Clare County Circuit Court

Clare County Circuit Court cases in Clare County, Harrison, MI

The 55th Judicial Circuit Court in Harrison, Michigan, is a circuit court and the trial court of general jurisdiction for Clare and Gladwin Counties. It handles felony criminal cases; civil lawsuits seeking more than $25,000 and equitable relief; and family division matters, including divorce, child custody and support, paternity, juvenile delinquency, and child protection cases, as well as personal protection orders. The court conducts jury and bench trials, sentencings, and probation-violation hearings, and hears appeals from the district courts and certain administrative agencies. Minor traffic and most misdemeanor matters are typically handled in the district court, while the circuit court addresses traffic-related felonies.

Clare County Circuit Court Contact and Location Information

Services and Case Types Handled in Clare County Circuit Court

55th Judicial Circuit Court (Clare and Gladwin Counties, MI): general trial court serving the public.

Case types:
- Felony criminal; civil disputes over $25,000; appeals from district court/administrative agencies.
- Family Division: divorce, custody/parenting time, child support, paternity, adoption, juvenile delinquency, abuse/neglect.
- Personal Protection Orders (domestic, stalking, sexual assault).

Services:
- Case filings and records: accept filings/motions; maintain dockets; provide copies/certified records.
- Protective orders: process PPO petitions, issue orders, coordinate service, and hear violations.
- Jury services: juror qualification, summons, orientation, deferrals/excuses, payment, and selection.
- Court hearings: schedule and conduct arraignments, pretrials, motions, trials, sentencings; publish calendars.
- Payments and compliance: collect fees/costs and court-ordered payments.
- Public access: standardized forms, self-help resources, ADA accommodations, and clerk assistance.