Saginaw County court records in Michigan can be accessed through several channels. SaginawCourt.us allows for a quick review of publicly available court case information. Additionally, records are available through official state online portals, county court offices, and public terminals in the courthouse at 111 S. Michigan Ave, Saginaw, MI 48602. Court hours are from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday–Friday.
Saginaw Court System & Jurisdictions
In Saginaw County, there are two main courts of general jurisdiction, each serving clearly defined categories of cases.
10th Circuit Court
The Circuit Court is the highest court at the county level. Five judges here handle:
- Felonies transferred from the 70th District Court
- Civil claims over $25,000
- Family cases — divorce, child custody, alimony (Family Division chaired by a separate judge)
- Appeals from District Court decisions
The Clerk of the Circuit Court office maintains all case materials for this court and processes criminal cases transferred from the district court.
70th District Court
70th District Court is located in the same government center. Cases most frequently encountered by residents include:
- Misdemeanors and preliminary hearings for felonies
- Civil claims up to $25,000
- Small Claims — up to $6,500
- Traffic violations
- Eviction cases (Landlord-Tenant)
Separately, Michigan operates Probate Courts. The Saginaw County Probate Court handles wills, guardianship, conservatorship, and involuntary hospitalization. Juvenile cases are handled by the Family Division Circuit Court.
Saginaw Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find out the schedule of hearings for today, tomorrow, or the current week, use one of the following methods:
- MiCOURT Case Search — the statewide court case search system allows you to find a case by party name or case number. For criminal convictions, some courts display data only for the last seven years.
- 70th District Court Website — the district court page has links for case and schedule searches (Search District Court Cases & Docket).
- In-person visit — public terminals in the courthouse lobby display the daily hearing calendar. Clerk's office staff can provide the room number.
Note: Online data is informational and does not replace the official court record. If you need confirmation of a hearing date, call the relevant court office directly.
How to Get a Copy of a Saginaw Court Document
Copies of Circuit Court documents are issued by the County Clerk. There are two types of copies:
- Uncertified copy — suitable for review, without official confirmation
- Certified copy — contains the clerk's seal and signature; required for submission to other institutions, banks, or government agencies
How to Order
- In-person (over the counter) — visit the Circuit Court Records Office. Cost is $1.00 per page. If certification is needed, an additional $10.00 is charged.
- By mail — send a written request specifying the case number, party names, and document type. Include a check or money order for the appropriate amount.
For District Court cases, contact the 70th District Court office directly at the same government center address.
If you need a state-level criminal history check, use the ICHAT system supported by the Michigan State Police. For searching individuals under the supervision of the Department of Corrections, there is the OTIS portal.
Saginaw Court Records Fees & Payment
Below are the main fees for copies and record searches in the Circuit Court, according to information published by the Clerk of the Circuit Court:
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Document copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Document certification (additional) | $10.00 |
Payment is accepted in person at the office or by mail (check, money order). Confirm acceptable forms of payment in advance by calling (989) 790-5540.
For District Court records, fees may differ — contact the district court office. Public access rights to records are governed by the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (MCL Act 442 of 1976). If you are denied access to a record, you have the right to file a FOIA request using the county's official form.
Some categories of cases — including juvenile, adoption, and certain family cases — may be closed to public access under Michigan state law. In such cases, the court will provide access only to authorized individuals.