Alger Court Records Search: Find County Dockets, Case Files

Alger Court Records include every officially filed document, docket entry, and case file produced by the 32nd Circuit Court, the 95th District Court, and the Alger County Probate Court since 1885. Under Michigan Court Rule 8.119, these Alger County court records are presumed public unless a judge orders them sealed, expunged, or redacted. Anyone can request Alger public court records covering felony criminal cases, domestic relations filings, civil lawsuits over $25,000, misdemeanor charges, traffic violations, small claims disputes, estate proceedings, and guardianship matters. The Alger County Clerk and Register of Deeds office, located at 101 Court Street in Munising, serves as the official custodian of these judicial files. Alger court case information lists party names, assigned case numbers, filing dates, judge assignments, hearing schedules, charge codes, and final dispositions for every matter filed in this Upper Peninsula jurisdiction. Alger court file search results for sealed adoption files, juvenile delinquency records, and mental health commitment orders stay restricted, but most other filings remain open for inspection during regular business hours.

Alger Court Records become accessible through three main channels: the statewide MiFILE portal at courts.mi.gov, in-person visits to the Munising courthouse, and authorized third-party search platforms that compile Michigan case data. To search Alger court records online, users select Alger County from the case-search filter and enter a party name, business name, or assigned case number in formats like C-YY-NNNN for circuit filings, DC-YY-NNNN for district filings, or P-YY-NNNN for probate matters. Alger court docket lookup results show hearing dates, motion entries, and judgment details from cases filed after 1985. Alger court case search functions retrieve Friend of the Court paternity and support records tied to the 95th District Court. Older paper archives require a written request to the clerk’s office or a scheduled visit to the on-site record storage room. Alger court record access for certified copies costs $15 plus $0.25 per page under MCL 600.2563, with mail requests returned within five to ten business days. The Alger court record portal accepts credit card and electronic check payments, helping find Alger court records quickly without traveling to the Upper Peninsula.

Types of Records Maintained

The Clerk’s office holds the following primary record categories for Alger County:

• Felony criminal case files (32nd Circuit Court)
• Domestic relations files: divorce, paternity, custody, personal protection orders
• Civil case files above $25,000 in controversy
• Misdemeanor criminal files (95th District Court)
• Civil suits up to $25,000 and small claims under $6,500
• Traffic and traffic misdemeanor dispositions
• Probate estate files, guardianship files, conservatorship files
• Mental health commitment orders
• Friend of the Court support and paternity records
• Judgment liens, land records, and Uniform Commercial Code filings handled by the Register of Deeds

Case Categories Available Through Search

Search tools surface records across these specific categories:

1. Criminal (felony and misdemeanor) — charges, pleas, sentences, restitution
2. Civil — complaint type, damages sought, judgment amount, satisfaction
3. Probate — estate value, beneficiary list, fiduciary appointments
4. Traffic — citation number, violation code, fine paid, driving school completion
5. Family — divorce judgments, custody orders, support calculations
6. Appellate — orders from the Michigan Court of Appeals or Supreme Court reviewing an Alger trial decision

What “Public” Means Under Michigan Law

Michigan treats court records as public property by default. The state Constitution (Article I, § 4) and statutory framework establish a strong presumption in favor of access. A requester needs no identification, no reason, and no residency to inspect a non-sealed file. Clerks may charge for retrieval and copying but cannot deny inspection based on the requester’s purpose.

MCL 691.720 and Michigan Court Rule 8.119

MCL 691.720 serves as the Michigan Freedom of Information Act equivalent for executive-branch records, while MCR 8.119 specifically governs judicial records. Rule 8.119(B) declares that “all records of proceedings in a court are public” unless a specific rule, statute, or court order closes them. Subrule 8.119(D) lists mandatory closures, including adoption files, juvenile delinquency records, and certain mental health proceedings. Subrule 8.119(E) permits discretionary sealing when a privacy interest outweighs the public interest.

Sealed, Expunged, and Redacted Records — Key Distinctions

These three terms carry distinct legal meanings under Michigan law:

Alger County Court System Structure

Alger County sits in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula along Lake Superior. The county seat, Munising, hosts the central courthouse at 101 Court Street. Four judicial bodies operate within the county borders. Each court maintains separate dockets, files, and clerk systems, but all feed into the statewide MiFILE portal for online access.

32nd Circuit Court of Alger County

The 32nd Circuit Court holds general jurisdiction over Alger and Luce Counties under MCL 600.601 and Michigan Constitution Article VI, § 13. Judges hear felony criminal cases, domestic relations matters, equitable claims, and civil suits exceeding $25,000. The court also reviews appeals from the 95th District Court and the Probate Court. Court sessions take place in the Alger County Courthouse unless a judge orders a change of venue.

Criminal Felony Docket Scope

The felony docket covers all offenses punishable by more than one year in state prison. Common charges include drug trafficking, assault with intent to do great bodily harm, operating while intoxicated causing death, and homicide-related offenses bound over from District Court after preliminary examination.

Domestic Relations and Divorce Files

The domestic relations docket handles divorce, separate maintenance, child custody, paternity, and personal protection order (PPO) petitions. Files include complaints, summons, financial disclosures, settlement agreements, judgments of divorce, and post-judgment modification motions.

General Civil Claims Over $25,000

Civil filings above the $25,000 district court ceiling move to the Circuit Court docket. These include contract disputes, professional malpractice, products liability, premises liability, and civil rights claims. Each case receives a C-YY-NNNN identifier under the statewide numbering convention.

95th District Court

The 95th District Court serves as Alger County’s court of limited jurisdiction under MCL 600.8101 et seq. A single judge presides over misdemeanor criminal matters, civil suits up to $25,000, small claims, and traffic violations. The court also conducts arraignments, probable cause conferences, and preliminary examinations for felony-bound cases.

Misdemeanor Criminal Cases

Misdemeanor charges include simple assault, drunk driving (first offense), retail fraud, malicious destruction of property under $200, and local ordinance violations. Maximum punishment caps at one year in county jail and a $1,000 fine, or both.

Small Claims Procedure

Small claims actions cover disputes up to $6,500 in 2026. Plaintiffs file a sworn statement, the clerk schedules a hearing, and the judge renders a verdict without a jury. Small claims judgments appear on the public docket.

Civil Suits Up to $25,000

General civil actions not exceeding the $25,000 threshold proceed in District Court. Landlord-tenant disputes, consumer complaints, and minor contract actions fit this category. Each file receives a DC-YY-NNNN case number.

Alger County Probate Court

The Probate Court operates under MCL 700.1 et seq. and oversees decedent estates, trusts, guardianships, conservatorships, and mental health proceedings. The court also handles certain parental consent petitions and name changes for adults. Files receive P-YY-NNNN identifiers.

Estates, Wills, and Guardianships

After death, the personal representative files the will, a petition for formal or informal probate, and an inventory of estate assets. The court supervises creditor notifications, final accountings, and distribution to beneficiaries. Guardianship files cover both minor children and incapacitated adults.

Mental Health Commitments

Petitions for involuntary mental health treatment, including hospitalization and outpatient commitment, are filed under MCL 330.1401 et seq. These records carry heightened confidentiality, and access requires a specific court order under MCR 8.119(D).

Friend of the Court

The Friend of the Court (FOC) operates as an arm of the Circuit Court under MCL 552.501. The office handles paternity establishment, child support calculation, support order enforcement, custody investigations, and parenting time recommendations. FOC records become part of the underlying domestic relations file but carry additional privacy protections for financial data.

How to Find and Search Alger Court Records

Searchers should start by identifying the court type that produced the file, then select the matching database. The statewide MiFILE portal indexes digital records dating from 1985 forward, while older paper files require direct contact with the Clerk’s office. Most modern searches complete in under five minutes when the case number is known.

Step-by-Step Online Search via Michigan Courts

Follow these steps on courts.mi.gov:

1. Open courts.mi.gov and click “Case Search” under the Odyssey Public Access menu.
2. Select “Alger” from the County filter dropdown.
3. Enter either a case number (C-YY-NNNN, DC-YY-NNNN, or P-YY-NNNN) or a party name. Use last-name-first format for best results.
4. Apply optional filters: case type, filing date range, judge name, or disposition status.
5. Click “Search” to display a list of matching cases. Click any case number to open the docket sheet.
6. Use the “Register of Actions” tab to view chronological entries. Select “Documents” to access any electronically filed exhibits (e-filed documents appear as PDF links).

Searching by Name vs. Case Number

Name searches work best for civil, criminal, and family cases where the searcher knows the full legal name of a party. Common names produce many results, so users should narrow by date of birth when available. Case number searches return exact results in seconds and are the preferred method when the searcher already possesses the docket identifier. Business entity searches use the registered legal name exactly as filed.

Searching the Public Docket vs. Full Case File

The public docket displays the chronological register of actions: filings, motions, hearing dates, orders, and judgments. The full case file contains all underlying documents: complaints, answers, exhibits, transcripts, and proposed orders. Odyssey Public Access exposes most docket entries plus any e-filed document marked as viewable. Documents marked “sealed” or “confidential” stay hidden regardless of access tier.

In-Person and Mail Records Requests

Paper records predating 1985 sit in the Clerk’s storage area at 101 Court Street, Munising. Requesters should call ahead to confirm the file location, then visit during business hours to inspect the original documents. Mail requests must include the case number, party name, document description, and a self-addressed stamped envelope with payment by check or money order. Processing averages five to ten business days for standard requests.

Costs, Copies, and Certified Records

Alger County charges fees for both plain and certified copies under MCL 600.2563 and the local fee schedule. Plain copies satisfy most casual research needs. Certified copies carry a court-issued seal and authentication, required for most legal filings, immigration petitions, and government applications. Exemplified copies add a higher certification tier for use outside Michigan.

Standard Fee Schedule (2026 Update)

Requesting Certified Copies by Mail

Mail requests require a written letter, an email, or a completed copy request form that lists each document, the case number, the year of filing, and the requester’s contact details. The Clerk’s office accepts payment by check, money order, or credit card through the state payment portal. Cash payments require an in-person visit.

Required Payment Methods

Cash: accepted in person at the counter. Check: payable to “Alger County Clerk.” Money order: payable to “Alger County Clerk.” Credit or debit card: accepted through the statewide Odyssey e-payment portal; convenience fees apply. No personal checks for amounts over $500 without prior approval.

Processing Time

Standard mail orders process within five to ten business days. Expedited requests marked “RUSH” receive priority handling but still require at least two business days for retrieval, copying, sealing, and mailing. Electronic delivery via email arrives faster than postal mail at no extra charge beyond the convenience fee.

Free vs. Paid Record Platforms

Online Alger Court Record Platforms Compared

Searchers today can pick between official government systems and commercial data brokers. Each platform carries strengths, gaps, and access rules. Public sector platforms offer free access to indexed docket entries but exclude sealed files and may lag real-time filings. Commercial platforms pull from multiple sources and refresh faster, yet their accuracy depends on source data quality, and their terms restrict FCRA-regulated uses.

The Statewide MiFILE / Odyssey Portal

The Michigan Supreme Court launched MiFILE statewide in 2019 using Tyler Technologies’ Odyssey platform. MiFILE consolidates case initiation, e-filing, and public access across all 83 Michigan counties. Alger County records appear alongside records from Marquette, Schoolcraft, Luce, and Chippewa Counties. Users can filter by court type, case category, and filing date. MiFILE works best for docket-level research and recent filings; pre-1985 records remain at the courthouse level.

Alger County-Specific Tools and Local Databases

The Alger County Clerk maintains a local public access terminal at 101 Court Street, Munising. Visitors can search the index, pull docket sheets, request copies, and view the Register of Actions for any non-sealed case. The county also publishes monthly statistical reports on its website, including filings, dispositions, and jury activity.

Third-Party People-Finder and Background-Check Platforms

Commercial data brokers aggregate Michigan court records with other public sources. They refresh data daily and offer reverse phone lookups, address histories, and social media profiles. Each platform publishes a disclosure statement about sources, accuracy, and permissible use. Users should review the Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. § 1681) compliance language before relying on these reports for tenant screening, employment, or credit decisions.

Data Accuracy and Source Transparency

Third-party platforms pull from government feeds, but data lag can range from a few days to several weeks. Errors appear when clerks correct or expunge records after the initial posting. Users who rely on these platforms for legal decisions should verify findings against the official MiFILE portal or the Clerk’s office.

FCRA Compliance for Employment Decisions

Under 15 U.S.C. § 1681, employers must use a Consumer Reporting Agency (CRA) for background checks. Most public-record websites are not CRAs. Using a non-CRA report for hiring, firing, or promotion can expose an employer to statutory damages. Landlords face similar restrictions under the Fair Housing Act when using non-compliant reports.

Federal Court Records (Cross-Reference)

Federal cases involving Alger County residents (bankruptcy, civil rights claims, federal criminal prosecutions) fall under the Western District of Michigan. These records sit on PACER, the federal Public Access to Court Electronic Records system.

Western District of Michigan Federal Dockets

The Western District covers the Upper Peninsula and a slice of the Lower Peninsula. Filings in Marquette, Sault Ste. Marie, and Grand Rapids divisions capture most federal matters tied to Alger County residents. Bankruptcy filings appear on a separate PACER portal.

PACER vs. RECAP Distinction

PACER charges $0.10 per page for federal docket access. RECAP is a free browser extension that captures and republishes documents that other users have already pulled from PACER. RECAP works only for documents at least one user has previously accessed; fresh filings stay behind the paywall.

Who Can Access Alger Records and What Is Restricted?

Michigan law opens most judicial records to the public, but several categories stay confidential. Knowing the limits helps searchers avoid legal trouble and protects vulnerable parties from unwanted exposure. The Clerk cannot waive these protections without a court order.

Sealed Records Under Michigan Law

A judge may seal a record under MCR 8.119(E) when the privacy interest outweighs the public interest. Common grounds include trade secrets, personal safety, juvenile matters, and witness protection. Once sealed, the file disappears from public search and the clerk restricts physical access. A party can move to unseal by filing a written motion and serving all interested parties.

Juvenile Records — Confidential Access Rules

Juvenile delinquency files stay confidential under MCL 712A.28. Parents, guardians, the juvenile’s attorney, the prosecutor, and the probation officer can inspect the file. Schools and law enforcement receive limited access for specific purposes. The general public sees no juvenile docket entries except in cases bound over to adult court.

Expungement and Set-Aside Eligibility (2026 Update)

Michigan’s Clean Slate Act (MCL 780.621 et seq.) expanded expungement eligibility starting in 2023. The 2025 amendments added automatic expungement for certain offenses, with full phase-in by April 2027. Petitioners with one felony conviction and unlimited misdemeanors can now apply after 10 years for felonies and 7 years for misdemeanors without subsequent offenses.

Clean Slate Act (MCL 780.621 et seq.)

Applicants file a petition in the court of original conviction. The clerk notifies the prosecutor and any identified victims. After a statutory waiting period and a clean record, the court grants the petition as a matter of right unless the prosecutor shows good cause to deny. Successful petitions remove the conviction from public databases and from most background checks.

Holmes Youthful Trainee Act Records (HYTA)

HYTA (MCL 762.11) allows certain young offenders to enter a diversion program. Successful completion results in a non-public disposition. HYTA records stay confidential and do not appear on standard background checks after successful completion.

Automatic Expungement Pipeline

Starting April 2027, the Michigan State Police will automatically expunge eligible convictions under MCL 780.621g. Eligible offenses include certain non-assaultive felonies and most misdemeanors where the applicant has no other disqualifying convictions. Petitioners do not need to file paperwork; the system processes eligible cases on a rolling basis.

Identity Redaction for Victims of Domestic Violence

MCL 600.2977 permits victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking to request redaction of personal identifiers from public records. The applicant files a sworn motion and presents evidence of the threat. The court then orders the clerk to redact addresses, phone numbers, employer details, and school information from any public file. The unredacted file remains accessible to law enforcement and the parties themselves.

Who Uses Alger Court Records and Why

Court records serve a diverse audience with distinct needs. Each group navigates the same databases for different purposes. Understanding the use cases helps searchers choose the right tool and respect access boundaries.

Journalists and Public Records Requests

Reporters use Alger Court Records to verify criminal charges, document court outcomes, and surface systemic trends. The Society of Professional Journalists ethics code encourages reporters to seek public records whenever possible and to verify accuracy. For sensitive cases involving minors or sexual assault, journalists should redact identifying details before publication.

Legal Professionals and Skip Tracing

Attorneys use court records to check conflicts of interest, locate witnesses, gather evidence for civil cases, and verify client representations. Skip tracers use the same databases to find defendants for service of process, locate missing persons, and recover judgment assets. Both groups rely heavily on the statewide MiFILE portal for fast, indexed access.

Pro Se Litigants and Self-Represented Parties

Self-represented parties often need court records to prepare their own filings, respond to motions, and verify hearing dates. Michigan Legal Help (michiganlegalhelp.org) publishes self-help guides for pro se litigants, including instructions on how to retrieve and interpret court records. The Alger County Law Library, located in the courthouse, offers free public access to legal research terminals.

Genealogists and Historical Researchers

Genealogists use Alger Court Records to trace family histories. Probate files hold the richest genealogical data: birth dates, death dates, family relationships, heir lists, and property transfers. Adoption files stay sealed under MCL 710.67 even after the adoptee reaches adulthood, with limited exceptions for medical necessity.

1885 County Formation — Earliest Available Filings

Alger County formed in 1885, carved from Schoolcraft County. The earliest court records date from the county’s first judicial session. Many of these records survived in the Clerk’s storage area; some have been microfilmed and indexed by the Archives of Michigan. Researchers should call ahead to schedule a visit to the storage room and request specific record pulls.

Employers, Landlords, and Volunteer Screeners

Employers and landlords use court records to screen applicants. Screening a criminal history is legal under federal and Michigan law, but the method and content of the screening carry restrictions. Self-help searches through commercial websites do not satisfy the Fair Credit Reporting Act requirements for adverse action notices.

FCRA-Compliant Use Requirements

Under 15 U.S.C. § 1681, an employer or landlord who uses a third-party report to take adverse action must: (1) obtain the applicant’s written consent, (2) provide a copy of the report, (3) provide a written description of the consumer’s rights, and (4) wait a reasonable period before acting. Failing to follow these steps exposes the user to statutory damages and attorney’s fees.

Legal Framework, History, and Filing Trends in Alger County

Alger County’s judicial system traces its roots to 1885, when the Michigan Legislature established the county from territory partitioned from Schoolcraft County. The new county required a complete judicial infrastructure: a circuit court, a probate court, a justice of the peace system (later replaced by district court), and a clerk to maintain records. The county takes its name from Russell A. Alger, a Michigan governor, U.S. senator, and U.S. Secretary of War.

Historical Timeline of the Alger Court System

1. 1885 — Alger County formed from Schoolcraft County; 32nd Circuit Court commissioned; first court session held at the Munising town hall.
2. 1905 — Probate Court formalized as a separate office; first judge appointed.
3. 1968 — Friend of the Court office established under Michigan’s new domestic relations reforms.
4. 1985 — Computerized docket indexing introduced statewide; older records remain in paper format.
5. 2019 — MiFILE statewide digital launch; Alger County transitions to Odyssey platform.
6. 2020 — COVID-19 emergency prompts remote hearings and electronic filing expansion.
7. 2023 — Clean Slate Act takes effect; expungement eligibility expands.
8. 2025 — Clean Slate amendments add automatic expungement framework.
9. 2027 (scheduled) — Full phase-in of automatic expungement pipeline.

Statutes and Court Rules Governing Access

The primary authorities governing Alger Court Records access include:

• MCR 8.119 — Public access to court records
• MCR 8.120 — Sealing of court records
• MCR 8.125 — Expungement procedure
• MCL 691.720 — Michigan FOIA equivalent for executive records
• MCL 600.2563 — Court fees for certified copies
• MCL 600.1010–600.1180 — Jurisdiction of Michigan trial courts
• MCL 780.621 et seq. — Clean Slate Act
• MCL 712A.28 — Juvenile records confidentiality
• MCL 600.2977 — Identity redaction for victims

Limits on Commercial and Marketing Use

Michigan restricts the use of public records for commercial solicitation. MCL 445.1711 prohibits using personal information from public records to market products, services, or fundraising without consent. Court records fall within the restricted category, and violators face civil penalties and attorney’s fees.

Penalties for Unauthorized Access or Misuse

Misusing sealed records, juvenile files, or redacted information can trigger criminal penalties under MCL 750.492a (unauthorized computer access) and civil liability for invasion of privacy. The Clerk’s office reports suspected violations to the Michigan Attorney General and local prosecutors. Convictions carry fines, restitution, and potential incarceration.

Alger County Courthouse Location and Contact

The Alger County Courthouse stands at 101 Court Street in downtown Munising, Michigan, the county seat. Visitors can reach the building by following M-28 west from Marquette or east from Marquette County. Public parking is available along Court Street and behind the building. The Clerk’s office occupies the main floor; the courts operate on the second floor.

Address: Alger County Courthouse, 101 Court Street, Munising, MI 49862. The Clerk’s office accepts walk-in visitors during posted business hours. Call ahead to confirm document availability and payment requirements before traveling. The Michigan Courts statewide case search portal at courts.mi.gov provides 24/7 online access to non-sealed records from 1985 forward.

Sources and References

• Michigan Court Rules, Chapter 8, Subchapter 8.100–8.200 — Public Access to Court Records
• Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) 600.1010–600.1180 — Court Jurisdiction
• Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) 600.2563

  Frequently Asked Questions

  Alger Court Records hold every officially filed document, docket entry, and case file from the 32nd Circuit Court, 95th District Court, and Alger County Probate Court going back to 1885. Under Michigan Court Rule 8.119, these records stay presumed open to the public unless a judge orders them sealed or expunged. Users can look up felony criminal cases, civil lawsuits over $25,000, misdemeanor charges, divorce filings, and probate matters. The portal accepts name, case number, and attorney searches, and certified copies cost $1 per page plus a $10 certification fee.

  What are Alger Court Records and which courts produce them?

  Alger Court Records refer to every document filed with the three trial courts serving Alger County, Michigan. The 32nd Circuit Court handles felony criminal cases, civil suits over $25,000, domestic relations filings, and appeals from the district bench. The 95th District Court processes misdemeanor criminal charges, traffic violations, small claims, and civil cases up to $25,000. The Alger County Probate Court manages wills, estates, mental health commitments, and guardianship petitions. Each clerk maintains separate docket books but feeds entries into a single searchable index, so one query returns results from all three courts at once.

  How do I search Alger County court records online for free?

  Start at the Michigan Courts one-search portal, which indexes Alger County filings alongside every other county in the state. Enter a full legal name, business name, or nine-digit case number in the search bar and select Alger County from the jurisdiction drop-down. Results display case type, filing date, current status, and judge assignment. Click any case number to view the full docket sheet, which lists motions, orders, and hearing outcomes. No account or subscription is required for basic lookups, though the free tier excludes scanned document images. Most searches finish in under ten seconds.

  What Alger court case information can I find using a docket lookup?

  An Alger court docket lookup returns the case caption listing both parties, the assigned judge, the filing attorney, and the statute violated or cause of action. You will also see the chronological docket sheet showing every motion filed, hearing held, continuance granted, and final disposition entered. Financial obligations such as restitution, fines, and court costs appear on the same page. Civil dockets list jury demand status, answer deadlines, and discovery cutoffs. Probate dockets add inventory values and beneficiary names. The system refreshes nightly, so filings entered that business day show up by the following morning.

  Are all Alger public court records open without restrictions?

  Most Alger public court records stay open under Michigan Court Rule 8.119, yet judges can seal entire cases or redact sensitive details. Juvenile delinquency files, child custody evaluations, and adoption records remain confidential by statute. Mental health commitment hearings close to everyone except immediate family, treating physicians, and the patient. Financial account numbers, Social Security numbers, and home addresses of protected parties get redacted before posting. Expunged convictions vanish from the public index entirely. Anyone denied a record can petition the presiding judge in writing and receive a written ruling within 28 days.

  How can I find old Alger court case information from before 2000?

  Records filed before 2000 sit on microfilm at the Alger County Clerk’s office in Munising, and the clerk staff can pull them on request. Call ahead to schedule a viewing, as rewind machines need warm-up time. For genealogy or background research, the Alger County Historical Society holds bound volumes of early circuit dockets, many dating to the county’s 1885 formation. Staff will copy pages for $1 each. Online, the Michigan Archives portal hosts scanned indexes of pre-1920 probate files. Submit a written request with the approximate year and party surname, and archivists email digital scans within five business days at no charge.

  What should I do if the Alger court record portal shows no results?

  An empty result page usually means a typo in the name or a misremembered case number, so try alternate spellings, including middle names and suffixes like Jr. or Sr. Widen the date range to five years, since clerks sometimes index filings under the hearing year rather than the filing year. If the case was sealed or expunged, the portal blocks all entries by design, and the clerk cannot confirm its existence without a court order. For civil judgments older than ten years, check the Alger County Register of Deeds, which records federal and state liens. A written public records request to the clerk triggers a legal duty to respond within five business days.