Court records in Hillsdale County, Michigan, can be searched through several channels. HillsdaleCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases in the county. You can also access records through the official Hillsdale County court websites, the court clerks' offices in person or by mail, and public terminals at the courthouse. The Michigan court system and state-level databases offer additional search options for criminal history and appellate records.
Hillsdale Court System & Jurisdictions
Hillsdale County has two primary trial courts, each handling different case types. Knowing which court holds the records you need will save time.
1st Judicial Circuit Court
The 1st Judicial Circuit Court is the county's general jurisdiction trial court. It handles:
- Criminal felonies — all serious criminal cases bound over from District Court
- Civil cases — claims exceeding $25,000
- Domestic relations — divorce, custody, parenting time, and support matters
- Juvenile cases — delinquency, abuse, and neglect proceedings
The Circuit Court also hears appeals from the District Court and administrative agencies. The presiding judge is the Honorable Sara Lisznyai.
2B District Court
The 2B District Court covers all of Hillsdale County and handles:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Traffic and civil infractions
- Landlord-tenant disputes
- Small claims — civil disputes up to $6,500
- General civil cases — claims up to $25,000
- Felony arraignments and preliminary examinations
The presiding judge is the Honorable Megan R. Stiverson.
Probate Court
Hillsdale County Probate Court handles estates, guardianships, conservatorships, mental health commitments, and name changes. Probate records are generally public, though guardianship and mental health files may have restricted access.
Hillsdale Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
If you need to check today's or this week's scheduled hearings, Hillsdale County provides online docket information for both courts.
- 2B District Court docket: View the online docket for the 2B District Court, which lists upcoming hearing dates, times, case numbers, and party names.
- 1st Judicial Circuit Court docket: The Circuit Court page provides Zoom information and an online docket link. Some Circuit Court hearings may be conducted remotely under Michigan Supreme Court Administrative Order 2020-6.
To look up a specific case rather than a calendar date:
- Use the District Court online case lookup for misdemeanors, traffic matters, and civil cases filed in District Court.
- Use the Circuit Court online case lookup for felonies, divorces, and higher-value civil cases.
Not all cases appear online. Sealed, confidential, or older cases may require an in-person visit or a written request to the clerk's office. The statewide Michigan Courts case search can also surface appellate-level records originating from Hillsdale County.
How to Get a Copy of a Hillsdale Court Document
You can obtain court documents in Hillsdale County through three channels: online, in person, or by mail.
Online
Some case information is viewable through the District Court and Circuit Court online lookup tools linked above. However, online access is typically limited to docket entries and basic case data — not full document images. For complete filings, you will usually need to contact the clerk directly.
In Person
Visit the appropriate clerk's office during business hours:
2B District Court
1st Judicial Circuit Court
Bring the case number if you have it. The clerk can search by party name as well. Ask whether you need a certified or uncertified copy — certified copies carry an official court seal and are typically required for legal proceedings, while uncertified copies work for personal reference.
By Mail
Send a written request to the appropriate court clerk at the addresses above. Include:
- Full case number (if known) or party names
- Description of the document(s) requested
- Whether you need certified or uncertified copies
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
- Payment for applicable fees (check or money order payable to the court)
The Hillsdale County Clerk's office maintains certain records as well, including vital records such as marriage licenses and divorce decrees. For criminal background checks beyond local court records, the Michigan State Police ICHAT system allows name-based public criminal history searches.
Restricted Records
Certain records are not publicly accessible, including:
- Juvenile proceedings (generally confidential under Michigan law)
- Cases that have been sealed or expunged — the Michigan Attorney General offers expungement assistance information
- Mental health commitment records
- Records restricted by court order
Hillsdale Court Records Fees & Payment
Michigan courts follow fee schedules established by statute and court administrative orders. The table below reflects standard fees commonly charged by Michigan trial courts. Contact the specific clerk's office to confirm current amounts before submitting payment.
| Service | Typical Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certified copy | $10.00 (first page) + $1.00 each additional page |
| Case file search (by name) | $10.00 |
| ICHAT criminal history search (Michigan State Police) | $10.00 |
| Audio recording copy of hearing | Varies — contact clerk |
| Filing fee for expungement petition | $50.00 |
Payment methods: Most Hillsdale County court offices accept cash, check, and money order. Some services, such as bond payments, may be available online through the Hillsdale County Jail Services page. Call the clerk's office before visiting to confirm accepted payment methods for your specific request.
Fees are subject to change. For the most current schedule, contact the court clerk directly or check the Michigan Courts records management page for statewide policies on electronic court records and public access.