Allegan County Public Records Search

Allegan County public records are managed by the County Clerk and Register of Deeds at 113 Chestnut Street in Allegan. This page helps you find court cases, property deeds, vital records, and other official documents held by Allegan County offices and state agencies.

Allegan County Clerk and Public Records Office

The Allegan County Clerk and Register of Deeds share a combined office at 113 Chestnut Street in Allegan. Clerk/Register Bob Genetski oversees both sets of records. The Clerk's phone is (269) 673-0450 and the Register of Deeds line is (269) 673-0390. Both share a fax at (269) 673-0289. You can also reach the Clerk by email at bgenetski@allegancounty.org. Hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Allegan County has an unusually complete set of historical records. Marriage records go back to 1836, and birth and death records date from 1867. The Clerk's office has a dedicated genealogy department with research hours on Tuesday, Thursday, and Thursday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Only 3 researchers can use the space at once due to limited room, so plan ahead if you're doing extended research.

The county FOIA coordinator is also based in the Clerk's office. An online FOIA portal is available through the county website at allegancounty.org. Written requests are still accepted in person or by mail.

Allegan County Property Public Records

The Allegan County Register of Deeds records and stores all real property documents. This includes warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, special warranty deeds, land contracts, mortgages, liens, easements, plats, surveys, and military discharge papers (DD-214). Property records are also searched through the Internet Land Records Search portal, Allegan's official records search tool.

The online portal at alleganrecords.us provides public access to the Allegan County records database. You can search by property address, owner name, parcel ID, document type, date range, or grantor and grantee name. Public search terminals are also available in the office. Copies cost $1 per page and certified copies add $5.

This portal is the main online tool for deed research, lien checks, and property document lookups in Allegan County without a trip to the courthouse.

Note: The office also has census records from 1860, 1870, and 1880 available in the genealogy department for historical research.

Court Records in Allegan County

Allegan County is served by the 48th Circuit Court, the 57th District Court, and the Allegan County Probate Court. The circuit court is located at 113 Chestnut Street, the same address as the Clerk's office. The circuit court phone is (269) 673-0300. The Sheriff's Office is at 112 Walnut Street and can be reached at (269) 673-0500.

You can search Allegan County court cases online through MiCOURT, the state's free case lookup system. Search by party name or case number. The system returns docket entries, case status, and scheduled hearings. Records not available online include juvenile cases, adoptions, mental health proceedings, and personal protection orders. For a certified copy of any court document, contact the circuit court clerk directly. Michigan Court Rule 8.119 presumes court records are public unless restricted by law or court order.

Criminal History and Jail Records

The Michigan State Police runs ICHAT, the public criminal history search tool. At $10 per name search, ICHAT returns felony convictions and serious misdemeanors from Allegan County and all other Michigan counties. Federal records, out-of-state records, juvenile records, and traffic violations are not included.

The Allegan County Sheriff's Office handles local law enforcement records and jail inquiries. Contact the Sheriff at (269) 673-0500. For current state prison and parole records, the free OTIS database from the Michigan Department of Corrections covers individuals under state supervision statewide. The Michigan Sex Offender Registry is also free to search at mspsor.com.

Vital Records in Allegan County

Allegan County vital records are among the oldest in Michigan. Marriage records date to 1836 and birth and death records go back to 1867. Divorce records are available from 1900. The County Clerk's office handles all vital records requests. Certified copies cost $10 for the first copy and $4 for additional copies of the same record. Walk-in and mail requests are both accepted.

For records statewide or older than what the county holds, contact MDHHS Vital Records. The state holds records from 1867 onward. The first certified copy is $34 through the state. Online orders through VitalChek carry additional processing fees. Birth records under 100 years old require proof that you are eligible to receive them.

FOIA Requests in Allegan County

Under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act, MCL 15.231 et seq., all persons have the right to request public records from Allegan County government agencies. The County Clerk serves as the FOIA coordinator for county-level requests. You can submit a written request in person, by mail, or through the online FOIA portal on the county website.

Allegan County agencies must respond within 5 business days. They may extend this by up to 10 additional days with written notice. Fees apply for labor and copying under MCL 15.234. Labor rates are capped at 6 times the state minimum wage. Fee waivers are available for people who qualify based on income. You can appeal an excessive fee determination under MCL 15.240a.

Cities in Allegan County

Allegan County includes the city of Allegan as its county seat, along with communities like Holland, Otsego, Plainwell, and Douglas. None of the cities in Allegan County reach the population threshold for a dedicated records page. All county residents access public records through the Allegan County offices at 113 Chestnut Street.

Nearby Counties

Allegan County is in southwest Michigan and borders several other counties. Check these pages for records in neighboring areas.