Message From County Clerk

It is a pleasure to serve as Clinton County Clerk and Register of Deeds. My offices strive to provide all of our customers with accurate and efficient service. Should you have an opportunity to do business with either the Clinton County Clerks Office or the Register of Deeds, I hope your experience is pleasant and that my staff is able to fulfill your needs. Debra Sutherland was appointed to serve as your County Clerk/Register of Deeds by the Circuit Court Judges in April of 2022, effective July of 2022.  Debra formerly served as Chief Deputy Clerk/Register of Deeds for Diane Zuker from 1999 - 2022.

Duties & Responsibilities

The County Clerk serves as the Clerk of the Court, Registrar of Vital Records, Jury Board, Board of Canvassers, Board of Commissioners, Apportionment Commission, County Election Commission and the Plat Board. These duties and responsibilities are defined under either the Michigan Constitution or State Law.

Legal Documentation

The Clerk is responsible for the filing of all legal documents for circuit court cases, including criminal, civil and family court. Preparation of all sentencing commitments to jail/prison on all felons and collection of all court-ordered fines, restitution and court costs are handled by the County Clerk as well as reporting to the State Court Administrator's Office on court caseload/activities. Abstract records of conviction are prepared by the Clerk's Office and sent to the Secretary of State for LEIN entry.

Elections

The Clerk is the chief election official of the County and supervises all national, state, and local elections, further, serves as to Election Coordinator of all Clinton County school districts within the county. In addition, Michigan Campaign Finance Reporting Act for candidates is the responsibility of the clerk.

Vital Records

Statutorily, the Clerk is responsible for carrying out the various functions related to vital records. Services and/or functions provided in the County Clerk’s Office include, but are not limited to, issuing and/or recording marriage licenses, birth, including home births, and death certificates, concealed pistol licenses (CPL), military discharge orders, assumed name (DBA) and co-partnership certificates, notaries, veteran's peddlers licenses, PA 116 farmland applications and terminations and certifies copies of various documents on file in this office.

The County Clerk performs and provides an array of public services. The office is mandated by the Michigan Constitution. The County Clerk is elected during each presidential election year to serve a 4-year term.