Court records in Delta County, Michigan can be searched through several channels. DeltaCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also search records through the state's MiCOURT Case Search portal, visit the court clerks' offices at the Delta County Courthouse in Escanaba, or use public access terminals available at the courthouse during business hours.
Delta County Court System & Jurisdictions
Delta County is served by two trial-level courts, both located in Escanaba. Knowing which court handled a case is the fastest way to find the right docket.
47th Circuit Court
The 47th Circuit Court is the general jurisdiction trial court for Delta County. It handles:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil cases with amounts in controversy over $25,000
- Family division matters — divorce, custody, parenting time, child support, paternity, personal protection orders, juvenile delinquency, child protective proceedings, and adoptions
- Appeals from the District Court and administrative agencies
The Circuit Court also serves as the county's Probate Court (through the Family Division), handling estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and mental health commitments.
94th District Court
The 94th District Court is a first-class district court. It has jurisdiction over:
- All misdemeanor criminal cases
- Civil cases up to $25,000
- Small claims (up to $6,500)
- Landlord-tenant disputes and summary proceedings
- Traffic and parking violations
- Arraignments and preliminary examinations in felony cases before they are bound over to Circuit Court
If you are unsure which court holds a record, start with the MiCOURT Case Search — it covers both courts and lets you search by name or case number.
Delta County Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Court calendars for Delta County's two courts are managed separately. Here is how to find today's, tomorrow's, or this week's scheduled hearings:
- 47th Circuit Court — Contact the court directly or check the 47th Circuit Court page for scheduling information. Some hearing details may also appear in case records on MiCOURT.
- 94th District Court — Visit the 94th District Court page or call the court clerk for the daily docket.
- MiCOURT — The MiCOURT Case Search displays upcoming hearing dates when you pull up an individual case record. Search by party name or case number to see scheduled events.
Remote public access to court proceedings in Delta County is generally available only during a courthouse closure, unless the court specifically permits it for a particular hearing.
How to Get a Copy of a Delta County Court Document
You can request copies of most Delta County court documents through the County Clerk's office, which serves as clerk of the Circuit Court, or through the District Court clerk for cases filed there.
Steps to Request a Document
- Identify the case. Have the case number, party names, or approximate filing date ready. You can look up case numbers on MiCOURT.
- Choose your method:
- In person — Visit the clerk's office at the Delta County Courthouse during business hours.
- By mail — Send a written request with the case details, the specific documents needed, and a check or money order for the applicable fees.
- By phone/fax — Call or fax the clerk's office to ask about availability and fees before submitting a request.
- Specify certified or uncertified. Certified copies carry the court seal and clerk's signature, which is usually required for legal proceedings, real estate transactions, or filings with other agencies. Uncertified copies cost less and work for personal reference.
Delta County Clerk's Office (Circuit Court Records)
For District Court records, direct your request to the 94th District Court clerk at the same courthouse address.
Restricted Records
Not all court records are open to the public. Michigan court rules restrict access to certain record types, including:
- Juvenile delinquency and child protective proceedings
- Adoption files
- Records sealed or expunged by court order
- Certain mental health proceedings
The Michigan Courts' Records Management page publishes a detailed chart of nonpublic and limited-access record types. If you are unsure whether a record is available, ask the clerk before submitting payment.
Delta County Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record copies in Michigan are set by statute (MCL 600.8917 for District Court; MCL 600.1986 for Circuit Court) and by local administrative orders. The table below reflects standard Michigan court copy fees. Contact the clerk's office to confirm current amounts, as fees may be updated by court order.
| Service | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certified copy (per document) | $10.00 |
| Additional certified copies of the same document (same order) | $1.00 per page |
| Case search / record lookup (clerk-assisted) | Varies — contact clerk |
| FOIA request for non-court county records | Per Delta County FOIA policy |
Payment Methods
- In person: Cash, check, or money order are typically accepted. Ask the clerk about debit/credit card availability.
- By mail: Include a check or money order payable to the Delta County Clerk (for Circuit Court records) or the 94th District Court (for District Court records).
For non-court public records held by other Delta County departments, requests can be submitted under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act through the county's FOIA request process. FOIA fees are separate from court copy fees and follow the county's published fee schedule.