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How to Find Public Records in Wexford County in 2026
Members of the public seeking government documents in Wexford County, Michigan, may access a broad range of publicly available information through official county and state channels. WexfordRecords.us provides a directory of resources that may assist individuals in locating publicly available data related to court proceedings, property ownership, vital statistics, and other government-maintained documents. The records accessible through official sources may include, but are not limited to:
- Court records (civil, criminal, probate, and family)
- Property deeds, mortgages, and liens
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage, and divorce)
- Business licenses and fictitious name registrations
- Property tax and assessment records
- Voting and election records
- County commission meeting minutes and agendas
- Budget and financial documents
- Law enforcement incident reports (where permitted)
- Land use and zoning records
Records may be searched through official court resources, county clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools maintained by state and county agencies.
Online Access:
- The Wexford County 28th Circuit Court maintains case information accessible through the Michigan Courts system.
- The MiCOURT Case Search portal allows members of the public to search Michigan court case records online. As noted by the Michigan judiciary, "Michigan and federal law preclude disclosure of certain information to the public, and that nonpublic information is not accessible through this website."
- Property records are accessible through the Wexford County Register of Deeds and the statewide Register of Deeds directory by Michigan county.
In-Person Requests: Members of the public may visit the Wexford County Clerk's Office at 437 E. Division Street, Cadillac, MI 49601. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Requestors should present a written or verbal request identifying the record sought with sufficient specificity to allow staff to locate the document.
Written/Mail Requests: Written requests may be submitted to the Wexford County Clerk, 437 E. Division Street, Cadillac, MI 49601. Under Michigan Freedom of Information Act § 15.235, a public body must respond to a request within five business days of receipt, with a possible extension of up to ten additional business days.
Phone/Email:
- Wexford County Clerk: (231) 779-9450
- Email inquiries may be directed through the county's official website at wexfordcounty.org.
What Are Public Records in Wexford County?
Public records in Wexford County are defined under Michigan law as any writing prepared, owned, used, in the possession of, or retained by a public body in the performance of an official function. Under Michigan Freedom of Information Act § 15.232, a "public record" encompasses documents, computer data, photographs, films, and other recorded information created or maintained by a government body.
The following record types are currently maintained by designated county offices:
| Record Type | Maintaining Office |
|---|---|
| Civil and criminal court records | Wexford County Circuit Court |
| Probate and family court records | Wexford County Probate Court |
| Property deeds and mortgages | Register of Deeds |
| Vital records (birth, death, marriage) | County Clerk |
| Business licenses and permits | County Clerk / State of Michigan |
| Property tax and assessment records | County Treasurer / Equalization |
| Voting and election records | County Clerk |
| Meeting minutes and agendas | County Clerk |
| Law enforcement records | Wexford County Sheriff's Office |
| Land use and zoning records | County Planning and Zoning |
The Wexford County office of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services maintains certain social services and health-related records at 10641 W. Watergate Rd, Cadillac, MI 49601.
Is Wexford County an Open Records County?
Wexford County operates in full compliance with Michigan's statewide open records framework. Under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL § 15.231 et seq., all public bodies in the state, including county agencies, are required to disclose public records upon request unless a specific statutory exemption applies. The Act declares 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."
Wexford County does not maintain a separate county-level open records ordinance; the Michigan FOIA governs all public records requests submitted to county departments. Each county department designated as a public body is independently responsible for responding to FOIA requests directed to that office. The county's compliance with Michigan's sunshine laws extends to public meetings, which are governed by the Michigan Open Meetings Act, MCL § 15.261 et seq.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Wexford County?
The current fee structure for public records in Wexford County is governed by the Michigan FOIA and the county's adopted FOIA procedures. Standard fees applicable to most requests are as follows:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Paper copies (letter/legal size) | $0.10 per page (standard) |
| Certification of records | Varies by office |
| Electronic format copies | Labor and media costs may apply |
| Search and labor fees | Charged when search exceeds 0 hours (first hour free) |
| Mailing/delivery costs | Actual cost |
Under MCL § 15.234, a public body may charge a fee that does not exceed the actual cost of providing the copy, and the first hour of labor for search, examination, review, and deletion of exempt material is provided at no charge. Fees for records maintained by the Register of Deeds, such as certified copies of deeds or liens, may differ and are set pursuant to the Michigan Revised Judicature Act and applicable recording fee schedules.
Accepted payment methods at the Wexford County Clerk's Office include cash, check, and money order payable to Wexford County. Fee waivers may be granted at the discretion of the public body when the requester demonstrates that the public interest in disclosure substantially outweighs any private interest.
Does Wexford County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available to members of the public at designated county offices during regular business hours. Under Michigan FOIA, a public body may not charge a fee for the inspection of public records; fees apply only when copies are requested.
The following resources provide free access to certain Wexford County records:
- Online court case search: The MiCOURT Case Search portal provides free online access to Michigan court case information, subject to statutory restrictions on nonpublic data.
- Circuit court proceedings: Members of the public may observe Michigan court livestreams for participating courts at no cost. As stated by the Michigan Supreme Court, "The Michigan Supreme Court is providing the information on this website as a public service."
- Property records: Basic property record information is accessible through the county's online GIS and equalization portals at no charge.
- Register of Deeds: The statewide Michigan Register of Deeds directory provides contact information for in-person inspection of recorded documents.
The distinction between free inspection and free copies is significant: members of the public may inspect records at no cost, but obtaining physical or electronic copies is subject to the fee schedule described above.
Who Can Request Public Records in Wexford County?
Any person may submit a public records request in Wexford County. Under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, the right to request public records extends to all individuals, regardless of residency, citizenship, or stated purpose. Requestors are not required to be Michigan residents, and the Act does not permit a public body to require a requester to state the reason for the request as a condition of fulfillment.
Key eligibility provisions include:
- Residency: Not required. Non-residents of Michigan retain full rights to request public records.
- Identification: A public body may not require a requestor to provide identification as a condition of fulfilling a FOIA request, except in limited circumstances involving records pertaining to the requestor personally.
- Purpose: Requestors are not required to state the purpose of their request.
- Restrictions: Persons currently incarcerated in state or local correctional facilities are excluded from FOIA rights under MCL § 15.232.
- Personal records: Individuals requesting records about themselves may be subject to identity verification requirements to protect against unauthorized disclosure of personal information.
Certain record types, such as law enforcement investigative records or records protected under federal privacy statutes, may impose additional access conditions regardless of the requestor's identity.
What Records Are Confidential in Wexford County?
Not all government-maintained records are subject to public disclosure. Michigan FOIA enumerates specific categories of exempt records under MCL § 15.243, which provides that a public body may exempt from disclosure records that fall within defined categories. The following records are currently treated as confidential or restricted in Wexford County:
- Sealed court records: Records sealed by judicial order are not accessible to the public.
- Juvenile records: Records pertaining to juvenile proceedings are restricted under Michigan court rules and state statute.
- Ongoing criminal investigations: Law enforcement records compiled in connection with an active investigation are exempt to the extent that disclosure would interfere with law enforcement proceedings.
- Personal identifying information: Social Security numbers, financial account data, and similar identifiers are redacted prior to disclosure.
- Medical records: Records protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and Michigan public health statutes are not subject to public disclosure.
- Adoption records: Adoption proceedings and related documents are sealed under Michigan law.
- Child welfare and protective services records: Records maintained by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services related to child protective services are confidential.
- Personnel records: Employee personnel files are exempt, with limited exceptions for certain public officials.
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information: Commercially sensitive information submitted to a public body in confidence is exempt from disclosure.
- Security plans and critical infrastructure details: Records the disclosure of which would endanger public safety or security are withheld.
When a record contains both exempt and non-exempt information, the public body is required to separate and disclose the non-exempt portions.
Wexford County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Office Name: Wexford County Clerk / Register of Deeds
Physical Address: 437 E. Division Street Cadillac, MI 49601
Phone: (231) 779-9450 Website: Wexford County Clerk and Register of Deeds
Office Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Closed on state and federal holidays.
Additional Offices:
Wexford County Circuit Court (28th Judicial Circuit) 437 E. Division Street Cadillac, MI 49601 (231) 779-9556 Wexford County Circuit Court
Wexford County Sheriff's Office 518 E. Chapin Street Cadillac, MI 49601 (231) 779-9211 Wexford County Sheriff's Office
Wexford County MDHHS Office 10641 W. Watergate Rd Cadillac, MI 49601 (231) 775-6681 Wexford County – State of Michigan MDHHS
Wexford County Treasurer 437 E. Division Street Cadillac, MI 49601 (231) 779-9453 Wexford County Treasurer