Court records in Oakland County, Michigan, are maintained by the county court clerk's office and are accessible through online tools, official court portals, and directly at the clerk's office. OaklandCourt.us will help you find public information about county court cases. Additionally, you can use the MiCOURT Case Search portal, contact the court clerk's office, or refer to other state resources in Michigan to obtain official documents.
Oakland Court System Overview
Oakland County is part of Michigan's unified judicial system (One Court of Justice), coordinated by the Michigan Supreme Court through the State Court Administrative Office. At the county level, the Oakland County Circuit Court operates as a court of general jurisdiction, handling criminal felony cases, civil lawsuits, and appeals from lower courts. In addition to the circuit court, several district courts serve specific cities and townships within the county. Family matters are handled by the Oakland County Family Division, and probate matters by the Oakland County Probate Court.
Courts Serving Oakland
Residents of Oakland County are served by several courts with different levels of jurisdiction.
Circuit Court
District Courts
- 43rd District Court — serves Hazel Park, Madison Heights, Ferndale24000 Karim Blvd., Hazel Park, MI 48030
- 44th District Court — serves Royal Oak400 E. Eleven Mile Rd., Royal Oak, MI 48067
- 45th District Court — serves Oak Park13600 Oak Park Blvd., Oak Park, MI 48237
- 46th District Court — serves Southfield, Lathrup Village26000 Evergreen Rd., Southfield, MI 48076
- 47th District Court — serves Farmington Hills, Farmington31605 W. Eleven Mile Rd., Farmington Hills, MI 48336
- 48th District Court — serves Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township4280 Telegraph Rd., Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
- 50th District Court — serves Pontiac70 N. Saginaw St., Pontiac, MI 48342
- 51st District Court — serves Waterford Township5100 Civic Center Dr., Waterford, MI 48329
- 52nd District Court — four divisions serving Troy, Rochester Hills, Clarkston, Novi
Probate Court
Federal Court
Oakland County also falls under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of Michigan.
What Types of Cases Oakland Courts Hear
The courts in Oakland County hear a wide range of cases. Here are the main categories:
- Criminal cases: felonies, misdemeanors, infractions
- Civil cases: large claims, small claims cases
- Family law: divorce, child custody, alimony, paternity establishment
- Probate law: estate administration, guardianship, conservatorship, trusts
- Juvenile matters: juvenile offenses, child protection, adoption
- Traffic violations: traffic tickets, driving under the influence (DUI)
District Court Cases in Oakland
District Courts in Oakland County are courts of limited jurisdiction. They handle civil cases with claims up to $25,000, all misdemeanors, traffic violations, and conduct preliminary hearings in felony cases. If a district court judge finds sufficient evidence during a preliminary hearing, the case is transferred to the Oakland County Circuit Court for further proceedings. A district court judge presides over hearings, and cases are assigned according to the geographical jurisdiction of each district court. The status of civil, criminal, and traffic cases can be checked through the MiCOURT portal.
Magistrate Court Cases in Oakland
In Michigan's system, magistrates work within district courts and perform limited judicial functions. In Oakland County's district courts, magistrates may conduct arraignments (the first court appearance of the accused), set bail, and hear minor offenses and traffic violations. Small claims cases in Michigan are limited to $6,500. Magistrates also often conduct arraignments in DUI cases. Due to high case volumes in some district courts in the county — such as the 52nd District Court — magistrates specialize in specific categories. Civil cases exceeding the district court's jurisdictional limit are transferred to the Circuit Court.
Family Law, Probate, and Juvenile Matters in Oakland
Family Law
Divorce, custody, alimony, paternity establishment, and protective orders are handled by the Oakland County Family Division, a division of the Circuit Court. To file for divorce, you need to contact the family division clerk's office.
Probate Law
The Oakland County Probate Court handles estate matters, guardianship, and conservatorship for adults and minors, as well as trust issues. Birth, death, marriage, and divorce records can be obtained through the Michigan Vital Records Department.
Juvenile Matters
Juvenile matters — offenses, child protection, adoption — are handled by the Family Division Circuit Court. Juvenile case records are confidential. The Clean Slate for Kids program provides for the automatic sealing of juvenile case records from public access.
How Cases Move Through the Oakland Court System
- Case initiation. A criminal case begins with a complaint or arrest warrant, a civil case with the filing of a complaint, and a family or probate case with a petition.
- Judge assignment. The court clerk's office assigns the case to a specific judge according to internal rules.
- Initial hearings. In criminal cases, an arraignment is held where charges are announced and bail is set. In civil cases, a scheduling conference is held.
- Pre-trial phase. Parties exchange evidence (discovery), file motions, and in criminal cases, plea bargaining may occur.
- Trial or resolution. The case concludes with a jury verdict, judge's decision, settlement, or guilty plea.
- Post-judgment. Sentencing in criminal cases, filing an appeal, or enforcing a judgment in civil cases.
Appeals from district courts are filed with the Circuit Court, and from the Circuit Court to the Michigan Court of Appeals.
Court Administration, Local Rules, and Public Access in Oakland
The administration of Oakland County courts is conducted by the chief judge of the Circuit Court in conjunction with the court administrator. Local court rules for the Oakland County Circuit Court and Family Division are available on the official Michigan courts website.
Under Michigan law, most court records are public. However, federal and state laws restrict access to certain categories — including juvenile records, sealed cases, and some family matters. MiCOURT warns that some courts only show case numbers with criminal convictions from the last seven years.
Hearings are generally open to the public. Some county courts offer remote participation via Zoom or other platforms — check with the specific court clerk's office.
Court Records and Related Court Resources in Oakland
- Online case search. The MiCOURT Case Search portal allows you to search for civil, criminal, traffic, family, and probate cases. The information is for reference and does not replace the official court record.
- Appellate cases and decisions. Through the Cases, Opinions & Orders section of the Michigan Supreme Court, you can find cases from the Oakland Circuit Court, Oakland Family Division, and appellate courts.
- Criminal history check. The ICHAT tool from the Michigan State Police provides access to public criminal history records.
- Inmate search. The OTIS system of the Michigan Department of Corrections allows you to find information about individuals under state supervision. For information about individuals in local jails, contact the Oakland County Jail.
- Property records registry. The Oakland County Register of Deeds maintains records of property ownership, mortgages, and other real estate documents (1200 N. Telegraph, Building 12 East, Pontiac).
- Vital records. Birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates can be ordered through the Michigan Vital Records Division or at the Oakland County Clerk's office.
- Expungement. The Michigan Attorney General provides assistance with expungement applications. The procedure and requirements can be found on the Michigan State Police page.
- Forms and self-help resources. Standard court forms for civil, criminal, and family cases are available on the Michigan Courts website.
- Additional information. To find public information about Oakland County court records, use OaklandCourt.us.