Saginaw County Court Records
What Is Saginaw County Court Records
Saginaw County court records encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's judicial system. These records serve as the comprehensive documentation of court activities and are maintained pursuant to Michigan Court Rule 8.119, which governs court records management and access.
Court records in Saginaw County typically include:
- Case files containing pleadings, motions, and other filed documents
- Docket sheets chronicling case events and filings
- Judicial orders and judgments
- Hearing and trial transcripts
- Exhibits entered into evidence
- Sentencing records in criminal matters
- Case indices and registers of actions
These records differ from other public records maintained by the county, such as property records (deeds, mortgages, liens) held by the Register of Deeds or vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates) maintained by the County Clerk's vital records division.
The Saginaw County Circuit Court Records Office maintains records for cases heard in the 10th Circuit Court, while other courts within the county maintain their respective records according to Michigan law. Under Michigan's Public Act 442 of 1976, commonly known as the Freedom of Information Act, court records are generally considered public documents, though certain exceptions apply.
Are Court Records Public In Saginaw County
Court records in Saginaw County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with Michigan's legal framework for court transparency. The Michigan Constitution, Article VI, § 24, establishes that "All courts shall be open to the public," creating the foundation for public access to judicial proceedings and their associated records.
Michigan Court Rule 8.119(H) specifically addresses public access to court records, stating that "court records are public records, with access subject to certain limitations." This rule is further supported by the Michigan Supreme Court Administrative Order 1989-1, which provides detailed guidance on record access policies.
Records generally available to the public include:
- Civil case files (with limited exceptions for sealed cases)
- Criminal case files after charges have been formally filed
- Court judgments, orders, and opinions
- Docket sheets and registers of actions
- Court calendars and hearing schedules
However, certain records may be restricted from public access, including:
- Juvenile records (unless opened by court order)
- Adoption proceedings
- Mental health commitment records
- Records sealed by judicial order
- Certain family court matters involving minors
- Pre-sentence investigation reports
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 includes Saginaw County) are governed by federal access rules rather than state provisions, though they generally maintain similar public access principles.
How To Find Court Records in Saginaw County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Saginaw County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county currently maintains multiple access points for court record retrieval.
For in-person requests, individuals may visit the appropriate court clerk's office:
Saginaw County Circuit Court Records Office
111 S. Michigan Avenue, Room 101
Saginaw, MI 48602
(989) 790-5251
Circuit Court Records
The procedure for obtaining court records typically involves:
- Identifying the specific case of interest (case number, party names, filing date)
- Completing a records request form available at the clerk's office or downloadable from the court website
- Submitting the request form in person, by mail, or electronically where available
- Paying applicable search and copy fees as established by the court
- Waiting for processing (same-day service for in-person requests when possible; longer for mail requests)
For remote requests, individuals may:
- Submit requests via mail with appropriate fees enclosed
- Utilize the MiCOURT Case Search system for basic case information
- Contact the clerk's office by telephone to inquire about record availability and request procedures
Pursuant to Michigan Court Rule 8.119(J), the court may charge reasonable fees for record searches and copies. Current fees include a search fee of $10.00 for the first name searched and $1.00 for each additional name, plus copying fees of $1.00 per page.
Certified copies of court documents, often required for legal purposes, are available for an additional certification fee of $10.00 per document as authorized under Michigan Compiled Laws § 600.2546.
How To Look Up Court Records in Saginaw County Online?
Saginaw County provides several digital platforms for accessing court records electronically. These online resources vary in scope and functionality depending on the court and case type.
The primary online resources for Saginaw County court records include:
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MiCOURT Case Search - The Michigan statewide court records portal provides access to case information from participating courts, including Saginaw County courts. Users can search by:
- Case number
- Party name
- Business name
- Attorney name
To use this system:
- Navigate to the MiCOURT Case Search portal
- Select the desired search criteria
- Enter the required information
- Review the search results
- Select specific cases to view available details
-
Saginaw County Circuit Court Records - The Circuit Court Records Office maintains an online presence where users can access information about available records and services.
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Saginaw County District Court Online Services - The District Court provides online access to certain case information and dockets.
When using these online systems, users should note:
- Document images may not be available for all cases
- Older cases may have limited information available online
- Certain case types (juvenile, adoption, etc.) are restricted from online access
- User registration may be required for certain functions
- Fees may apply for accessing certain documents or detailed information
For comprehensive access to complete case files, including all filed documents and exhibits, in-person visits to the appropriate court clerk's office may still be necessary.
How To Search Saginaw 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. Michigan Court Rule 8.119(J) states that "The court may not charge a fee for providing public access to court records as required by these rules."
Free access options in Saginaw County include:
-
In-Person Inspection - Members of the public may visit the appropriate court clerk's office during regular business hours to view court records without charge. The primary locations include:
Saginaw County Circuit Court Records Office
111 S. Michigan Avenue, Room 101
Saginaw, MI 48602
(989) 790-5251
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Circuit Court Records70th District Court
111 S. Michigan Avenue
Saginaw, MI 48602
(989) 790-5578
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
District Court -
Basic Online Searches - The MiCOURT Case Search system provides free access to basic case information, including:
- Case numbers
- Party names
- Case types
- Filing dates
- Scheduled hearings
- Case status
-
Public Access Terminals - Computer terminals available at courthouse locations provide free access to electronic court records that may otherwise require fees online.
When utilizing free search options, researchers should note:
- Staff assistance may be limited due to workload
- Waiting periods may apply during busy times
- Records must be viewed on-site when using free inspection
- Personal devices like scanners or cameras may be restricted
- Extensive searches may require staff assistance and associated fees
Pursuant to Michigan Compiled Laws § 600.2546, while inspection is free, fees apply for copies ($1.00 per page) and certified documents ($10.00 certification fee per document).
What's Included in a Saginaw County Court Record?
Saginaw County court records contain various documents and information depending on the case type and court of jurisdiction. The content of these records is governed by Michigan Court Rules and state statutes, particularly MCR 8.119 regarding court records and case file management.
Circuit Court records typically include:
- Case initiation documents (complaints, petitions, indictments)
- Answers and responsive pleadings
- Motions and supporting briefs
- Court orders and judgments
- Hearing and trial transcripts (when prepared)
- Exhibits admitted into evidence (or listings thereof)
- Proof of service documents
- Case scheduling notices
- Witness and exhibit lists
- Jury instructions in applicable cases
- Verdicts and judgments
- Post-judgment filings
- Appeals documentation
District Court records generally contain:
- Citations and tickets
- Criminal complaints and warrants
- Civil complaints and summonses
- Small claims filings
- Landlord-tenant proceedings
- Judgment information
- Payment records for fines and costs
- Sentencing information for misdemeanors
- Preliminary examination records in felony cases
Probate Court records may include:
- Wills and testamentary documents
- Estate inventories and accountings
- Guardianship and conservatorship filings
- Mental health proceedings
- Trust administration documents
- Adoption records (restricted access)
Each court record also typically contains a register of actions or docket sheet that chronologically lists all events and filings in the case, serving as an index to the complete file. This docket information is often what is most readily available through online access systems.
How Long Does Saginaw County Keep Court Records?
Saginaw County courts retain records according to the Michigan Supreme Court's records retention and disposal schedule, as mandated by Michigan Court Rule 8.119(K). This schedule establishes minimum retention periods for various document types across all courts in the state.
Key retention periods include:
Circuit Court
- Felony case files: 75 years after final disposition
- Civil case files: 10 years after final disposition
- Domestic relations cases: 30 years after final disposition
- Personal Protection Orders: 5 years after expiration
- Juvenile delinquency cases: Until age 30 of the juvenile
- Child protective proceedings: 82 years after filing
District Court
- Misdemeanor cases: 10 years after final disposition
- Civil cases: 10 years after final disposition
- Traffic cases: 10 years after final disposition
- Small claims: 10 years after final disposition
- Landlord-tenant cases: 10 years after final disposition
Probate Court
- Decedent estate proceedings: 10 years after closing
- Guardianship/conservatorship: 10 years after termination
- Mental health proceedings: 10 years after final order
- Adoption records: Permanent retention
These retention periods are established pursuant to Michigan Supreme Court Administrative Order 1999-4, which implements the records management program for all Michigan courts.
After the retention period expires, records may be destroyed according to approved disposal methods. However, certain historically significant cases may be preserved permanently or transferred to the State Archives of Michigan for long-term preservation.
Digital records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records, though the storage medium may differ. As courts transition to electronic records management systems, retention policies are applied to digital files in accordance with the same schedules.
Types of Courts In Saginaw County
Saginaw County's judicial system consists of several courts with distinct jurisdictions and functions within Michigan's unified court system.
10th Circuit Court
111 S. Michigan Avenue
Saginaw, MI 48602
(989) 790-5470
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Circuit Court
The Circuit Court is Saginaw County's court of general jurisdiction, presided over by five elected judges. It handles felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $25,000, family division cases (divorce, custody, support), and appeals from lower courts.
70th District Court
111 S. Michigan Avenue
Saginaw, MI 48602
(989) 790-5578
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
District Court
The District Court handles misdemeanors, civil cases up to $25,000, small claims (up to $6,500), landlord-tenant disputes, and preliminary examinations in felony cases.
Saginaw County Probate Court
111 S. Michigan Avenue, Room 302
Saginaw, MI 48602
(989) 790-5280
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Probate Court
The Probate Court handles estates and trusts, guardianships and conservatorships, mental health proceedings, and certain juvenile matters.
Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Court (Sovereign Tribal Court)
7070 E. Broadway Road
Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858
(989) 775-4800
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
This court operates under tribal sovereignty and handles cases involving tribal members and matters occurring on tribal lands.
The court hierarchy in Michigan proceeds from District Courts to Circuit Courts, then to the Michigan Court of Appeals, and finally to the Michigan Supreme Court. Federal cases from Saginaw County are heard in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, with appeals to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and potentially to the U.S. Supreme Court.
What Types of Cases Do Saginaw County Courts Hear?
Saginaw County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their respective jurisdictions as established by Michigan law. Each court type handles specific categories of cases as outlined below.
The 10th Circuit Court has jurisdiction over:
- Felony criminal prosecutions (crimes punishable by more than one year imprisonment)
- Civil lawsuits with claims exceeding $25,000
- Family division matters including:
- Divorce and annulment proceedings
- Child custody, support, and parenting time disputes
- Paternity cases
- Personal Protection Orders
- Juvenile delinquency proceedings
- Child abuse and neglect cases
- Appeals from District Court, administrative agencies, and some Probate Court decisions
The 70th District Court presides over:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases (punishable by up to one year in jail)
- Civil lawsuits with claims up to $25,000
- Small claims cases (limited to $6,500)
- Landlord-tenant disputes and summary proceedings
- Land contract forfeitures
- Traffic violations and civil infractions
- Preliminary examinations in felony cases
- Personal Protection Order violations
- Municipal ordinance violations
The Saginaw County Probate Court handles:
- Decedent estate administration
- Will contests and trust matters
- Guardianships and conservatorships for minors and incapacitated adults
- Mental health commitment proceedings
- Emancipation of minors
- Name changes
- Adoptions
Specialized court programs within these courts include:
- Drug Treatment Court (Circuit and District)
- Veterans Treatment Court (District)
- Mental Health Court (Circuit)
- Sobriety Court (District)
- Family Dependency Treatment Court (Circuit)
These specialized dockets provide alternative approaches to addressing underlying issues while maintaining accountability through the court system.
How To Find a Court Docket In Saginaw County
Court dockets in Saginaw County provide chronological listings of scheduled hearings, filings, and other case events. Members of the public can access these dockets through several methods.
For online docket access:
-
MiCOURT Case Search System
- Navigate to the MiCOURT Case Search portal
- Select the appropriate search criteria (case number, party name, etc.)
- Enter the required information
- Review the results for docket information
- Note that this system provides basic docket information for participating courts
-
Circuit Court Records Online Access
- Visit the Circuit Court Records page
- Follow the links to online case information
- Search using available criteria
- Review docket entries for the case of interest
For in-person docket access:
-
Visit the appropriate court clerk's office:
- Circuit Court Records Office for circuit cases
- District Court Clerk for district court matters
- Probate Court Clerk for probate proceedings
-
Provide the clerk with:
- Case number (if known)
- Names of parties involved
- Approximate filing date
- Case type
-
Request to view the docket or register of actions
For telephone inquiries:
- Contact the appropriate court clerk's office
- Provide identifying case information
- Request docket information (note that detailed information may require in-person visits)
Daily court calendars listing scheduled hearings are typically posted:
- On bulletin boards near courtrooms
- At clerk's office public counters
- On some court websites
Pursuant to Michigan Court Rule 8.119(D)(1), registers of actions (dockets) must be maintained for all cases and are public records unless access is restricted by statute, court rule, or court order.
Which Courts in Saginaw County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Michigan's judicial system, the distinction between "courts of record" and "courts not of record" is established by Michigan Compiled Laws § 600.8101, which defines the status of various courts within the state's unified court system.
A "court of record" is one that maintains formal transcripts of proceedings, has the authority to punish for contempt, and whose proceedings and judgments are presumptively valid and entitled to deference from other courts. Conversely, "courts not of record" typically do not maintain verbatim transcripts and their proceedings may be subject to de novo review (complete new trial) on appeal.
In Saginaw County, the following are courts of record:
- 10th Circuit Court
- 70th District Court
- Saginaw County Probate Court
These courts maintain official transcripts of proceedings, have court reporters or recording equipment to create verbatim records, and issue formal written opinions and orders that become part of the permanent case record.
Currently, there are no courts in Saginaw 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 by the adoption of the District Court Act of 1968 (Public Act 154 of 1968), which established the district court system statewide.
Small claims division proceedings within the 70th District Court operate with simplified procedures and without court reporters, but they remain part of the District Court, which is a court of record. However, appeals from small claims judgments are heard de novo in the Circuit Court, similar to appeals from courts not of record.
The significance of this distinction lies primarily in appellate procedure. Appeals from courts of record typically involve review of the existing record rather than a new trial, while appeals from courts not of record (if any existed) would entitle the appellant to a completely new trial in the higher court.