In general, the answer is yes. As soon as a court document is filed in a criminal lawsuit, a family matters, a small claims court, or other judicial cases, it is accessible for public examination in Michigan. As with many guidelines, there are exceptions. A party to a legal proceeding can inquire about having documents stationed “under seal.” Assuming that the request gets permitted, the records would not be a part of the public record. This request will need to be approved by the judge.