ABOUT THE COURTS

District Courts

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District courts are courts of limited jurisdiction that only hear certain types of cases. The most common types of cases heard in district court are misdemeanor criminal cases and landlord/tenant cases. District courts also hear civil cases if the relief being requested is less than $25,000.00, small claims cases under $3,000.00, and municipal ordinance violations. District courts also conduct preliminary hearings on felony criminal hearings.

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There are 98 districts in the State of Michigan with a total of 105 district courts. Ottawa County is home to the 58th District Court, which has three locations:

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1. 414 Washington Avenue, Grand Haven, MI 49417

2. 85 W. 8th Street, Holland, MI 49423

3. 3100 Port Sheldon Road, Hudsonville, MI 49426

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Circuit Courts

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Ottawa County Circuit Court is located at 414 Washington Avenue, Grand Haven, MI 49417.

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Unlike district courts, circuit courts are courts of general jurisdiction. “General jurisdiction” means that the court has the power to hear all types of civil and criminal cases, with the exception of cases that are only heard in special administrative hearings, federal courts, or handled in district court.

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Circuit courts have “original jurisdiction” over civil case involving more than $25,000.00, felonies, and misdemeanors with a jail sentence greater than one year. Circuit courts also hear appeals from the district courts, zoning appeals, Secretary of State appeals, and certain other appeals from administrative hearings.

 

The Family Division of the Circuit Court handles all domestic relations issues, including divorce, child support, spousal support, and parenting time. The Friend of the Court offers assistance with these cases when children are involved and is located in the Grand Haven courthouse, with office hours in Holland as well. The Family Division/Juvenile Services is located at the Fillmore complex in West Olive and handles all juvenile delinquency, neglect/abuse, emancipation, consent/release of parental rights, and child protective proceedings.