Family Court Records in Bay County

Bay County family court records are maintained by the 18th Circuit Court in Bay City, Michigan. The Family Division handles divorce, child custody, parenting time, child support, and paternity cases for Bay County residents. Two offices handle records: the County Clerk at 515 Center Avenue and the Circuit Court at 1230 Washington Avenue. You can begin your search using the free MiCOURT Case Search portal or contact the Bay County Clerk's office to request copies of specific family court documents.

Where Bay County Family Court Records Are Filed

Bay County has two key locations for family court records. The County Clerk's office is at 515 Center Avenue, Suite 101, Bay City, MI 48708. County Clerk Ashley Luce's office can be reached at (989) 895-4280 or fax (989) 895-4284. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The office is closed from noon to 1:00 PM each day. The 18th Circuit Court is at the Bay County Court Facility, 1230 Washington Avenue, Suite 619, Bay City, MI 48708. Circuit Court phone is (989) 895-4250 and fax is (989) 895-2059.

Mail requests for Bay County records require a self-addressed stamped envelope. Birth and death certificate requests also need a completed application form. Vital records fees differ from circuit court case document fees. Marriage certificate copies cost $14.00 for the first and $3.00 for each additional. Birth and death certificates each run $14.00 for the first copy. Standard circuit court case document copies follow Michigan's statewide rate of $1.00 per page. Contact the clerk to confirm which office handles the type of record you need.

Bay County is a mid-size Michigan county, and the courts process a moderate volume of family cases each year. Both office locations have regular staff, but calling ahead is still a good idea if you need archived files or a large number of documents. The clerk can confirm whether the file is on hand or needs to be retrieved from storage before you make the trip.

Searching Bay County Family Court Records Online

The free MiCOURT Case Search portal covers all 83 Michigan counties including Bay and runs 24/7. Enter a party name, case number, or attorney name to search. MiCOURT shows case numbers, filing dates, party names, case type, hearing schedules, and current status. It does not show document images or full case file contents. For copies of orders, judgments, or other documents, contact the Bay County Clerk or Circuit Court directly.

Bay County Official Website and Court Resources

Bay County's official site at baycounty.net provides direct links to the Clerk's office, Circuit Court contacts, and county services for residents seeking family court records in Bay City.

The Bay County website links to circuit court contact information and county services. From there you can find current hours, phone numbers, and any forms required for records requests. Always check the site before visiting in person to confirm nothing has changed with hours or procedures at the Bay County Courthouse or Clerk's office.

Types of Family Court Records in Bay County

The 18th Circuit Court Family Division in Bay County handles divorce, legal separation, child custody, parenting time, child support, spousal support, and paternity cases. Divorce case files contain the initial petition, proof of service, temporary orders, financial disclosures, property and debt agreements, and the final judgment of divorce. Agreed divorces are shorter. Contested cases with property disputes or custody disagreements can grow large over time, especially when parties return for post-judgment modifications.

Custody and parenting time orders are part of the same file as the related divorce when both arise from the same case. Paternity files contain the complaint to establish parentage, any genetic testing records, the order of filiation, and the resulting child support order. The Bay County Friend of the Court maintains child support payment histories and enforcement records separately from the circuit court file. Contact the FOC if you need payment records or enforcement history for a Bay County case. General FOC guidance is available through the statewide Friend of the Court Bureau.

Certain records are not accessible to the public. Adoption files are sealed under MCL 710.67. Juvenile delinquency and child protective cases are restricted under MCL 712A.28. Personal protection orders have limited public access under MCR 3.705 and do not appear in MiCOURT searches.

Fees for Bay County Family Court Document Copies

Standard copies of Bay County family court documents cost $1.00 per page. Certified copies require a $10.00 certification fee per document plus the per-page cost. Viewing records in person at the courthouse or clerk's office is free under MCR 8.119. Michigan courts cannot charge a fee just to look at public records on site. The fee applies only when you take copies with you. Mail requests require a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment by check or money order.

For vital records at Bay County, the fee structure is different. Marriage certificate copies run $14.00 for the first and $3.00 for each additional. Birth certificates are $14.00 per copy. Death certificates are $14.00 for the first and $4.00 for each additional. These rates apply to vital records only and do not affect the standard circuit court copy fees for divorce, custody, or paternity case documents. Copy fees for circuit court records are governed by MCL 600.2546.

In-Person and Mail Requests for Bay County Records

In-person visits to the Bay County Clerk's office at 515 Center Avenue, Suite 101 are accepted Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to noon and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The office is closed for lunch from noon to 1:00 PM daily. Plan your visit with that break in mind. Bring valid photo ID. Request files by case number or by party name and approximate filing year. Free in-person viewing is available at the counter. For large or archived files, calling ahead at (989) 895-4280 is a good idea so staff can retrieve the records before you arrive.

Mail requests should be addressed to the Bay County Clerk, 515 Center Avenue, Suite 101, Bay City, MI 48708. Include a written description of the records you need, full party names, the case number if available, the approximate filing year, and the specific documents requested. Attach a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment by check or money order. Certified copies require the court's embossed physical seal and cannot be issued by email or fax. Allow time for processing and mail delivery when you need certified records for legal use.

Michigan Law Governing Bay County Court Records

Bay County family court records are subject to the same statewide legal rules that apply across all Michigan circuit courts. MCR 8.119 defines court records as public by default and bars courts from charging to view records in person. MCL 600.2546 sets copy fee limits. Michigan courts are exempt from FOIA under MCL 15.232, so access disputes must be resolved through a motion filed with the court rather than a FOIA appeal. The Michigan Legislature website at legislature.mi.gov has the full text of all relevant statutes.

Nearby Counties

Family court records for residents near Bay County may also be filed in one of these neighboring Michigan counties.