's highest court and has discretionary authority to review decisions from the Court of Appeals.
What Types of Cases Do Lenawee County Courts Hear?
Lenawee County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their respective jurisdictions as established by Michigan law. The following case types are currently heard by each court:
Lenawee County Circuit Court Cases:
- Felony criminal prosecutions (murder, assault, drug trafficking, etc.)
- Civil lawsuits with claims exceeding $25,000
- Real property disputes and foreclosures
- Family division matters:
- Divorce and annulment proceedings
- Child custody and parenting time determinations
- Child and spousal support enforcement
- Paternity establishment
- Personal protection orders
- Juvenile delinquency proceedings
- Child abuse and neglect cases
- Adoptions
- Appeals from District Court and administrative agency decisions
Lenawee County District Court Cases:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases (punishable by up to 1 year in jail)
- Civil lawsuits with claims up to $25,000
- Small claims cases (up to $6,500)
- Landlord-tenant disputes and eviction proceedings
- Land contract forfeitures
- Traffic violations and civil infractions
- Parking citations
- Preliminary examinations in felony cases
- Search and arrest warrant issuance
- Ordinance violations
Lenawee County Probate Court Cases:
- Decedent estate administration
- Will validity determinations
- Trust administration and disputes
- Guardianships for legally incapacitated adults
- Conservatorships for estates of protected individuals
- Guardianships for minors
- Mental health commitment proceedings
- Name change petitions
- Emancipation of minors
- Safe delivery of newborns
Case assignment within the Lenawee County court system follows the jurisdictional framework established by the Michigan Revised Judicature Act, with certain specialized proceedings (such as business court cases) potentially being assigned to specific judges with expertise in those areas.
The Lenawee County Family Court Plan establishes protocols for coordinating cases involving the same family across different divisions of the court system to ensure consistent outcomes and efficient case management.
How To Find a Court Docket In Lenawee County
Court dockets in Lenawee County provide a chronological listing of scheduled hearings, filings, and case events. Members of the public can access docket information through several methods:
Online Docket Access:
- Visit the MiCOURT Case Search portal
- Enter search criteria (case number, party name, or business name)
- Select Lenawee County from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Review the register of actions, which serves as the official docket
- Note upcoming hearing dates and previous case events
Daily Court Calendar:
- Access the Lenawee County Circuit Court Display
- View the daily schedule of hearings organized by courtroom
- Search by party name, case number, or hearing type
- Note the assigned judge, hearing time, and courtroom location
In-Person Docket Review:
- Visit the clerk's office for the appropriate court:
- Circuit Court: 425 N. Main Street, Adrian, MI 49221
- District Court: 425 N. Main Street, Adrian, MI 49221
- Probate Court: 425 N. Main Street, Adrian, MI 49221
- Request to view the docket for a specific case or the daily court calendar
- Provide case number or party names to facilitate the search
- Review the information on public access terminals or printed dockets
By Telephone:
- Contact the appropriate court clerk's office:
- Circuit Court: 517-264-4597
- District Court: 517-264-4675
- Probate Court: 517-264-4699
- Provide case number or party names
- Request basic docket information (next hearing date, case status)
For specialized dockets, such as the drug treatment court or veterans treatment court, interested parties may need to contact the specific program coordinator for schedule information. These specialty court dockets may not be fully accessible through the general public access systems.
Pursuant to Michigan Court Rule 8.119(D)(1), court clerks are required to maintain case records that include a register of actions (docket) for all cases, listing in chronological order all papers filed and all process issued.
Which Courts in Lenawee County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Michigan's judicial system, a distinction exists between "courts of record" and "courts not of record" based on whether proceedings are formally recorded and transcripts can be produced. This distinction affects appeal procedures and record-keeping requirements.
Under MCL 600.8101, all District Courts in Michigan, including the Lenawee County District Court, are designated as courts of record. Similarly, the Lenawee County Circuit Court and Probate Court are courts of record pursuant to MCL 600.571 and MCL 600.821 respectively.
Currently, there are no courts in Lenawee County that operate as courts not of record. The former municipal courts and justice of the peace courts that historically functioned as courts not of record in Michigan were abolished and replaced by the District Court system through the District Court Act of 1968.
The significance of all Lenawee County courts being courts of record includes:
- All proceedings are recorded by electronic means or court reporters
- Official transcripts can be produced for appeal purposes
- Appeals from these courts are based on the record created in the original proceeding
- Formal rules of evidence and procedure apply
- Judges must be attorneys licensed to practice law in Michigan
Small claims division proceedings within the District Court operate under simplified procedures, but they remain part of a court of record. However, appeals from small claims decisions are heard de novo (new hearing) in the Circuit Court rather than as appeals on the record, as specified in MCL 600.8427.