Alcona County Court Dockets
Court docket records for Alcona County are maintained by the County Clerk in Harrisville. The 23rd Circuit Court handles civil, criminal, and family cases for Alcona County residents. You can search docket entries online through the statewide MiCOURT portal or visit the clerk's office in person to find case records, view the Register of Actions, and request certified copies of court documents.
Alcona County Overview
Alcona County Circuit Court Records
Alcona County falls under the 23rd Circuit Court, a multicounty circuit that also serves Arenac, Iosco, and Oscoda Counties. The County Clerk in Harrisville acts as the clerk for the circuit court. All civil, criminal, family, and probate cases filed in Alcona County go through this office. Court records date back to March 12, 1869. Records before that date may be held in Mackinac, Cheboygan, Alpena, or Iosco County, depending on when the case was filed.
The clerk's office keeps the official Register of Actions for each case. This document lists every filing, hearing, order, and judgment in chronological order. It is the most complete docket record available for any case. You can view the Register of Actions at the courthouse or request a copy. The clerk does not perform research on your behalf. You must know the party name or case number before you visit.
| Court | 23rd Circuit Court - Alcona County |
|---|---|
| Address | 106 5th Street, Harrisville, MI 48740 |
| Mailing Address | PO Box 308, Harrisville, MI 48740 |
| Phone | (989) 724-9410 |
| Fax | (989) 724-9419 |
| clerk@alcona-county.net | |
| Hours | Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to Noon and 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. |
| County Clerk | Stephany Eller |
How to Find Alcona County Court Dockets
The main tool for searching Alcona County court dockets online is the Michigan Courts Case Search portal. This free statewide tool covers Circuit Court, Court of Appeals, Supreme Court, and Court of Claims cases. You can search by name, case number, or attorney. The results show case status, party names, and docket entries. No login is needed. Just go to the site and enter what you know.
Keep in mind that the online portal does not provide document images. You can see that a motion was filed, but you cannot read the motion itself through the portal. For full documents, you need to visit the courthouse or send a written request by mail. Personal Protection Order cases are not searchable online under MCR 3.705. Juvenile cases and HYTA matters are also restricted from public online access.
For in-person searches, go to the clerk's office at 106 5th Street in Harrisville. The office is open weekday mornings and afternoons with a midday break. Bring the name of the party or case number. Staff cannot do the search for you, but public access terminals are available at most courthouses for self-service lookups.
Note: The Alcona County Clerk's Office does not conduct research for requesters. You must search records yourself or hire someone to help you.
Requesting Alcona County Court Records
You can request court records from Alcona County three ways: in person at the courthouse, by mail, or by email for some record types. In-person visits let you view the file and get copies on the same day. Mail requests take longer but work well if you know exactly what you need. Send your written request to PO Box 308, Harrisville, MI 48740. Include the case name, case number if you have it, and the specific documents you want.
Copy fees run $1 per page for standard copies. Certified copies cost more. The certification fee adds to the per-page cost. For exact pricing, call (989) 724-9410 before you send payment. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope with mail requests so the clerk can return the copies to you. Checks or money orders are the safest payment for mail requests.
The statewide SCAO forms page has standard record request forms you can print and fill out before you visit or mail in a request. Using the official form helps ensure the clerk has all the information needed to find your case quickly.
Historical records go back to 1869. Pre-statehood and very old records may be at the Archives of Michigan in Lansing. The Archives charges separate research fees starting at $15 for general record searches.
Note: Mail requests to Alcona County should include a self-addressed stamped envelope and clearly state the case name, number, and document type needed.
What Alcona County Dockets Contain
A court docket in Alcona County is the official log of everything that happens in a case. The Register of Actions (ROA) is the main docket document. It shows each filing date, document type, and any court orders or judgments entered. Civil cases include contract disputes, property matters, and personal injury claims. Criminal cases show charges, hearing dates, and the final outcome. Family cases cover divorce, custody, support, and paternity filings.
Most court records in Alcona County are public. Anyone can ask to see them. However, certain case types are not available to the public. Juvenile records are confidential under MCL 600.1750. Cases handled under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act are sealed. First-time drug offender dispositions under MCL 333.7411 do not appear in public online searches. These restrictions protect individuals in sensitive situations while keeping most court records open for public inspection.
Online records show basic docket information but are not official court records. Do not use online search results for background checks or legal proceedings. Always get certified copies from the clerk's office when you need official proof of a court record.
Legal Resources for Alcona County
If you need help understanding court records or navigating the court system, Michigan Legal Help is a free online resource. The site has step-by-step guides for common legal situations. It covers how to file, what forms to use, and what to expect in court. For criminal background check purposes, use the Michigan State Police ICHAT system rather than court docket searches. ICHAT provides official criminal history records and is the proper tool for employment and licensing checks.
The Michigan Courts e-filing system, MiFILE, allows attorneys and self-represented parties to file documents electronically. MiFILE also sends email updates when your case has new activity, so you can track filings without checking the docket manually. For older Supreme Court and Court of Appeals case files, contact the Archives of Michigan directly at (517) 373-1408.
Cities in Alcona County
Alcona County does not have cities that meet the population threshold for dedicated pages. The county seat is Harrisville. All court filings for communities in Alcona County go through the 23rd Circuit Court clerk's office in Harrisville.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Alcona County. If you are not sure which court has your case, check the county where the case was filed or where the parties lived at the time of filing.