Michigan's District Courts are trial courts that handle cases involving torts, contracts, real property, and small claims matters valued up to $3,000, and ordinance violations. Michigan's Municipal Courts also handle torts and contracts involving disputes up to $1,500, and very small claims valued at less than $600. They also hear traffic violations. Michigan has a separate Probate Court that handles matters such as probate, estates, wills. Michigan's Probate Court also handles mental health cases. Michigan's Court of Claims exclusively handles administrative agency appeals involving claims against the state. Michigan's Circuit Courts handle higher-valued tort, contract and real property claims, and also has jurisdiction over some of the case types that are handled by other courts. Michigan also has a Court of Appeals and the Michigan Supreme Court, which hear criminal and civil appeals.

If you're trying to find Michigan court records, be aware that each of Michigan's state courts sets its own policy for record management. Although Michigan public records usually include most court records, the process of obtaining these can vary by court. The state provides further information regarding the availability of Michigan court documents on their website at http://courts.michigan.gov/scao/services/tcs/records.htm. There is also a downloadable chart of nonpublic records.