Court records of Montcalm County, Michigan, are available through several channels. MontcalmCourt.us allows quick access to public information about court cases in the county. Additionally, records can be viewed through official state online tools, directly at court clerks' offices, and at public terminals in the Montcalm County courthouse in Stanton.
Montcalm Court System & Jurisdictions
There are three main courts in the county, each handling specific categories of cases.
8th Judicial Circuit Court
This is the county's primary trial court. It handles serious criminal cases (felonies), civil lawsuits over $25,000, divorce cases, child custody, alimony, and Personal Protection Orders (PPO). The official Circuit Court page contains additional information about the court's jurisdiction. The Circuit Court Clerk's office maintains and stores all case materials handled by this court.
64B District Court
The District Court handles cases of a different scale:
- Criminal misdemeanors
- Civil lawsuits up to $25,000
- Small claims cases — up to $6,500
- Traffic violations and transportation cases
- Arrest and search warrants, setting bail
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
64B District Court also requires attorneys to file documents electronically through the MiFILE system.
Probate Court
This court handles cases related to estates, guardianship of incapacitated individuals, involuntary hospitalization, and name changes. The Probate Court staff is not authorized to provide legal advice — this is expressly prohibited by section 1211 of the Estate and Protected Individuals Code.
Montcalm Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find out the date and time of a specific hearing, use one of the following methods.
- Online case search. Visit the Case Search page on the county's website — it directs to the MiCOURT Case Search system, where you can find public criminal cases, fine amounts, and court fee information.
- Automated phone system. Information about hearing dates for inmates at Montcalm County Jail can be obtained by calling 989-831-7592. The system is updated according to court decisions.
- In-person visit. The Circuit Court Clerk and District Court offices accept inquiries about hearing schedules during business hours.
Note: MiCOURT provides information for reference only and does not replace the official court record.
How to Get a Copy of a Montcalm Court Document
The procedure for obtaining copies depends on the type of document and the court handling the case.
Criminal Cases (felonies)
All materials for felony cases are stored in the Circuit Court Clerk's office. Copies can be ordered in person or by mail.
Divorce Cases
Divorces are initiated through the County Clerk's office. Divorce records are public and have been maintained since 1867. Detailed information can be found on the Divorce Information page.
Channels for Obtaining Copies
- In-person — visit the appropriate office in the Montcalm County Court Complex.
- By mail — send a written request with the case number, party names, and payment to the office's address.
- By email — requests for Circuit Court records can be sent to the address listed on the County Clerk page.
County Clerk's Office Address:
Certified and Regular Copies
A regular (uncertified) copy is simply a reproduction of the document. A certified copy has the official seal and signature of the clerk, confirming its conformity to the original. For most legal purposes — such as submission to another court or government agency — a certified copy is required.
Montcalm Court Records Fees & Payment
The cost of copies and record searches in Montcalm County is determined by the court clerk's office. Below are the main rates confirmed by official county sources.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Copy of a court document (per page) | $1.00 |
| Copy of a criminal case (first 5 pages) | $10.00 |
| Each additional page of a criminal case | $1.00 |
| Certified copy of vital records (from October 1, 2025) | Updated rate — check with County Clerk |
Rates for copies of criminal cases are listed on the county's Criminal Records page. Payment is usually accepted in person at the clerk's office. For mail requests, check acceptable forms of payment directly with the relevant office.
Some records may be restricted from public access — for example, juvenile cases, certain mental health case materials, or sealed court decisions. If you are unsure whether a specific document is public, contact the relevant court office before submitting a request.