Livingston County court records, Michigan, are available through several channels. LivingstonCourt.us allows you to quickly find public information about court cases in the county. Additionally, you can use Michigan's official online portals, contact the court clerk's office in person or by phone, and view data through public terminals installed in the courthouse in Howell.
Livingston Court System & Jurisdictions
There are three main courts in Livingston County, each handling different categories of cases.
44th Circuit Court
The Circuit Court is a court of general jurisdiction. It handles serious criminal cases (felonies), civil lawsuits over $25,000, divorce cases, child custody, and other family disputes. Documents can be filed electronically through the MiFILE system.
53rd District Court
The District Court serves the entire county and handles:
- Misdemeanors (less serious crimes)
- Civil lawsuits up to $25,000
- Small claims cases — up to $6,500
- Traffic violations and other administrative offenses
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases before transferring to the Circuit Court
- Protection orders against domestic violence
Livingston County Probate Court
The court handles inheritance and guardianship issues. It deals with wills, estate management of deceased persons, appointment of guardians and conservators, and involuntary hospitalization. Probate Court is also available through MiFILE for electronic document submission.
Federal bankruptcy cases involving county residents are handled by the Eastern District of Michigan Bankruptcy Court.
Livingston Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find out which hearings are scheduled for today or the coming days, use the Livingston County public hearing schedule. This page is updated daily and shows:
- Party name
- Hearing time
- Type of session (preliminary hearing, trial, etc.)
- Case number
- Courtroom
The schedule is available without registration. Just open the page, and you will see the current list of cases for the current date.
To search for a specific case by number or party name, use MiCOURT Case Search. This system allows you to view information for all state courts, including Livingston County's Circuit, District, and Probate Courts. Note: The data on the portal is for informational purposes and does not replace the official record in the court clerk's office.
Individual sessions can be viewed in real-time through the Michigan court session livestream directory.
How to Get a Copy of a Livingston Court Document
You can obtain a copy of a court document in three ways: online, in person, or by mail. The type of copy — certified or regular — depends on the purpose of use.
Certified and Regular Copies
A regular copy is suitable for personal review. A certified copy has the court's official seal and the clerk's signature — it is needed for submission to other courts, government agencies, or for immigration procedures.
How to Order
- Online: find the case through MiCOURT Case Search, then contact the appropriate court clerk's office with a copy request. Some documents can be downloaded directly through the MiFILE system.
- In person: visit the court clerk's office in the Livingston County Courthouse. You will need the case number or the full name of the party and the approximate filing date.
- By mail: send a written request specifying the case number, document type, and number of copies.
Mailing address for the clerk's office:
For Probate Court cases:
Criminal history records maintained by the state police are available separately through the ICHAT (Internet Criminal History Access Tool). If you want to check if a conviction can be expunged from your record, contact the Michigan Attorney General's Expungement Assistance Program.
Livingston Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for copies and record searches in Michigan courts are regulated by MCL 600.1986 and administrative orders of the State Supreme Court. Below are approximate rates for Livingston County courts — it's best to confirm the exact amount with the clerk's office before making a request.
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Regular copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Document certification | $10.00 |
| Case search by request (per name) | $10.00 |
| Copy of court judgment | $1.00 per page + certification |
| ICHAT request (criminal history) | $10.00 |
Payment is usually accepted in cash, money order, or credit card. Some clerk's offices do not accept personal checks — check in advance.
Additional fees for search, processing, and copying of documents may apply for records obtained through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. The amount of these fees is determined by the agency receiving the request.
Birth, marriage, death, and divorce certificates are not stored in general jurisdiction courts. They can be ordered through the Michigan Vital Records Office.