Helpful Information

Duties & Responsibilities of the Register of Deeds

• State Statute prescribes the duties of the Register of Deeds. The Register is responsible for receiving, recording and digital storage of all legal documents affecting Real Estate within Eaton County.
• Documents are checked for Michigan recording requirements.
• Content and intent are the responsibility of the person preparing the document. Any concerns regarding legal issues, you should consult with an attorney. Employees are not allowed to advise or fill out your document.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How much does it cost to record a deed, lien, mortgage, etc.?

  For entering and recording deeds, mortages, lis pendens, certified copies of court documents, or other instruments: Effective October 1, 2016, recording fees for all documents recorded in the Register of Deeds office will be $30. regardless of the number of pages. This fee change is in accordance to Michigan Public Acts 224 through 232 of 2016.

• I’ve paid off my mortgage. How can I get a copy of my deed?

  When you pay off a mortgage, you should receive a Discharge or Release or Satisfaction of Mortgage. You do not receive a deed at this time because you get your deed when you first purchase the property. If you do not have your deed, then you can get a recorded copy of it at the Register of Deeds; and a recorded copy is just as good as the original. You can come in person, send us a request by mail, or search online. Search and copy fees will apply.

• How do I get a copy of my deed, mortgage, mortgage discharge, etc?

  You can come in person, send us a request by mail, or search online. Search and copy fees will apply.

• How do I remove my deceased (husband, wife, father, mother, etc.) from a deed?

  A certified copy of the death certificate must be recorded. It can be brought in or mailed to the Register of Deeds. The cost will be $30. The survivorship clause on the deed, will determine if an interest needs to be Probated. Legal advice is advised.

• How do I add someone to my deed?

  You need to pick up a Quit Claim Deed form at any office supply store such as Office Max or Office Depot, or you can get one online. The Quit Claim Deed needs to be completed in black ink or typed, signed and notarized. It is a legal document, so we recommend contacting an attorney or someone who is well versed in real estate matters to provide help in preparing the deed to avoid probate court (if intended). When it is completed, signed and notarized, it can be mailed in or brought in for recording. The cost will be $30.

• Who is the owner of (street address and city)? Or how do I find out if there are any liens on my property?

  All searches are done either in person by coming to the Register of Deeds using one of our public computers, or by going online.

• Will you record a copy of a death certificate?

  Death certificates submitted for recording must be certified copies (embossed seal).

• Is there someone in your office that can help me prepare my document?

  No. Our staff does not provide legal advice or document preparation assistance. Please consult an attorney or title company for help.

• Why did the Register of Deeds place a lien on my property?

  This office does not place liens on property. We record liens that other people, businesses or government units place on property so they become part of our permanent records database.

• What payment methods do you accept?

  Cash and check only, at this time.

• Can I record a copy of a document?

  No, only documents with the original signatures can be recorded.

• When was my house built?

  Our office deals with real estate, not the dwelling, so we are unable to answer that question. Please check with your township, city, village, or the State Archives.

• Do I have lake rights, any easements, or a joint driveway agreement on my property?

  These types of questions should be asked when you first purchase the property. If you received title insurance when you purchased the property, the title company has already researched your property. You will want to check your policy or contact the title insurance company. If you don’t have this information, you can use one of our public computers to search or hire a title searcher.

Plat Books

We sell Ionia County Plat Books for the Ionia 4-H Council. If you need to have one mailed, please send us cash or check (made payable to Ionia County 4-H Council) in the amount of $40.00. If the document needs to be mailed, there will be an additional $10.00 for postage ($50.00 total). Please make postage payments payable to the Ionia County Register of Deeds.

Land Patents

In the early 1800’s, Ionia was a land patent office for a larger region than just Ionia County. We do not have land patents for properties in counties other than Ionia County. Obtain Copies Land Patents for Property in Other Counties.