Courts Move to Phase One

County COVID surge brings further precautions.

From our friends at Newaygo County Courts:

Newaygo County – Due to the continued increase in COVID-19 cases in Newaygo County the  Newaygo County Courthouse has taken additional steps for the safety of employees and the  public we serve. The Newaygo County Courthouse continues to be open to the public however,  we ask the public to avoid handling their court business in person to the greatest extent possible.  All filings and payments can be done electronically or mailed. We ask that the public only handle  their court business in person in cases of emergency. In-person hearings are limited to  emergency matters and matters where there is a statutory or constitutional right to be present  that has not been waived. The safety of the community is crucial during this time. Consistent  with Michigan Supreme Court directives the Newaygo County Trial Courts must take every  measure possible to protect the public and court personnel while still providing creative and  alternative ways to access the court. 

If your business with the court can be handled via phone, fax, mail or email, please use those  methods before coming to the courthouse. Additionally, we encourage you to call prior to  making a trip to determine if your business can be handled remotely. If you visit the courthouse  you may be given alternative directions to access the courts if your need is not an emergency or  a matter for which you have the right to be present.
  
Courthouse visitors permitted into the building will continue to follow the current visitor  screening process including the completion of a health screening and temperature assessment.  By order of the court, masks must be worn in the courthouse unless otherwise directed by the  presiding judge. Visitors who are unable or unwilling to wear masks may be provided with  alternative methods for conducting their court business and may be asked to leave the  courthouse. Visitors must continue to abide by social distancing guidelines while at the  courthouse as well.  

All other hearings that are not emergencies or matters where litigants have the right to be  present will be conducted remotely via Zoom or teleconference as directed on hearing notices.  Many court functions can be handled remotely. It is preferred that filings be mailed, faxed, or  emailed to the courthouse whenever possible. Please find contact information for each Court  below. Court sessions will not be open to the public. All court sessions will continue to be  livestreamed, or recorded and posted to YouTube to provide public access. Please visit  countyofnewaygo.com to find the Departments tab where the Courts tab is located. 

Please see the complete Local Administrative Order for Phase 1 for more complete details... 
 http://www.countyofnewaygo.com/Resources/CircuitCourt/Phase%201%20LAO%20Newaygo%20and%20County%20November%2020%202020.pdf

...or contact the  appropriate court using the information below:

Circuit Court 
Email: [email protected] or [email protected] 
Phone: (231) 689-7251 
Main Phone: (231) 689-7252 
Fax: (231) 689-7015 

District Court 
Email: [email protected] 
Phone: (231) 689-7228 
Main Phone: (231) 689-7257 
Fax (231) 689-7258 

Probate Court 
Email: [email protected] 
Phone: (231) 689-7274 
Main: (231) 689-7270 
Fax: (231) 689-7276 
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Although we have had to restrict certain accesses the courthouse remains staffed and ready to assist you.  The courthouse is experiencing staff shortages at this time, so it is possible that you may experience delays  in some departments. We appreciate the public’s patience with any delays. Thank you for adhering to  these new guidelines so we can continue to prioritize the health and safety of our community.
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Hon. Robert D. Springstead 
Chief Judge 
Circuit Court Judge 
Newaygo County Trial Courts

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