Kent County, MI Courts and Public Records
- Arrest Records
- Judgments
- Bankruptcies
- DUIs & DWIs
- Felonies
- Warrants
- Jail Records
- Lien Records
- Sex Offenses
- Misdemeanors
- Criminal Records
- Federal Dockets
The Kent County Circuit Court, part of the 17th Judicial Circuit, hears felonies, civil claims above the District Court limit, and family and juvenile matters through its Family Division. District Court handles misdemeanors and traffic cases, and the Probate Court handles estates, trusts, and guardianships.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Kent County Circuit Court, 17th Judicial Circuit |
| Judicial Circuit | 17th Judicial Circuit |
| Handles | Felonies and civil claims above the District Court limit in Circuit Court; misdemeanors, traffic, small claims, and landlord-tenant cases in District Court; estates, trusts, and guardianships in Probate Court |
| Does NOT Handle | Federal cases (U.S. District Court for Michigan) and parking tickets (the issuing agency) |
| Online Case Search | Statewide court links at courts.michigan.gov, which are not specific to this county |
| Criminal Records Requests | Contact the Clerk of the Circuit Court through the county's official website |
| Pay Traffic Tickets Online | Contact the District Court through the county's official website to confirm payment options |
How to Search Kent County Court Records
Have the person's full name, the case number if you know it, and approximate dates ready before you search. Kent County court records are kept by the Clerk of the Circuit Court and by the District and Probate Courts.
Online
Go to courts.michigan.gov for statewide court links.
Check the county's official website for clerk contact details.
Use statewide links, since they are not county-specific.
Best for: Finding statewide court links and contacts
In Person
Visit the Clerk of the Circuit Court at the county courthouse.
Bring the case number and party names if you have them.
Confirm the courthouse address on the county's official website.
Best for: Records and copies not available online
By Phone
Call the Clerk of the Circuit Court using the county's official website.
Ask which office holds your case type before you visit.
Confirm the phone number on the county's official website first.
Best for: Confirming the division and what the clerk needs
Search by Name on MichiganCourts.org
Go to MichiganCourts.org and enter a full name.
Search across record types without a case number.
Confirm results with the court, since they are not official court records.
Best for: Finding leads without a case number
Kent County Court Statistics (CY 2025)
Kent County courts received 134,038 new cases in CY 2025 and disposed of 112,950, a clearance rate of 84.3%. Filings rose 6.0% from 126,473 in CY 2024.
134,038
Total filings in CY 2025
112,950
Total dispositions in CY 2025
~3,623
Filings per judicial position (37 estimated positions)
+6.0%
Change in total filings vs CY 2024
| Metric | CY 2025 | CY 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | 134,038 | 126,473 | +6.0% |
| Total Dispositions | 112,950 | 108,580 | +4.0% |
| Criminal Filings | 38,862 | 36,499 | +6.5% |
| Civil Filings | 40,782 | 36,720 | +11.1% |
| Family Law Filings | 9,416 | 10,029 | -6.1% |
| Probate Filings | 2,525 | 2,365 | +6.8% |
| Mental Health Filings | 1,813 | 1,651 | +9.8% |
| Juvenile Filings | 3,365 | 3,770 | -10.7% |
| Authorized Judicial Positions | ~37 | ~37 | ~+0.0% |
The largest movement was in civil filings (36,720 to 40,782); the total also includes 37,275 civil infraction and parking filings; rows marked ~ are estimates.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Kent County?
Total filings in Kent County rose 19.4% between CY 2021 and CY 2025, from 112,255 to 134,038.
| Fiscal Year | Total Filings | Total Dispositions | YoY Filing Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| CY 2025 | 134,038 | 112,950 | +6.0% |
| CY 2024 | 126,473 | 108,580 | +12.2% |
| CY 2023 | 112,695 | 97,536 | +3.9% |
| CY 2022 | 108,440 | 93,287 | -3.4% |
| CY 2021 | 112,255 | 94,504 | ~+10.5% |
Total filings rose 19.4% over five years, from 112,255 in CY 2021 to 134,038 in CY 2025. The largest annual change was +12.2% in CY 2024. The latest change of +6.0% was driven by civil filings, and dispositions were 112,950 against 134,038 filings.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Kent County?
Civil cases are the largest category in Kent County, at 42.1% of filings in CY 2025.
| Case Type | Filings CY 2025 | Share of Total | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | 38,862 | 40.2% | +6.5% |
| Civil | 40,782 | 42.1% | +11.1% |
| Family law | 9,416 | 9.7% | -6.1% |
| Probate | 2,525 | 2.6% | +6.8% |
| Juvenile | 3,365 | 3.5% | -10.7% |
| Mental health | 1,813 | 1.9% | +9.8% |
Civil cases grew fastest (+11.1%) and juvenile cases fell fastest (-10.7%); rows marked ~ are estimates.
How Does Kent County Compare With Michigan Overall?
Kent County accounts for 3.65% of the 3,677,054 cases filed in Michigan courts in CY 2025, with 6.67% of the state's population.
| Metric | Kent County | Michigan | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | 134,038 | 3,677,054 | 3.65% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | +6.0% | +7.9% | Lower than state |
| Filings per judicial position | ~3,623 | ~6,531 | Estimated using positions from earlier data |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~3,053 | ~5,493 | Estimated using positions from earlier data |
| Criminal share of filings | 29.0% | 25.3% | Above state |
| Civil share of filings | 30.4% | 23.8% | Above state |
| Family law share of filings | 7.0% | 3.8% | Above state |
Kent County files cases at a lower rate per resident than Michigan (198.5 against 363.1 per 1,000), and its filings rose 6.0% against +7.9% statewide. Its criminal and civil shares of filings are both above the state's; rows marked ~ are estimates.
Kent County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are Michigan statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Kent County. Agency reporting may be incomplete, and county crime counts are not available here. Statewide violent and property crimes combined fell 8.7% from 2024 to 2025. In 2025, reporting agencies covered about 97.3% of Michigan's population, so year-over-year changes can partly reflect which agencies reported.
42,285
Violent crimes, Michigan statewide, 2025
127,513
Property crimes, Michigan statewide, 2025 (includes arson)
417.5
Violent crime rate per 100K, Michigan statewide, 2025 (population 10,127,884)
-8.7%
Change in total violent plus property crimes, Michigan statewide, 2025 vs 2024 (169,798 vs 185,956)
| Offense | 2025 | Rate per 100K | 2024 | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murder | 442 | 4.4 | 492 | -10.2% |
| Rape | 5,446 | 53.8 | 5,777 | -5.7% |
| Robbery | 2,692 | 26.6 | 3,173 | -15.2% |
| Aggravated assault | 33,705 | 332.8 | 34,537 | -2.4% |
| Violent crimes total | 42,285 | 417.5 | 43,979 | -3.9% |
| Burglary | 15,726 | 155.3 | 19,316 | -18.6% |
| Larceny-theft | 92,281 | 911.2 | 97,850 | -5.7% |
| Motor vehicle theft | 18,406 | 181.7 | 23,544 | -21.8% |
| Property crimes total | 127,513 | 1,259.0 | 141,977 | -10.2% |
Rates use the Michigan 2025 population of 10,127,884. County-level rates are not published, so this section does not compare Kent County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Kent County Courthouse Locations
Kent County court proceedings are held at the Kent County Courthouse. Check your notice or case paperwork to confirm the courthouse assigned to your case before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kent County Courthouse | 180 Ottawa Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 | (616) 632-5220 | See location page |
Addresses and phone numbers come from public directory listings and may change, so confirm them with the clerk before you visit.
Which Court Handles Your Case in Kent County?
Most Kent County cases are heard in the Circuit Court, District Court, Probate Court, or the Family Division. Matters handled outside the court are flagged in the table below.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic ticket | District Court | Traffic and ordinance violations are heard in District Court. |
| Parking ticket | The agency that issued the ticket | Parking tickets are not handled by the court. |
| Misdemeanor | District Court | District Court hears misdemeanors and holds preliminary examinations for felonies. |
| Felony | Circuit Court | Circuit Court tries felonies after a District Court preliminary examination. |
| DUI | District Court or Circuit Court | Check the charge on your paperwork, since misdemeanor and felony charges follow different routes. |
| Domestic violence | District Court or Circuit Court | Criminal charges follow the misdemeanor or felony route, and you can ask the Clerk of the Circuit Court about protection orders. |
| Civil lawsuit | Circuit Court or District Court | Circuit Court hears civil claims above the District Court limit. |
| Small claims | District Court | Small claims are heard in District Court. |
| Eviction | District Court | Landlord-tenant cases are heard in District Court. |
| Divorce | Circuit Court, Family Division | Divorce cases are heard in the Family Division. |
| Child custody or support | Circuit Court, Family Division | Friend of the Court handles support and parenting time, but it is not a court. |
| Probate or estate | Probate Court | Estates, trusts, and guardianships are heard in Probate Court. |
| Juvenile case | Circuit Court, Family Division | Juvenile matters are heard in the Family Division. |
| Appeal | Circuit Court or Michigan Court of Appeals | Circuit Court hears appeals from District and Probate Courts, and the Court of Appeals hears appeals from Circuit Court. |
Are Kent County Court Records Public?
Yes, most Kent County court records are public, with exceptions set by Michigan Court Rule 8.119.
Public records
Most case files in the Circuit Court and District Court are open to the public. The Michigan Freedom of Information Act (MCL 15.231 et seq.) covers public bodies' records in general terms.
Restricted or confidential records
Juvenile, sealed, expunged, adoption, mental health, and protective-order-restricted records are not publicly available. Other confidential records are released only as the rules or a court allow.
Online access
Statewide court links at courts.michigan.gov provide court information for Michigan. Online results do not show every document, and the county's own online portal is not verified here.
In-person access
The Clerk of the Circuit Court keeps Circuit Court records, and the District and Probate Courts keep their own records. Contact the court office to view or request records.
Fees
No fees are listed here. Ask the court office about any fees for copies.
How to Search Kent County Court Records Online
Use the court portals to search Kent County cases by case type, and contact the court office for documents that are not online.
- Identify the case type, such as criminal, traffic, civil, small claims, family law, probate, or juvenile.
- Open the statewide court links at courts.michigan.gov and the county's official website to find the right office.
- Search by party name or case number, and note the case number from the results.
- Review the docket for case status, parties, and scheduled dates.
- Contact the Clerk of the Circuit Court or the District Court through the county's official website for documents that are not online.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | Statewide links at courts.michigan.gov; contact the Circuit Court office | Case information and docket details | Full documents may require the court office |
| Traffic | Statewide links at courts.michigan.gov; contact the District Court office | Case information and docket details | Payment is separate from record search |
| Civil | Statewide links at courts.michigan.gov; contact the Circuit Court office | Case information and docket details | Sealed or restricted filings are not shown |
| Small claims | Statewide links at courts.michigan.gov; contact the District Court office | Case information and docket details | Documents may require the court office |
| Family law | Statewide links at courts.michigan.gov; contact the Circuit Court Family Division | Case information for domestic relations matters | Confidential details are restricted |
| Probate | Contact the Probate Court directly | Estate and guardianship files | Probate Court keeps its own records |
| Juvenile | Contact the Circuit Court Family Division | Case information only through the court office | Juvenile proceedings are closed and not publicly searchable |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Kent County
Pay Kent County fines and citations by contacting the court that issued the case, through the county's official website.
- Phone: Call the Clerk of the Circuit Court or the District Court, found on the county's official website, to ask which payment methods are accepted.
- In person: Visit the Clerk of the Circuit Court or the District Court at the county courthouse, and confirm the address on the county's official website.
- Payment arrangements: Ask the court whether a payment arrangement is available if you cannot pay in full.
Parking tickets are handled by the agency that issued them, not by the court.
Kent County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Kent County court records?
Start with the statewide court links at courts.michigan.gov, or contact the Clerk of the Circuit Court through the county's official website.
Are Kent County court records public?
Most court records are public under Michigan Court Rule 8.119, but juvenile, sealed, expunged, and other confidential records are not publicly available.
How do I find a criminal case?
Search by name through the statewide court links at courts.michigan.gov, then confirm with the court office which division holds the case.
How do I find a court date?
Check your ticket or notice, or call the court office listed on the county's official website.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Contact the District Court through the county's official website to ask which payment methods it accepts.
How many court cases are filed in Kent County each year?
County filing counts are not published here. The county had 675,232 residents in 2025, a 0.7% change from 2024.
What case types are most common in Kent County?
Case type counts are not available here, so the types of cases each court hears are listed in the case types section above.
Is crime rising or falling in Michigan?
County crime counts are not available here. Statewide, reported violent crimes fell 3.9% to 42,285 in 2025 from 43,979 in 2024, and property crimes fell 10.2% to 127,513 from 141,977, as reported to the FBI. These are Michigan statewide figures, and reporting coverage changed between years.
Courts in the County
Michigan Court Of Appeals - Third DistrictMore Info
| Address: | 350 Ottawa Nw, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503 |
| Phone Number: | 616-456-1167 |
| Website: | https://courts.michigan.gov/Courts/COA/clerksoffice/pages/contact.aspx |
Kent County Circuit CourtMore Info
| Address: | 180 Ottawa Ave., NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503 |
| Phone Number: | 616-632-5220 |
| Fax: | 616-632-5130 |
| Website: | https://www.accesskent.com/Courts/17thcc/ |
Useful Links
- 17th Circuit Court - Kent County, Michigan: Find information on court services, dockets, and resources for the 17th Circuit Court in Kent County.
- Kent County Clerk Court Services: Access vital records and court services provided by the Kent County Clerk for legal documentation matters.
- Michigan Courts - Case Search: Use this platform to search for case records and opinions across Michigan courts for specific legal inquiries.
- Kent County Probate Court: Explore probate services, including guardianships, conservatorships, and estate management offered by the Probate Court.
- Michigan Legal Help - Kent County Circuit Court: Find self-help resources and guides for navigating legal matters in Kent County Circuit Court.
- Michigan Justice Project: A resource for understanding legal rights, accessing legal aid, and navigating Michigan's justice system effectively.
- 63rd District Court - Kent County: Discover court services, case scheduling, and contact information for the 63rd District Court in Kent County.
- Kent County Bar Association: Provides resources for attorneys and the public, including lawyer directories and legal education programs.
- 61st District Court - Grand Rapids: Covers municipal court services such as criminal, civil, and traffic matters within the Grand Rapids jurisdiction.
- Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Requests - Kent County: Learn how to submit public records requests under Michigan's FOIA guidelines in Kent County.
- Kent County Government: Find detailed information on governmental services and resources available to residents of Kent County.
- Kent County Personal Protection Office: Offers resources for obtaining personal protection orders and navigating related legal procedures.
- Kent County Medical Examiner: Access services and contact information for the Medical Examiner's office, responsible for autopsies and legal investigations.
- National Legal Aid & Defender Association: Nationwide advocacy organization offering information on legal aid resources applicable also in Michigan State.
- State Bar of Michigan: Provides legal resources, attorney directories, and professional development for Michigan lawyers and legal professionals.
- Michigan Department of Health & Human Services - Child Support Enforcement: Offers assistance and resources related to child support services throughout Michigan including Kent County.
- LawHelp.org: Connects individuals with legal aid programs and self-help tools relevant across various states, including Michigan.
- Kent County Prosecutor's Office: Provides information on the role and responsibilities of the prosecutor in Kent County, including contact information.
- Michigan Attorney General: Offers legal information, consumer protection resources, and contact details for the Attorney General’s office.
- Kent County Friend of the Court: Offers services related to child custody, parenting time, and support enforcement in family law cases.
Table of Contents
- Kent County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Kent County Court Records
- Kent County Court Statistics (CY 2025)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Kent County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Kent County?
- How Does Kent County Compare With Michigan Overall?
- Kent County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Kent County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Kent County?
- Are Kent County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Kent County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Kent County
- Kent County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links