Circuit Court Case Type Information

Family (Domestic) Cases

There are more divorce cases filed in Circuit Court than any other type of lawsuit or proceeding. Other types of cases handled in the Family Division of the Circuit Court include actions for paternity, child support, custody, grandparent visitation, adoption, delinquency, and abuse and neglect.

Filing for a divorce is similar to filing any other lawsuit. The prepared Summons and Complaint are filed with the Clerk of the Court. If the case involves minor children, copies of the complaint, answer, motions, notices and the judgment must be served on the Friend of the Court. The filing fee is due at the time that the case is filed. There is also a Friend of the Court fee due at that time.

Divorce motions are heard on Friday mornings beginning at 8:30 a.m. The Circuit Court referee also hear certain types of motions throughout the week. For the Referees' schedule, see the 17^th Circuit Court Schedules site.

More and more divorce cases are filed by individuals who represent themselves (in pro per litigants) rather than work with an attorney. There is no requirement that you have an attorney. However, remember that the Clerk of the Court cannot give legal advice. We can tell you what you need to do, but not how to do it. Also, there are no forms in the Clerk's Office that you can fill out to file for your divorce. There are, however, several self-help books available that are specific to Michigan divorce cases which may provide you with the information necessary to represent yourself in your divorce. (Only use those specific to Michigan.)

Civil Cases

Civil cases handled in the circuit court can involve claims of negligence, breach of contract and other types of damages where fault can be determined and damages proved. Trials are scheduled by the Assignment Clerk's Office. Motions are scheduled by the attorneys or parties. Records of each case (pleadings, orders, etc.) are maintained in the Circuit Court Clerk's Office. Files are open to public inspection, and information about a specific case, when the caller has the case number, is available over the phone. The filing fee is paid when the case is filed.

Criminal Cases

Felony cases are prosecuted in Circuit Court. Trials are scheduled by the Assignment Clerk's Office. The trial date becomes part of the record kept by the Circuit Court Clerk. If at all possible, please have the Circuit Court case number when calling about a case so that we can answer your questions as quickly and as completely as possible.

Criminal Pleas and Sentences

All criminal pleas and sentences are scheduled for 2:00 p.m.

Criminal Pleas and Sentences Schedule
Judges	Pleas	Sentences
Judge Buth	Monday	Wednesday
Judge Johnston	Wednesday	Tuesday
Judge Kolenda	Thursday	Monday
Judge Leiber	Tuesday	Thursday
Judge Redford	Wednesday	Monday
Judge Sullivan	Thursday	Tuesday

Fines, Costs, and Restitution

The Clerk of the Circuit Court collects all payments of fines, costs and restitution ordered at criminal sentencing. Payment in full is due on the date of sentencing. Defendants are directed to report directly to the Clerk's Office to pay all money owed. If payment in full is not made on the date of sentencing, a payment agreement is required.

The Clerk of the Court sends court-ordered restitution payments to the victims as they are received by the Clerk.

---