The Washtenaw County Trial Court, 101 E. Huron, (734) 222–3270, is composed of different divisions: Civil/Criminal (22nd Circuit Court), Family, Friend of the Court, Peacemaking, Probate, and Problem Solving. Trial court 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 Carol Kuhnke. 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, ste. 1108. (734) 222–3001. Has jurisdiction over most actions, including all civil cases involving more than $25,000 and all criminal cases where the offense involves a felony or certain serious misdemeanors. The Civil/Criminal division also hears cases appealed from Washtenaw County’s District Courts.
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. Adoptions require an adoption petition and fee, a home study investigation, and termination of parental rights. Divorces require mediation between parties from within the court. Juvenile matters include child protective and delinquency services.
Friend of the Court, 101 E. Huron, ste. 1102. (734) 222–3050, intake@washtenaw.org. 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
Name change petitions can be submitted in person to Trial Court Services at 101 E. Huron, by mail, or through online form. Find the required forms at washtenaw.org/1152/name-change
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.
