Berrien County courts

Filing fees, clerk information, and official court links.

Reviewed July 2026 · Official sources
Civil filing fee
$150
New civil suit · Circuit Court
E-filing
Not available
Case records
Via the clerk
No free online search
Filing typeFee
Civil lawsuit$150
Small claims$25 to $65
Divorce / family$150

Fees depend on case type and amount; confirm with the court before filing. At $150, the civil filing fee in Berrien County is about the same as nearby counties (median $150 across 3 nearby counties).

Clerk & court records

Berrien County Clerk's Office (Clerk of the Circuit Court)
Stacy Loar-Porter
Call the clerk

Courthouses in Berrien County

CivilCriminalSmall ClaimsTrafficEviction

5th District Court (Berrien County Courthouse)

Address
811 Port St., St. Joseph, 49085

Need papers served or filed in Berrien 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 Berrien County?

    The civil filing fee in Berrien County, Michigan is $150 (Circuit Court civil filing fee per MCL 600.2529; Michigan Circuit Court Fee Table, effective February 2025)

  • What is the small claims filing fee in Berrien County?

    $25 for claims up to $600; $45 for $600.01-$1,750; $65 over $1,750 (Michigan District Court Fee Table, effective April 2025)

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

    $150 base Circuit Court civil filing fee applies to divorce/domestic relations petitions (MCL 600.2529); additional statutory fees may apply (Michigan Circuit Court Fee Table, February 2025)

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

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

  • Is there a free online case search for Berrien County?

    No free public online case search is available for this court. Contact the clerk of court for case records.

  • Where do I file court documents in Berrien County?

    Filings go to the Berrien County Clerk's Office (Clerk of the Circuit Court). You can reach the clerk at (269) 983-7111.

Berrien County Courts, MI: (269) 983-7111, Hours & $150 Filing Fee | 1Court