Court records in Branch County, Michigan, can be searched through several channels. BranchCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also search records through the state's MiCOURT Case Search portal, contact the appropriate clerk's office directly, or use public-access terminals at the courthouse. The method you choose depends on the type of case and the level of detail you need.
Branch County Court System & Jurisdictions
Branch County operates several courts, each handling distinct case types. Knowing which court manages a particular matter helps you search the right docket.
- 15th Circuit Court — Handles felony criminal cases, civil lawsuits exceeding $25,000, family law matters (divorce, custody, parenting time, child support), and appeals from lower courts. The Family Division of Circuit Court also oversees juvenile delinquency and child protective proceedings.
- 3B District Court — Covers misdemeanor criminal cases, civil claims up to $25,000, landlord-tenant disputes, traffic infractions, and arraignments for felony cases before they are bound over to Circuit Court. Small claims cases (up to $6,500) are also filed here.
- Probate Court — Manages estates, guardianships, conservatorships, mental health commitments, and name changes. Probate also handles trust matters and certain adoptions.
All three courts are located in or near the Branch County Courthouse in Coldwater. If you are unsure which court holds the record you need, the MiCOURT Case Search tool lets you search across Michigan courts by party name or case number.
Court Locations
Branch County Courthouse (Circuit Court & Probate Court)
3B District Court
Branch County Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Court calendars in Branch County are generally available through each court's clerk office. To find today's or this week's scheduled hearings:
- Contact the clerk directly. Call the Circuit Court Clerk at (517) 279-4304 or the District Court at (517) 279-4311 to ask about upcoming hearing dates for a specific case.
- Check the MiCOURT portal. The MiCOURT Case Search system displays case information for participating courts. Some courts include scheduled hearing dates in case records, though availability varies.
- Visit the courthouse. Public-access terminals and posted dockets at the courthouse may list daily and weekly calendars.
Keep in mind that calendar information can change on short notice due to adjournments, settlements, or judicial reassignments. Always confirm a hearing date with the clerk before traveling to the courthouse.
How to Get a Copy of a Branch County Court Document
You can request copies of most Branch County court documents in person, by mail, or — for records available through MiCOURT — by viewing case details online. Here is what to expect:
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Uncertified copies are plain photocopies of court documents. They work for personal reference but are usually not accepted for legal filings or official purposes.
- Certified copies bear the court's seal and an attestation that the copy is a true reproduction of the original. You will typically need a certified copy for matters like proving a divorce, submitting records to another court, or completing a background check.
How to Request
- In person: Visit the appropriate clerk's office at the courthouse. Provide the case number, party names, or enough identifying details for the clerk to locate the file. You can usually receive copies the same day.
- By mail: Send a written request to the clerk's office that includes the case number, the specific documents you need, your return address, and a check or money order for the applicable fees. Mail requests to the appropriate clerk at:Branch County Clerk
- Online: The MiCOURT Case Search provides case information online, but it does not replace the official court record. To obtain an official copy, you will still need to contact the clerk.
Note that Michigan and federal law restrict access to certain records, including sealed cases, juvenile proceedings, and some mental health files. Ask the clerk whether the document you need is available for public release.
Related Record Sources
- Criminal history records: The Michigan State Police maintains the Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT) for public criminal record searches.
- Offender information: The Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS) provides details on individuals under Michigan Department of Corrections supervision.
- Vital records: Marriage and divorce certificates can be ordered through the Michigan Division for Vital Records.
Branch County Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record copies and searches in Michigan are set by statute and local administrative orders. The following table lists common fees you may encounter at Branch County courts. Confirm current amounts with the clerk, as fees can change.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certified copy | $10.00 (first page) + $1.00 each additional page |
| Court record search (per name/case) | $10.00 |
| Exemplification of record | $10.00 |
| ICHAT criminal history search (online) | $10.00 |
Fees are typically based on MCL 600.8371 (District Court) and MCL 600.2529 (Circuit Court). Payment methods accepted at the clerk's office generally include cash, check, and money order. Some courts may also accept credit or debit cards — call ahead to confirm.
For mail requests, include a check or money order payable to the Branch County Clerk. If you are unsure of the exact total, contact the clerk's office before sending payment to avoid delays.