Family Division
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Domestic Matters |
Juvenile Matters |
To merge the functions of the Juvenile Court in the areas of delinquency, neglect and abuse, adoption, emancipation and other related matters, with the Circuit Court in the areas of divorce, child custody, parenting time, support, personal protection orders and other related areas, into the Family Division of the Circuit Court. The Family Division will operate in an efficient and effective manner as it helps to address many of this community's most difficult problems.
The Creation of the Family Division
1996 Public Act 388, which created the Family Division of Circuit Court, became law on September 30, 1996. Family litigation handled by the probate and the circuit courts was consolidated in a new Family Division, with cases involving a single family assigned to one judge. The legislation required that by July 1, 1997, agreements be reached among the chief judges of the probate and the circuit courts establishing plans for the operation of the Family Division.
With assistance from the judges of both Courts and their staffs, the Kent County Board of Commissioners, the County Clerk, and the practicing Bar, Kent County's detailed plan was submitted to the Supreme Court and promptly approved.
As of January 1, 1998, each circuit court in Michigan has a Family Division that hears cases dealing with nearly every aspect of family law, including:
- adoption
- child abuse and neglect
- child and spousal support
- child custody
- delinquency
- divorce
- domestic violence (personal protection orders)
- emancipation of minors
- name changes
- parental consent waivers
- parenting time
- paternity
