The probate court traditionally has had exclusive jurisdiction in such matters as juvenile delinquency, abuse and neglect, adoptions, administration of estates and trusts, guardianships and conservatorships, and mental commitments.
In 1998, the Legislature created the family division in the circuit court and moved juvenile delinquency, abuse and neglect, adoptions, name changes, emancipations of minors, waivers of parental consent, and other ancillary family matters from the probate court to the circuit court. The probate court now hears cases pertaining to guardianships, conservatorships, the commitment for hospital care of the mentally ill, and administration of estates and trusts.
Probate judges are elected on a nonpartisan ballot for six year terms, subject to the same requirements as other judges. The Legislature sets the salary for probate judges.
In most courts, probate judges were assigned to the family division of the circuit court in order to provide judicial coverage of the caseload. In Calhoun County, one probate judge is assigned to the family division of the circuit court full time, and the other probate judge spends 10 percent of his time hearing family division matters.
Return to Calhoun County Courts Home Page
Last Updated 12-19-00
Send your comments, questions and suggestions to Phil Harter at 161 E Michigan Avenue, Battle Creek, Michigan 49014 or e mail to pharter@calhouncountymi.gov