Court Records Request

As Clerk of the Circuit Court, the clerk opens, maintains, tracks and stores the records for all cases filed in the Circuit Court. Court files are public records and may be inspected at the Clerk's office at the Courthouse.

Litigants file at the Clerk of the Court's office for divorce, other family matters (e.g. paternity, custody and juvenile support), civil actions for which the amount of damages exceeds $25,000 and other civil matters over which the Circuit Court has jurisdiction.

All felony criminal cases are filed with the County Clerk's Office.

Types of Records Available

  • Civil
  • Criminal
  • Family

Note: These records are for Berrien County only.

Request Forms

Information needed to perform a complete and accurate record check is the following:

  • Complete name (first, middle and last)
  • Include AKA’s
  • Date of birth or social security number. Please include the range of years that you would like to have checked.

Download the request form (PDF).

Where to Apply

You may apply for a records check at:
County Clerk Office
Berrien County Courthouse
811 Port Street, Room 123
St. Joseph, MI 49085

If you have any questions, you may call 269-983-7111, Ext. 8368 or email the Berrien County Clerk.

Fees

The fee for records checks per individual are $10. Certified copies of court documents are $11, plus $1 per page.