Ottawa County Court Records
What Is Ottawa County Court Records
Ottawa County court records encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's judicial system. These records serve as the comprehensive documentation of court activities and legal matters processed through the Ottawa County courts. Court records typically include:
- Case files containing pleadings, motions, and other filed documents
- Court dockets listing scheduled hearings and case status information
- Judicial orders and final judgments
- Transcripts of court proceedings
- Evidence and exhibits admitted during trials
- Sentencing and disposition records in criminal matters
- Marriage and divorce decrees in family court matters
Court records are distinct from other public records maintained by Ottawa County, such as property records (deeds, mortgages, liens), vital records (birth, death certificates), and administrative records. The primary distinction is that court records specifically document judicial proceedings rather than administrative functions of government.
In Ottawa County, court records are maintained by several courts within the judicial hierarchy:
- 20th Circuit Court (felony criminal cases, civil cases over $25,000, family division matters)
- 58th District Court (misdemeanors, civil cases under $25,000, small claims, traffic violations)
- Ottawa County Probate Court (estates, guardianships, mental health proceedings)
According to Michigan Court Rule 8.119(D), court records are defined as "case records, administrative and business records, and recordings of court proceedings." This definition establishes the legal framework for what constitutes an official court record in Ottawa County.
Are Court Records Public In Ottawa County
Court records in Ottawa County are generally public pursuant to Michigan's Freedom of Information Act MCL 15.231-15.246 and the common law right of access to court records. The Michigan Supreme Court has further codified public access rights through Michigan Court Rule 8.119(H), which states that "court records are public except as otherwise provided in subrule (F)."
The following court records are typically accessible to the public:
- Civil case files (complaints, answers, motions, orders)
- Criminal case files (post-arraignment)
- Judgment and sentencing information
- Court dockets and calendars
- Final orders and opinions
- Probate proceedings (wills, inventories, accountings)
However, certain records may be restricted from public access, including:
- Records in juvenile delinquency proceedings (unless waived to adult court)
- Child protective proceedings
- Adoption records
- Mental health commitment proceedings
- Records sealed by court order
- Personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and dates of birth
It's important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan (which includes Ottawa County) are governed by federal access rules rather than state provisions. These records are accessible through the federal PACER system.
The Michigan Supreme Court Administrative Order 1989-1 further establishes that "the right of public access to court records is presumed under Michigan law."
How To Find Court Records in Ottawa County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Ottawa County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county provides multiple pathways for record retrieval:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the clerk's office of the specific court where the case was filed
- Complete a records request form providing case number, party names, and filing dates
- Present valid photo identification
- Pay applicable copy fees ($1.00 per page for standard copies)
- Allow processing time for staff to retrieve records from active or archived storage
20th Circuit Court
414 Washington Avenue, Room 320
Grand Haven, MI 49417
(616) 846-8320
20th Circuit Court
58th District Court
85 West 8th Street
Holland, MI 49423
(616) 355-0985
58th District Court
Ottawa County Probate Court
12120 Fillmore Street
West Olive, MI 49460
(616) 786-4110
Ottawa County Probate Court
Mail Requests:
- Submit a written request to the appropriate court clerk's office
- Include case information, specific documents needed, and contact information
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment for copy fees
- Allow 5-10 business days for processing
Online Access:
- Use the Ottawa County Courts' online case lookup system
- Register for an account if accessing non-public case information
- Search by case number, party name, or filing date
- Download available documents (fees may apply)
- Note that some documents may only be available as summaries online
For certified copies of court records, requestors must specifically indicate this requirement on their request form and pay additional certification fees (typically $10-$15 per document). Pursuant to MCL 600.2546, certified copies of court records "shall be evidence in all cases where the originals would be evidence."
How To Look Up Court Records in Ottawa County Online?
Ottawa County provides several digital platforms for accessing court records online. These systems vary by court type and offer different levels of information access:
Ottawa County Courts Case Search Portal
- Access via the Ottawa County Courts website
- Search by case number, party name, attorney, or business name
- View case summaries, register of actions, and scheduled hearings
- Access is available 24/7 without registration for basic case information
- Create an account to access additional features and document images
- Note that document images may require payment of access fees
Michigan One Court of Justice Case Search
- Visit the Michigan One Court of Justice website
- Search across multiple courts simultaneously
- Enter party name, case number, or citation number
- View basic case information including filing date, case type, and status
- Note that detailed documents are not available through this system
Michigan Courts Records Search
- Access through the Michigan Courts website
- Search for appellate cases that originated in Ottawa County
- View opinions and orders from the Michigan Court of Appeals and Supreme Court
- Download PDF versions of published opinions
To conduct an effective online search:
- Determine which court likely handled the case (Circuit, District, or Probate)
- Gather identifying information (names, approximate dates, case numbers if available)
- Select the appropriate search portal based on the court type
- Enter search criteria (less information often yields more results)
- Review the case summary to confirm it's the correct case
- Note any restrictions on viewing specific documents
- Pay any required access fees for document images
According to Michigan Supreme Court Administrative Order 2006-2, courts must provide "reasonable electronic access to court records" while balancing privacy concerns and the integrity of court records.
How To Search Ottawa County Court Records for Free?
Ottawa County residents and members of the public may access certain court records without payment, as provided by Michigan Court Rule 8.119(J) which states that "every court shall provide reasonable access to court records." Free access options include:
In-Person Inspection:
- Visit the clerk's office during regular business hours
- Request to view specific case files at public terminals or counter areas
- No fee is charged for viewing records on-site
- Take notes from records without charge
- Bring proper identification
20th Circuit Court Public Access Hours:
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
414 Washington Avenue, Room 320
Grand Haven, MI 49417
(616) 846-8320
58th District Court Public Access Hours:
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
85 West 8th Street
Holland, MI 49423
(616) 355-0985
Ottawa County Probate Court Public Access Hours:
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
12120 Fillmore Street
West Olive, MI 49460
(616) 786-4110
Free Online Resources:
- Basic case information is available without charge through the Ottawa County Courts Case Search
- Search functions include party name, case number, and filing date searches
- Case registers showing filing chronology are viewable without fees
- Court calendars and hearing schedules are freely accessible
- Criminal case disposition information is available without charge
Public Access Terminals:
- Computer terminals at courthouse locations provide free access to electronic records
- More comprehensive access than the public website
- Available during regular business hours
- Staff assistance may be available for search guidance
While inspection is free, pursuant to MCL 600.2546, courts may charge reasonable fees for copies of records ($1.00 per page is standard) and for certified copies ($10-$15 per document). Additionally, while basic case information is free online, document images and certain detailed records may require payment of access fees.
What's Included in a Ottawa County Court Record?
Ottawa County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type but typically include:
Case Initiation Documents:
- Complaints or petitions that commence civil actions
- Criminal complaints, information, or indictments
- Summonses and warrants
- Initial appearance documentation
- Filing date and case assignment information
Procedural Documents:
- Proof of service showing delivery of legal papers
- Motions filed by parties and responses
- Court orders and judicial rulings
- Scheduling notices and continuances
- Certificates of readiness for trial
Evidentiary Materials:
- Affidavits and sworn statements
- Exhibits admitted during hearings (may be referenced rather than included)
- Deposition transcripts filed with the court
- Expert witness reports when filed
- Documentary evidence accepted by the court
Disposition Documents:
- Settlement agreements filed with the court
- Jury verdicts or bench trial decisions
- Final judgments and decrees
- Sentencing information in criminal cases
- Post-judgment motions and rulings
Financial Records:
- Filing fee payments
- Bond and bail information
- Restitution orders
- Court costs assessments
- Payment histories for fines and fees
Specialized Documents by Case Type:
- Divorce: property settlements, custody determinations, support orders
- Probate: wills, inventories, annual accountings, guardian reports
- Criminal: pre-sentence investigation reports (access restricted), plea agreements
- Civil: damage calculations, injunction details, satisfaction of judgments
According to Michigan Court Rule 8.119, the court record must include "all original papers filed in the action or proceeding," creating a comprehensive documentation of the case from initiation through final disposition and any post-judgment proceedings.
How Long Does Ottawa County Keep Court Records?
Ottawa County courts maintain records according to retention schedules established by the Michigan Supreme Court and the State Court Administrative Office. These schedules vary by case type and document importance:
Criminal Case Records:
- Felony cases: 75 years from date of filing
- Misdemeanor cases: 20 years from date of filing
- Traffic misdemeanors: 10 years from date of filing
- Civil infractions: 2 years after case closure
- Expunged records: Destroyed pursuant to court order under MCL 780.621
Civil Case Records:
- General civil cases: 20 years from date of final judgment
- Small claims cases: 10 years from date of final disposition
- Landlord-tenant proceedings: 10 years from date of judgment
- Personal protection orders: 20 years from issuance
Family Division Records:
- Divorce cases: Permanent retention
- Child custody proceedings: Until youngest child reaches age 25
- Paternity cases: 75 years from date of filing
- Child support enforcement: Until youngest child reaches age 25 plus 2 years
- Adoption records: Permanent retention
Probate Records:
- Decedent estates: 20 years after closing
- Guardianships: 10 years after termination
- Conservatorships: 10 years after termination
- Mental health proceedings: 20 years after case closing
- Wills admitted to probate: Permanent retention
Court-Generated Documents:
- Judgment dockets: Permanent retention
- Case indices: Permanent retention
- Court journals: Permanent retention
- Court recordings/transcripts: 10 years for civil, 25 years for criminal felonies
The Michigan State Court Administrative Office establishes these retention periods through the Records Management Standards pursuant to Michigan Supreme Court Administrative Order 1999-4. After the retention period expires, records may be destroyed according to approved procedures, transferred to the Archives of Michigan, or maintained longer at the court's discretion.
Digital records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records. Ottawa County has implemented digital preservation strategies to ensure long-term access to electronic court records.
Types of Courts In Ottawa County
Ottawa County's judicial system consists of several courts with distinct jurisdictions and responsibilities:
20th Circuit Court
414 Washington Avenue, Room 320
Grand Haven, MI 49417
(616) 846-8320
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
20th Circuit Court
The 20th Circuit Court handles:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil cases with claims exceeding $25,000
- Family division matters (divorce, custody, paternity)
- Juvenile delinquency proceedings
- Child protective proceedings
- Appeals from district court and administrative agencies
58th District Court - Grand Haven
414 Washington Avenue, Room 109
Grand Haven, MI 49417
(616) 846-8280
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
58th District Court
58th District Court - Holland
85 West 8th Street
Holland, MI 49423
(616) 355-0985
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
58th District Court
58th District Court - Hudsonville
3100 Port Sheldon Road
Hudsonville, MI 49426
(616) 662-3100
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
58th District Court
The 58th District Court handles:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Civil cases with claims up to $25,000
- Small claims (up to $6,500)
- Landlord-tenant disputes
- Traffic violations
- Preliminary examinations in felony cases
Ottawa County Probate Court
12120 Fillmore Street
West Olive, MI 49460
(616) 786-4110
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Ottawa County Probate Court
The Probate Court handles:
- Decedent estates and trust matters
- Guardianships and conservatorships
- Mental health commitment proceedings
- Emancipation of minors
- Name changes
The court hierarchy in Michigan proceeds from District Courts to Circuit Courts, then to the Michigan Court of Appeals, and finally to the Michigan Supreme Court. Cases originating in Ottawa County may be appealed to:
Michigan Court of Appeals - Grand Rapids
State Office Building
350 Ottawa Avenue NW, Room 1
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 456-1167
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Michigan Court of Appeals
Michigan Supreme Court
Hall of Justice
925 W. Ottawa Street
Lansing, MI 48915
(517) 373-0120
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Michigan Supreme Court
What Types of Cases Do Ottawa County Courts Hear?
Ottawa County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their respective jurisdictions as established by Michigan law:
20th Circuit Court Cases:
- Felony criminal prosecutions (murder, assault, drug trafficking, etc.)
- Civil lawsuits with claims exceeding $25,000
- Real property disputes and foreclosure proceedings
- Complex commercial litigation
- Medical and professional malpractice claims
- Family division matters:
- Divorce and legal separation
- Child custody and parenting time
- Child support and spousal support
- Paternity establishment
- Personal protection orders
- Juvenile delinquency proceedings
- Child abuse and neglect cases
- Adoptions
- Appeals from district court decisions
- Appeals from administrative agency decisions
58th District Court Cases:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases (punishable by up to 1 year in jail)
- Drunk driving and other traffic misdemeanors
- Assault and battery (simple)
- Retail fraud and shoplifting
- Disorderly conduct
- Civil cases with claims up to $25,000
- Small claims actions (up to $6,500)
- Landlord-tenant disputes and eviction proceedings
- Land contract forfeitures
- Traffic civil infractions
- Parking violations
- Preliminary examinations in felony cases
- Civil infractions
Ottawa County Probate Court Cases:
- Decedent estate administration
- Will contests and determinations of heirs
- Trust administration and disputes
- Guardianships for legally incapacitated adults
- Conservatorships for property management
- Guardianships for minors
- Mental health commitment proceedings
- Name change petitions
- Emancipation of minors
- Approval of settlements for minors
Case assignment is governed by MCL 600.601 (circuit court jurisdiction), MCL 600.8301 (district court jurisdiction), and MCL 700.1302 (probate court jurisdiction). These statutes establish the framework for which court has authority to hear specific types of cases within Ottawa County.
How To Find a Court Docket In Ottawa County
Court dockets in Ottawa County provide chronological listings of scheduled hearings, filings, and case events. Members of the public can access docket information through several methods:
Online Docket Access:
- Visit the Ottawa County Courts Case Search
- Select the appropriate court (Circuit, District, or Probate)
- Search by case number, party name, or attorney
- View the register of actions showing all docket entries
- Check upcoming hearing dates and times
- Note that some case types may have restricted online access
In-Person Docket Review:
- Visit the clerk's office for the relevant court
- Request to view the docket for a specific case or daily court calendar
- Public terminals may be available for electronic docket searches
- Staff can assist with locating docket information for specific cases
20th Circuit Court Clerk's Office
414 Washington Avenue, Room 320
Grand Haven, MI 49417
(616) 846-8320
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
58th District Court Clerk's Office
85 West 8th Street
Holland, MI 49423
(616) 355-0985
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Ottawa County Probate Court Clerk's Office
12120 Fillmore Street
West Olive, MI 49460
(616) 786-4110
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Daily Court Calendars:
- Available at courthouse information desks
- Posted outside courtrooms for that day's proceedings
- Accessible online through the Ottawa County Courts website
- Include case names, numbers, hearing types, and assigned judges
Telephone Information:
- Call the clerk's office for the appropriate court
- Provide case number or party names
- Request next hearing date or docket status
- Note that detailed docket information may not be provided by phone
For specialized docket information:
- Criminal arraignment dockets: Contact District Court
- Motion hearing dockets: Contact specific judge's chambers
- Trial dockets: Available from Circuit Court administration
- Probate hearing dockets: Contact Probate Court
According to Michigan Court Rule 8.119(D)(1), courts must maintain "chronological case histories known as registers of action," which form the basis of court dockets. These dockets are generally public records available for inspection under Michigan Court Rule 8.119(H).
Which Courts in Ottawa County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Ottawa County, certain judicial forums operate as "courts not of record," meaning they do not maintain comprehensive verbatim transcripts of proceedings. According to MCL 600.8101, a "court of record" is defined as a court that is required to produce and maintain a verbatim record of all proceedings through stenographic recording or other means.
The following are not courts of record in Ottawa County:
Small Claims Division of the 58th District Court
- Handles civil claims up to $6,500
- Informal proceedings without attorneys
- No court reporter or recorded transcript
- Decisions documented through judgment forms only
- Located at all three district court locations:
- Grand Haven: 414 Washington Avenue, Room 109
- Holland: 85 West 8th Street
- Hudsonville: 3100 Port Sheldon Road
Informal Probate Proceedings
- Certain uncontested estate matters
- Handled administratively without formal hearings
- No verbatim record required
- Documentation through standard forms and orders
- Ottawa County Probate Court, 12120 Fillmore Street, West Olive
Administrative Hearings for Parking Violations
- Conducted by parking violation bureaus
- No formal court reporter present
- Results documented through citation disposition only
- Typically handled at municipal offices rather than courts
In contrast, the following Ottawa County courts are courts of record:
- 20th Circuit Court (all divisions)
- 58th District Court (except small claims division)
- Ottawa County Probate Court (formal proceedings)
Michigan Court Rule 8.117 establishes the requirements for courts of record, stating that "proceedings in courts of record must be recorded by a court reporter or recorder." The distinction is important because appeals from courts not of record typically involve a completely new trial (trial de novo) rather than a review of the record, as specified in MCL 600.8427 regarding appeals from small claims court.