Find Public Records in Branch County

Branch County public records are managed by the County Clerk, Register of Deeds, and courts in Coldwater, Michigan. You can search for court cases, property documents, vital records, and other government files through county offices or state-level online tools. This guide covers where to look and how to request records.

Branch County Clerk and Public Records Office

The Branch County Clerk's office is located at 23 East Pearl Street in Coldwater. The office is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Branch County starts earlier than most Michigan county offices, which makes it easier to visit before a regular workday. Phone for the Clerk is (517) 279-4306. The Register of Deeds is at the same address and can be reached at (517) 279-4320. The current County Clerk is Toni Kubasiak. Email contact is tkubasiak@countyofbranch.com.

The county website is at countyofbranch.com. Property records searches are available through the county site. The Equalization Office handles property tax assessments and can be reached at (517) 279-4312. In-person visits are the most direct way to get copies of documents. Staff can help you find records and explain fees at the time of your visit.

Branch County Court Records

Branch County has its own Circuit Court, District Court, and Probate Court in Coldwater. All courts are housed at or near the courthouse on Pearl Street. Circuit court cases cover felony criminal matters, civil cases above $25,000, and family law cases. The District Court handles misdemeanors, civil claims up to $25,000, and traffic cases. Probate Court manages estates, guardianships, and mental health petitions.

The Michigan Courts statewide search tool, MiCOURT, is available at micourt.courts.michigan.gov/case-search/. This free tool lets you look up case names, docket entries, and case status. It does not show all record types. Some case files require an in-person visit. For certified copies of court records, contact the court clerk directly in Coldwater.

Note: Non-public case types such as juvenile records, adoptions, and personal protection orders do not appear in the online system.

Criminal History Records for Branch County

You can look up criminal history on Branch County residents using the Michigan State Police ICHAT tool at apps.michigan.gov/ICHAT/. Each search costs $10. ICHAT includes felony convictions and serious misdemeanors reported from all 83 Michigan counties. It does not cover traffic violations, juvenile cases, or misdemeanors punishable by 93 days or less.

For state prison records, the Michigan Department of Corrections OTIS database is free. Search it at mdocweb.state.mi.us/otis2/otis2.aspx. OTIS shows current prisoners, parolees, and those on probation under MDOC supervision. Offender information is removed from the system three years after their discharge date. The Michigan Sex Offender Registry is free at mspsor.com and searchable by name, address, or ZIP code.

Branch County Property Public Records

Property records in Branch County are filed with the Register of Deeds at 23 East Pearl Street in Coldwater. The Register records deeds, mortgages, liens, land contracts, easements, and subdivision plats. An online search is available through the county website at countyofbranch.com. You can search by owner name, legal description, and document type. Contact the office directly for current fee information on copies.

For in-person searches, public access terminals may be available at the Register of Deeds office during business hours. The Equalization Office at (517) 279-4312 handles property tax assessments and can assist with parcel identification. Standard copy fees across Michigan typically run $1 per page, with a $5 fee for certified copies, but confirm current rates with the office before visiting.

State vital records cost $34 for the first certified copy, with additional copies at $16 each.

Vital Records in Branch County

The Branch County Clerk keeps certified copies of birth, death, and marriage records for events that occurred in Branch County. You can request these in person at 23 East Pearl Street in Coldwater or by mail. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID for in-person requests. Mail requests need a copy of your ID included with the form and payment.

Fees for county-level vital records vary. Contact the Clerk at (517) 279-4306 for current rates before submitting a request. For older records or if the county does not have the record on file, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services maintains vital records statewide at michigan.gov/mdhhs. State records for birth, death, marriage, and divorce go back to 1867 in Michigan.

FOIA Requests and Public Records Access

Under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act, MCL 15.231, you have the right to inspect and copy public records held by Branch County offices. Submit your FOIA request in writing to the County Clerk at 23 East Pearl Street, Coldwater, MI 49036. Describe the records you want clearly enough for staff to find them. The county must respond within 5 business days. They can extend this by up to 10 additional business days in some cases.

Fees may apply for copying and for staff time spent on large requests. The state caps labor fees at six times the state minimum hourly wage. Free inspection of records is an option if you just want to view them without getting copies. Fee waivers are available for those who qualify under MCL 15.234. Michigan's FOIA statute is available through the Michigan Legislature website.

Cities in Branch County

Branch County's county seat is Coldwater, where the main public records offices are located. Other communities in Branch County include Union City, Quincy, Bronson, and several smaller townships. All public records for these areas are filed through county offices in Coldwater.

Nearby Counties

Branch County is in the south-central Lower Peninsula, bordered by Indiana to the south. Check the location of the event to confirm which county holds a record.