Houghton County
Houghton County was created in 1843 from portions of Marquette, Schoolcraft, and Ontonagon Counties. The estimated population is 37,414, and the total land area measures approximately 1,009.1 square miles. The administrative center is Houghton, the largest city.
Houghton County courts consist of a Circuit Court, a District Court, and a Probate Court. The Circuit Court has jurisdiction over felony and civil cases with more than $25,000 disputes. All other domestic relations and family-related cases are under the jurisdiction of the court's Family Division. It hears cases appealed from the District Court, Probate Court, and administrative agencies. The District Court handles preliminary hearings for felonies and presides over misdemeanors, traffic infractions, and ordinance violations. It deals with small claims (up to $7,000) and civil cases in which the disputed amount is under $25,000. It also has a DWI Sobriety Court that offers treatment programs for individuals who are dependent upon alcohol or substance abuse. The Probate Court deals with mental health and probate cases, including adoptions, name changes, decedent's estates, and protective orders.
Houghton County public court records consist of case files, registers of action, indexes, calendars, and judgments filed or received during legal proceedings. The Houghton County Clerk maintains and disseminates all court records in the Circuit Court to the public, which include:
- Civil records
- Criminal records
- Traffic records
- Divorce records
- Probate records
Chapter 8 of the Administrative Rules of Court in Michigan allows anyone to view or obtain court records in Houghton County. Individuals may obtain access to court records, unless restricted by statute or sealed by the court, by visiting the clerk's office at:
Houghton County Clerk
2nd Floor
401 East Houghton Avenue
Houghton, MI 49931
Phone: (906) 482-1150
Fax: (906) 483-0364
The cost for copies is $1.00 per page and an additional fee of $10.00 for certification per document. They may also complete a Transcript Inquiry Form and send it by email, mail, or in person to the Court Reporter at the courthouse. The public can access court records for Houghton County through the MiCourt Portal, provided by the Michigan Judicial Branch. The MiCourt Portal, offered by the Michigan Judicial Branch, allows the public to search for court records related to Houghton County.
