Court records of Kent County, Michigan, are maintained by the county clerk and district court clerks and are accessible through online tools, official court portals, and court offices. KentCourt.us will help you find public information about court cases in the county. Additionally, you can use the county court records search, the MiCOURT Case Search portal, or contact the clerk's office in person.
Kent Court System Overview
Kent County is served by two main state courts: the 17th Circuit Court (circuit court) and the 63rd District Court (district court). The circuit court is a court of general jurisdiction that handles felonies, civil cases with claims over $25,000, family, and probate cases. The district court handles misdemeanors, civil cases with smaller claims, small claims, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings in felony cases. Both courts are located in the Kent County Courthouse in Grand Rapids.
Courts Serving Kent
17th Circuit Court (state circuit court)
63rd District Court (state district court)
U.S. District Court — Western District of Michigan (federal court)
U.S. Bankruptcy Court — Western District of Michigan
Additionally, several municipal courts operate within the county — including the courts of the cities of Wyoming, Grandville, and Kentwood, which fall under the jurisdiction of the 62nd District Court (Division 3 and Division 4).
What Types of Cases Kent Courts Hear
Kent County courts hear a wide range of cases. Here are the main categories:
- Felonies and misdemeanors
- Traffic violations and infractions
- Civil claims of various levels — from small claims to large commercial disputes
- Family law: divorce, custody, child support, paternity
- Probate matters: estate administration, guardianship, conservatorship
- Juvenile cases: juvenile offenses and child protection
- Adoption
District Court Cases in Kent
The term "district court" in Michigan refers specifically to the 63rd District Court. It handles misdemeanors, civil cases with claims up to $25,000, preliminary hearings in felony cases, and traffic violations. When a district court judge finds sufficient evidence at a preliminary hearing, a felony case is transferred to the 17th Circuit Court for further proceedings. Civil cases with claims over $25,000 are filed directly with the circuit court. Cases are assigned to judges according to the court's internal rules.
Magistrate Court Cases in Kent
In the Michigan system, district courts may have magistrates who assist judges. Magistrates in the 63rd District Court are authorized to conduct arraignments, set bail, hear small civil disputes, and some traffic matters. Small claims in Michigan are limited to $6,500. The district court's general jurisdiction in civil matters is up to $25,000. Magistrates also conduct preliminary arraignments in DUI and other misdemeanor cases. When the caseload is high, certain magistrates may specialize in specific categories of cases — for example, exclusively traffic violations.
Family Law, Probate, and Juvenile Matters in Kent
Family Law. Divorce, child custody, child support, protective orders, paternity, and termination of parental rights are handled by the 17th Circuit Court — Family Division. You can order certified copies of divorce decrees through the clerk's office.
Probate Matters. The Probate Division of the same circuit court handles estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and trust matters. Certified copies of letters of guardianship or conservatorship are also processed through the certified court record request.
Juvenile Matters. The Juvenile Division of the circuit court handles juvenile offenses and child protective proceedings. Juvenile records are confidential under Michigan law and are not available for general search.
How Cases Move Through the Kent Court System
- Case Initiation. A criminal case begins with the filing of a complaint or arrest warrant; a civil case with a complaint; a family or probate case with a petition.
- Judge Assignment. After filing, the case is assigned to a specific judge according to the court's internal rules.
- Initial Hearings. In criminal cases, this is an arraignment where the defendant is read the charges and bail is set. In civil cases, it's a scheduling conference.
- Pre-trial Phase. Parties file motions, exchange evidence (discovery), and negotiate. In criminal cases, plea bargaining is possible.
- Trial. The case concludes with a jury verdict, judge's decision, settlement, or guilty plea.
- Post-Decision. Sentencing, filing an appeal, or enforcing the court's decision.
Court Administration, Local Rules, and Public Access in Kent
Court administration in the county is carried out by the chief judge of the 17th Circuit Court in conjunction with the court administrator. The clerk of the court is the "custodian of records" for all cases filed with the circuit court.
Under Michigan law, most court records are public. However, certain categories — juvenile cases, sealed cases, certain mental health records — are closed to general access. Federal and state laws restrict the disclosure of non-public information, as noted by the MiCOURT portal.
To obtain public records not available online, you can submit a request in accordance with the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Hearings are generally open to the public. To participate remotely, contact the specific court's office — many hearings in Kent County are conducted via Zoom or teleconference. Documents can be filed electronically through the MiFILE system.
Court Records and Related Court Resources in Kent
- Court Case Search. The 17th Circuit Court record search allows you to find a case by party name. For cases from all state courts, use the MiCOURT Case Search.
- Appellate and Supreme Court Decisions. The Michigan Courts portal contains decisions and orders, including unpublished Court of Appeals decisions since 1996.
- Certified Copies. Order certified copies of divorce decrees, letters of guardianship, or conservatorship.
- Criminal Records. The Information Services & Records division of the sheriff's office manages the county's criminal records. For state-level criminal history checks, use the ICHAT system from the Michigan State Police.
- Inmate Search. The Web Jail Viewer shows individuals held at the Kent County Correctional Facility. For state prison inmate searches, use OTIS (Offender Tracking Information System).
- Vital Records. Birth, marriage, and death certificates are issued by the county's Vital Records division. Statewide records since 1867 are maintained by the Michigan DHHS.
- Property Records. The Register of Deeds records real estate documents — deeds, mortgages, liens. Free online search covers records since 1970.
- Tax and Property Records. Property and tax record search is available on the county's website. Information on delinquent taxes is provided by the treasurer's office.
- General Reference. The "How Do I" page on the Kent County website contains links to the most common requests — from ordering certificates to submitting FOIA requests.