44th Circuit Court

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Hearing Schedule

Juror Information

Circuit Court Judges

The 44th Circuit Court of Livingston County handles felony criminal cases, civil liability cases where damages are alleged to be above $25,000, all Family Court cases including divorce, custody, support, and related cases and all Juvenile Court cases.

Divisions

Court Administration

Court Administration handles important services that the court provides to the community. These include the Jury Commission, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), Case Evaluation, and other administrative duties. This division also maintains lists of Court Appointed Mediators, transcripts of court proceedings, and videos of court proceedings.

Circuit Court Clerk

The County Clerk is the Clerk of the Circuit Court and family court. This division is responsible for scheduling, maintaining, generating motion hearing dockets and accepting, docketing, executing, filing, and duplicating Circuit Court pleadings.

Juvenile Court

Juvenile Court cases include Child Protection, Juvenile Justice, Adoption and Personal Protection where protection is sought from a minor (rather than for a minor.) For Child Protection cases, the Court’s responsibility is to protect the safety and well-being of children. For Juvenile Justice cases, the Court’s responsibility is to support the current and future safety of the community by providing services to support the success of youth and their families in avoiding future system involvement.

Family Court

Family Court cases are conducted with the support of the Friend of the Court. Livingston County Courts recognize that often, there are significant emotional challenges and stress that all members of the family experience during these cases. The Court encourages parents to be attentive to the needs of children and to consider seeking services and support as needed.

Business Court

The goal of the business court is to use court resources efficiently to provide timely, effective, and predictable resolution to business and commercial disputes. Generally, the matter must involve a business or commercial dispute with either an amount in controversy of $25,000 or more or in which equitable or declaratory relief is sought. Business court actions typically include actions between businesses or involve disputes regarding the internal operation of business entities. Certain matters are specifically excluded as business or commercial disputes.

Legal Self Help Resources

Several resources are available for Livingston County residents who need help navigating legal matters. Browse our list of free and low-cost legal resources.

44th Circuit Court
Judge Hatty
Honorable Michael P. Hatty
Chief Judge, 44th Circuit Court

Phone

(517) 546-3060

Hours

Monday – Friday
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Closed County Holidays

Howell Location

Judicial Center
204 S. Highlander Way
Howell, MI 48843

Brighton Courthouse

224 N First St
Brighton, MI 48116