Montcalm County Public Records /Montcalm County Property Records

Montcalm County Property Records

What Is Montcalm County Property Records

Property records in Montcalm County are official documents that record ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property (land and buildings) within the county's jurisdiction. These records serve as the authoritative source for determining legal ownership and interests in real estate throughout Montcalm County.

The primary purposes of maintaining property records include:

Establishing legal ownership and chain of title
Providing public notice of property interests
Protecting property rights of owners and lienholders
Facilitating real estate transactions
Supporting property tax assessment and collection

Pursuant to Michigan Compiled Laws § 565.201, all deeds, mortgages, and other instruments affecting real property must be recorded with the county register of deeds to provide constructive notice to third parties. The Montcalm County Register of Deeds maintains these official property records in accordance with state law.

Property records in Montcalm County are maintained by several county offices, with the Register of Deeds serving as the primary custodian of ownership documents. Additional property-related information is maintained by the County Treasurer, Equalization Department, and GIS/Mapping Division.

Are Property Records Public Information In Montcalm County?

Property records in Montcalm County are public information and accessible to all citizens under Michigan law. The Michigan Freedom of Information Act (MCL § 15.231 et seq.) establishes the public's right to inspect and copy government records, including property records. Additionally, Michigan's recording statutes specifically require that property records be maintained for public access.

The legal basis for public access to property records includes:

Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
Recording statutes require public notice of property interests
Transparency in land ownership serves the public interest
Public access facilitates real estate transactions and property development

Any member of the public may access property records without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing a reason for the request. This open access policy supports transparency in government and facilitates informed decision-making in real estate matters.

Montcalm County Register of Deeds
211 W Main Street, PO Box 368
Stanton, MI 48888
(989) 831-7339
Montcalm County Register of Deeds

Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays

How To Search Property Records in Montcalm County in 2026

Members of the public seeking property records in Montcalm County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county offers both in-person and online search options to accommodate various needs.

To search property records in person:

Visit the Montcalm County Register of Deeds office during regular business hours
Complete a records request form at the public counter
Provide specific information about the property (address, parcel number, or owner name)
Staff will assist with locating the requested records
Pay applicable fees for copies of documents ($1.00 per page for standard copies)

For telephone inquiries:

Contact the Register of Deeds office at (989) 831-7339
Provide specific property information to the staff
Request information about available records
Arrange for copies to be sent by mail (additional fees may apply)

Written requests may be submitted by mail to:

Montcalm County Register of Deeds
211 W Main Street, PO Box 368
Stanton, MI 48888

Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence and specify the records being requested. Payment for copies should be included with the request in the form of a check or money order made payable to "Montcalm County Register of Deeds."

Under the Michigan Land Title Standards, property records must be indexed to facilitate public access. Montcalm County maintains both grantor-grantee indices and a tract index system to enable efficient searching of property records.

How To Find Property Records in Montcalm County Online?

Montcalm County offers comprehensive online access to property records through several digital platforms. These online resources allow users to search and retrieve property information without visiting county offices in person.

The primary online resources for Montcalm County property records include:

BS&A Online Portal: The county utilizes BS&A Software for property record management. Through this portal, users can:
- Search properties by address, owner name, or parcel ID
- View property tax information
- Access assessment data
- Review property characteristics
- View payment history
Register of Deeds Online Search: The Register of Deeds offers an online search system for recorded documents including:
- Deeds and land contracts
- Mortgages and liens
- Easements and restrictions
- Plats and surveys
GIS Mapping System: The county's Maps & Parcel Information system provides:
- Interactive property maps
- Aerial photography
- Parcel boundaries
- Zoning information
- Land use data

To conduct an online search:

Visit the appropriate county website portal
Create a user account if required (some basic searches may be available without registration)
Enter search criteria (address, owner name, parcel number)
Review search results
Select specific records to view
Pay any applicable fees for document copies or certified records

Pursuant to Michigan's Enhanced Access to Public Records Act (MCL § 15.441 et seq.), Montcalm County may charge reasonable fees for enhanced online access to public records. Current fees for online access are available on the county website.

How To Look Up Montcalm County Property Records for Free?

Montcalm County provides several options for accessing property records at no cost to the public. While some enhanced services may require payment, basic property information is available without charge through various channels.

Free access options include:

Public Access Terminals: Computer terminals are available at the following locations for free on-site use:
- Register of Deeds Office (211 W Main Street, Stanton)
- County Clerk's Office (211 W Main Street, Stanton)
- Public libraries throughout Montcalm County
Basic Online Searches: The county provides limited free online access through:
- Property Tax Information portal for basic property details
- County Treasurer website for tax status information
- GIS Mapping for basic parcel information
In-Person Inspection: Members of the public may visit county offices during regular business hours to inspect property records without charge. Staff assistance is available for locating specific records.

To maximize the effectiveness of free property record searches:

Gather specific information about the property before searching (address, owner name, parcel ID)
Be prepared to take notes or use personal devices for capturing information
Understand that while record inspection is free, obtaining copies may incur fees
Consider visiting during non-peak hours for more personalized assistance

The Michigan Freedom of Information Act guarantees the right to inspect public records without charge, though reasonable fees may be assessed for copies or extensive searches requiring staff time.

What's Included in a Montcalm County Property Record?

Montcalm County property records encompass a comprehensive collection of documents and data related to real property within the county. These records are maintained by various county departments and contain detailed information about property ownership, characteristics, and financial obligations.

Property records in Montcalm County typically include:

Ownership Documents:
- Deeds (warranty, quitclaim, special)
- Land contracts
- Certificates of trust
- Death certificates affecting ownership
- Court orders and judgments
- Probate records related to property
Financial Encumbrances:
- Mortgages and mortgage assignments
- Construction liens
- Tax liens (federal, state, local)
- Judgment liens
- Mechanics' liens
- Releases and satisfactions
Property Characteristics:
- Legal description
- Lot size and dimensions
- Building specifications
- Year built
- Construction details
- Improvement history
Assessment and Tax Information:
- Property tax assessments
- Tax payment history
- Special assessments
- Drain assessments
- Tax forfeiture status
Land Use Documents:
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Restrictive covenants
- Condominium documents
- Subdivision plats
- Land divisions
- Annexation records
Geographic Information:
- Parcel maps
- Survey records
- Flood plain designations
- Environmental records
- Zoning classifications

Under Michigan's Uniform Real Property Electronic Recording Act (MCL § 565.841 et seq.), Montcalm County accepts electronically filed property records, which are maintained with the same legal standing as traditional paper documents.

How Long Does Montcalm County Keep Property Records?

Montcalm County maintains property records in perpetuity for most ownership and encumbrance documents. The retention of these records is governed by Michigan's Records Retention and Disposal Schedules, which establish minimum retention periods for various types of government records.

Retention periods for common property records include:

Deeds and ownership documents: Permanent retention
Mortgages and liens: Permanent retention
Plats and surveys: Permanent retention
Tax records: 7 years after payment or settlement
Building permits: Life of structure plus 10 years
Property assessment records: Permanent retention for final rolls; working files retained 7 years
Board of Review records: 7 years
Property transfer affidavits: 7 years

The Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget's Records Management Services establishes these retention schedules in accordance with MCL § 399.811, which mandates the preservation of government records.

Montcalm County has implemented a comprehensive records management program that includes:

Digital conversion of historical records
Climate-controlled storage for original documents
Backup systems for electronic records
Disaster recovery protocols

While most property records are retained permanently, supporting documentation and administrative records may be subject to shorter retention periods. The county follows state-mandated minimum retention periods but may retain records longer when deemed necessary for administrative or historical purposes.

How To Find Liens on Property In Montcalm County?

Liens on property in Montcalm County are public records that can be searched through several official channels. A lien search is an essential step in determining the financial encumbrances affecting a property's title.

To conduct a comprehensive lien search in Montcalm County:

Register of Deeds Search:
- Visit the Register of Deeds office in person or access their online portal
- Search by property owner name or parcel number
- Review index of recorded documents for:
  - Mortgage liens
  - Construction liens
  - Judgment liens
  - Federal and state tax liens
  - Child support liens
County Treasurer Search:
- Contact the County Treasurer office
- Request information on:
  - Delinquent property taxes
  - Tax forfeiture status
  - Special assessments
District Court Records:
- Search 64B District Court records for judgment liens
- Review civil case filings that may affect the property
State and Federal Lien Searches:
- Michigan Department of Treasury for state tax liens
- Internal Revenue Service for federal tax liens
- Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for child support liens
Drain Commissioner Records:
- Check with the Drain Commissioner for:
  - Drainage district assessments
  - Special drain improvement liens

Montcalm County Treasurer
211 W Main Street, PO Box 368
Stanton, MI 48888
(989) 831-7334
Montcalm County Treasurer

Under Michigan law (MCL § 565.25), liens must be properly recorded to provide constructive notice. However, certain liens, such as property tax liens, attach automatically without recording. A thorough lien search should include both recorded documents and inquiries with relevant taxing authorities.

What Is Property Owner Rule In Montcalm County?

The Property Owner Rule in Montcalm County refers to the legal framework governing property ownership rights and responsibilities within the county. This framework is established by Michigan state law and local ordinances and defines how property may be acquired, transferred, and encumbered.

Key elements of the Property Owner Rule include:

Recording Requirements:
- All documents affecting real property interests must be recorded with the Register of Deeds
- Unrecorded documents are valid between parties but may not provide notice to third parties
- Michigan follows a "race-notice" recording statute under MCL § 565.29
Property Transfer Disclosure:
- Sellers must complete a Property Transfer Affidavit when ownership changes
- Disclosure of known property defects is required in residential transactions
- Property Transfer Affidavits must be filed with the local assessor within 45 days of transfer
Ownership Forms:
- Fee simple ownership (most common)
- Joint tenancy with rights of survivorship
- Tenancy in common
- Life estates
- Trust ownership
- Corporate or LLC ownership
Property Tax Responsibilities:
- Property owners are responsible for timely payment of property taxes
- Tax bills are issued by local municipalities and the county
- Failure to pay results in delinquent status and eventual forfeiture
Land Use Regulations:
- Property use is subject to zoning ordinances
- Building permits required for improvements
- Compliance with health and safety codes
- Adherence to subdivision and land division regulations
Riparian and Water Rights:
- Special rules apply to properties bordering lakes and streams
- Regulated by Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act
Adverse Possession:
- Property may be acquired through open, notorious, and continuous possession for 15 years
- Governed by MCL § 600.5801

Property owners in Montcalm County should be aware that their rights are subject to various governmental powers, including taxation, eminent domain, police power, and escheat. Local ordinances may impose additional restrictions on property use beyond state requirements.