The St. Johns County Court, officially part of the 29th Judicial Circuit Court in Michigan, serves as a vital judicial hub for Clinton County. Understanding its structure and procedures is crucial for attorneys, litigants, and anyone involved in legal proceedings within the region. This guide provides essential information about the St. Johns County Court, its judges, divisions, and how to navigate its processes effectively.
Understanding the 29th Judicial Circuit and St. Johns Court Operations
The 29th Judicial Circuit encompasses both Clinton and Gratiot Counties. To ensure judicial coverage across this dual-county circuit, a rotating schedule is implemented for the judges. In St. Johns County Court, located in the county seat of Clinton County, you will find two esteemed judges presiding: Honorable Cori Barkman and Honorable Shannon LW Schlegel. Judge Barkman holds court in St. Johns County Court during the first and third weeks of each month. Conversely, Judge Schlegel presides in Clinton County during the second and fourth weeks. This rotation ensures consistent judicial presence in both Clinton and Gratiot counties, optimizing access to justice within the 29th Circuit.
Motion Days and Scheduling Hearings at St. Johns County Court
For those needing to schedule motions at St. Johns County Court, it’s important to follow the correct procedure. The first step is to contact the Assignment Clerk associated with the relevant judge. You will need to call to secure a date and time for your motion hearing. After scheduling, mail your motion and Notice of Hearing to the Clinton County Clerk’s Office. While judge’s copies can be sent directly to the appropriate Judge’s chambers, it’s worth noting that praecipes are not required for filings at St. Johns County Court.
Similarly, scheduling a hearing before a Judge at St. Johns County Court requires contacting the appropriate Assignment Clerk. It is crucial to identify which judge is assigned to your case to ensure you contact the correct clerk. You can reach the Assignment Clerks at the following numbers:
- For cases assigned to Honorable Cori E. Barkman, Judge of the Circuit Court: 989-224-5132
- For cases assigned to Honorable Shannon LW Schlegel, Judge of the Circuit Court: 989-224-5130
- For cases within the Family Division and assigned to Honorable Lisa Sullivan, Judge of Probate Court/Assigned to the Family Division of the Circuit Court: 989-224-5190
Please note that for cases specifically within Gratiot County, you should refer to separate Gratiot County court guidelines.
Divisions of the Circuit Court in St. Johns
The 29th Judicial Circuit, including St. Johns County Court, is structured into divisions to manage different types of legal cases efficiently:
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Civil Division: This division at St. Johns County Court manages civil cases exceeding $25,000 in dispute. It also handles appeals, injunctions, license restorations, condemnations, and divorce proceedings. Both Judge Barkman and Judge Schlegel are assigned to the Civil Division, ensuring expertise across the caseload.
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Criminal Division: The Criminal Division at St. Johns County Court is responsible for felony cases, criminal appeals originating from District Court, extraditions, and writs. Like the Civil Division, both Judge Barkman and Judge Schlegel preside over cases within the Criminal Division.
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Family Division: Reflecting the “one family, one judge” concept, the Family Division at St. Johns County Court consolidates various family-related legal matters. This includes name changes, paternity actions, family support matters, UIFSA (Uniform Interstate Family Support Act) cases, parental waiver requests, emancipation petitions, adoptions, juvenile cases, abuse and neglect proceedings, personal protection orders, and divorces. Judge Barkman, Judge Schlegel, and Honorable Lisa Sullivan, Chief Judge of the Probate Court, all serve as Family Court Judges, bringing a breadth of experience to these sensitive cases.
Circuit Court Filings at St. Johns County Court
For all Civil, Criminal, and Family Division Circuit Court cases within Clinton County, the filing location is the County Clerk’s Office. This centralized filing system ensures efficient case management for St. Johns County Court. For any inquiries related to filings, you can contact the Clerk’s Office directly at 989-224-5140.
This guide aims to provide a clear understanding of St. Johns County Court and its operations within the 29th Judicial Circuit. By understanding these procedures and divisions, individuals engaging with the court system in Clinton County can navigate the process more effectively.
