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Family Division

Security screening prior to entry. No weapons, food or drink allowed.
300 N. Main St.
Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858
Phone:(989) 772-0911
Fax:(989) 779-8022
Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Except holidays

Family Division

Effective January 1, 1988, the Family Division of Circuit Court has exclusive jurisdiction over all family matters. These include:

  • Child Protective Matters
  • Juvenile Delinquency
  • Divorce and Ancillary Matter
  • Custody and parenting time
  • Paternity
  • Emancipation
  • Personal Protection Orders
  • Name Changes

Juvenile Delinquency

Juvenile Delinquency petitions must originate with the Prosecuting Attorney. If through the court process, juveniles are found to be delinquent or in need of supervision, they are placed on probation under the supervision of a Juvenile Probation Officer.

Child Protective Proceedings

Child protective proceedings are governed by the juvenile code and are established to protect the child from abuse and/or neglect. A petition is required to initiate protective proceedings and must contain enough information, that if found to be factual, would allow the trial court to assume jurisdiction over the child. The court, after receiving a petition, must hold a preliminary inquiry and may authorize the filing of the petition if probable cause exists. Adjudication follows the preliminary inquiry and determines whether the trial court can exercise jurisdiction over the child and the respondents. This may include the respondent entering a plea of admission or no contest to the allegations in the petition or a trial where the Department of Health and Human Services must prove the allegations by a preponderance of the evidence. The dispositional phase of the case allows the court to enter orders appropriate to secure the welfare of the child and society. In most cases, the goal is reunification with the family. The court during this phase must have review hearings to determine if the respondents are making progress and complying with the orders of the court. If removal occurs, the court must begin permanency planning within 12 months to either dismiss the case or move to termination of rights. If a termination petition is filed, the court must hold a termination hearing and find by clear and convincing evidence that one or more statutory grounds for termination exist.

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