Van Buren County
Van Buren County was established in 1837, the same year Michigan became a state. The county was named after Martin Van Buren, who was still serving as vice president before becoming the eighth president of the United States. Van Buren County covers 607 square miles and has a population of 75,587. The largest industries in the county are manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and warehousing.
Van Buren is served by the 7th District Court, which is divided into criminal, civil, traffic, and probation departments. District courts are where all criminal proceedings are handled regardless of the offense. The courts have jurisdiction to conduct misdemeanor and felony arraignments, arrest, and search warrants. They also preside over the preliminary examinations for felony crimes and set bonds. District court judges can appoint full-time magistrates to assist them in their judicial duties, such as conducting arraignments and accepting pleas. Magistrates also set bail and issue arrest warrants.
Van Buren Court records are official documentation of case proceedings that have taken place within the county limits. They include testimonies, depositions, judgments, and evidence. The County Clerk or Clerk of the Circuit Court stores all case records and is the keeper of the Circuit Court Seal. This certifies most of the documents. Record seekers may access these records at 212 E Paw Paw Street or via mail.
The Van Buren County Clerks offers access to the following types of cases per the 7th District Court's jurisdiction.
- Civil infractions or traffic violations
- Civil suits of $25,000 or less
- Land contract forfeitures
- Landlord-tenant disputes like eviction proceedings
- Small claims (civil suits involving $5,500 or less)
- Probate cases
- Family cases
- Criminal cases
It is also possible to access 7th district court records online via the county court's website. The requesters have to download and fill out an application form found on the resources page of the county website. One has to provide the case numbers, participant names, and dates of birth to access the appropriate information. This form also allows requesters to select which of the courts the order is to go to, though payments may be made in person or by mail order.
