The Circuit Court is made up of three main divisions: Criminal, Civil, and Family.

Criminal

Felony: This is the most serious category of criminal offenses punishable by more than one (1) year in prison.

Felonies involving persons under 17 years of age are usually handled as delinquency cases in the Family Division of the Circuit Court where the minor resides. In some situations, the charge may be handled the same as an adult charge.

For felonies involving persons 17 years or older, the District or Municipal Court where the offense occurred typically handles the initial stages of arraignment on the complaint and preliminary examination. If the District Court finds sufficient evidence, the case is bound over or transferred to Circuit Court. The Circuit Court then typically handles the case after bind over including the arraignment on the information, pretrial, trial, plea and sentencing.

Civil

General Civil: Cases involving lawsuits between two or more parties seeking money damages (in excess of $25,000), injunctions, or equitable relief.

In general, it depends on the amount in dispute. Claims of $25,000, or less are handled in District Court. Claims greater than $25,000 are handled in Circuit Court. Municipal Courts can only handle claims up to $1,500.

However, Circuit Court can handle cases involving equitable relief. Venue may be proper in more than one court location. Typically, a case may be filed either where the defendant resides, has a place of business, conducts business or has a registered office. Sometimes the case may also be filed where the action arose.

Family Division

Domestic Relations: Matters handled in this division include Divorce actions, Paternity, Support, Parenting Time, and Custody. Click here to view Friend of the Court page for more information regarding these matters.

Juvenile: Matters such as Adoption, Child Protection Proceedings and Delinquency are handled here. Click here to view Juvenile Division page for more information regarding these matters.

Miscellaneous Matters

Driver’s License Restoration: Contact the Circuit Court in the county where you reside to schedule a hearing at the end of a period of license revocation or suspension to reinstate driving privileges.

Appeals to Circuit Court: The review of Orders or Judgment of other trial courts or administrative agencies by the Circuit Court.

Helpful Legal Links & Forms:

Adoption Information
State of Michigan Court Approved Adoption Forms
Client Instructions for Pro Per Adoptions
Request for Central Registry Clearance Form
Newaygo County Authorization for Release of Criminal History Record

Name Change Information
State of Michigan Court Approved Name Change Forms
State of Michigan Name Change Self Help

Miscellaneous Information
Request a Transcript Form
Michigan Courts
Court of Appeals
SCAO Forms All SCAO forms are available, including PPOs & Domestic Relations forms.