9th Judicial Circuit Court

Circuit Court - Family Division

Domestic Matters

Q: Where do I go to file for divorce?

A: Gull Road Justice Complex, 1536 Gull Road, Kalamazoo, MI 49048.

Q: Where will my divorce proceedings be heard?

A: Most divorce proceedings do not require trials, however there may be some details that occur at court. Divorce proceedings are heard by a Family Division Judge at the Gull Road Justice Complex. However, if the assigned judge is unavailable, the proceeding may be heard by a Trial Division judge at the Michigan Avenue Courthouse. Read notices thoroughly for location, date and time of hearing. If there are changes from the original notice of hearing, you will be advised.

Q: Where do I get forms to open a divorce case?

A: If you are not seeking the counsel of an attorney, you must obtain your own forms and complete your own documents, and then file your documents with the court.  You may obtain the forms wherever legal forms are sold.  The Kalamazoo Law Library is one source.

Q: How much are filing fees:

Q: After I have served the defendant a Summons and Complaint, what is the deadline for them to submit an Answer?

A: 28 Days if served by Restricted Certified Mail, 21 Days if served in person.

Q: If there is no Answer filed, how do I move the case along?

A: If an Answer is not filed timely, the plaintiff can file a "Default" to get a hearing date.

Q: What if I am unable to locate the other party for service?

A: If all efforts to make service have been exhausted (mail, process server etc.) then the moving party can file a Motion for Alternate Service.

Q: What if my Summons is about to expire and I have not served the other party?

A: You can file a Motion to Extend Summons.

Q: Can I reschedule my hearing?

A: If you are the moving party (the person who filed the motion) you can reschedule a hearing by requesting in person 9 or more days prior to the hearing date.  If the hearing is less than 9 days out, a Motion to Adjourn must be filed.  If you are not the moving party, an Ex Parte Motion to Adjourn Hearing can be filed and approved by the Judge.

Q: If I want to file a change of custody petition for my children in a few years, will the same judge handle that case as well?

A: If the divorce case was assigned to one of the judges currently in the Trial Division, it will be reassigned to a judge in the Family Division. If the divorce case was assigned to a Family Division judge, it will remain with that judge. However, if the assigned judge is unavailable to hear a scheduled proceeding, it may be heard by another available judge.

Q: How do I get a copy of my Judgement of Divorce?

A: You can submit a request in writing along with a check or money order for $15.00.  Include a self-addressed stamped envelope.  If you are local you can pick up your copy and pay upon delivery.

Juvenile Delinquency & Child Protective Proceedings

Q: Where are delinquency hearings and abuse and child protective proceedings heard?

A: These proceedings are heard at the Gull Road Justice Complex.

Q: How do I get a copy of my child's police report?

A: Parents should contact the arresting police department to request a copy of the police report.

Q: What do I need to bring to my child's first court appearance?

A: Parents should bring the child's Birth Certificate and Social Security Card. Parents should also bring any medications the child is currently taking.

Q: What if I don't like the Referee's decision in a delinquency or child protective matter?

A: The Michigan Rules of Court give a party the opportunity to request review of a referee's recommendation if the request is made in writing, states the grounds for review, is filed with the court within seven days after the conclusion of the inquiry or hearing or within seven days after the issuance of the referee's written recommendations, whichever is later, and is served on the interested parties by the person requesting review at the time of filing the request for review with the court. A proof of service must be filed.

Name Changes

Q: How do I get my name changed?

A: File a Petition to Change Name at the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office and pay the filing fee of $185.

Q: Can I change the name of my minor child?

A: Yes.  Consent of the non-custodial parent may be required if they have paid substantial support in the last two years.  Please call the court to get clarification.

Personal Protection Orders

Q: How do I obtain a Personal Protection Order (PPO)?

A: Contact the PPO Coordinator at the Judge Charles A. Pratt Justice Center. The Coordinator will conduct an interview and provide direction for the process. Read notices thoroughly for location, date and time of hearing as PPO hearings can be heard at all Court locations.

Miscellaneous

Q: How do I appear by phone?

A: You must complete a request to appear by phone and file it with the court at least 7 days before the hearing.

Q: Can I make payments for fines, restitution and court costs at the Gull Road Justice Complex?

A: Yes, payments may be made at either the Gull Road Justice Complex or the Judge Charles A. Pratt Justice Center. The court will accept Discover, Visa and MasterCard credit cards with driver's license or state identification card.

Q: What forms of payment do you accept?

A: Cash, Check, Credit or Debit.

Q: Can I pay over the phone?

A: At this time Circuit Court does not accept payments over the phone.

Q: How do I update my address?

A: You can send the court something in writing, or you can come into the court and fill out a Change of Address Form.

Q: Who do I make the check out to?

A: 9th Circuit Court.

Q: When is my Court Hearing?

A: You will have to call the court to find out dates and times that hearings are scheduled.

Q: I just married and my new spouse has a child from a former relationship that I would like to adopt. Where do I file for adoption?

A: Petition may be filed at the Circuit Court Family Division, 1536 Gull Road, Kalamazoo. 269-385-6041.

Q: May I look at court files?

Circuit Court - Finance Services

Q: What are your hours?

A: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Q: Where can I make payments?

A: Payments can be made at the Clerk's Office located at:
330 Eleanor St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007 (first floor), or
1536 Gull Road, Kalamazoo, MI 49048 (first floor).

Q: What forms of payment do you accept?

A: Trial Division Clerk’s Office (Judge Charles A. Pratt Justice Center) will accept cash, credit cards, money orders or cashier's checks.  No personal Checks accepted.
Family Division (Gull Road Justice Complex) will accept cash, credit cards, money orders, cashier's checks, business checks or personal checks.

Q: How do I make out a money order?

A: Make your money order payable to:  9th Circuit Court, and include your 10-digit case number.

Q: How can I find out what my balance is?

A: Call the collections office so that your account can be evaluated.
Adult Felony Cases:  269-383-8831
Juvenile Matters:  269-385-6047

Q: When and where can I post bond?

A: Bonds can only be posted with cash and will be accepted at the Judge Charles A. Pratt Justice Center Clerk's office or the kiosk at the jail. Note: Payments made at the jail may be assessed additional fees.

Q: Will my money be returned (bond)?

A: Only a judge can determine what will happen with your bond money. It may or may not be returned to you. If the judge orders it to be returned to you, we will process it in a timely fashion. 

Q: When will I receive my restitution check?

A: If the restitution payment is received by the Circuit Court before the 15th of the month, then a check will be issued to the recipient the following month.  If it is received after the 15th, then a check will be issued in 2 months.

Q: A warrant was issued due to failure to appear for a Financial Show Cause.  How can it be resolved?

A: The matter can be resolved by making a payment or providing documentation as to the reason for the failure to appear.

Q: A Financial Show Cause hearing has been scheduled.  How can it be resolved?  Do I need to appear?

A: You can resolve the matter by making the required payment.  You will need to appear if your account is not current.

Q: I am a victim receiving restitution and I am moving.  How do I change my address?

A: Call the Finance Office:
Adult Felony Cases:  269-383-8831
Juvenile Matters:  269-385-6047.

Q: My name has changed.  How do I update my account?

A: Submit paperwork (divorce decree, court document, copy of driver's license, etc.) that proves your name changed to the Prosecuting Attorney's Office.

Q: My family member is a victim receiving restitution and is now deceased.  What do I need to do?

A: Submit a death certificate or estate paperwork to the Prosecuting Attorney's Office.

Q: My check stub shows a garnishment.  How can it be resolved?

A: The garnishment can be resolved by paying the fines, restitution, costs, and fees that were ordered at sentencing/disposition.  You can resolve the matter by paying the balance in full or by making the payment plan current.

Circuit Court - Friend of the Court

Please visit the Friend of the Court website for frequently asked questions.

Circuit Court - Juvenile Home

Q: Where is the Kalamazoo County Juvenile Home located?

A: 1424 Gull Road, Kalamazoo, MI 49048.

Q: Can I visit my child while they are lodged at the Juvenile Home?

Q: Do I need to provide any personal care items for my child while they are lodged at the Juvenile Home?

A: No. The Juvenile Home will provide all necessary items for your child while they are detained. If your child is prescribed medication, please make sure to drop those off at the Juvenile Home.

Q: Can I call my child while they are lodged at the Juvenile Home?

Q: Can I bring my "out of control child" to the Juvenile Home?

A: No. The Juvenile Home will not accept juveniles without a court order.

Q: How do I get a copy of my child's police report?

A: Parents should contact the arresting police department to request a copy of the police report.

Q: What do I need to bring to my child's first court appearance?

A: Parents should bring the child's Birth Certificate and Social Security Card.  Parents should also bring any medications the child is currently taking.

Circuit Court - Technology Unit

To request a copy of a video record, complete Form 9CC-1308 (available from any 9th Circuit Court employee) and present it to a Circuit Court Clerk with payment.

$20 fee for each disc
$5 mailing fee for 1-4 copies
$10 mailing fee for 5+ copies

To order a transcript, complete Form 9CC-1013 (available from any 9th Circuit Court employee) and email it directly to the Technology Unit.

To view a video record, email a completed form 9CC-1307 (available from any 9th Circuit Court employee) to the Technology Unit. 

Email:  9cctechnologyunit@kalcounty.com

Phone:    269-383-8987

Website:    Click here

Circuit Court - Trial Division

Q: What is your address?

A: 330 Eleanor St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Phone 269-383-8837, Fax 269-383-8647

Q: Where can I park?

A: There is metered on-street parking available on the streets surrounding the courthouse.

Q: Do you validate parking?

A: No, we do not validate parking. 

Q: What are your hours?

A: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday

Q: Do you take payments over the phone?

A: Not at this time.

Q: How can I find out if I have a warrant?

A: Call the Sheriff Department (269-383-8821).

Q: When is my next hearing?

A: The date and time of your next hearing is on your arraignment report and bond paperwork.

Q: May I look at court files?

A: Files may be reviewed in the Clerk's Office with the assistance of the court clerk, unless access is restricted by statute, court rule or order entered by the court. Circuit Court case files may not be removed from the Courthouse. Contact the Clerk's Office at (269)383-8837 for specific case file location and availability. Circuit Court case files may not be removed from the Courthouse.