Court records in Allegan County, Michigan can be searched through several channels. AlleganCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also search records through the Michigan courts' online case-search tools, visit the county clerk's office in person, or use public terminals at the courthouse. Each court division maintains its own docket, so knowing which court handled a case will speed up your search.
Allegan Court System & Jurisdictions
Allegan County operates several courts, each handling distinct case types. Understanding which court has jurisdiction over a matter is essential before searching for docket entries.
Allegan County Circuit Court (48th Circuit)
The Circuit Court is the county's general-jurisdiction trial court. It handles:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil lawsuits with amounts over $25,000
- Family division matters — divorce, custody, parenting time, child support, personal protection orders
- Juvenile delinquency and child protective proceedings
- Appeals from District Court and administrative agencies
Cases from the Allegan Circuit Court, Juvenile Division, and Family Division can be searched through the Michigan Supreme Court's case-search portal.
57th District Court
The 57th District Court serves all of Allegan County and handles:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Civil cases up to $25,000
- Small claims (up to $6,500)
- Landlord-tenant disputes and evictions
- Traffic and ordinance violations
- Arraignments and preliminary examinations in felony cases
Allegan County Probate Court
Probate Court oversees:
- Decedent estates and wills
- Guardianships and conservatorships
- Mental health commitments
- Trust proceedings
- Name changes
All three courts are located in or near the Allegan County courthouse complex in the City of Allegan.
Federal Cases
Federal matters involving Allegan County residents are handled by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan, with courthouses in Grand Rapids and Lansing.
Allegan Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Allegan County publishes its daily court schedule through the Michigan courts' Court Display system. To view today's hearings, tomorrow's schedule, or the week ahead:
- Visit the Allegan County Courts – Court Display page.
- The display lists each hearing by party name, scheduled time, hearing type, courtroom, case number, and assigned attorney.
- Entries update throughout the day as hearings are added or rescheduled.
This tool covers Circuit Court, District Court, and Probate Court calendars. You do not need an account to view the schedule. For case-level detail beyond what the calendar shows, use the MiCOURT Case Search to look up a specific case number or party name.
How to Get a Copy of an Allegan Court Document
Court documents in Allegan County — such as complaints, motions, orders, judgments, and sentencing records — are maintained by the Allegan County Clerk (for Circuit Court files) and the 57th District Court clerk (for District Court files). Probate records are kept by the Probate Court register.
Online Search
Start with the MiCOURT Case Search to confirm a case number and verify basic docket information. Some documents may be viewable online through Michigan's e-filing system, but many require an in-person or mail request for full copies.
In Person
- Visit the appropriate clerk's office at the Allegan County courthouse.
- Provide the case number, party names, or enough identifying detail for staff to locate the file.
- Request either a certified or uncertified copy. Certified copies carry an official seal and are typically needed for legal proceedings; uncertified copies work for personal reference.
- Pay the applicable fee at the counter.
By Mail
Send a written request that includes the case number, document description, your return address, and a check or money order for the estimated fees. Mail requests to:
For 57th District Court records, direct your request to:
Restricted Records
Certain records are not publicly accessible, including:
- Sealed or expunged cases
- Juvenile delinquency records (generally confidential under Michigan law)
- Adoption files
- Some mental health proceedings
- Records subject to a court protective order
If you are unsure whether a record is available, ask the clerk before submitting payment.
Other Record Types
- Criminal history: Statewide criminal records can be searched through the Michigan State Police ICHAT system.
- Offender information: The Michigan Department of Corrections maintains the Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS).
- Vital records: Marriage, divorce, birth, and death certificates are available through the Michigan MDHHS Vital Records office or the Allegan County Clerk.
- Property and deed records: The Allegan County Register of Deeds maintains real property records at 113 Chestnut Street, Allegan, MI 49010.
Allegan Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court copies and searches in Michigan are set by statute (MCL 600.1986 and MCL 600.2546) and local administrative orders. The table below reflects standard fees; confirm current amounts with the clerk's office, as fees may be updated.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certified copy — certification fee | $10.00 (plus per-page copy fee) |
| Court record search (per name/case) | $10.00 |
| Exemplified copy | $1.00 per page plus $10.00 exemplification fee |
| ICHAT criminal history search (online) | $10.00 |
Payment Methods
- In person: Cash, check, money order, and in many cases credit or debit card (a convenience fee may apply for card payments).
- By mail: Check or money order payable to "Allegan County Clerk" or "57th District Court," depending on the court.
- Online: ICHAT searches are paid online by credit or debit card through the Michigan State Police portal.
If you are requesting multiple documents, contact the clerk's office in advance to get a fee estimate so your payment covers the full order. Overpayments are typically refunded; underpayments will delay processing.