Washtenaw County Clerk of Court serves as the official administrative office within the county court system. It manages court records, filings, and daily judicial administration tasks. The office supports judges, court staff, and legal professionals across multiple courts. Its work helps keep court processes accurate and organized.
Washtenaw County Clerk of Court plays a direct role in supporting the Circuit, District, and Probate Courts. It handles case documentation, court schedules, and official records used during hearings. The office works as a public service point for residents seeking court-related information. Its structured processes help maintain consistency across the county court system.
What Is the Washtenaw County Clerk of Court?
The Washtenaw County Clerk of Court is the official office that Manages Court Records and supports daily court activity. It handles paperwork, case flow, and administrative tasks rather than legal decisions.
The washtenaw county clerk of courts refers to the public office responsible for court administration across county courts. This court clerk office serves as the administrative backbone of the local court system, keeping records accurate, organized, and available for lawful use. Judges rely on the clerk’s work to move cases forward in an orderly way.
What a Clerk of Court Does
A clerk of court manages the non-judicial side of court operations. The role focuses on structure, records, and procedural support rather than rulings or legal opinions.
Core clerk responsibilities include:
- Recording filings, motions, and court orders
- Managing case calendars and hearing schedules
- Maintaining official court records and dockets
- Collecting court fees and processing payments
- Supporting judicial staff with verified documentation
Clerk vs. Judge vs. Court
Each part of the court system has a distinct role:
- Judge: Makes legal decisions and issues rulings
- Court: The legal forum where cases are heard
- Clerk of Court: Manages records, filings, and court administration
The clerk does not interpret law or decide cases. Instead, the office provides judicial support that allows courts to operate in a consistent and transparent way.
Current Clerk of Washtenaw County
The current clerk of Washtenaw County is Lawrence (Larry) Kestenbaum, an elected official who leads the county’s clerk office and manages court records and office operations. He brings long-term public service experience and active leadership to the role.
Clerk Profile & Role
Lawrence Kestenbaum serves as the County Clerk and Register of Deeds for Washtenaw County, an office responsible for court record maintenance, filings, jury administration, and official documentation tied to court procedures. In Michigan, the clerk also holds duties related to vital records and county administration in addition to supporting the local court system.
As an elected official, Kestenbaum oversees office management and court leadership functions. He guides staff, ensures record accuracy, and maintains consistent procedures across court divisions. His role focuses on office management, public service, and clerk leadership rather than legal rulings.
Professional Background & Experience
Kestenbaum has served in this role since 2005, first taking office after election in 2004. He holds a Juris Doctor (JD) and brings experience in public administration, legal support, and records oversight to the clerk’s duties. His long tenure reflects sustained voter confidence and a deep focus on reliable court administration.
Key Initiatives & Public-Facing Achievements
Under his leadership, the clerk’s office has worked to improve record accuracy, modernize filing procedures, and engage with the public on court services and access rules. Throughout his tenure, Kestenbaum has been active in enhancing office operations and strengthening service quality for both legal professionals and community members.
Term & Election Information
The position of clerk is filled through periodic county elections. Kestenbaum has been re-elected multiple times, demonstrating continued public support for his work in court record management and public service
Core Responsibilities of the Clerk of Court
The clerk of court manages records, filings, and case materials that keep court activity organized. This work supports judges, court staff, and the public every day.
The clerk of court responsibilities focus on structure and reliability within the court system. Through careful record handling and court document processing, the clerk’s office supports judicial administration without taking part in legal decisions. Each task connects to fairness, accuracy, and orderly court operations.
Maintaining Official Court Records
Official court records form the legal history of every case. The clerk’s office handles record maintenance from the first filing through final disposition.
Key duties include:
- Preserving official court records in approved formats
- Updating case status changes and court actions
- Safeguarding sensitive case information
- Retaining records under state retention rules
Accurate records allow judges and court staff to review past actions and confirm procedural steps.
Processing Court Filings
Court cases rely on timely and accurate filings. The clerk’s office receives, reviews, and logs documents submitted by attorneys, agencies, and self-represented parties.
Filing tasks involve:
- Accepting pleadings, motions, and responses
- Verifying document format and filing dates
- Assigning case numbers and docket entries
- Routing filings to the correct court division
This process supports consistent case flow and reliable scheduling.
Managing Case Documentation
Each case creates multiple case documents over time. The clerk tracks these materials from start to close.
Document management includes:
- Linking filings to the correct case file
- Updating dockets after hearings or orders
- Organizing exhibits and supporting records
- Preparing certified copies when requested
Clear documentation helps avoid errors and confusion during court review.
Supporting Court Proceedings
Court proceedings depend on organized preparation. The clerk’s office supports hearings and trials through administrative coordination.
Support tasks include:
- Preparing case files for court sessions
- Recording court actions and outcomes
- Managing court calendars and schedules
- Assisting judges with verified case materials
Through these duties, the clerk’s office strengthens court administration and keeps court activity moving in an orderly way.
Filing Services Provided by the Clerk’s Office
Filing services allow court documents to enter the official court system. The clerk’s office receives, records, and validates filings so cases move forward in an orderly way.
Filing services form a major part of daily court activity. Through structured filing procedures, the clerk’s office supports judges, court staff, attorneys, and self-represented parties. Each document submission follows defined steps that protect record accuracy and case timelines.
Types of Documents Accepted
The clerk’s office accepts a wide range of court filings tied to active and new cases. These documents become part of the official court record once received and logged.
Common court filings include:
- Complaints, petitions, and initial case filings
- Motions, responses, and supporting briefs
- Court orders signed by a judge
- Judgments, notices, and case updates
- Affidavits and sworn statements
Each filing must match court rules for format, timing, and case type.
Filing Timelines and Deadlines
Filing deadlines affect how a case proceeds. Courts set deadlines by rule, statute, or court order. The clerk’s office tracks the date and time each document is received.
Key timing points include:
- Deadlines for responses and motions
- Cutoff dates before hearings or trials
- Same-day filing rules for urgent matters
Late filings may still be accepted for record purposes, though judges decide how timing affects a case.
Electronic vs. In-Person Filing
Filing methods vary by case type and court division. Many courts support electronic filing systems for faster processing. In-person filing remains available for certain documents and users.
High-level differences include:
- Electronic filing: Submitted through approved online systems, time-stamped automatically
- In-person filing: Delivered at the clerk’s counter during office hours
Both methods follow the same filing procedures once documents enter the system.
Clerk’s Role in Document Validation
The clerk’s office reviews filings for completeness and procedural compliance. This review checks formatting, required information, and filing fees.
Validation includes:
- Confirming correct case numbers
- Verifying signatures and attachments
- Recording filing dates and docket entries
Court Records & Record Maintenance
Court records document every action taken in a case from filing to closure. Record maintenance keeps these materials accurate, secure, and usable over time.
Record maintenance sits at the core of court administration. The clerk’s office manages how records are stored, preserved, and made available for lawful public viewing. This work protects the integrity of the court system and supports reliable judicial activity.
Case Files vs. Docket Entries
Court records fall into two main categories, each serving a different purpose.
Case files contain the full collection of documents tied to a matter. These include pleadings, motions, orders, exhibits, and judgments. The file shows the complete paper trail of a case.
Docket entries provide a chronological log of court activity. Each entry lists what was filed or occurred on a specific date. Dockets act as an official timeline rather than a document repository.
Both elements work together. The docket points to actions taken, while the case file holds the supporting materials.
Certified vs. Uncertified Records
Not all court records serve the same use. The clerk’s office issues different formats based on purpose.
- Uncertified records: Plain copies used for reference or personal review
- Certified copies: Official copies with a clerk’s seal or certification statement
Certified copies carry legal weight and are often required for formal matters like appeals or agency review. The clerk verifies accuracy before certification.
Retention and Accuracy Responsibility
Record retention follows state schedules and court rules. Some records remain active for years, while others move into long-term archival records after a case closes.
Clerk responsibilities related to retention include:
- Preserving records for required time periods
- Protecting sensitive information
- Maintaining readable formats for older materials
- Preventing unauthorized changes
Public Access to Records Through the Clerk
Many court records are open for public viewing through the clerk’s office. Some records remain restricted to protect privacy and legal limits.
Public access records allow people to review court activity in a transparent way. The clerk’s office manages this process by following access rules set by law and court policy. These rules balance openness with privacy and case integrity.
Records Available to the Public
Many court documents qualify as open records. These records reflect standard court activity and case progress.
Common public access records include:
- Civil and criminal case dockets
- Filed motions and pleadings
- Court orders and judgments
- Hearing dates and case status updates
These records support accountability within the court system. They allow the public to track case movement without interfering with court proceedings.
Records With Restricted Access
Not all court records are open to public view. Some materials remain restricted due to privacy concerns or legal limits.
Restricted records often include:
- Juvenile case files
- Adoption and guardianship matters
- Sealed court orders
- Certain family law records
- Documents containing protected personal data
Access rules control who may view these materials. Judges or statutes decide when restrictions apply.
How Record Requests Usually Work
People typically request records through the clerk’s office using approved methods. The process depends on record type and court division.
Common request methods include:
- Online search tools for basic case details
- Written record requests submitted to the clerk
- In-person requests at the clerk’s counter
- Requests for certified copies for official use
Requesters provide case numbers, party names, or filing dates to help staff locate records. Fees may apply for copies or certification.
Role of the Clerk in Public Access
The clerk’s office does not decide who wins a case. Its role focuses on record requests and proper handling of open records. Staff confirm eligibility, locate materials, and release records allowed by law.
Clerk of Court Office Location, Hours & Contact
The court clerk office serves as the main public-facing administrative office for county courts. It offers record services, filing support, and procedural assistance during regular business hours.
The court clerk office functions as the operational hub for court administration. Located within county court facilities, the office supports Circuit, District Court, and Probate Court activity. Visitors typically come to submit documents, request copies, or ask procedural questions tied to active cases.
Clerk Office Location
The clerk office location is usually housed inside or adjacent to the main courthouse buildings. Public counters are placed where visitors can speak directly with clerk staff. Clear signage helps direct people to the correct division or service window.
Common reasons people visit the office include:
- Submitting court documents
- Requesting case records or copies
- Paying court-related fees
- Confirming filing status or dates
Typical Office Hours
Office hours follow a standard weekday schedule. Most clerk offices operate during normal government business hours, closing on weekends and official holidays.
Hours often include:
- Morning opening for filings and requests
- Midday service for public counter visits
- Afternoon cutoff times for same-day filings
Checking hours ahead of a visit helps avoid delays.
Working With Clerk Staff
Public interaction takes place at the service counter or through written requests. Clerk staff provide procedural information and help locate records. They do not give legal opinions or case advice.
Contact options commonly include:
- In-person visits during office hours
- Phone calls for basic procedural questions
- Written requests submitted by mail or approved online systems
Frequently Asked Questions About the Washtenaw County Clerk
The Washtenaw County Clerk manages court records, filings, and administrative court services. The office supports court procedures but does not decide cases or give legal advice.
Below are frequently asked questions people raise about clerk services, record requests, and daily court operations. Each answer reflects how the clerk’s office fits into the local court system.
What does the clerk of court handle?
The clerk of court handles the administrative side of court activity. This work supports judges and court staff by keeping records accurate and current.
Typical duties include:
- Receiving and logging court filings
- Maintaining official court records and dockets
- Managing case documents from start to closure
- Processing fees, fines, and copy requests
- Supporting court sessions through record preparation
The clerk does not rule on cases. Legal decisions remain the responsibility of judges.
Can the clerk provide legal advice?
No. Clerk staff cannot provide legal advice or opinions. Their role focuses on court procedures and record handling.
Clerk staff may:
- Explain filing procedures
- Share publicly available case information
- Confirm required forms or fees
Clerk staff may not:
- Interpret laws or court rules
- Recommend legal strategies
- Advise on how to present a case
People needing legal advice often contact an attorney or legal aid service.
How do record requests usually work?
Record requests go through the clerk’s office using approved methods. The process depends on record type and format.
Common request options include:
- Online tools for basic case details
- Written record requests submitted to the office
- In-person requests at the public counter
Requesters often provide case numbers, party names, or filing dates. Fees may apply for copies or certification.
How do people request certified copies?
Certified copies are official copies verified by the clerk. These copies carry a certification seal or statement.
Steps usually include:
- Submitting a record request to the clerk
- Identifying the exact document needed
- Paying certification and copy fees
- Receiving the certified copy by pickup or mail
Certified copies are often required for appeals, agencies, or formal legal matters.
What documents must be filed through the clerk?
Most court documents enter the system through the clerk’s office. Filing procedures apply to both new and existing cases.
Common documents filed through the clerk include:
- Complaints and petitions
- Motions and written responses
- Court orders signed by judges
- Judgments and notices
- Affidavits and sworn statements