CIVIL CASES

The Barry County Circuit Court is a trial court with jurisdiction in all civil cases involving money damages of more than $25,000, divorce, and domestic relation/PPO cases. The Circuit Court also hears appeals from lower courts, appeals from local government boards such as zoning appeals, and appeals from some administrative agencies of state government (such as the Driver’s License Appeal Division of the Secretary of State).
            

CRIMINAL CASES

In criminal cases, the Circuit Court has jurisdiction over the trial of all felonies (offenses that may be punished by commitment to State penitentiary) and of those misdemeanors (offenses carrying a penalty of not more than twelve months in jail) originally charged in General District Court.

                  
COURT FORMS FOR FILING

Forms can be printed for all courts by accessing the State Court Administrative Office website. Within this directory, forms will be categorized by general types of cases. (Click here for available forms)
                          

CONCILIATION HEARINGS

All new divorce cases involving minor children shall be scheduled through Friend of the Court for a conciliation hearing before a caseworker to determine custody, child support and visitation. Attorneys do not attend conciliations hearings. The caseworker will make a recommendation as to custody, child support and visitation in the form of an order which will be signed by the Judge. Each party will receive a copy of the order and will have 14 days to accept or reject same. If an objection is filed regarding support or visitation, a hearing will be scheduled before the Referee. If an objection is filed regarding custody, a hearing will be scheduled before the assigned Judge.

          

            

             

Page Last Modified: January 2, 2008 at 10:31 am