Look Up Cass County Records

The Cass County phone directory is your guide to finding public records in this part of Michigan. Offices in Cassopolis handle everything from court filings and property deeds to birth certificates and marriage licenses. This page covers the main departments you will deal with, including the county clerk, register of deeds, and court system. You can also learn about state-level search tools that cover Cass County records. Use the contact info and links on this page to reach the right office and get the records you are looking for.

Court Records in Cass County

You can search Cass County court cases online for free. The MiCOURT system is the state's main court records database. It covers every county in Michigan. Type in a last name and you will see cases filed in circuit court, district court, and probate court. The search works for Cass County cases heard at the courthouse in Cassopolis.

Each result shows the case number, parties involved, case type, and current status. You can click into a case to see the full docket with all entries, hearing dates, and dispositions. Case type codes like CR for criminal, CB for civil, and DR for domestic relations help you sort through results. MiCOURT does not show sealed or expunged records, and juvenile cases are off limits to the public under Michigan law.

If you need a physical copy of a court document from Cass County, you will have to go through the clerk's office in Cassopolis. The MiCOURT phone directory page for each court lists the address and phone number. Certified copies of court orders typically cost $10 plus $1 per page. Under MCL 600.101, the public has a right to access most court records, but the court can restrict files in certain situations.

Note: MiCOURT is free to search but does not include document images for most courts.

Cass County Land Records

Cass County property records are filed with the Register of Deeds at the courthouse in Cassopolis. This includes deeds, land contracts, mortgages, discharge documents, and plat maps. The office records new documents and keeps copies of all past filings. You can search these records by visiting the office or, in some cases, through an online portal on the Cass County website.

For property tax information, contact the Cass County Treasurer. Tax records show the property owner, assessed and taxable values, millage rates, and payment history. These records are public. The phone directory for Cass County lists the treasurer's office number and address. If you are looking up property for a real estate transaction, title search, or similar purpose, both the Register of Deeds and the Treasurer can provide what you need. Fees for copies vary but typically run a few dollars per page for standard copies and more for certified versions.

The Michigan State Police ICHAT portal is one of the state-level tools that covers Cass County records along with the rest of Michigan.

You can use this resource to search for records that include Cass County data from Cassopolis and surrounding areas.

Cass County Clerk Office

The Cass County Clerk's office in Cassopolis is the main hub for public records in this part of the state. You can reach the clerk for questions about court filings, vital records, and general county business. The office handles marriage licenses, birth and death record requests, and a range of other documents that fall under county control. Walk-in visits are the most direct way to get what you need, but phone and mail requests work too.

The clerk's office sits at the Cass County Courthouse in Cassopolis, Michigan. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM in most cases. Call ahead to check if hours have changed. The Cass County phone directory for the clerk's office can be found on the county's official site. Staff can help you figure out which forms to fill out, what fees apply, and how long you can expect to wait for your records. They also handle notary services and passport applications in some cases.

If you want to look up a record before going in, check the state-level tools first. The clerk's office in Cass County works with the same state systems that all 83 Michigan counties use. That said, some older records may only be on file at the local office in Cassopolis.

Criminal History in Cass County

There are two main ways to search criminal records in Cass County. The first is the ICHAT system run by the Michigan State Police. It costs $10 and shows Michigan convictions tied to the name and date of birth you enter. Results are instant. The second is MiCOURT, which shows criminal cases filed in Cass County courts for free.

ICHAT is the more comprehensive option for statewide criminal history. It pulls from a database maintained by the Michigan State Police. You get conviction records, some warrant information, and sex offender registry data. It does not show arrests without convictions, juvenile records, or expunged cases. The report is good for 30 days. MiCOURT gives you case-level detail for specific courts in Cass County, including the docket, hearing dates, and sentencing info where available.

Michigan FOIA law under MCL 15.231 through MCL 15.246 governs access to public records, including criminal history. You do not have to give a reason for requesting a criminal background check through ICHAT. Anyone can run a search as long as they pay the fee and have the required name and date of birth.

Note: ICHAT only covers Michigan records and does not include out-of-state convictions.

Cass Birth and Death Records

The Cass County Clerk in Cassopolis is your local source for vital records. Birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce records are all handled through this office. County-level fees tend to be lower than what the state charges, so it pays to check with the Cass County Clerk before ordering from Lansing.

At the state level, the MDHHS Vital Records office charges $34 for the first certified copy and $16 for each additional copy. You can order by mail to PO Box 30721 in Lansing, online through VitalChek, or in person at 333 S. Grand Avenue. The Cass County phone directory can connect you to the local clerk who handles these requests at the county level. Michigan law under MCL 333.2815 restricts access to recent birth records. Only the person named, parents, guardians, or legal representatives can get copies of birth certificates less than 100 years old. Death records and marriage records are public.

Cass County Open Records

The Michigan Freedom of Information Act under MCL 15.231 through MCL 15.246 gives anyone the right to request public records from Cass County government offices. You do not need to be a Michigan resident. Any person can submit a FOIA request. The county must respond within 5 business days. They can approve the request, deny it with an explanation, or ask for up to 10 more business days to process it.

To file a FOIA request in Cass County, put your request in writing. Include your name, contact info, and a clear description of the records you want. Send it to the FOIA coordinator at the Cass County office that holds the records. Each department may have its own coordinator. The Cass County phone directory can help you find the right person to contact. Standard fees are $0.10 per page for paper copies. Electronic copies cost the price of the storage media. Labor charges can apply for requests that take a lot of time to process.

If your request is denied, you can appeal within 180 days. Appeals go to the head of the public body or to Circuit Court. Fee waivers may be available if you can show you have low income or that the records serve a public interest.

Request Cass County Records

There are several ways to get copies of public records from Cass County offices. The method depends on the type of record and how fast you need it. In-person requests at the courthouse in Cassopolis are usually the quickest option. Mail requests take longer but work if you cannot travel to Cassopolis.

For court documents, start by searching MiCOURT to find the case number. Then contact the Cass County Clerk to request copies. Certified copies run about $10 for the first page plus $1 per additional page. Vital records can be ordered from the County Clerk in Cassopolis or from MDHHS at the state level. Property records come from the Cass County Register of Deeds. The Cass County phone directory has the direct contact info for each of these offices.

• Bring valid photo ID for in-person requests
• Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for mail requests
• Pay by cash, check, or money order at most county offices
• Call first to confirm current fees and availability

Nearby Counties in Michigan

If you need records from a neighboring county, these are the closest to Cass County. Each has its own clerk, court system, and register of deeds with phone directory contact info.