How Many Michigan District Courts Still Use Virtual Hearings? A 2026 Snapshot for Practitioners
Since the pandemic, Michigan courts have taken very different paths on virtual access. Some courts have fully embraced Zoom and YouTube livestreaming; others have returned to in‑person operations with little or no digital footprint. For attorneys practicing across multiple counties, this inconsistency can create real challenges, especially when preparing clients, coordinating appearances, or tracking down remote‑hearing links.
Based on a review of every Michigan district court website, here’s where things stand in 2026.
Virtual Hearings: How Many District Courts Still Use Zoom?
Note that Zoom allows remote participation, where parties can appear, speak, and argue without being physically present. This is in contrast to YouTube, discussed later, which provides for public observations but does not substitute for an appearance.
Courts with some virtual-hearing information: ~ 49%
Roughly 49% of Michigan district courts provide functional zoom access, meaning that the court’s website has an actual Zoom link, meeting ID, or clear instructions to appear remotely. For example:
There are also some courts that mention virtual hearings but provide no general usable link or meeting information. This group includes courts like 53rd District Court (Livingston), which states that Zoom access exists but doesn't post a meeting link or information on how to participate, and 87C District Court (Crawford), which tells parties to call the court for virtual hearing information.
Courts with no virtual‑hearing information: ~ 51%
Some courts have either removed COVID-era virtual hearing pages entirely or never posted any virtual access information to begin with. This is especially common in northern Michigan, the Upper Peninsula, and rural areas in Michigan. These courts either:
- Provide no Zoom information at all
- Removed virtual‑hearing pages after COVID‑19
- Indicate that hearings are in‑person unless otherwise ordered
Key takeaway: Functional zoom access is available in roughly four in ten district courts, but that number drops if you are looking for an actual link on the website rather than a reference being mentioned somewhere on the website.
YouTube Livestreaming: How Many District Courts Broadcast Proceedings?
Michigan courts vary widely in how they handle public access. Some courts livestream every judge’s docket, others post recordings after the fact, many do neither. Note that a court with only a YouTube channel is offering public access but not virtual hearings to parties.
YouTube access is less common than Zoom. About 22% of Michigan district courts maintain active YouTube channels or livestream pages that allow individuals to livestream hearings in real time, post recordings after the hearing, or provide judge-specific YouTube links.
Percentage of district courts with active YouTube livestream or channel: ~22%
Examples of courts with genuine YouTube access:
Courts with no YouTube presence: ~78%
The majority of district courts do not livestream proceedings, post recordings, or provide public-access video information. Many briefly used YouTube during the pandemic but have since stopped using the platform.
Key takeaway: YouTube access is less common than Zoom access. Many courts have scaled back livestreaming as in‑person operations resumed.
Regional Trends Michigan Attorneys Should Know
1. Urban courts tend to maintain virtual infrastructure
Wayne County courts: The district courts in the Detroit metro area, 23rd through 36th, show the highest density of courts with functional Zoom information, YouTube livestream, and/or then posts the livestream to its page. For example:
2. Some of the strongest YouTube access is in mid-Michigan
District courts like the Kalamazoo, Newaygo, Gratiot, and Huron offer YouTube access with clear, up-to-date information.
3. Rural courts are more likely to have no virtual‑hearing information
Many northern and Upper Peninsula courts list no Zoom or livestream options at all.
Practical Implications for Michigan Attorneys
1. Never assume virtual access—verify for each court and judge
Even courts within the same county can differ by judge. The 10th District Court (Calhoun/Battle Creek) posts a YouTube channel and meeting link only for Judge Tomak, not the full court.
2. Bookmark judge‑specific YouTube channels
Several courts (Allegan, Gratiot, Huron, Washtenaw) link directly to each judge’s livestream. This is especially important if you regularly appear in those courts.
3. Expect continued inconsistency
Michigan has not standardized virtual‑hearing practices statewide. Local administrative orders still govern.