Bay County courts

Filing fees, clerk information, and official court links.

Reviewed Jul 26, 2026 · Official sources
Civil filing fee
$150
New civil suit · Circuit Court
E-filing
Not available
Case records
Via the clerk
Filing typeFee
Civil lawsuit$150
Divorce / family$150

Fees depend on case type and amount; confirm with the court before filing. At $150, the civil filing fee in Bay County is about the same as nearby counties (median $150 across 6 nearby counties).

Clerk & court records

Bay County Clerk (18th Judicial Circuit Court)
Katie Zanotti
Call the clerk
Jury service
(989) 895-4272

Courthouses in Bay County

Need papers served or filed in Bay County? Nationwide Legal, our partner company, handles process service and court filing here.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does it cost to file a civil case in Bay County?

    The civil filing fee in Bay County, Michigan is $150.00 (circuit court civil filing fee, per MCL 600.2529(1)(a); effective February 2025)

  • How much does it cost to file for divorce or a family case in Bay County?

    $150.00 (divorce/domestic relations filed as a circuit civil case, per MCL 600.2529; additional Friend of the Court fees may apply)

  • Can I e-file court documents in Bay County?

    E-filing is not available. Documents are filed on paper with the clerk of court.

  • Where do I file court documents in Bay County?

    Filings go to the Bay County Clerk (18th Judicial Circuit Court), located at 515 Center Avenue, Suite 101, Bay City, MI 48708. You can reach the clerk at (989) 895-4280.

Bay County Courts, MI: (989) 895-4280, Hours & $150 Filing Fee | 1Court