Leelanau County Phone Directory

The Leelanau County phone directory connects you with public record offices and government contacts in this scenic northwest Michigan county. Leland serves as the county seat, and the courthouse there handles court filings, vital records, and property documents. You can use this phone directory guide to find the right numbers for the circuit court, district court, county clerk, and register of deeds. Whether you search online through MiCOURT or visit the Leland courthouse in person, this page shows you how to get the records you need from Leelanau County.

Leelanau County Clerk Office

The Leelanau County Clerk manages vital records and court administration from the Government Center at 8527 E. Government Center Drive in Suttons Bay. The phone number is (231) 256-9824. This office issues birth, death, and marriage certificates for events recorded in Leelanau County. Office hours are weekdays, and most requests can be handled in person or by mail.

Michigan law restricts access to certain vital records. Under MCL 333.2815, birth records less than 100 years old can only be obtained by the person named, a parent, or a legal representative. Death and marriage records are open to the public. Leelanau County clerk fees are generally less than the state rate of $34 charged by MDHHS in Lansing. Check with the clerk for current pricing before you visit.

The phone directory for the Leelanau County clerk also covers election services and court filing assistance. Staff can help you find the right forms for various court proceedings.

Court Records in Leelanau County

Leelanau County falls under the 13th Circuit Court, which also serves Grand Traverse County. The circuit court handles felonies, major civil disputes, family law matters, and appeals from lower courts. You can search for Leelanau County circuit court cases through the MiCOURT system at no cost. Just enter a last name with at least two letters. The results show party names, case types, dates, and docket entries.

The 86th District Court handles misdemeanors, traffic cases, small claims, and civil matters under $25,000 in Leelanau County. These records are also available through MiCOURT. Case type codes tell you what kind of case you are looking at. CR means criminal, CB is civil, and TR covers traffic violations. Document images are typically not posted online, so you will need to contact the court clerk for copies of specific filings.

Note: Records involving juveniles, mental health proceedings, and expunged convictions are not accessible through any public phone directory search.

Leelanau Property Record Searches

The Leelanau County Register of Deeds maintains records for all property transactions in the county. Deeds, mortgages, liens, and land contracts are recorded at the county building. You can search by owner name, parcel ID, or property address. The register of deeds phone number is (231) 256-9838. Copy fees run about $1 per page for standard copies.

Tax records fall under the Leelanau County Treasurer. The treasurer tracks assessed values, tax bills, and payment status for every parcel. Property owners can appeal their assessed values at the local Board of Review each March. For phone directory questions about property taxes in Leelanau County, reach out to the treasurer's office directly. Michigan's FOIA law under MCL 15.231-15.246 ensures public access to most property records held by county offices.

State Databases for Leelanau Searches

Statewide tools give you another way to find Leelanau County records from anywhere. The ICHAT criminal background check costs $10 and returns Michigan convictions instantly. You need the person's full name and date of birth.

The Michigan Voter Information Center checks registration status with a name, birth month, birth year, and ZIP code. The Secretary of State business search finds registered businesses by name or officer. For vital records from anywhere in Michigan, the MDHHS Vital Records office charges $34 per copy.

The Michigan State Police ICHAT system is one of the most used phone directory resources for background searches across Leelanau County and the entire state.

ICHAT results are valid for 30 days after the search date and show convictions only.

How to Get Leelanau Records

Records in Leelanau County are kept at the Government Center in Suttons Bay. The county clerk handles vital records and court files. The register of deeds stores property documents. The treasurer manages tax data. All offices are in the same building. For court records, start with MiCOURT online. Vital records come from the county clerk at fees lower than the $34 state rate. Property documents go through the register of deeds, and tax questions go to the treasurer. The Leelanau County phone directory gives you the right number for each office.

Leelanau County FOIA Process

You can request government records from Leelanau County under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act. Send a written request to the county FOIA coordinator with a clear description of what you need. The response deadline is 5 business days, with a possible 10-day extension. Fees are $0.10 per page for paper copies. Deposits are required for requests expected to cost more than $50.

Fee waivers may be granted based on financial hardship or public interest. If your request is denied, you have 180 days to appeal to the Office of the Ombudsman or file suit in Circuit Court. FOIA covers almost all government records, with limited exceptions for things like active investigations and certain personal information.

Legal Aid Near Leelanau County

Free legal help is available for Leelanau County residents through Legal Aid of Western Michigan at (616) 774-0672. Michigan Legal Help at (888) 783-8190 assists people statewide. The Michigan Courts website offers self-help forms and procedural guides. The State Bar referral line at (800) 968-0738 can match you with a local lawyer.

Nearby Counties

Leelanau County is at the tip of the northwest Lower Peninsula. These neighboring counties have their own phone directory pages.