Public Records in Hillsdale County
Hillsdale County public records are held by the County Clerk, Register of Deeds, and the courts in Hillsdale. You can search court cases, property documents, vital records, and criminal history through county offices and Michigan state tools. This page covers how to find and request public records in Hillsdale County, Michigan.
Hillsdale County Overview
Hillsdale County Clerk and Public Records
The Hillsdale County Clerk's office and the Register of Deeds office are in Hillsdale. The Courthouse is at 29 N. Howell Street and the Office Building is at 33 McCollum St. Bambi Somerlott serves as Register of Deeds. Chelsea Lambright is Deputy Clerk and Circuit Court administrator. Hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5 PM.
The Circuit Court is at 29 N Howell St and can be reached at (517) 437-3391. The District Court is at 49 N Howell St and the number is (517) 437-7329. The Register of Deeds is reachable at (517) 437-2231. The county website is at co.hillsdale.mi.us.
Hillsdale County's Register of Deeds has a strong set of online search tools. These include Cloud Fusion full-text search going back to 1835, a Search Public Records system, Kofile QuickLinks for document access, and an interactive mapping application for property research. The combination of tools makes Hillsdale County one of the better Michigan counties for remote property record research.
The Hillsdale County website at co.hillsdale.mi.us provides access to department contacts and online search tools for court records, property records, and other public documents.
| Courthouse Address | 29 N. Howell Street, Hillsdale, MI 49242 |
|---|---|
| District Court Address | 49 N. Howell Street, Hillsdale, MI 49242 |
| Circuit Court Phone | (517) 437-3391 |
| District Court Phone | (517) 437-7329 |
| Register of Deeds Phone | (517) 437-2231 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | co.hillsdale.mi.us |
Hillsdale County Court Records and Case Search
Hillsdale County has the 1st Judicial Circuit Court, the 2B District Court, and the Probate Court. The Circuit Court is at 29 N Howell St and handles felony cases, civil cases over $25,000, and family law. The District Court is at 49 N Howell St and covers misdemeanors, civil cases up to $25,000, and traffic matters. The Probate Court handles estates and guardianship.
Use MiCOURT at micourt.courts.michigan.gov to search Hillsdale County cases for free online. Search by party name or case number. Results include docket entries, case status, and hearing dates. Non-public cases, including juvenile and mental health matters, are excluded. For certified copies or access to full case files, contact the circuit court clerk at (517) 437-3391 or the district court clerk at (517) 437-7329.
Note: Hillsdale County is part of Michigan's 1st Judicial Circuit, one of the oldest circuit court designations in the state, reflecting Hillsdale County's early statehood history.
Criminal History Public Records in Hillsdale County
Michigan State Police manages the ICHAT criminal history search tool. Searches cost $10 per name. Go to apps.michigan.gov/ICHAT. Results include felony convictions and serious misdemeanors from all 83 Michigan counties, including Hillsdale. ICHAT does not cover traffic violations, local misdemeanors, juvenile records, or warrant information.
For MDOC corrections records, the free OTIS system at mdocweb.state.mi.us/otis2 shows current and recent supervision status. Records are removed three years after discharge. For Hillsdale County jail records, call the Sheriff at (517) 437-6445. The Sheriff's office is at 165 W. Fayette St in Hillsdale.
If you need a more complete record that goes beyond ICHAT, a fingerprint-based background check is available. The MSP criminal history page at michigan.gov/msp explains how to get one. Fingerprint checks run $50 to $70 through approved vendors.
Hillsdale County Property Public Records
The Register of Deeds at 33 McCollum St holds Hillsdale County land records from 1835. Document types include deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and surveys. Hillsdale County offers several ways to search remotely. The Cloud Fusion system allows full-text searching back to 1835. The Search Public Records portal and Kofile QuickLinks give additional document access. An interactive mapping application helps identify parcels visually before pulling documents.
Copy fees are $1 per page for standard documents. UCC filings and plats cost $2 per page. Certification adds $5. For in-person access, the Register's office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5 PM. Call (517) 437-2231 with questions about specific document availability.
Hillsdale County's property archive reflects a rural, agricultural base. The county has been farmed since the early 1800s, and the land record chain for many parcels is long and detailed. Hillsdale College, a well-known private college in the city of Hillsdale, appears in property records dating back to its founding in the mid-19th century.
Vital Records in Hillsdale County
The Hillsdale County Clerk holds birth, death, and marriage records. Marriage records go through the clerk's office. Birth and death records can also be ordered through the state. Requests can be made in person, by mail, or through the Michigan Vital Records system online. Bring valid photo ID for in-person requests.
Standard Michigan vital record fees apply. The state MDHHS portal is at michigan.gov/mdhhs and charges $34 for the first certified copy and $16 for each additional copy of the same record. For local orders by mail, write to: Hillsdale County Clerk, 33 McCollum St, Hillsdale, MI 49242. Include your request, a copy of ID, and the fee.
FOIA and Public Records Access in Hillsdale County
Under MCL 15.231, you have the right to request records from any Hillsdale County government office. Written FOIA requests go to the appropriate department. The county has 5 business days to respond. Extensions of up to 10 additional days are allowed for complex requests.
Fees are based on actual costs. Standard page copies run $0.10 each. Labor charges may apply for large or extensive requests. Some records are exempt under MCL 15.243, including personnel files, active investigations, and medical records. If your request is denied, you can appeal to the head of the public body, then to circuit court. The full FOIA statute is at legislature.mi.gov.
Fee waivers are available for people who receive public assistance or can show financial hardship. The county must notify you if a waiver is denied and give the reason.
Cities in Hillsdale County
Hillsdale is the county seat and largest city in Hillsdale County. Jonesville and Litchfield are other incorporated cities in the county. All court filings and official record requests for Hillsdale County communities are handled through the county offices at 29 N. Howell Street and 33 McCollum St in Hillsdale.
No cities in Hillsdale County currently meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page on this site. Use the county clerk and court offices in Hillsdale for all record requests.
Nearby Counties
Hillsdale County is in the far south of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, near the Indiana and Ohio borders. These neighboring counties have their own records offices.