The judicial system of Lenawee County, Michigan, consists of the circuit court, district court, and probate court. Court case records are maintained by the clerk of the respective court and are accessible through online tools, official court portals, and directly at the court office. LenaweeCourt.us can help find public information about county court records. Additionally, you can use the MiCOURT Case Search system, the Michigan Supreme Court portal, and contact the county clerk's office in person or by phone.
Lenawee Court System Overview
Lenawee County is part of the 39th Circuit Court of Michigan. The circuit court handles serious criminal cases, civil claims with large demands, family, and appellate cases. The 2A District Court serves the entire county and deals with misdemeanors, small civil claims, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings in felony cases. The Probate Court handles inheritance cases, guardianship, and conservatorship.
All three courts are located in the Lenawee County Courthouse building:
The schedule of the circuit court, probate court, and Friend of the Court office can be viewed on the Lenawee County Circuit, Probate and FOC – Court Display page.
Courts Serving Lenawee
| Court | Address and Contacts |
|---|---|
| 39th Circuit Court | 301 N. Main St., Adrian, MI 49221 |
| 2A District Court | 301 N. Main St., Adrian, MI 49221 |
| Lenawee County Probate Court | 301 N. Main St., Adrian, MI 49221 |
| U.S. District Court – Eastern District of Michigan | Theodore Levin U.S. Courthouse |
| U.S. Bankruptcy Court – Eastern District of Michigan | 211 W. Fort St., Suite 1900, Detroit, MI 48226 |
There are no municipal courts within Lenawee County — all local-level cases are handled by the 2A District Court.
What Types of Cases Lenawee Courts Hear
The county courts cover a wide range of cases. Here are the main categories:
- Felonies (serious crimes) and misdemeanors (minor crimes)
- Traffic violations and infractions
- Civil claims, including small claims
- Family law: divorce, child custody, alimony, paternity
- Probate, guardianship, and conservatorship cases
- Juvenile and child protection cases
- Adoption
Each category is discussed in more detail below.
District Court Cases in Lenawee
The 2A District Court is the court of first instance for most county residents. Criminal cases begin here: the district court judge conducts preliminary examinations in felony cases, after which the case is transferred to the 39th Circuit Court. Misdemeanors are fully handled in the district court.
Civil claims with demands up to $25,000 also fall under the jurisdiction of the district court. Cases are assigned to judges according to an internal schedule. Additionally, the court handles eviction cases, general civil infractions, and requests for personal protective orders. District court decisions can be appealed to the circuit court.
Magistrate Court Cases in Lenawee
In Michigan, district courts can appoint magistrates to perform certain judicial functions. In the 2A District Court, a magistrate is authorized to conduct arraignments, set bail, handle minor offenses, and traffic violations, including DUI.
Small claims are accepted for amounts up to $6,500 according to Michigan law. The magistrate can also preside over preliminary hearings in felony cases by appointment of the chief judge. For most residents, contact with the judicial system begins at this level — with a traffic ticket or minor civil dispute.
Family Law, Probate, and Juvenile Matters in Lenawee
Family Law
Divorce, custody, alimony, paternity, and protective orders are handled by the 39th Circuit Court — Family Division. According to the Lenawee County Family Court Plan, the county clerk is the court clerk for the Family Division. The Friend of the Court office coordinates alimony and child visitation schedules.
Probate and Guardianship
Probate estates, guardianship, conservatorship, and trusts are handled by the Lenawee County Probate Court. The probate court clerk maintains all documents created or filed with this court. For genealogical research, a useful resource is the Library of Congress guide to Michigan vital records.
Juvenile Matters
Cases under the Juvenile Code and Child Protective Act are handled by the Family Division of the circuit court. Juvenile case records are confidential under Michigan law. For information, contact the Family Division office directly at 517-264-4597.
How Cases Move Through the Lenawee Court System
- Initiating a Case. A criminal case begins with a complaint or arrest warrant; a civil case starts with filing a complaint or petition with the court office.
- Assignment of a Judge. The case is assigned to a specific judge according to the court's internal rules.
- First Hearing. In criminal cases — arraignment, where the defendant is informed of the charges and bail is set. In civil cases — scheduling conference.
- Pretrial Phase. Parties exchange evidence (discovery), file motions. In criminal cases, plea negotiations may occur.
- Trial or Resolution. The case concludes with a jury verdict, plea, settlement, or default judgment.
- Post-Judgment. Sentencing, appeal to a higher court, or enforcement of the court's decision.
Court Administration, Local Rules, and Public Access in Lenawee
The administrative management of the county courts is carried out by the chief judge of the 39th Circuit Court together with the trial court administrator. The local rules of the judicial circuit are published on the Michigan Courts website.
According to Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and court administration rules, most court records are public. Exceptions apply to juvenile cases, sealed cases, and certain family cases. Public record requests can be submitted through the Lenawee County FOIA portal.
Hearings are generally open to the public. Some sessions are held remotely — confirm the format with the court office before visiting. Contact information for the court administrator's office:
Court Records and Related Court Resources in Lenawee
- Online Case Search. The MiCOURT Case Search system allows searching for cases by party name or case number. The information is for reference and does not replace the official court record.
- Hearing Schedule. The current schedule of the circuit court, probate court, and FOC is available on the Court Display page.
- Court Forms and Self-Help Resources. Forms for self-filing are published on the Michigan Courts portal.
- Clerk's Office and Record Requests. The county clerk maintains records of the circuit and family courts. For copies, contact in person or by mail at Lenawee County Courthouse, 301 N. Main St., Adrian, MI 49221.
- Criminal History. The ICHAT system of the Michigan State Police allows checking a person's public criminal history.
- Sheriff's Records. The Sheriff's Records Division maintains police reports and other law enforcement documents.
- Inmate Information. The Sheriff's Corrections Division provides information about individuals held in the county jail, as well as information on inmate visitations.
- Vital Records (birth, death, marriage, divorce). The Michigan Vital Records Department processes certificate requests. County-level divorce records have been maintained by the clerk since 1867.
- Property Register. The Lenawee County Register of Deeds is located at 301 N. Main St., Adrian, MI 49221, phone 517-264-4538.
- Driving Records. Check driving history through the Secretary of State.
For general public information search about county court records, use LenaweeCourt.us.