Ingham County Court

County Resources

Welcome to the Inghamcountycourt.org. Here you will find a public records search that includes: marriage, divorce, criminal, arrests, mugshots, missing persons & more. DISCLAIMER: Inghamcountycourt.org is not operated by, affiliated or associated with any local, state, or federal government or agency. Inghamcountycourt.org works with a aggregation company called PeopleConnect, that collects government-generated records from public sources and provides fast, easy, and inexpensive access to those records. Because those records are subject to change by the original sources, we cannot guarantee the accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of the content offered. Inghamcountycourt.org is not a consumer reporting company as defined by The Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 USC § 1681 et seq, and cannot be used for the purposes of establishing credit worthiness, employment background checks, tenant screenings, or evaluation of risk related to business transactions. Avoid using Inghamcountycourt.org for criminal purposes such as stalking or identity theft, as such utilizations are subject to civil or criminal charges and penalties. Users must agree with the PeopleConnect terms of service before making use of the service.

Ingham County Court Information

The first courthouse in Ingham County was built in 1843. That courthouse was replaced in 1858. In 1905, the courthouse was replaced by the Ingham County Courthouse, located in Mason, and it’s still in use. The Veterans Memorial Courthouse was completed in Lansing in 2001, and is the location for the 30th Judicial Circuit Court.

Locations

30th Circuit Court
Veterans Memorial Courthouse
313 W. Kalamazoo St., Lansing, MI 48901
PO Box 40771
(517) 483-6500

Ingham County Courthouse
315 S. Jefferson, Mason, MI 48854
PO Box 319
(517) 483-6500

54A District Court
City of Lansing
City Hall, 6th Floor
124 W. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48933
(517) 483-4433

54B District Court
City of East Lansing
101 Linden St., East Lansing, MI 48823
(517) 351-7000

55th District Court
Ingham County, except the Cities of East Lansing and Lansing
700 Buhl Dr.,
Mason, MI 48854
(517) 676-8400

United States District Court
Western District of Michigan
113 Federal Bldg
315 W Allegan St
Lansing MI 48933
(517) 377-1559

County Clerk

The County Clerk is the Clerk of the 30th Judicial Circuit Court. The County Clerk is responsible for court records and filings, jury management, and the Court seal. This is an elected position. The Clerk also assumes the role of Register of Deeds.

The County Clerk is also the Chief Election Officer for the county, Clerk to the County Board of Commissioners, Clerk of the County Election Commission, and the keeper of vital records. The Clerk also issues and files marriage licenses.

Ms. Barb Byrum
Ingham County Clerk/Register of Deeds
Mason Courthouse
341 S. Jefferson
Mason, MI 48854
(517) 676-7201

United States District Court

Ingham County is part of the Western District of Michigan for the United States District Court. The Southern division includes many counties in the Lower Peninsula, including Ingham County.

Hala Y. Jarbou is the Chief United States District Judge of the Western District of Michigan. Ann E. Filkins is the Clerk of Court.

Circuit Court

Circuit Courts in Ingham County fall under the jurisdiction of the 30th Judicial Circuit of Michigan. There are 57 judicial circuits in Michigan, and judges are elected to 6-year terms.

Circuit Court has jurisdiction of all civil cases that involve more than $25,000, domestic relations cases, felony criminal cases, some serious misdemeanors, and cases requesting equitable relief. Circuit Court also has jurisdiction over appeals from the district courts.

District Courts

District Court judges are also elected to 6-year terms. District Courts hear cases involving traffic offenses, civil cases that involve up to $25,000, and all misdemeanor court cases. District Courts also hear landlord/tenant matters.

Magistrates

Magistrates are hearing officers that may be granted authority to act as judges in certain circumstances. They must be registered voters in their county, and magistrates are appointed by district judges. Magistrates may set bail, accept guilty pleas, and issue arrest and search warrants. Magistrates who are attorneys may hear small claims cases.

Referees

Referees are another type of hearing officer. Most commonly, they are Juvenile Court referees and Friend of the Court. They can preside over hearings and enter recommendations. Referees are attorneys who are in good standing with the Michigan bar.

Civil Court

Civil courts hear cases that are not criminal in nature and usually involve a financial or property dispute between two people.

Circuit Court hears civil cases involving more than $25,000. District Courts hear civil cases that go up to $25,000. Small claims cases involving up to $7,000 are heard in a special division of District Courts.

Criminal Court

Criminal Court handles most cases involving criminal offenses, including felonies and misdemeanors. The Circuit Criminal Court hears felony criminal cases and more serious misdemeanors that may result in a person being sentenced to 1 year or more in prison. Other misdemeanor charges, traffic offenses, and ordinance violations are heard in the District Courts.

Probate Court

Probate Court is focused on wills and estates and determines how a deceased person’s estate may be distributed. This court also hears cases involving guardianship and competency.

Family Court

The Family Division hears cases regarding domestic relations. This includes things like name changes, adoptions, divorce, custody, paternity, adoption and child/spousal support.

Juvenile Court

This court hears cases involving delinquency, dependency, and emancipation of those under age 18. Delinquency refers to criminal offenses. Dependency refers to truancy or cases where a child has been neglected or abused.

Veterans Court

Veterans Court is a specialty court designed to help veterans with mental health issues and/or substance abuse problems resulting from their military service. The Ingham County Veterans Treatment Court is a collaboration with the 30th Judicial Circuit Court, and the 54A, 54B, and 55th District Courts, along with the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the State of Michigan. The program is designed to be at least 12 months long.

Drug Court

The 54B District Court Drug Court provides an opportunity for non-violent offenders charged with drug-related offenses. The program lasts approximately 18-36 months. It includes drug and alcohol testing, mandatory counseling and substance abuse treatment, and regular court appearances.

Violent offenders are not eligible for Drug Court.