Ingham County Circuit Court is the main trial court in the county, handling civil, criminal, and family cases. It serves as a higher-level court compared to local and district courts, managing more serious legal matters. The court provides a structured process for hearings, trials, and legal decisions. Its work ensures that residents have access to fair and lawful resolutions for disputes and legal issues.
The Ingham County Circuit Court also oversees complex cases such as felony prosecutions, divorce proceedings, and property disputes. Judges, attorneys, and court staff work together to manage cases efficiently while protecting the rights of all parties. By addressing both civil and criminal matters, this court plays a key role in maintaining public order and supporting the local judiciary system.
How to Access Court Records and Circuit Court Cases
Access to many federal court records, including circuit court cases, is possible through a national database called Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER). PACER lets users view public records, court filings, dockets, and case details online after creating an account. Ingham County Court records may also be referenced through PACER. https://pacer.uscourts.gov/ is the official site
Create a PACER Account
- Go to the official PACER site: https://pacer.uscourts.gov/.
- Click “Register for an Account.”
- Choose the type of account you need (individual, business, attorney, etc.).
- Complete the registration form with your details.
- Submit and verify your email.
- PACER may send an activation code if you do not provide a credit card.
Log In and Choose Search Method
Two main ways to locate records:
A. PACER Case Locator (National Index)
• Good when you don’t know which court has the case.
• Lets you search federal cases across appellate, district, and bankruptcy courts.
• Enter party name, case number, or date range in the search box.
• Results will list possible matches from across the federal system.
B. Court‑Specific Search
• If you know the court (for example, a specific Circuit Court), log into PACER.
• Select the court from the menu after logging in.
• Search within that court’s filings for more specific results.
Review and Save Public Records
After finding a match:
• Click the listing to view case filings, docket sheets, and public record summaries.
• You can download or print most documents.
• Some filings may not appear online and require another method (like contacting a clerk’s office or requesting certified copies by mail).
Request Certified Copies
- Identify the document you need (for example, a judgment or order).
- Contact the clerk’s office of the court where the case is filed.
- Submit a formal request in writing or online using that court’s procedures.
- Pay the processing fee.
- The certified copy will arrive with the court’s seal, useful for official or legal purposes.
Fees and Public Access Rules
• PACER charges per page to view or download documents, usually $0.10 per page with caps per document.
• If total usage is under a quarterly threshold (typically $30), fees may be waived automatically.
• Not all filings are public. Some sealed cases and private information (like Social Security details) are restricted. Courts follow strict rules to protect privacy.
Circuit Court Jurisdiction
Circuit courts serve as the primary trial courts for a wide range of legal matters, handling criminal and civil cases, as well as family law disputes. They are considered courts of general jurisdiction, giving them authority over cases that lower courts cannot manage.
Criminal Cases: Felonies vs. Misdemeanors
Circuit courts primarily handle felony cases, which include serious offenses such as armed robbery, murder, and major drug violations. These courts conduct jury trials, arraignments, and sentencing for felony defendants, ensuring a full legal process.
Less serious crimes, or misdemeanors, are typically managed by district or municipal courts, which handle minor offenses and lower-level criminal matters.
Civil Litigation Authority
Circuit courts oversee civil disputes involving significant financial claims or complex legal issues. Cases may include:
- Contract disputes
- Property disagreements
- Personal injury claims
- Business litigation
Family Law Jurisdiction
Family law is a key part of circuit court responsibilities. These courts hear matters including:
- Divorce and separation
- Child custody and visitation
- Child support and alimony
- Adoption and guardianship
Role as a Court of General Jurisdiction
The jurisdiction of circuit courts highlights their position as the primary venue for serious and complex legal issues. They handle full hearings, review evidence, and conduct jury trials for criminal cases. Circuit courts may also review certain decisions from lower courts, correcting errors and ensuring justice is upheld.
Case Types Handled by the Circuit Court
Circuit courts are primary trial courts with broad authority to hear complex legal matters. They manage felony cases, civil litigation, family law disputes, and probate matters, making them essential for serious legal proceedings.
Criminal Cases – Felonies
Circuit courts handle the most serious criminal offenses, including felony cases such as armed robbery, murder, major fraud, and drug trafficking. These courts oversee the entire criminal process, from indictments to jury trials and sentencing. Felony charges typically require formal prosecution, and the court ensures defendants receive due process.
Eligible cases are usually referred to circuit courts after initial investigation or filing by a prosecutor. Individuals charged with felony offenses can expect multiple hearings, including arraignment, pre-trial motions, and the trial itself. Jury trials are standard for felony cases, providing a forum for both evidence presentation and witness testimony.
Civil Cases – Complex Litigation
Circuit courts manage civil disputes involving substantial claims or complicated legal issues. Typical civil cases include:
- Contract disputes
- Personal injury claims
- Property and real estate matters
- Business or commercial litigation
Individuals or entities wishing to file a civil case in circuit court must submit a complaint and pay the required filing fee. The court then issues a summons, notifying the defendant. Circuit courts provide a structured process for evidence presentation, hearings, and judgments, especially for cases exceeding monetary limits set for lower courts.
Family Division – Divorce and Child Matters
The family division of circuit courts addresses disputes affecting families. Key cases include:
- Divorce and separation proceedings
- Child custody and visitation arrangements
- Child support and alimony enforcement
- Guardianship and adoption matters
Filing a case in the family division often requires submitting petitions or motions to the court, along with supporting documentation like financial statements or parenting plans. Specialized family divisions handle these sensitive matters efficiently while ensuring legal standards and the best interests of children are maintained.
Probate and Estate Cases
Circuit courts also handle probate matters, including:
- Wills and trusts
- Estate administration and asset distribution
- Contesting wills or trust provisions
Eligible cases usually arise when an individual passes away or when disputes emerge regarding estate administration. Filings begin with submitting the will or trust documents and a petition to open probate. The court supervises the distribution of assets, resolves creditor claims, and ensures that estate matters comply with state law.
Filing and Case Procedures
Filing circuit court cases begins with submitting the proper paperwork to the clerk’s office, whether for civil, criminal, or family matters. Each case type requires specific legal forms, supporting documents, and, in some instances, filing fees. Once the court accepts a case, it is officially recorded and assigned a case number for tracking.
How to File a Case
- Civil cases start with a complaint or petition, which details the nature of the dispute and the relief requested. The plaintiff submits this to the circuit court, often alongside a filing fee. The court issues a summons, notifying the defendant of the legal action.
- Criminal cases, particularly felony cases, are usually initiated by the prosecutor through an indictment or information. Defendants are then formally arraigned before the court, entering a plea and receiving information about future hearings.
- Family matters such as divorce, child custody, or support require petitions that include personal and financial information. Specialized forms are available from the family division of the circuit court, and the court may schedule mediation or preliminary hearings before the trial.
Trial Procedures and Pretrial Steps
- Before a trial, the court often conducts pretrial conferences and motion hearings to resolve preliminary issues. Parties may submit motions to request specific rulings, discovery schedules, or evidence rulings. These steps help streamline the trial and clarify the legal questions at stake.
- During the trial, both sides present evidence, question witnesses, and make arguments before a judge or jury. At the conclusion, the court issues a judgment, which may be appealed in certain cases. Throughout this process, proper documentation and adherence to court rules are critical for all participants.
Court Schedules and Dockets
Circuit courts maintain detailed case schedules and court dockets, which list upcoming hearings, trial dates, and filing deadlines. These schedules serve as the official court calendar, helping attorneys and parties track their obligations. Many courts offer online case search tools where users can check the status of pending cases, confirm hearing times, or view court docket entries.
Ingham County Circuit Court Divisions
The Ingham County Circuit Court is organized into specialized divisions to manage a wide range of cases efficiently. Each division focuses on particular case types, ensuring that matters are handled by judges and staff with relevant expertise. Key divisions include the Family Division, Civil Litigation Division, Criminal/General Felony Division, and Probate Division.
Family Division
The family division handles cases affecting families and children. This includes divorce proceedings, child custody and visitation, child support, and domestic violence cases. Judges in this division also oversee juvenile cases, such as delinquency matters, child abuse or neglect, and status offenses. Specialized services, like mediation and parenting time coordinators, help resolve disputes efficiently while prioritizing the welfare of children. Filing in the family division typically requires submitting petitions or motions along with supporting documentation such as financial statements or parenting plans.
Civil Litigation Division
The civil litigation division manages disputes involving substantial financial claims or complex legal issues. Common cases include contract disputes, personal injury claims, property matters, and business litigation. This division handles cases above the monetary limits of lower courts and provides a forum for full trials, motions, and appeals within the circuit court system. Parties filing in this division must submit a complaint and pay applicable filing fees. The division also schedules hearings and pretrial conferences to ensure cases proceed in an orderly manner.
Criminal/General Felony Division
The criminal division addresses serious offenses, primarily felony cases. This includes violent crimes, drug trafficking, fraud, and other major criminal matters. This division conducts jury trials, arraignments, sentencing hearings, and pretrial motions. The court ensures that defendants receive due process while managing public safety concerns. In addition to general felony cases, this division may also hear specialty cases such as domestic violence crimes and other serious offenses requiring specialized attention.
Probate Division
The probate division oversees matters related to estates, wills, trusts, and guardianships. This division manages the administration of estates after death, including the distribution of assets, payment of debts, and resolution of disputes among heirs. It also handles cases involving the appointment of guardians or conservators and the oversight of trusts. Filing procedures generally require submitting petitions or estate documents, after which the court supervises the legal administration to ensure compliance with Michigan probate law.
Judges and Court Staff
The Ingham County Circuit Court relies on experienced judges and a structured support staff to manage cases efficiently and ensure fair proceedings.
Judges and Magistrates
Presiding judges serve as the primary decision-makers for all cases, overseeing trial procedures, hearings, and overall case management. They handle civil litigation, family division matters, criminal cases, and probate issues. Judges are responsible for ruling on motions, instructing juries during trials, and issuing judgments and orders. Magistrates assist the judges by conducting preliminary hearings, handling procedural motions, and managing other routine matters, which helps the court process cases more efficiently.
Court Staff Roles
A well-organized support team ensures smooth court operations. Key roles include:
Court Administrators: Oversee daily operations, coordinate staff, manage resources, and ensure efficient case flow.
Court Clerks: Manage filings, maintain case records, issue summonses, and coordinate schedules.
Bailiffs: Provide courtroom security, assist during trials, and maintain order.
Collaboration and Efficiency
Together, judges, magistrates, and support staff create a coordinated system that allows the Ingham County Circuit Court to manage a wide range of cases, including felony cases, civil disputes, family law matters, and probate issues. This structure ensures that every case receives timely attention, maintains professional standards, and provides clear guidance and support for litigants, attorneys, and the community.
Specialty Programs and Services
The Ingham County Circuit Court offers several specialty courts and programs designed to provide alternatives to traditional sentencing, focusing on rehabilitation and reducing recidivism.
Veterans Treatment Court
The Ingham County Circuit Court operates the Veterans Treatment Court to assist military veterans facing legal issues related to service, such as substance abuse or mental health challenges. Eligible participants receive treatment, counseling, and structured supervision, with the goal of promoting rehabilitation and reintegration into the community while reducing repeat offenses.
Drug Court Programs
The court’s drug court programs provide intensive supervision and support for individuals charged with substance-related offenses, combining judicial oversight with counseling, treatment, and monitoring. These programs focus on recovery, accountability, and reducing the likelihood of future criminal behavior, while offering participants the opportunity to avoid traditional incarceration if they successfully complete the program.
Alternative Sentencing and Diversion Programs
In addition to veterans and drug courts, the court offers other alternative sentencing and diversion programs that allow eligible offenders to participate in educational, vocational, or therapeutic programs instead of serving a conventional jail sentence. Eligibility may depend on the nature of the offense, prior criminal history, or willingness to comply with program requirements. Participants benefit from reduced sentences, rehabilitation support, skill development, and improved chances for reintegration into society.
How to Prepare for a Circuit Court Case
Preparing for a circuit court case requires careful attention to legal procedures and thorough organization of all relevant documents. Proper preparation increases confidence and can significantly influence the outcome of a trial court proceeding.
Gather and Organize Court Documents
The first step in case preparation is collecting all necessary court documents. Parties should assemble pleadings, motions, contracts, correspondence, and any evidence that supports their claims or defenses. Keeping documents organized in a chronological order allows for quick reference during hearings. Using clearly labeled folders or digital copies ensures nothing is overlooked. Court clerks often provide official forms that can be used for filings, so reviewing the court’s website or contacting the clerk’s office is recommended.
Consult Legal Counsel
Engaging a qualified attorney or legal counsel early in the process helps clarify legal strategies and procedural requirements. Counsel can explain pretrial motions, discovery obligations, and deadlines that must be met to avoid delays. Even if a party intends to represent themselves, consulting a lawyer for a preliminary review of the case documents can highlight potential weaknesses and improve presentation in court.
Prepare Evidence and Witnesses
Evidence preparation is a critical step. All physical evidence, documents, photographs, or digital files should be properly labeled and indexed. Witnesses must be informed of the court schedule and briefed on the questions they may face. Practicing clear, concise testimony can make a significant difference during proceedings.
Pretrial Motions and Case Review
Filing pretrial motions may resolve issues before the main trial. These motions can include requests to dismiss parts of a case, compel evidence, or limit certain testimony. Reviewing all motions, evidence, and opposing party filings in advance helps identify points of agreement and dispute, allowing parties to focus on key arguments.
Court Etiquette and Resources
Understanding court etiquette is essential. Parties should dress professionally, arrive early, and remain respectful to judges, clerks, and opposing counsel. Using a checklist of required documents and forms ensures compliance with court rules. Many courts provide online resources, forms, and schedules to help parties prepare. Reference materials from local law libraries or official court publications can provide additional guidance.
Court Locations and Contact Information
The Ingham County Circuit Court is located in Lansing, Michigan, and serves as the primary venue for major civil and criminal cases within the county. Parties attending hearings or filing documents should be aware of the court’s physical location, mailing address, and contact information to ensure timely and accurate submissions.
Physical Location
The main courthouse is situated at:
Ingham County Courthouse
313 West Kalamazoo Street
Lansing, MI 48933
Mailing Address
For submitting documents or correspondence by mail, use the following address:
Clerk of the Circuit Court
313 West Kalamazoo Street
Lansing, MI 48933
Contact Information
For inquiries, assistance, or scheduling, the Circuit Court can be reached at:
Phone: (517) 483-6400
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
The Ingham County Circuit Court handles major civil and criminal cases, including felony charges, family law disputes, and complex civil litigation. Understanding how the court operates and how to access its resources can help parties manage their cases effectively.
How do I file a civil case in the Circuit Court?
Filing a civil case begins with completing the required complaint forms, which outline the nature of the dispute and the relief sought. These forms must be submitted to the clerk’s office along with the appropriate filing fees. Once filed, the court assigns a case number and schedules dates for initial hearings or pretrial conferences. Providing accurate information and following procedural requirements is essential to avoid delays in the legal process.
Can I access felony case records online?
Certain felony case records are accessible online, depending on the court’s public access policies. Basic information, such as party names, case status, and hearing dates, is usually available through the court’s online docket search system. Accessing full transcripts or sensitive documents may require a formal request or an in-person review at the courthouse to comply with public access laws.
What divisions exist under Ingham County Circuit Court?
The Circuit Court is organized into divisions including civil, criminal, family, and probate. Each division handles specific types of cases with judges assigned according to their expertise. This structure ensures cases are managed efficiently and parties receive appropriate judicial attention.
How do specialty courts work in Ingham County?
Specialty courts, such as drug courts or mental health courts, focus on rehabilitation and alternative sentencing for certain offenders. These courts combine monitoring, treatment programs, and judicial supervision to address underlying issues. Participation typically requires meeting eligibility criteria and complying with court-mandated programs.
What are the typical trial procedures for a case?
Trial procedures usually start after initial filings and discovery, where parties exchange evidence and documents. Pretrial motions may address legal or procedural matters. During trial, each party presents evidence, examines witnesses, and delivers arguments before a judge or jury. The judge issues a ruling or the jury delivers a verdict, concluding the trial phase.