Important: Clear Path Document Services is a document preparation and filing-assistance service — not a law firm. We do not provide legal advice, attorney representation, or create attorney-client relationships. All documents are prepared based on information you provide for educational and administrative purposes.Read full disclaimer.
Kent County 17th Circuit Court
Filing fees, hours, e-filing rules, and the forms the clerk in Grand Rapids expects from self-represented filers.
Reviewed and updated by the Clear Path document team. Informational only — not legal advice.
Quick Answer
Where and how do I file at the 17th Circuit Court?
The Kent County 17th Circuit Court is located at 180 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Clerk hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. MiFILE is used for circuit court civil and family filings in Kent County. Filing fees are set by Michigan statute, so they do not change from county to county — a fee waiver is available through form MC 20.
Address
180 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Clerk phone
(616) 632-5220Hours
Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
E-filing
MiFILE is used for circuit court civil and family filings in Kent County.
What the 17th Circuit Court handles
- Divorce, custody, parenting time, and support
- Personal protection orders
- Civil claims over $25,000
- Name changes
Kent County filing fees
Fees change. Confirm the current amount with the clerk before you file.
| Filing | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Divorce without minor children | $175 | — |
| Divorce with minor children | $255 | — |
| General civil complaint | $175 | — |
| Motion fee | $20 | — |
What to bring to the clerk
- 1A government-issued photo ID
- 2Your completed, signed forms plus the number of copies the clerk requires (usually the original and two copies)
- 3Payment for the filing fee — most Michigan clerks take cash, money order, or card (card payments usually add a processing fee)
- 4A fee waiver request (form MC 20) if you cannot afford the filing fee
- 5The case number, if your matter is already open
Forms filed most often here
Michigan uses statewide SCAO forms. These are the ones Kent County filers ask us about most:
MC 01FOC 10/52MC 20
Michigan court forms library — what each form doesLocal notes for Grand Rapids filers
Kent County's Friend of the Court publishes its own local parenting-time guideline, which judges in Grand Rapids expect to see reflected in agreed parenting plans.
Official 17th Circuit Court websiteKent County Court Questions
Other Michigan courts
- St. Clair County 31st Circuit Court fees and filing info
- St. Clair County 72nd District Court fees and filing info
- St. Clair County Probate Court fees and filing info
- Macomb County 16th Circuit Court fees and filing info
- Oakland County 6th Circuit Court fees and filing info
- Wayne County 3rd Circuit Court fees and filing info