Michigan Circuit Courts

Circuit courts are the trial courts with the broadest powers in Michigan. In Michigan, circuit courts handle all felony Criminal cases that could result in confinement to prison. They also deal with all civil cases for claims in excess of $25,000.00. There are 57 circuit courts in the state of Michigan. Judges are elected for six-year terms. In Michigan, circuit courts are divided into two divisions. General division and then family division.

Organization

As of 2023, there are 57 judicial circuits that are set by the legislature. The number of judges in each circuit is set by the legislature. Michigan has 83 counties, so some circuit courts cover several counties. So judges elected in multicounty circuits must travel from one county to another to hold court.

To be eligible to be elected as a circuit court judge in Michigan, the person must be a qualified elector, a resident of the judicial circuit, a member of the Michigan Bar in good standing, and under the age of 70 years old.

Family Division

The family division of the circuit court has exclusive jurisdiction over all family matters in the circuit adoptions, child support, custody, divorce, Juvenile proceedings, name changes parenting time, paternity, and personal protection orders.

History

In 1833, all the county courts in all counties in the territory of Michigan, except Wayne were abolished and replaced by one circuit court of the territory of Michigan. In 1836, the state was divided into 3 circuits. The 1850 Michigan Constitution made the office of circuit court judges elected officials and set the term of office to six (6) years.

In 1908, the Constitution provided for judicial circuits which are drawn around county lines.

List

List of Circuit Courts

References

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External links

Michigan Courts at Mi.Gov

Michigan state courts