Washtenaw County Court

County Resources

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The first courthouse in Washtenaw County was completed in 1834. In 1878, a larger courthouse replaced the original one. Then in 1955, the current Washtenaw County Trial Court opened. All Circuit Court cases are heard in this courthouse, while District Court cases are heard in other locations.

Washtenaw County Trial Court
22nd Circuit Court
101 E Huron Street
PO Box 8645
Ann Arbor, MI 48107-8645
734-222-3270

14A-1 District Court
4133 Washtenaw Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
734-973-4545

14A-2 District Court
415 W Michigan Avenue
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
734-484-6690

14A-3 District Court
122 S Main Street
Chelsea, MI 48118
734-475-8606

14A-4 District Court
1000 N Maple Road
Saline, MI 48176
734-429-2504

John B. Collins 14B District Court
7200 S. Huron River Dr.
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
734-483-5300

15th Judicial District Court
​​​301 E. Huron Street
PO Box 8650
Ann Arbor, MI 48107
734-794-6750

United States District Court
Eastern District of Michigan
Federal Building
200 E. Liberty Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(313) 234-5000

County Clerk

The County Clerk is the Clerk of the 22nd Judicial Circuit Court. The County Clerk is responsible for court records and filings, jury management, and the Court seal. This is an elected position. The Clerk also assumes the role of Register of Deeds.

The County Clerk is also the Chief Election Officer for the county, Clerk to the County Board of Commissioners,Clerk of the County Election Commission, and the keeper of vital records. The Clerk also issues and files marriage licenses.

Lawrence Kestenbaum
Washtenaw County Clerk/Register of Deeds
200 N Main
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
734-222-6730

United States District Court

Washtenaw County is part of the Eastern District of Michigan for the United States District Court. The Southern division includes Genesee, Macomb, Lapeer, Jackson, Livingstone, Lenawee, Monroe, Saint Clair, Oakland, Washtenaw, Shiawassee, Sanilac, and Wayne Counties.

Sean F. Cox is the Chief United States District Judge of the Eastern District of Michigan. Kinikia D. Essix is the Clerk of Court.

Circuit Court

Circuit Courts in Washtenaw County fall under the jurisdiction of the 22nd Judicial Circuit of Michigan. There are 57 judicial circuits in Michigan, and judges are elected to 6-year terms.

Circuit Court has jurisdiction of all civil cases that involve more than $25,000, domestic relations cases, felony criminal cases, some serious misdemeanors, and cases requesting equitable relief. Circuit Court also has jurisdiction over appeals from the district courts.

District Courts

District Court judges are also elected to 6-year terms. District Courts hear cases involving traffic offenses, civil cases that involve up to $25,000, and all misdemeanor court cases. District Courts also hear landlord/tenant matters.

Magistrates

Magistrates are hearing officers that may be granted authority to act as judges in certain circumstances. They must be registered voters in their county, and magistrates are appointed by district judges. Magistrates may set bail, accept guilty pleas, and issue arrest and search warrants. Magistrates who are attorneys may hear small claims cases.

Referees

Referees are another type of hearing officer. Most commonly, they are Juvenile Court referees and Friend of the Court. They can preside over hearings and enter recommendations. Referees are attorneys who are in good standing with the Michigan bar.

Civil Court

Civil courts hear cases that are not criminal in nature and usually involve a financial or property dispute between two people.

Circuit Court hears civil cases involving more than $25,000. District Courts hear civil cases that go up to $25,000. Small claims cases involving up to $7,000 are heard in a special division of District Courts.

Criminal Court

Criminal Court handles most cases involving criminal offenses, including felonies and misdemeanors. The Circuit Criminal Court hears felony criminal cases and more serious misdemeanors that may result in a person being sentenced to 1 year or more in prison. Other misdemeanor charges, traffic offenses, and ordinance violations are heard in the District Courts.

Probate Court

Probate Court is focused on wills and estates and determines how a deceased person’s estate may be distributed. This court also hears cases involving guardianship and competency.

Family Court

The Family Division hears cases regarding domestic relations. This includes things like name changes, divorce, custody, paternity, adoption and child/spousal support.

Juvenile Court

This court hears cases involving delinquency, dependency, and emancipation of those under age 18. Delinquency refers to criminal offenses. Dependency refers to truancy or cases where a child has been neglected or abused.

Veterans Court

Veterans Court is a specialty court designed to help veterans with mental health issues and/or substance abuse problems resulting from their military service. The program is designed to be 18-24 months long. To be eligible, the offender must not be a violent offender or a danger to the community.

The program is designed to be 18-24 months long. It is divided into phases, each phase marking new progress in the program. Upon successful completion, charges may be reduced or dismissed.

Drug Court

The Drug Treatment Court provides an opportunity for non-violent offenders charged with drug-related offenses. The program lasts approximately 12-24 months. It includes drug and alcohol testing, mandatory counseling and substance abuse treatment, and regular court appearances.