Berrien County courts
Filing fees, clerk information, and official court links.
Filing fees
Official fee schedule| Filing type | Fee |
|---|---|
| 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
Courthouses in Berrien County
5th District Court
5th District Court (Berrien County Courthouse)
Berrien County Probate Court (Berrien County Courthouse)
Need papers served or filed in Berrien County? Nationwide Legal, our partner company, handles process service and court filing here.
Official links
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.