Washtenaw County Trial Court, 101 E. Huron, (734) 222–3270. Judges are Patrick J. Conlin, Timothy P. Connors, Darlene A. O’Brien, Julia B. Owdziej, Arianne E. Slay, Tracy Van den Bergh, and chief judge Patrick J. Conlin. Court administrator Steve Matthews (matthewss@washtenaw.org) oversees all nonjudicial functions of the court. washtenaw.org/991/trial-court
Anyone may petition the court to issue a personal protection order to stop or restrain another person from harming them. It may also stop someone from buying a firearm or taking their minor children. Visit Court Services at 101 E. Huron, ste. 1105, and bring three copies of relevant documents such as police reports or emails. Fill out forms there or at courts.michigan.gov/scao-forms/ppo.
Civil/Criminal Division (22nd Circuit Court), 101 E. Huron, rm. 1108. (734) 222–3001. Has jurisdiction over civil cases involving more than $25,000, felonies and certain serious misdemeanors, and cases appealed from Washtenaw County’s district courts. washtenaw.org/1016/civil-criminal
Family Division. (734) 222–6900. Handles adoptions, divorces, juvenile matters, name changes, and personal protection orders, as well as Probate Court and Friend of the Court.
Friend of the Court, 101 E. Huron, ste. 1102. (734) 222–3050. This agency helps resolve disputes involving divorce, child custody, parenting time, and support. Mediation or peacemaking is available at no charge for child custody or visitation disputes. The agency also enforces court-ordered child support, spousal support, and parenting time agreements. Parties with support cases can access their account information online and pay child support through michigan.gov/micase. intake@washtenaw.org
Name change petitions can be submitted in person to Trial Court Services at 101 E. Huron, by mail, or through online form. washtenaw.org/1152/name-change
Juvenile Court, 101 E. Huron. (734) 222–6900. Handles cases of child abuse/neglect, religious-based denial of medical care for a child, and juvenile delinquency. Connects juveniles with resources including trauma-informed therapy, education advocacy programs, equine therapy, and mentoring. washtenaw.org/1061/juvenile-court
The Peacemaking Division focuses on solving disagreements through healing and restoring relationships. Parties meet in a circle with trained peacemakers. To indicate interest in participating, fill out the form at washtenaw.org/1168/peacemaking.
Probate Court, 101 E. Huron, ste. 1104. (734) 222–3072. This court has jurisdiction over guardianships, estates, wills, and mental health. The court recommends that people use attorneys to better understand probate proceedings. Free legal advice regarding basic probate matters is available; contact the Probate Court to schedule an appointment.
The Problem-Solving Division includes the Drug Treatment Court, an 18-month program that provides treatment, supervision, and support for recovery.
