Family Division

RESPONSIBILITIES

Serving under the Michigan Judicial Branch of government, the Family Division of the Circuit Court has exclusive jurisdiction over all family matters including juvenile cases. Created with an effective date of January 1, 1998, the Family Division of the Circuit Court (also known as Family Court) handles:

  • Adoptions
  • Child Protective Proceedings
  • Child Support
  • Child Custody
  • Divorces/Separate Maintenance
  • Emancipation of Minors
  • Juvenile Delinquency
  • Name Changes
  • Parenting Time
  • Paternity
  • Personal Protection Orders
JUDGES
 Circuit Judges for Family Division include Judges elected as Probate Judges, appointed to the Family Court position, and serve 6-year terms. Family Court Referees are cross trained to hear both domestic and juvenile matters.

ADA COMPLIANCE
This court is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require special accommodations to use the court because of disabilities, please contact the ADA Coordinator, Kristyn Brendel, at 231-922-6874 to make arrangements and fill out the ADA Request for Accommodations Form (PDF).

COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT
Those who wish to participate in matters before this court through use of communication equipment (telephone or videoconferencing) may do so by filing a written request (PDF) and complying with MCR 2.402 for telephone and MCR 2.407 for video equipment. 

Requests must be submitted to the Court at least 7 days prior to the hearing and a copy served on all other parties. Please use the above attached form or one drafted to be comparatively similar. Requests for videoconferencing will be reviewed by the Court to determine if criteria exists pursuant to Michigan Court Rules.

INTERPRETER REQUESTS/TRANSLATED COURT FORMS
Requests for an interpreter must be submitted to the Court at least 7 days prior to the hearing and a copy served on all parties. Click here to view translated SCAO-approved court forms. 


RESOURCES

Court personnel cannot give legal advice. The following resources are available: