Wayne County Public Records /Wayne County Court Records

Wayne County Court Records

What Is Wayne County Court Records

Court records in Wayne County encompass the official documentation generated by judicial proceedings within the county's court system. These records include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, sentencing records, and any other materials filed with or produced by a court in connection with a legal matter. Court records are distinct from other categories of public records, such as property records maintained by the Register of Deeds or vital records held by the County Clerk; court records are specifically generated through the judicial process and maintained by the clerk of the court in which the case was filed.

The following courts in Wayne County maintain official court records:

Third Judicial Circuit Court — handles felony criminal cases, civil cases over $25,000, family law, and probate matters
District Courts (Wayne County) — handle misdemeanors, civil cases up to $25,000, small claims, and traffic matters
Probate Court — handles estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and mental health proceedings
Family Court Division — handles divorce, child custody, support, and adoption matters
Municipal/City Courts — handle local ordinance violations and certain traffic matters
Small Claims Court — handles civil disputes involving limited monetary amounts

Records maintained by these courts cover civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic matters. Under Michigan Court Rule 8.119, court clerks are required to maintain case files and dockets as official records of the court's proceedings.

Are Court Records Public In Wayne County

Court records in Wayne County are generally accessible to members of the public pursuant to Michigan's Freedom of Information Act, MCL § 15.231 et seq., and the Michigan Court Rules governing public access to court records. The following categories of records are ordinarily available for public inspection:

Most civil case files, including complaints, answers, and supporting documents
Criminal case files following the filing of formal charges
Judgments and court orders
Docket sheets reflecting the procedural history of a case
Hearing schedules and calendars
Sentencing records in criminal matters

It is important to note that state court records and federal court records are maintained by separate systems. Records from the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan are accessible through the federal PACER system and are governed by federal rules rather than Michigan state law. State court records in Wayne County are governed by Michigan Court Rule 8.119, which establishes standards for the creation, maintenance, and public accessibility of court records. Certain records are exempt from public disclosure, including juvenile records, adoption records, mental health proceedings, and records sealed by court order.

How To Find Court Records in Wayne County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Wayne County may access them through several official channels. The process varies depending on the court in which the case was filed and the type of record sought.

In-Person Access: Individuals may visit the clerk's office of the relevant court during public counter hours to inspect or request copies of case files. Court staff are available to assist with locating records by case number, party name, or filing date.

Written Request: Requests for certified copies or records not available online may be submitted in writing to the appropriate court clerk. Requests should include the case number, names of the parties, the approximate filing date, and a description of the documents sought.

Online Access: Many Wayne County court records are available through the Michigan Courts' online case search portal, which allows users to search by party name or case number without visiting a courthouse.

Fees: Fees for copies of court records are established by statute and court rule. Under MCL § 600.1988, clerks of court are authorized to charge prescribed fees for certified copies and other services.

Request Forms: Official request forms for court records may be obtained at the clerk's office counter or through the court's official website.

How To Look Up Court Records in Wayne County Online?

Wayne County court records are accessible through several official online portals, depending on the court and case type.

Michigan Courts Case Search (Odyssey/MiCourt): The Michigan One Court of Justice provides a statewide case search tool through the Michigan Courts Case Search portal. Users may search by:

Navigating to the Michigan Courts Case Search portal
Selecting the court or county from the available options
Entering the party name, case number, or attorney name
Reviewing the docket entries and case information displayed

Third Judicial Circuit Court Online Access: The Third Circuit Court maintains case information accessible through the statewide portal. Civil, criminal, family, and probate case dockets are searchable online.

District Court Records: Wayne County's district courts participate in the statewide case management system, and docket information for many district court cases is available through the same Michigan Courts portal.

Federal Court Records: Cases filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan are accessible through the PACER system, which requires registration and charges per-page fees for document retrieval.

How To Search Wayne County Court Records for Free?

State law and court rules provide members of the public with the right to inspect court records at no charge during regular business hours. Under Michigan Court Rule 8.119(H), any person may inspect public court records at the courthouse without payment of a fee; charges apply only when copies are requested.

The following resources are currently available at no cost:

Michigan Courts Case Search portal — free to search for case docket information, party names, and case status
In-person inspection at the clerk's office — no fee to view records on-site
Hearing schedules and calendars — publicly posted at courthouses and on court websites at no charge

Individuals seeking only docket information or case status may use the Michigan Courts Case Search portal without incurring any fees. Fees are assessed only for printed or certified copies of documents.

What's Included in a Wayne County Court Record?

The contents of a court record vary by case type, but generally include the following categories of documents:

Civil Case Records:

Complaint and summons
Answers and responsive pleadings
Motions and supporting briefs
Court orders and judgments
Transcripts of hearings and trials
Exhibits admitted into evidence
Docket sheet

Criminal Case Records:

Charging documents (complaint, information, or indictment)
Arrest warrant and bond records
Arraignment records
Plea agreements
Trial transcripts
Sentencing orders and judgments of conviction
Probation records (where not sealed)

Family Court Records:

Divorce petitions and decrees
Child custody and parenting time orders
Child support orders
Adoption records (generally sealed)
Protective orders

Probate Court Records:

Petitions for probate of estate
Inventories and accountings
Guardianship and conservatorship orders
Mental health commitment records (restricted)

Traffic and Small Claims Records:

Citations and complaints
Judgments and payment records
Default judgments

How Long Does Wayne County Keep Court Records?

Wayne County courts retain records in accordance with the Michigan Trial Court Case File Management Standards and retention schedules established by the State Court Administrative Office (SCAO). Retention periods vary by case type and record category:

Felony criminal cases: Permanent retention for judgment of conviction; case files retained for a minimum of 25 years
Misdemeanor criminal cases: Retained for a minimum of 7 years following case closure
Civil cases (general): Retained for a minimum of 10 years following final judgment
Probate records: Retained permanently for estate proceedings; guardianship records retained for a minimum of 7 years after termination
Family court records: Retained for a minimum of 25 years for divorce and custody matters
Small claims records: Retained for a minimum of 5 years following judgment
Traffic records: Retained for a minimum of 5 years

These retention periods are mandated by the Michigan Trial Court Case File Management Standards issued by the SCAO. Courts are required to maintain records in a manner that ensures their accessibility and integrity throughout the applicable retention period.

Types of Courts In Wayne County

Wayne County's court system operates within a hierarchical structure established by the Michigan Constitution and state statutes. The hierarchy proceeds from courts of limited jurisdiction at the local level through the circuit court, then to the Michigan Court of Appeals, and ultimately to the Michigan Supreme Court.

Third Judicial Circuit Court 2 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48226 Phone: (313) 224-5261 Third Judicial Circuit Court Public counter hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Wayne County Probate Court 2 Woodward Avenue, Suite 3000, Detroit, MI 48226 Phone: (313) 224-5706 Wayne County Probate Court Public counter hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

16th District Court (Livonia) 32765 Five Mile Road, Livonia, MI 48154 Phone: (734) 523-3200 16th District Court Public counter hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

20th District Court (Dearborn Heights) 6900 Schaefer Road, Dearborn Heights, MI 48127 Phone: (313) 277-6740 20th District Court Public counter hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

27th District Court (Wyandotte) 3131 Biddle Avenue, Wyandotte, MI 48192 Phone: (734) 324-4400 27th District Court Public counter hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

30th District Court (Highland Park) 12050 Woodward Avenue, Highland Park, MI 48203 Phone: (313) 252-0050 30th District Court Public counter hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Michigan Court of Appeals (Detroit Office) 3020 West Grand Boulevard, Suite 14-300, Detroit, MI 48202 Phone: (313) 972-5678 Michigan Court of Appeals Public counter hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Michigan Supreme Court 925 West Ottawa Street, Lansing, MI 48915 Phone: (517) 373-0120 Michigan Supreme Court

What Types of Cases Do Wayne County Courts Hear?

Each court within Wayne County's judicial system has defined subject matter jurisdiction established by Michigan law.

Third Judicial Circuit Court hears:

Felony criminal cases
Civil cases where the amount in controversy exceeds $25,000
Divorce, custody, and family law matters
Juvenile delinquency and child protective proceedings
Equity and injunctive relief matters

Wayne County Probate Court hears:

Decedent estates and will contests
Guardianships and conservatorships for minors and incapacitated adults
Mental health commitment proceedings
Trust administration matters

District Courts hear:

Misdemeanor criminal cases and ordinance violations
Civil cases where the amount in controversy does not exceed $25,000
Small claims cases (up to $7,000 under current Michigan law)
Traffic and civil infraction matters
Landlord-tenant disputes
Preliminary examinations in felony cases

Michigan Court of Appeals hears:

Appeals from circuit court and probate court decisions
Appeals from administrative agency decisions
Interlocutory appeals as permitted by court rule

Michigan Supreme Court hears:

Discretionary appeals from the Court of Appeals
Cases involving significant questions of Michigan constitutional or statutory law

How To Find a Court Docket In Wayne County

A court docket is the official chronological record of all filings, hearings, and orders in a case. Members of the public may access Wayne County court dockets through the following methods:

Online Search:

Visit the Michigan Courts Case Search portal
Select the appropriate court or search statewide
Enter the party name, case number, or attorney bar number
Review the docket entries listed for the case, including filing dates, document types, and scheduled hearings

In-Person Access: Members of the public may visit the clerk's office of the relevant court and request to view the docket sheet for any public case. Clerks are required to make docket sheets available for inspection during regular business hours.

Telephone Inquiry: Court clerks may provide basic docket information, such as next hearing dates and case status, by telephone during business hours.

Federal Cases: Dockets for cases filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan are accessible through the PACER system, which requires a registered account.

Which Courts in Wayne County Are Not Courts of Record?

A court of record is a court whose proceedings are officially documented and preserved, and whose judgments carry the full force of law with the right of appeal. Under MCL § 600.101, Michigan's Revised Judicature Act establishes which courts constitute courts of record within the state.

In Wayne County, courts that are not courts of record include:

Municipal courts operating solely for the enforcement of local ordinances in certain jurisdictions, where proceedings are not transcribed as a matter of course
Administrative hearing bodies and quasi-judicial tribunals that adjudicate regulatory matters but do not constitute courts under the Michigan Constitution

District courts in Michigan are courts of record under current law, as are circuit courts and probate courts. Proceedings before non-record bodies may be appealed to a court of record, at which point a full evidentiary record is created. The distinction is significant because only courts of record may hold parties in contempt, issue binding precedent, and maintain the official record required for appellate review.