Access Cass County Public Records

Cass County public records are maintained by the County Clerk, Register of Deeds, and courts in Cassopolis, Michigan. Records go back to 1829, making this one of the oldest record collections in the state. This guide covers how to search court cases, land records, vital records, and other public documents in Cass County.

Cass County Clerk and Public Records Office

The Cass County Clerk's office is at 120 N. Broadway, Room 123, in Cassopolis. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Clerk phone is (269) 445-4464. Register of Deeds is (269) 445-8621. Fax for the Clerk is (269) 445-4406. Email goes to monicam@cassco.org. The current County Clerk is Barbara Wilson. The Register of Deeds is Monica McMichael. The county website is at casscountymi.org.

Cass County has some of the oldest government records in Michigan. Land records go back to 1829. Probate records also start in 1829. Court records begin in 1831. Marriage records date to 1830. These deep archives make Cass County especially useful for genealogy research and historical property searches. Staff at the office can help you navigate older records that may not be fully digitized.

The site links to online property record search tools and county department information.

Cass County Court Records

Cass County is part of the 43rd Circuit Court, which is shared with Van Buren County. The county also has its own District Court and Probate Court in Cassopolis. Circuit court handles major civil and criminal cases along with family law. The District Court covers misdemeanors, small claims, and traffic matters. Probate handles estates and guardianships.

You can search case information using the free statewide MiCOURT tool at micourt.courts.michigan.gov/case-search/. Search by party name, case number, or attorney bar number. Results show docket entries and case status. Full case files are only available in person at the Cassopolis courthouse. Certified copies of court records require a formal request to the court clerk.

Note: Not all court types are visible online. Juvenile records, adoptions, personal protection orders, and mental health case files are restricted from public online display.

Criminal History Records

The Michigan State Police ICHAT database covers criminal history for Cass County. Each search costs $10 and is available at apps.michigan.gov/ICHAT/. ICHAT includes felony convictions and serious misdemeanors across all 83 Michigan counties. It does not include traffic records, local misdemeanors carrying 93 days or less, juvenile records, or records from other states.

For corrections records, OTIS is the free search tool maintained by the Michigan Department of Corrections. Find it at mdocweb.state.mi.us/otis2/otis2.aspx. It covers current prisoners, parolees, and active probationers statewide. Records are deleted three years after discharge from supervision. Sex offender records are searchable free through mspsor.com using name, address, or ZIP code.

Cass County Property Public Records

The Register of Deeds in Cassopolis keeps all property records for Cass County. The office records deeds, mortgages, land contracts, liens, easements, plats, and other real property documents. Their online search system, EagleRecorder, is free at index.casscountymi.org. You can search by name, document type, date range, or legal description. The system covers records from 1829 forward, one of the deepest online property record databases in Michigan.

The EagleRecorder system is accessible around the clock and does not require a subscription or per-search fee.

For in-person searches, the Register of Deeds office is open during regular business hours. Contact the office for current copy fees. Most Michigan counties charge $1 per page for standard copies and $5 for certified copies, but confirm with the office directly.

Vital Records in Cass County

The County Clerk handles vital records for Cass County. Birth records go back to 1867. Death records start in 1867 as well. Marriage records extend back to 1830. Requests can be made in person at 120 N. Broadway in Cassopolis or by mail. A valid government-issued ID is needed for in-person requests. Mail requests need a copy of your ID included with payment and the request form.

Contact the Clerk at (269) 445-4464 for current fees and form requirements before submitting a request. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services also issues certified vital records statewide. The state office handles requests at michigan.gov/mdhhs. State fees are $34 for the first certified copy of any vital record, with additional copies at $16 each.

FOIA Requests in Cass County

Michigan's Freedom of Information Act at MCL 15.231 lets any member of the public request government records from Cass County offices. Submit a written FOIA request to the County Clerk at 120 N. Broadway, Cassopolis, MI 49031. Describe the records you want clearly. The county has 5 business days to respond. They can extend that window by up to 10 more days if the request is large or complex.

Copy fees and staff labor costs may apply. Those receiving public assistance or with demonstrated financial hardship may qualify for a fee waiver under MCL 15.234. Free record inspection is available if you do not need physical copies. Each department manages its own FOIA requests, so contact the relevant office directly for court records, sheriff records, or other department-specific files.

Cities in Cass County

Cassopolis is the county seat of Cass County and the location of all main county public records offices. Other communities in Cass County include Dowagiac, Edwardsburg, Marcellus, and Vandalia. All court, property, and vital records for events in these communities are filed through county offices in Cassopolis.

Nearby Counties

Cass County is in the southwest corner of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, sharing borders with Indiana and several other counties. Cass and Van Buren counties share the 43rd Circuit Court.