PUBLIC NOTICE
Annual Review of the Performance Record of the Friend of the Court
Pursuant to Michigan law, the chief circuit judge annually reviews the performance record of the friend of the court. The review will be conducted on or about July 1, 2023.
This review is limited by law to the following criteria: whether the friend of the court is guilty of misconduct, neglect of statutory duty, or failure to carry out the written orders of the court relative to a statutory duty; whether the purposes of the Friend of the Court Act are being met; and whether the duties of the friend of the court are being carried out in a manner that reflects the needs of the community. Members of the public may submit written comments to the chief judge relating to these criteria.
Send your written comments, along with your name and address, to
Hon. Judge Jon A. Van Allsburg
414 Washington Street, Suite 300
Grand Haven, MI 49417
Judges of Circuit Court
Jon A. Van Allsburg
Chief Circuit Judge
Jon H. Hulsing
Kent D. Engle
Karen J. Miedema
Paul F. Kraus
Virtual Hearing Instructions
Key Staff
Susan M. Franklin
Circuit Court Administrator
(616) 786-4100
Cheryl Zorn
Trial Court Director
(616) 846-8320
Jennell L. Challa
Friend of the Court
(877) 543-2660
Thom Lattig
Juvenile Court Director
(616) 786-4124
Mission Statement
To administer justice and restore wholeness in a manner that inspires public trust.
Vision Statement
We exemplify and deliver the highest standards of justice and public service
Core Values
Important Information
- Facsimile & Transmission of Documents Policy
- Request to use Communications Equipment
- What to Bring to a Hearing
Please note that all 20th Circuit Court filings after case initiation for most case types must be e-filed. This includes most civil and domestic cases.
The Michigan Court Rules provide that fines, costs and other financial obligations imposed by the court must be paid at the time of assessment, except when the court allows otherwise, for good cause shown. MCR 1.110.
Court Forms for Filing
Forms specific to the 20th Circuit Court are provided below:
- Adoptions - instructions and forms
- Adult Name Change Packet
- Minor Name Change Packet
- Personal Protection Orders
Forms for all other case types can be obtained through the
State Court Administrative
website. Within this directory, forms will be categorized by general types of cases.
Referee Hearings
Forms can be obtained through the Michigan Supreme Court to file a motion to change child support and motion to modify parenting time.
Upon proper completion of the form(s), the Circuit Court office will assign
a hearing time and date before a Circuit Court Referee.
Interpreter Needs
The Circuit Court will provide an Interpreter to those in need in order to
over come any language barrier that may exist. Any party involved in a Circuit
Court proceeding needing an interpreter must contact the Circuit Court office,
in writing, so an interpreter can be secured.
A review of the Request for Interpreter form is available in the following languages: Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Serbo-Croatian, Spanish and Vietnamese.
