7 Crucial Facts About The Wayne County Circuit Court Clerk And 2025 Digital Updates
The Wayne County Circuit Court Clerk's office, an indispensable component of Michigan's largest judicial district, the Third Judicial Circuit Court, is the central hub for all legal records and filings in Wayne County. As of December 22, 2025, the office continues its critical function as the keeper of the records for civil, criminal, and family law matters, while also managing the county's election processes and vital records. The role, which is constitutionally and statutorily mandated, is currently held by the elected Wayne County Clerk, Cathy M. Garrett, whose leadership has overseen a continued push toward digital accessibility and e-filing modernization.
For attorneys, litigants, and the general public, understanding the specific responsibilities and recent digital initiatives of the Wayne County Clerk’s Office is essential for navigating the complex legal landscape of Detroit and the surrounding municipalities. From mandatory electronic filing guidelines to accessing public court dockets online, the Clerk’s commitment to efficiency directly impacts case management and transparency across the entire Third Judicial Circuit of Michigan.
The Current Wayne County Circuit Court Clerk: Cathy M. Garrett's Profile
The position of Wayne County Circuit Court Clerk is not a separate appointed office but one of the primary duties of the elected Wayne County Clerk. This dual role ensures that the individual responsible for the county’s vital records also serves as the official keeper of the court records for the Third Judicial Circuit Court. The current office holder, Cathy M. Garrett, is a long-serving public official with a clear mandate from Wayne County voters.
- Name: Cathy M. Garrett
- Current Title: Wayne County Clerk and Clerk of the Third Judicial Circuit Court
- Political Affiliation: Democratic Party
- Electoral Status: Successfully secured re-election in the 2024 Michigan Election Primaries and General Election, receiving a strong mandate from Wayne County voters.
- Current Term End Date: January 1, 2029.
- Key Endorsements: During her re-election campaign, Clerk Garrett received key support, including an endorsement from the United Auto Workers (UAW).
- Core Responsibility: As Circuit Court Clerk, she is designated as the official "Keeper of the Record" for all proceedings within the Third Judicial Circuit Court.
Clerk Garrett's administration has focused on maintaining the integrity of court records while simultaneously improving public and professional access to these documents through modern, digital platforms. This focus is crucial for a court system that is the largest circuit court in Michigan, overseeing a vast volume of legal cases.
Essential Functions: What the Clerk's Office Manages for the Third Judicial Circuit
The Wayne County Clerk's Office, in its capacity as the Clerk of the Third Judicial Circuit Court, performs a wide array of statutory and constitutional duties that are vital to the administration of justice. These functions ensure the smooth operation of the court's three main divisions: Civil, Criminal, and Family.
The Central Role as Keeper of the Records
The most fundamental duty is the maintenance and security of all official court records and files. This includes everything from the initial filing of a lawsuit to the final judgment and all related documentation. The Clerk’s office is responsible for:
- Docketing Cases: Creating and maintaining the official court record (docket) for every case filed.
- Document Processing: Receiving, stamping, recording, and filing all legal documents submitted by attorneys and pro se litigants.
- Issuing Orders: Preparing and issuing official court orders, summonses, warrants, and subpoenas under the authority of the court.
- Jury Management: Assisting the court in the administration of the jury selection and summons process.
This record-keeping function extends across all areas of the court’s jurisdiction, which covers all Civil, Criminal (felonies and appeals from district court), and Family matters (divorce, custody, juvenile delinquency) arising within Wayne County.
Digital Transformation: E-Filing and Accessing Wayne County Court Records in 2025
The Wayne County Circuit Court Clerk's office has embraced digital services to enhance efficiency and public access, a necessary evolution for a court of its size. The implementation and continuous updates to electronic systems are key to its current operations.
Mandatory E-Filing via MiFILE
For the Third Judicial Circuit Court, electronic filing (e-filing) is the mandated method for all subsequent filings in most case types. The system used for this is MiFILE, which is the state-wide e-filing platform for Michigan courts.
Attorneys and self-represented litigants must adhere to the court's specific Civil eFiling Guidelines to ensure their documents are properly received and processed. This shift has streamlined the process for filing motions, briefs, and other case-related documents, reducing the need for physical visits to the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center in Detroit.
Crucial 2025 MiFILE Update: A significant update to the MiFILE system recently required users to reconnect their name and email address to their cases. This technical step was essential for maintaining access and ensuring proper service notifications, highlighting the ongoing maintenance and evolution of the county's digital infrastructure.
Online Public Access to Court Records
The public has the ability to search for court records and view dockets online, a major step toward greater judicial transparency. The online search portal allows users to look up case details for various divisions, including:
- Civil Cases
- Domestic Relations/Family Court Records
- Criminal Dockets
- Probate and Juvenile Matters
While some sensitive records remain restricted by law, the general availability of dockets and case information online significantly improves the ability of legal professionals and the public to track case progress and access necessary documentation without visiting the physical courthouse.
Latest Updates from the Third Judicial Circuit Court in Late 2025
As the Keeper of the Records, the Wayne County Circuit Court Clerk’s office is directly involved in supporting the major announcements and operational changes of the Third Judicial Circuit Court. The end of 2025 brought several key updates that reflect the court’s ongoing commitment to leadership and public communication.
- New Judicial Leadership: An important announcement was made in late November 2025 regarding new leadership taking effect on January 1. This transition is a major administrative change that the Clerk's office supports through record management and operational coordination.
- Court Clips Newsletter: The regular publication of the "Court Clips" newsletter, with a December 2025 edition being released, provides the public and legal community with detailed insights into court operations, rule changes, and announcements directly supported by the Clerk's record-keeping function.
- 2025 State of the Court Address: The annual State of the Court Address, a key event for the Detroit Bar Association and the court, took place in 2025, outlining the court’s achievements and strategic goals for the coming year. The Clerk's data and records are foundational to the information presented at this address.
These recent developments underscore the dynamic environment of the Third Judicial Circuit Court and the Clerk’s proactive role in facilitating judicial administration, solidifying the office's reputation as a modern and responsive public entity in Wayne County. For any official filings or record requests, the Wayne County Clerk’s Office remains the definitive point of contact.
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