Find Family Court Records in Allegan County
Allegan County family court records are filed at the 48th Circuit Court, located at 113 Chestnut Street in Allegan, Michigan. The court's Family Division handles divorce, child custody, parenting time, child support, paternity, and domestic relations cases for county residents. You can search case information through MiCOURT for Allegan's 48th Circuit at no cost, or contact the clerk's office to request copies of specific case documents. Allegan County also has a dedicated records division for circuit court file requests.
Allegan County Family Court Records Overview
Allegan County 48th Circuit Court Information
The Allegan County Courthouse is at 113 Chestnut Street, Allegan, MI 49010. Bob Genetski serves as both the County Clerk and Circuit Court Clerk. The county clerk's office handles general records and can be reached at (269) 673-0450, with fax at (269) 686-5374. The circuit court records line is (269) 673-0300, with fax at (269) 673-0298. For email inquiries, contact bgenetski@allegancounty.org. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The court's full website is at allegancounty.org, where you can also find information on the records division and filing procedures.
Allegan County's 48th Circuit Court has a dedicated records division for handling document requests. If you need copies of case files, this is the right place to contact. The records division contact information is on the court's records division page at allegancounty.org/courts-law-enforcement/48th-circuit-court/records-division. They handle requests for divorce judgments, custody orders, paternity decrees, and other circuit court family records.
The Friend of the Court office in Allegan County works alongside the circuit court to manage child support enforcement and parenting time compliance. For support-related records, reach out to the Allegan County FOC separately from the main circuit court clerk.
Online Search for Allegan County Family Court Records
Allegan County's 48th Circuit Court participates in Michigan's statewide MiCOURT system. You can search specifically for Allegan circuit cases using the direct link at micourt.courts.michigan.gov/case-search/court/C48. Allegan County district court cases use a separate MiCOURT link: micourt.courts.michigan.gov/case-search/court/D57. Both are free and available any time. The system shows case numbers, filing dates, party names, scheduled hearings, and the register of actions. It does not display document images or the full text of orders and judgments.
The Michigan Courts website links to MiCOURT, SCAO forms, and the full directory of Michigan circuit courts. It is your best first stop when searching Allegan County family court records online.
What Allegan County Family Court Files Contain
Allegan County's Family Division handles all domestic relations matters. A divorce case file includes the original petition, proof that the other party was served, financial disclosure statements, any temporary orders entered during the case, and the final judgment of divorce. If children are involved, the file also holds custody orders, parenting time schedules, and child support orders. Each time a modification is made after the original order, it gets added to the existing file. Over many years, a single case can accumulate a lot of paperwork.
Paternity cases in Allegan County go through the same Family Division. The court enters an order of filiation to establish the legal father, followed by child support and custody orders. The Friend of the Court then takes on an enforcement role. Child support records, payment histories, and enforcement actions are managed by the Allegan County FOC, separate from the main case file at the circuit court. If you need both the court file and the FOC records, you will need to contact each office. State-level guidance for FOC matters is available through the Friend of the Court Bureau.
Sealed and restricted records do not appear in any public search. Adoption files are confidential under MCL 710.67. Juvenile records are restricted under MCL 712A.28. Personal protection orders are not publicly available online under MCR 3.705.
Note: Allegan County charges a search fee of $10 to $15 when you do not have a case number and are asking the clerk to locate a case for you.
Requesting Allegan County Family Court Records
For mail requests, send a written letter to the 48th Circuit Court Records Division, 113 Chestnut Street, Allegan, MI 49010. Include the case number if you have it, the full names of both parties, the approximate filing year, and a specific list of documents you want. Attach a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment for copy fees. Standard copies are $1.00 per page. If you need the clerk to search for a case and you don't have the case number, expect a search fee of $10 to $15. Certified copies require a $10.00 certification fee per document plus the per-page charge. Call (269) 673-0300 to confirm current rates before sending payment.
In-person visits are welcome during office hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Bring valid photo ID. You can view records on-site for free under MCR 8.119. Copies cost $1.00 per page. The records division handles most requests. If the file is large or archived, call ahead to confirm it will be available when you arrive.
Allegan County's circuit court has longer weekday hours than many rural Michigan courts, making it easier to schedule a visit. The 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM window gives you a full day to review records and request copies without rushing.
Laws Governing Allegan County Family Court Records
Public access to Allegan County family court records is set by MCR 8.119, which defines court records as public with specific exceptions. Courts cannot charge a fee just for viewing records on-site. MCL 600.2546 authorizes copy fees up to $1.00 to $1.50 per page and $10.00 per certified document. The Michigan Legislature site at legislature.mi.gov has full text for all relevant statutes. SCAO-approved forms for Allegan County filings are available at courts.michigan.gov/scao-forms. Michigan's FOIA law does not cover court records. Courts are exempt under MCL 15.232. If a court records request is denied, you file a motion with the court, not a FOIA appeal.
Nearby Counties
Cases are filed where the parties live or where the case began. Check these nearby counties if you are not certain which court holds the records you are looking for.