Cass County Public Records
How to Find Public Records in Cass County in 2026
Members of the public seeking publicly available information related to government activities, legal proceedings, and property transactions in Cass County, Michigan may access a range of documents through official county and state channels. The directory resource CassMIRecords.us aggregates publicly available data that may assist individuals in locating relevant record categories. Requestors may find information pertaining to the following record types:
- Court records (civil, criminal, probate, and family)
- Property deeds, mortgages, and liens
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage, and divorce)
- Tax and assessment records
- Business licenses and fictitious name filings
- Voting and election records
- Law enforcement incident reports (where permitted)
- County commission meeting minutes and agendas
Records in Cass County may be searched through official court resources, the County Clerk's office, public access terminals located at the courthouse, and authorized online tools.
Online Access: Members of the public may search Cass County court case information through the Michigan Courts case search portal, which includes records from the Cass Circuit Court, Cass Juvenile Division, and Cass Probate Court. Property records are accessible through the Cass County Register of Deeds. No registration is required to conduct basic searches on these state-maintained platforms.
In-Person Requests: Members of the public may visit the Cass County Clerk's Office at 120 N. Broadway, Cassopolis, MI 49031. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Requestors should present a completed written request form identifying the record sought, the approximate date range, and the name of the subject or party involved.
Written/Mail Requests: Written requests may be submitted to the Cass County Clerk at P.O. Box 355, Cassopolis, MI 49031. Requests must include the requestor's name, contact information, a description of the records sought, and the preferred format for delivery. Under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act, MCL § 15.235, the responding public body must respond within five business days of receipt.
Phone/Email: The Cass County Clerk's Office may be reached by telephone at (269) 445-4464.
What Are Public Records in Cass County?
Public records in Cass County are defined under Michigan law as any writing prepared, owned, used, possessed, or retained by a public body in the performance of an official function. Under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL § 15.232, a "public record" encompasses documents, photographs, maps, magnetic or electronic data, and other recorded information regardless of physical form or characteristics.
The following record types are currently maintained by Cass County offices:
| Record Type | Maintaining Office |
|---|---|
| Civil, criminal, probate, and family court records | Cass County Circuit Court / Probate Court |
| Property deeds, mortgages, and liens | Register of Deeds |
| Vital records (birth, death, marriage, divorce) | County Clerk / Michigan DHHS |
| Business licenses and fictitious name filings | County Clerk |
| Property tax and assessment records | County Treasurer / Equalization |
| Voting and election records | County Clerk |
| Meeting minutes and agendas | County Clerk / Board of Commissioners |
| Law enforcement records | Cass County Sheriff's Office |
| Land use and zoning records | County Planning and Zoning |
Court case records for Cass County, including those from the Circuit Court, Juvenile Division, and Probate Court, are searchable through the MiCOURT case search system. As noted by the Michigan Supreme Court, "the information available here is presented on-line for informational use only and does not replace the official record on file with the court."
Vital records, including birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates, are maintained by both the Cass County Clerk and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Vital Records office.
Is Cass County an Open Records County?
Cass County operates in full compliance with Michigan's statewide open records framework. Under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act, MCL § 15.231 et seq., all public bodies in the state, including county offices, are required to disclose public records upon request unless a specific statutory exemption applies. The Act affirms that "it is the public policy of this state that all persons, except those persons incarcerated in state or local correctional facilities, are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of those who represent them as public officials and public employees."
Cass County does not maintain a separate county-level open records ordinance; the Michigan FOIA governs all public records requests submitted to county departments. The Cass County Board of Commissioners and all subordinate offices are subject to the Michigan Open Meetings Act, MCL § 15.261 et seq., which requires that deliberations and decisions of public bodies be conducted in open session and that meeting minutes be made available to the public.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Cass County?
The current fee structure for public records in Cass County is governed by Michigan FOIA and applicable county schedules. Fees may vary by record type and the office maintaining the record.
| Fee Category | Standard Amount |
|---|---|
| Paper copies (letter/legal size) | $0.10 per page (standard) |
| Certification of records | $1.00–$5.00 per document |
| Electronic format copies | Labor and media costs may apply |
| Search/labor fees | Actual cost for requests exceeding a threshold |
| Vital record certified copies | $34.00 per copy (state fee, MDHHS) |
| Property deed copies | Varies; contact Register of Deeds |
Michigan FOIA permits public bodies to charge for the actual cost of labor, duplication, mailing, and any other direct costs associated with fulfilling a request. Inspection of records at a public office is not subject to a fee. Fee waivers may be granted at the discretion of the public body when disclosure is in the public interest and the requester demonstrates an inability to pay. Accepted payment methods at the Cass County Clerk's Office include cash, check, and money order payable to Cass County.
Does Cass County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available to any member of the public at the offices of the Cass County Clerk, Register of Deeds, and other county departments during regular business hours. Michigan FOIA does not permit a public body to charge a fee for the inspection of records; fees apply only when copies are requested.
The following resources provide free online access to Cass County public records:
- The Michigan Courts case search portal provides free access to case information for the Cass Circuit Court, Cass Juvenile Division, and Cass Probate Court.
- The MiCOURT case search system offers free online lookup of court case data.
- The Michigan State Police maintains a free sex offender registry search, which the agency describes as intended "to assist the public in preventing and protecting against the commission of future criminal sexual acts by convicted sex offenders."
- Property assessment data may be reviewed at no cost through the Cass County Equalization Department's public access terminals.
Who Can Request Public Records in Cass County?
Any person may submit a public records request in Cass County. Michigan FOIA does not restrict access to residents of the state; non-residents retain the same right to request public records as Michigan residents. Requestors are not required to provide identification or state the purpose of their request as a condition of access, except in limited circumstances involving specific record types.
Restrictions apply in the following circumstances:
- Persons currently incarcerated in state or local correctional facilities are not entitled to submit FOIA requests under Michigan law.
- Certain records, such as law enforcement investigative files or sealed court documents, may require the requestor to demonstrate a qualifying interest or legal standing.
- Requests for records containing personal identifying information about third parties may result in partial disclosure, with exempt information redacted.
Individuals requesting their own records, such as personal vital records or criminal history, may be required to provide proof of identity. Requests for another individual's vital records require documentation of a qualifying relationship, such as parentage, legal guardianship, or authorized legal representation.
What Records Are Confidential in Cass County?
Michigan FOIA enumerates specific categories of records that are exempt from disclosure. The following records are currently withheld from public access in Cass County:
- Sealed court records and expunged criminal records
- Juvenile court records (subject to limited exceptions)
- Records pertaining to ongoing law enforcement investigations
- Personal identifying information, including Social Security numbers and financial account data
- Medical and mental health records protected under HIPAA
- Adoption records (accessible only to qualifying parties under MCL § 710.68)
- Child protective services and child welfare records
- Personnel records of public employees (with exceptions for disciplinary actions)
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information submitted to government agencies
- Security plans, vulnerability assessments, and critical infrastructure details
Michigan FOIA, at MCL § 15.243, sets forth the full list of statutory exemptions. Public bodies are required to identify the specific exemption relied upon when withholding any portion of a requested record and must disclose any non-exempt portions of a partially exempt document. Requestors who believe a record has been improperly withheld may seek administrative appeal or judicial review.
Cass County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Cass County Register of Deeds
120 N. Broadway, P.O. Box 355
Cassopolis, MI 49031
Phone: (269) 445-4464
Fax: (269) 445-4453
Register of Deeds List By Michigan County
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays.
Cass County Clerk's Office
120 N. Broadway
Cassopolis, MI 49031
Phone: (269) 445-4464
Cass County Clerk
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Cass County Circuit Court
60296 M-62
Cassopolis, MI 49031
Phone: (269) 445-4452
Cases, Opinions & Orders – Michigan Courts
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services – Vital Records
333 S. Grand Ave.
Lansing, MI 48909
Phone: (517) 335-8656
Vital Records – State of Michigan
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM