Kent County Family Court Records
Kent County family court records are filed and maintained at the Kent County Circuit Court in Grand Rapids. The Circuit Court Family Division handles divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, and adoption cases for all residents of Kent County. You can search basic case information through the statewide MiCOURT Case Search portal at no cost, or contact the circuit court clerk directly to request copies, certified records, or full case files. This page explains where to search, how to request records in person or by mail, and what you can expect when looking up Kent County family court records.
Kent County Court Overview
Where Kent County Family Court Records Are Filed
All family court filings in Kent County go through the Kent County Circuit Court at 180 Ottawa Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. This is the main courthouse for the county. The Circuit Court handles divorce, custody, paternity, and child support cases for all municipalities in Kent County. The Family Division line is (616) 632-5120. The main Circuit Court number is (616) 632-5700. The county's courts directory at accesskent.com/Courts lists all court divisions, contact numbers, and hours in one place.
Grand Rapids also has a 61st District Court that handles city-level matters, but family cases do not go there. Custody, divorce, and paternity all fall under the Circuit Court's jurisdiction. If you're unsure which court has the file you need, call the Circuit Court Clerk first. Staff can confirm whether a case is in their system or redirect you if needed.
Kent County is one of Michigan's largest by population. The court processes a high volume of family cases each year. The clerk's office is generally well-staffed, but calling ahead is still a good idea for older or large case files. Pull requests for archived files may take time depending on where the records are stored.
Note: Mail requests to Kent County Circuit Court must include a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment by check or money order made out to the Kent County Clerk.
Searching Kent County Family Court Records Online
The main online tool for Kent County family court records is MiCOURT Case Search, Michigan's free statewide database. You can search by party name, case number, attorney, or business name. Results include case numbers, filing dates, party names, hearing schedules, and docket entries. MiCOURT does not show document images or full case files. For the actual records, you need to contact the Kent County Circuit Court clerk directly.
Note: MiCOURT excludes sealed cases, adoption records, and personal protection orders from search results due to restrictions under state law.
Kent County Courts Online Portal
The Kent County courts directory at accesskent.com/Courts provides a comprehensive listing of all county courts, including the Circuit Court Family Division, contact numbers, and office hours for Kent County family court records inquiries.
The AccessKent courts portal is a good first stop when looking up court contacts in Grand Rapids. It links out to individual division pages and provides direct phone numbers for the Family Division and Circuit Court Clerk, making it easier to reach the right office for Kent County family court records.
Copy Fees for Kent County Family Court Records
Standard copy fees in Kent County align with Michigan's statewide rates under MCL 600.2546. Regular copies run $1.00 per page at most Michigan circuit courts. Certified copies require a $10.00 certification fee per document on top of the per-page charge. Viewing records in person at the courthouse is free under MCR 8.119. The fee applies only when you want physical or digital copies made.
If you need a certified copy of a divorce judgment or custody order for use in another state or jurisdiction, you must get it in person or by mail with the official court seal. Uncertified copies may be available by fax or email at the clerk's discretion, but confirm that option before counting on it. For mail requests, include enough payment to cover the estimated copy cost, or call (616) 632-5700 ahead of time for a cost estimate.
Types of Family Court Records in Kent County
Kent County Circuit Court Family Division handles a wide range of domestic relations cases. Divorce files include the original complaint or petition, proof of service, the judgment of divorce, and all orders entered during the case. Contested divorces can run to hundreds of pages of motions, financial disclosures, and hearing transcripts. Custody files hold parenting time orders and modifications filed over the life of the case. Paternity files establish the legal father and include the order of filiation and child support orders.
Child support matters run partly through the Kent County Friend of the Court office. The FOC keeps separate records on payment histories, enforcement actions, and parenting time disputes. Reach the Kent County FOC through the main courts directory at accesskent.com/Courts. For state-level policy, the Friend of the Court Bureau provides guidance and contact information. The FOC can initiate wage garnishment and other enforcement actions when support orders are not paid.
Adoption records in Kent County are sealed under MCL 710.67. Juvenile records are restricted under MCL 712A.28. Personal protection order details are not publicly available under MCR 3.705. These restrictions apply statewide and Kent County is no exception.
In-Person and Mail Requests for Kent County Records
The most direct way to get Kent County family court records is to visit the courthouse at 180 Ottawa Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Bring a valid photo ID. Clerks can pull case files and make copies while you wait if the records are readily available. For older or archived files, call (616) 632-5700 ahead of time to give the clerk time to retrieve the case. Public access terminals at the courthouse let you view records at no charge before deciding what to copy.
Mail requests are accepted. Include the case number if known, full names of both parties, the approximate filing year, and the specific documents you need. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment by check or money order payable to the Kent County Clerk. Mail turnaround time depends on file size and office workload, but expect anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. For urgent needs, in-person visits are faster.
Michigan Laws That Govern Kent County Family Court Records
Family court records in Kent County follow the same legal rules as all Michigan courts. MCR 8.119 establishes that court records are public unless a statute, court rule, or court order restricts access. MCL 600.2546 sets the framework for copy fees. Michigan's Freedom of Information Act does not apply to court records because the judiciary is exempt under MCL 15.232(d)(v). If a court denies your records request, you must file a motion directly with the court, not a FOIA appeal.
The Michigan Legislature's website at legislature.mi.gov has the full text of all Michigan Compiled Laws that relate to family court records. The SCAO also publishes court forms through courts.michigan.gov/scao-forms. These approved forms are required for most family court filings in Kent County and cover divorce, custody, paternity, support modification, and protection orders.
Note: Michigan FOIA does not cover court records. If Kent County Circuit Court denies a records request, challenge it by filing a motion with the court directly.
Nearby Counties
Family court records for residents near Kent County may also be filed in one of the neighboring counties below.