Grand Traverse County
Grand Traverse was established in 1851 as part of the Traverse City Metropolitan Area. It is known for its scenic landscapes, including the Grand Traverse Bay, a popular destination for outdoor activities and tourism. Grand Traverse County covers about 464.3 square miles and has an estimated population of around 95,315. Traverse City, the county's largest city, serves as the county seat.
The Grand Traverse County judicial system comprises the Circuit, District, and Probate Courts. The Grand Traverse County Circuit Court is a trial court with jurisdiction over all civil and criminal cases, including general civil claims exceeding $25,000, equity cases, felonies, lesser-included offenses, family law matters, including divorce, paternity, adoption, child protection, and juvenile proceedings and appeals from administrative agencies decisions. The District Court handles misdemeanors, landlord/tenant disputes, small claims cases typically with claims not exceeding $5000, civil cases under $25,000, and traffic violations. On the other hand, the Probate Court manages cases related to wills, administration of estates, conservatorships, guardianships, name changes, and specific family and juvenile matters.
Grand Traverse County court records are public under the Michigan Freedom of Information. However, certain records, such as records on juvenile cases, certain family law records, and medical or sensitive personal data, are confidential and thereby exempt from public inspection. The Grand Traverse County Clerk/Register of Deeds Office maintains and provides access to the following court records:
- Criminal Records
- Civil Records
- Traffic Records
- Probate Records
Residents can search for and view court records online for free via Michigan's Statewide Court Case Search platform. Alternatively, individuals may request court records by visiting the courthouse at:
400 Boardman Avenue
Traverse City, MI 49684
Phone: (231) 922-4760
Charges apply for copying and certification. Physical copies cost $1.20 per page while $5 is charged per document for certification.
